Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprises a plurality of grease-catching elements below a rack supporting food being cooked. Each of the grease-catching elements has a heat-shielding member which protects the grease-catching element from radiant energy from a heat source. An air gap is formed between the grease-catching element and the heat-shielding member to allow free flow of air therethrough, thus ensuring that the grease-catching element is properly cooled. By allowing free flow of air through the air space, a very hot heat source may be employed without fear of raising the temperature of the grease-catching elements above the ignition point of grease drippings. The grease-catching apparatus of the invention finds particular utility in an outdoor grill, but may be applied to other types of cooking devices.