Abstract: A cooking apparatus is disclosed, wherein the cooking apparatus is configured to be converted between an installed configuration in which the cooking apparatus is connected to a complementary support structure and a portable configuration in which the cooking apparatus is not attached to the complementary support structure. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking surface, at least one burner configured to heat the cooking surface, a body configured to support the cooking surface above the burner, and a connecting portion disposed on the body, wherein the connecting portion includes at least one connector configured to be connected to a complementary connector on the complementary support structure, and wherein the connecting portion is also configured to support the cooking apparatus on a surface other than the complementary support structure when the cooking apparatus is used in the portable configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a portable cooking apparatus are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a portable cooking system is provided comprising a cooking plate having a continuous cooking surface, a heating element assembly disposed beneath the cooking surface, a temperature controller for varying the temperature of the cooking surface, and a base that supports the cooking plate on an underlying surface. The base comprises an integrally formed drip pan located beneath the cooking surface, the integrally formed drip pan comprising a recessed portion formed in a top surface of the base.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an electrical cooking apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electrical cooking apparatus includes a substantially continuous cooking surface, a plurality of electrical heating elements disposed under the substantially continuous cooking surface, and at least two temperature controllers configured to allow independent control of temperatures of at least two of the plurality of heating elements.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an electrical cooking apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electrical cooking apparatus includes a substantially continuous cooking surface, a plurality of electrical heating elements disposed under the substantially continuous cooking surface, and at least two temperature controllers configured to allow independent control of temperatures of at least two of the plurality of heating elements.

Abstract: A convertible fuel orifice apparatus for a cooking device and a cooking device having a convertible fuel apparatus are disclosed, wherein the convertible fuel orifice apparatus includes a body, a fuel passage extending through the body, wherein the fuel passage includes an inlet and an outlet, an insert disposed within the body, wherein the insert intersects the fuel passage, a first orifice extending through the insert, wherein the first orifice is configured for a first fuel, and a second orifice extending through the insert, wherein the second orifice is configured for a second fuel, wherein the insert is adjustable by a user to select between the first orifice and the second orifice.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is disclosed, wherein the cooking apparatus is configured to be converted between an installed configuration in which the cooking apparatus is connected to a complementary support structure and a portable configuration in which the cooking apparatus is not attached to the complementary support structure. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking surface, at least one burner configured to heat the cooking surface, a body configured to support the cooking surface above the burner, and a connecting portion disposed on the body, wherein the connecting portion includes at least one connector configured to be connected to a complementary connector on the complementary support structure, and wherein the connecting portion is also configured to support the cooking apparatus on a surface other than the complementary support structure when the cooking apparatus is used in the portable configuration.

Abstract: A portable outdoor cooker for cooking foods is provided. The cooker comprises a substantially circular heat transfer plate, a plurality of individually controllable burners disposed beneath the heat transfer plate, and a frame assembly for supporting the heat transfer plate and burners above the ground and in relation to one another. The heat transfer plate has a center and a perimeter, and includes a cooking surface. The plurality of burners includes an inner burner and an outer burner, the outer burner being positioned adjacent the perimeter of the heat transfer plate and the inner burner being positioned closer to the center of the heat transfer plate than the outer burner such that the cooking surface can be made hotter adjacent the perimeter of the heat transfer plate than adjacent the center of the heat transfer plate.

Abstract: A portable outdoor cooker for cooking foods is provided. The cooker comprises a substantially circular heat transfer plate, a plurality of individually controllable burners disposed beneath the heat transfer plate, and a frame assembly for supporting the heat transfer plate and burners above the ground and in relation to one another. The heat transfer plate has a center and a perimeter, and includes a cooking surface. The plurality of burners includes an inner burner and an outer burner, the outer burner being positioned adjacent the perimeter of the heat transfer plate and the inner burner being positioned closer to the center of the heat transfer plate than the outer burner such that the cooking surface can be made hotter adjacent the perimeter of the heat transfer plate than adjacent the center of the heat transfer plate.

Abstract: A portable outdoor cooker is provided which includes a round, sheet-like heat transfer plate adapted for easy movement between operative and inoperative positions by a single person. The heat transfer plate has an upwardly facing convex cooking surface with a downwardly directed outer rim around the periphery. The convex cooking surface is smooth and continuous and has sufficient slope to cause any juices produced by cooking food to run off the outer rim. A drip pan is disposed under the outer rim to collect the juices. The portable outdoor cooker also includes a frame assembly with a stand, a suspension device and a shell. The frame assembly is configured to support and position the heat transfer plate, drip pan and burner in relation to one another. The shell includes open top and bottom ends and a sidewall. The sidewall surrounds and deflects wind from the burner. The heat transfer plate rests upon the suspension device and is thereby positioned over the burner in the operative position.