Embodiments are directed to communicating with and controlling operation of electronically-controlled appliances. In one scenario, a computer system receives a first input from a computing system indicating that an electronically-controlled appliance is permitted to communicate with a cloud computing platform. The computer system generates a notification that is to be sent to a software application, where the software application is configured to control functions of the electronically-controlled appliance. The computer system transmits the generated notification to the software application, where the generated notification indicates that the cloud computing platform is communicably connected to the electronically-controlled appliance. The computer system then receives a second input from the software application indicating that specified functions are to be performed on the electronically-controlled appliance, and transmits instructions to the electronically-controlled appliance to perform the specified functions. These functions are then interpreted and carried out by a hardware controller on the electronically-controlled appliance.

A method and system for preparing meat products is provided. In various embodiments, methods and systems for preparing and producing jerky are provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise structure for efficiently distributing, moving, marinating and preparing meat products including jerky. Enhanced efficiencies for jerky production and marinade usage are provided.

A food processing machine, such as a filling machine and/or twisting line for the manufacture of foods, particularly sausages, and a corresponding operating method, having at least one function module and at least one control section for controlling the corresponding function modules. Through at least one activation device, and after the input of an access authorization, at least one function module can be activated and/or one performance range from a plurality of possible performance ranges of at least one function module can be activated.

A food processing machine, such as a filling machine and/or twisting line for the manufacture of foods, particularly sausages, and a corresponding operating method, having at least one function module and at least one control section for controlling the corresponding function modules. Through at least one activation device, and after the input of an access authorization, at least one function module can be activated and/or one performance range from a plurality of possible performance ranges of at least one function module can be activated.

A gas-fired smoker constitutes a cabinet for holding food products to be cooked. A gas burner in the cabinet is connected to a source of flammable gas by means of a valve. The gas burner heats the cabinet and thereby cooks the food products. In one embodiment a pilot light ignites the flammable gas at the gas burner. A control circuit powered by a DC source controls the operation of the gas-fired smoker including igniting and extinguishing the gas burner in order to maintain a cooking temperature in the cabinet. A battery powers the control system. In another embodiment a rechargeable battery is recharged by a Seebeck thermal electric generator that is exposed to the heat from the gas burner.

An apparatus for smoking food includes a pot having a floor, a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor to an upward edge, and an interior cooking region formed within the sidewall above the floor. A tube extends through the floor into the interior cooking region, forming a first opening adjacent the floor, a second opening adjacent the upward edge, and a height from the first to the second openings. A lid has a perimeter edge to engage the upward edge of the pot. The tube height and the lid location above the tube when engaged with the upward edge provides a smoke passageway from the first opening, through the second opening, into the interior cooking region. A method includes cooking food in an alternate cooking apparatus for an initial time period, after which the food is transferred to the smoking pot apparatus. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

A heating/smoker device is disclosed which uses the heat and/or smoke from existing sources and uses it to heat up serveware or food, or smoke food. The heating/smoker device is durable and versatile and can adopt to virtually any heat/smoke source.

A smoke trap includes a receptacle with a floor opening, a tubular riser surrounding the opening and extending from the floor into a receptacle cavity, and a capping element disposed over an aperture in a riser. The capping element has an upper wall and a side wall partially bounding a body cavity and extending from the upper wall toward the floor. The capping element covers the aperture from above and from the side without fluidly sealing the aperture such that the aperture is in fluid communication with the body cavity and the body cavity is in fluid communication with the receptacle cavity. A portion of the side wall extends past the aperture such that the aperture is disposed within the body cavity. Grease management systems that include the smoke trap have means for transferring grease into the receptacle cavity to inhibit smoke from escaping the receptacle cavity through the opening.

A smoke trap includes a receptacle with a floor opening, a tubular riser surrounding the opening and extending from the floor into a receptacle cavity, and a capping element disposed over an aperture in a riser. The capping element has an upper wall and a side wall partially bounding a body cavity and extending from the upper wall toward the floor. The capping element covers the aperture from above and from the side without fluidly sealing the aperture such that the aperture is in fluid communication with the body cavity and the body cavity is in fluid communication with the receptacle cavity. A portion of the side wall extends past the aperture such that the aperture is disposed within the body cavity. Grease management systems that include the smoke trap have means for transferring grease into the receptacle cavity to inhibit smoke from escaping the receptacle cavity through the opening.