Abstract: A method is provided of using a cooking appliance having a first heating assembly having a first cooking surface, a second heating assembly having a second cooking surface, and a guide post. The method includes causing the guide post to be placed into a receiving aperture. The method further includes translating the first heating assembly from a first operative position to a second operative position, wherein the placement of the guide post into the receiving aperture causes the first heating assembly to translate in a substantially linear manner and to be maintained substantially parallel to the second heating assembly during translation of the first heating assembly from the first operative position to the second operative position. The method also includes removing the guide post from the receiving aperture and causing the guide post to be placed in a resting aperture.

Abstract: A cooking appliance for producing flatbreads or other foodstuffs is provided. The cooking appliance includes a base, lower heating assembly, and an upper heating assembly. The lower heating assembly includes a lower cooking surface, and the upper heating assembly includes an upper cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is translatable and rotatable relative to the lower cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is locatable in at least three operative positions relative to the lower cooking surface.

Abstract: A method is provided of using a cooking appliance having a first heating assembly having a first cooking surface, a second heating assembly having a second cooking surface, and a guide post. The method includes causing the guide post to be placed into a receiving aperture. The method further includes translating the first heating assembly from a first operative position to a second operative position, wherein the placement of the guide post into the receiving aperture causes the first heating assembly to translate in a substantially linear manner and to be maintained substantially parallel to the second heating assembly during translation of the first heating assembly from the first operative position to the second operative position. The method also includes removing the guide post from the receiving aperture and causing the guide post to be placed in a resting aperture.

Abstract: A cooking appliance is provided which includes a lower heating assembly and an upper heating assembly. The lower heating assembly includes a lower cooking surface, and the upper heating assembly includes an upper cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is translatable relative to the lower cooking surface in at least a substantially vertical manner, wherein the upper cooking surface and lower cooking surface remain substantially parallel to one another when the upper cooking surface translates relative to the lower cooking surface.