A convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention. The convention based cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber configured to holding food to be processed. An air inlet situated in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for receiving air into the cooking chamber. A heating source configured to switch between an ON state and an OFF state, whereby a temperature of air located within the cooking chamber is regulated. A drafting means that circulates air present within the cooking chamber. An inlet control apparatus that regulates air flow into the cooking chamber via the air inlet. The inlet control allows air to flow into the cooking chamber via the air inlet when the heating source is in the ON state. The inlet control prevents air from flowing into the cooking chamber via the air inlet when the heating source is OFF.

A cooking appliance includes a bottom plate and a turntable. The bottom plate defines an aperture that receives the turntable such that the turntable is flush-mounted with the bottom plate to provide a floor of a cooking cavity as substantially continuous. A rotary hub engages with an underside of the turntable to transmit rotational motion to the turntable from a motor. The turntable includes a first material and the bottom plate includes a second material.

A cooking appliance includes an upper housing having a first heating surface and a lower housing operatively connected to the upper housing. The lower housing has a second heating surface having a plurality of apertures therethrough for facilitating the egress of cooking juices from the second heating surface.

A live-fire grill has been developed with a central opening and one or more adjustable accessories. In one example, the central opening is covered by a central grate to provide a more typical grilling experience. In another example, the central grate is raised to prevent food loss down the central opening. Surrounding the central opening is a griddle with an outer periphery defining a retention ledge. The retention ledge serves as a backstop to prevent food falling off the griddle and onto the ground. Attached to the grill is one or more rods holding one or more adjustable accessories. The accessories automatically lock in position and may be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. In one example, the accessory is an adjustable grate with 360 degrees of rotation.

An automatic cooking apparatus includes a storage module, at least one cooking module, a carrier module, and a collection box. The storage module is adapted to store at least one food material. The cooking module includes a cookware. The carrier module is arranged at the storage module and the cooking module. The collection box is configured to collect the food material from the storage module and transport the food material into the cookware of the cooking module by the carrying module.

An automatic cooking apparatus includes a storage module, at least one cooking module, a carrier module, and a collection box. The storage module is adapted to store at least one food material. The cooking module includes a cookware. The carrier module is arranged at the storage module and the cooking module. The collection box is configured to collect the food material from the storage module and transport the food material into the cookware of the cooking module by the carrying module.

A grilling accessory for use in a cooking space of a cooking appliance is described, which includes two food carriers with at least one cooking area each, which contact a food at the same time. The food carriers are arranged to each other such that the respective cooking areas face each other, wherein at least one of the food carriers has openings in the respective cooking area, wherein the two food carriers are connected with each other via a connecting element comprising a joint. Further, a grilling system is described.

A fuel efficient grill that permits effective direct and indirect cooking, permits movement of the fuel grate and has uniquely shaped air intake slots is provided. Also provided is a hinged deflector or diffuser plate and an adjustable top vent assembly.