Abstract: A cooping appliance which has a multi-layer lid, the lid preferably includes three spaced layers and venting between the outer and middle layers such that the outer most layer remains cooler to the touch compared to prior art grills. The lid preferably can comprise materials of relatively low melting points or burning points such as polymers or leather or wood or other decorative materials which ordinarily would get too hot on a grill lid. The outer layer is preferably curved in shape with the middle and inner layers formed from a number of straight sections with bends therebetween.