Abstract: An automatic cleaning gas barbecue grill comprising a main container and a cover, with the interior surfaces of both being coated with a coating that includes an oxidizing catalyst. The grill has valve means for controlling the flow rate of cooking gas, with at least one predetermined rate of flow for the principal cooking mode of operation of the grill and at least one predetermined higher rate of flow for an automatic cleaning mode of operation. The temperature along the interior surfaces of the main container walls and of the cover is maintained, at substantially all points along the surfaces, at a level at least high enough to cause substantially complete oxidation of waste materials that accumulate on the interior surfaces during ordinary use. The tips of flame jets that project from the burner exit ports extend to locations adjacent the main container walls without damaging the coating on the interior surfaces of the walls.

Abstract: An outdoor barbecue grill which includes a kettle containing grill means on which to support foodstuffs to be cooked, a grate for burning coals, and usually an ash pan positioned below the grate. Means are provided to move the coal-bearing grate vertically to control the spacing between the grill and the grate and the flow of fresh air into the interior of the kettle, both of which affect the intensity of the heat that is applied to the foodstuff to be cooked. The same means actuates a snuffing device for extinguishing the coals altogether when the cooking is completed.