A smoker device for an outdoor cooking unit comprises a top, a back, two sides, and a hinged front door, all of which are substantially solid, and together forming an interior chamber with an open bottom. The smoker device rests on a grilling surface of a cooking unit. A perforated chimney box is fixably mounted inside the interior chamber, with a removable chip box positioned at the bottom of the chimney box, and a hinged hatch at the top. Removable food racks and a vessel for liquids may also be present inside the interior chamber. An adjustable air damper allows air exchange between the interior chamber and ambient air. The device allows an existing outdoor cooking unit to convert to a multi-rack vertical smoker.

A cooking system includes a housing having a hollow interior, a heating element operable to heat to said hollow interior, a food support surface arranged within said hollow interior, and a combustible substrate module removably positionable in said housing. When positioned in the housing, the combustible substrate module is arranged in fluid communication with the hollow interior and the combustible substrate module is disposed remote of the food support surface.

Disclosed is an air circulation device for an outdoor cooking appliance such as a grill. The device helps circulate air more consistently and efficiently by providing slats that direct rising air in a cyclonic arrangement. By providing this cyclonic effect, the air circulation device can distribute heat and smoke more evenly to the food being cooked and improve smoke penetration, heat efficiency, and the evenness of cooking.

A grilling device includes an auger feeder system, a heating element, a blower and a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes at least a first temperature sensor inside the firepot and a second temperature sensor inside a cooking chamber above the firepot. The heating element can also serve as the first temperature sensor. A method for controlling the temperature of the grill can include receiving temperature feedback information from one or more of the temperature sensors and adjusting power provided to the auger feeder system, heating element, and blower. The temperature control system produces cold smoke resulting from the combustion of lignin in solid wood fuel while minimizing temperatures inside the cooking chamber.

A method of operating and controlling a grill includes the steps of activating a master control to connect a heat control system of the grill with an external source of energy, and determining whether an element or burner control is an “on” position. If the determination confirms that an element or burner control is in an “on” position, a visual indication is provided to identify the particular element or burner control that is in the “on” position. If the determination confirms that an element or burner control is in an “on” position, activation of an associated heating element or burner is prohibited.

A smoker device for the preparation of foodstuffs or beverages, comprising a tubular main body with a frontal opening communicating with an internal combustion chamber wherein combustible, aromatic material is disposed before a grille or filter, and with a smoke outlet on the opposite side of said tubular body communicating, via an orifice foreseen for this purpose, with a hood suited to cover a container with the foodstuffs or beverages, there also being a flame generator directed through the frontal opening to burn the combustible material, generating a flow of smoke into the hood. The smoke outlet is constituted by multiple outlets, and next to the grille or filter an impurity collector is located, closing the extremity of the tubular main body.

The presently disclosed embodiments include an appliance with a burn pot assembly and air distribution ducts that distribute air into a burn chamber of the burn pot assembly, and distribute heated air to a cooking chamber of the appliance. A first air supply system may distribute air into the burn chamber, and a second air supply system may distribute heated air through one or more outlet manifolds towards the cooking chamber.

Disclosed is a smoke tube combustion chamber that combusts fuel such as wood pellets to provide heat and smoke flavor to the food being cooked. The smoke tube may include two portions that rotate about one another to receive fuel, dispose of excess fuel or fuel waste, and combust the fuel, depending on the positions of the two portions. A flow path may communicate with the smoke tube to provide the necessary air flow to circulate the smoke and heat created by the smoke tube during use. The smoke tube may be a primary or secondary heat source within the appliance.

An appliance includes a burn pot assembly and air distribution ducts that distribute air into a burn chamber of the burn pot assembly, and distribute heated air to a cooking chamber of the appliance. A first air supply system may distribute air into the burn chamber, and a second air supply system may distribute heated air through one or more outlet manifolds towards the cooking chamber.

The present invention comprises a novel grill top device generally consisting of a trapezoidal prism-like body and an accompanying lid. The body will be placed on top of a preexisting grill or heat source which allows users to cook with their own grills. The design allows for heat to be trapped and concentrated within the body resulting in high temperatures and even heat distribution. The present invention cooks food in a vertical fashion. The lid is equipped with hooks on the bottom side which are used to hang skewers filled with food items. Skewers are exposed to the same amount of heat from all sides resulting in even cooking. The vertical cooking method prevents cancer causing char marks, ensures sauces or flavorings applied stays onto the food items and does not burn off during the cooking process, and makes flipping of the food items unnecessary.