Outdoor pellet grill

Abstract

An outdoor pellet grill includes a grill housing including a grill base, a rear wall portion secured to the grill base, a top wall portion secured to the rear wall portion, and a hinged grill lid providing selective closure about an interior cooking space within the grill housing. The outdoor pellet grill includes a cooking platform, a pellet hopper, a burn pot, an auger, and an actuator. The burn pot and heat deflector are positioned below the cooking platform and provide heat to food from below. The auger extends between the pellet hopper and the burn pot and transports fuel pellets from the pellet hopper to the burn pot. The actuator is rotatably coupled to the heat deflector and includes a first set of apertures positioned to selectively align with a second set of corresponding apertures on the heat deflector to control adjustment of a flame from the burn pot.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 074,983, filed on September 4, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an outdoor pellet grill, and more particularly to an outdoor pellet grill and related methods for improving outdoor grilling and food preparation by providing pellet fuel cooking and related features. Background Technology

[0004] Outdoor grills are used worldwide and offer one of the most common, convenient, and versatile cooking methods. However, the specific attributes and characteristics of a grill, as well as its properties, have a significant impact on cooking style, flavor, temperature control, ease of use, and other fundamental properties. New and improved outdoor cooking equipment represents a potentially important and useful tool in everyday food preparation.

[0005] Pellet grills are an increasingly popular type of grill, offering ideal cooking flavors, heat distribution and control, and versatility. However, there is a continuous search for further improvements to the features and operation of existing pellet grills to provide enhanced cooking flavors, heat distribution and control, and cooking options.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for more efficient and improved equipment and / or related methods and cooking techniques for improving pellet grills, overcoming past difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments described herein or otherwise conceived essentially provide advantages in terms of improved pellet grill features and operation, which enhance cooking flavor, heat distribution and control, and versatility.

[0008] One embodiment relates to an outdoor pellet grill including a grill housing comprising: a grill base; a rear wall portion fixed to the grill base; a top wall portion fixed to the rear wall portion; and a hinged grill lid providing selective closure around an internal cooking space within the grill housing. The outdoor pellet grill includes a cooking platform coupled within the grill housing, which holds food within the internal cooking space. The outdoor pellet grill includes a pellet hopper adjacent to the grill housing and a combustion canister covered by a heat shield located in the grill base. The combustion canister and heat shield are located below the cooking platform and provide heat to the food from below. The outdoor pellet grill includes a auger conveyor extending between the pellet hopper and the combustion canister, which conveys fuel pellets from the pellet hopper to the combustion canister. The outdoor pellet grill also includes an actuator rotatably coupled to the heat shield. The actuator includes a first set of orifices positioned to selectively align with a second set of corresponding orifices in the heat shield to control the modulation of the flame from the combustion canister.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outdoor pellet grill includes a cage-type blower in the grill base near the combustion canister and the heat shield. In such embodiments, the outdoor pellet grill may include a grill duct system defining a cavity extending upward from the cage-type blower in the grill base to a rear wall portion and then along a top wall portion of the grill housing to an opening above the cooking platform. The cage-type blower selectively directs smoke generated by the combustion canister to the opening above the cooking platform, allowing the smoke to be concentrated from above onto the food on the cooking platform.

[0010] One embodiment relates to a method of barkmode cooking using an outdoor pellet grill. The method includes providing an outdoor pellet grill comprising a grill shell including a grill base, a rear wall, a top wall, and a hinged grill lid providing selective closure around an internal cooking space. The outdoor pellet grill includes a cooking platform coupled within the grill shell, which holds food within the internal cooking space. The outdoor pellet grill further includes a pellet hopper adjacent to the grill shell. The outdoor pellet grill further includes a combustion canister covered by a heat shield located in the grill base. The combustion canister and heat shield are further located below the cooking platform and provide heat to the food from below. The outdoor pellet grill further includes a auger conveyor extending between the pellet hopper and the combustion canister, which conveys fuel pellets from the pellet hopper to the combustion canister. The outdoor pellet grill further includes a squirrel-cage blower in the grill base near the combustion canister and heat shield. The outdoor pellet grill further includes a grill duct system defining a cavity extending upwards from a cage-type blower in the grill base to the rear wall and along the top wall of the grill shell to an opening above the cooking platform. The bark-mode cooking method includes guiding wood pellets using a auger conveyor. The bark-mode cooking method includes igniting the wood pellets within a combustion chamber. The bark-mode cooking method includes receiving food on the cooking surface for cooking. The bark-mode cooking method includes directing heat from below to the cooking surface. The bark-mode cooking method includes operating the cage-type blower to draw in smoke from the combustion chamber and direct the smoke through the duct system and exhaust it from the opening above the cooking platform onto the top of the food, creating a "bark" effect on the outer surface of the food while continuing to direct heat from below to the cooking surface.

[0011] The foregoing description is not intended to depict every illustrated embodiment or every implementation of its subject matter. The following figures and detailed description illustrate various embodiments in more detail. Attached Figure Description

[0012] A more complete understanding of the subject matter of the invention can be achieved by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of an outdoor pellet grill according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of an outdoor pellet grill with an open lid according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figures 2A to 2D A combustion chamber for an outdoor pellet grill according to an embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 3This is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the combustion canister of an outdoor pellet grill according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the combustion canister of an outdoor pellet grill according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figures 4A to 4D A partial perspective view of the interior cooking space of an outdoor pellet grill according to an embodiment is shown, illustrating a rotatable actuator and handle providing the grilling station.

[0019] Figure 4E and Figure 4F A partial schematic diagram of a heat shield for an outdoor pellet grill according to an embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 4G A handle for a heat shield grilling station for an outdoor pellet grill, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0021] Figure 4H A rotatable actuator for a heat shield grilling station for an outdoor pellet grill, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0022] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of an outdoor barbecue assembly including an outdoor pellet grill and an outdoor grill pan, according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5B According to the embodiments Figure 5A A perspective view of an outdoor barbecue assembly, which includes an outdoor pellet grill and an outdoor grill pan, wherein the grill lid and the grill pan lid are open.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of various internal components of an outdoor pellet grill suitable for bark-style grilling according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7A This is a schematic diagram of various internal components of an outdoor pellet grill suitable for bark-style cooking, according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7B This is a partial cross-sectional view of an outdoor pellet grill suitable for bark-mode cooking according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7C It is a cage-type blower for an outdoor pellet grill suitable for bark-style cooking, according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 A flowchart of a bark-pattern cooking method according to an embodiment is shown.

[0029] While various embodiments can be modified into various alterations and alternatives, their details have been illustrated by example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the intention is not to limit the claimed subject matter to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments generally relate to outdoor pellet grills. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "outdoor pellet grill" or "pellet grill" may be used to refer to any of various types of pellet grills, outdoor pellet grills, grills with automatically supplied wood fuel, and other types of grills that do not primarily rely on gas, charcoal, or electricity as the primary source of cooking heating fuel, and should be understood to broadly include these types of equipment.

[0031] Figures 1A to 4H Various configurations of the outdoor pellet grill 100, or parts or components of such an outdoor pellet grill 100, are shown respectively. First, refer to... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The outdoor pellet grill 100 includes a grill shell 110, a cooking platform 112, and a pellet hopper 114. The outdoor pellet grill 100 also includes a combustion chamber 118 (see...). Figures 2A to 3A ) and screw conveyor 120 (see Figure 2D and Figure 6 ), but these diagrams (i.e., Figure 1A and Figure 1B They are not shown in ( ). Although in Figure 1A and Figure 1B Not shown, but some specific embodiments of the outdoor pellet grill 100 may include a grill duct system 116 and a cage-type blower 122. Such embodiments relate to an outdoor pellet grill 100 suitable for bark-style cooking and are primarily referred to in the specification. Figures 6 to 8 Let's have a discussion.

[0032] The grill housing 110 includes a grill base 130, which is centrally located and shaped to at least partially surround the cooking platform 112 and a number of internal components of the outdoor pellet grill 100. The grill housing 110 further includes a rear wall portion 132, a top wall portion 134, and a hinged grill cover 136. The rear wall portion 132 is attached to the grill base 130 and generally extends vertically from the grill base 130, serving as the back of the grill. The top wall portion 134 is attached to the rear wall portion 132 and extends forward in a horizontally positioned manner. The top wall portion 134 may serve as the top of the grill, either primarily alone or in conjunction with the hinged grill cover 136. The hinged grill cover 136 provides selective closure of the internal cooking space 138 within the grill housing 110. The cover 136 may take various shapes and consists of a main panel or several panels covering the front entrance of the internal cooking space 138. The internal cooking space 138 includes an inner cavity formed within the grill housing 110, which is heated by the grill. The closing lid 136 allows the internal cooking space 138, the air, and any food contained therein to be heated to the desired temperature.

[0033] The grill housing 110 and grill base 130 are typically supported by a support structure 139. The support structure 139 may include vertically arranged legs and transverse support frames, support panels, shelves, or other types of uprights that raise the housing 110 to a usable height. In some embodiments, the support structure 139 may include wheels. In some embodiments, the support structure 139 may be articulated and / or foldable for ease of transport.

[0034] The cooking platform 112 is generally considered to include multiple grates horizontally arranged on the grill base 130. Therefore, the cooking platform 112 holds food within the internal cooking space 138 and is connected within the grill housing 110. Thus, the cooking platform 112 is considered to be the lower surface of the internal cooking space 138. Food being cooked is typically placed on the cooking platform 112. An upper cooking rack 140 may also be included within the internal cooking space.

[0035] The pellet hopper 114 is located on the right-hand side of the user of the outdoor pellet grill 100, adjacent to the grill housing 110. The pellet hopper 114 provides a container for filling with wood pellets or other pellet fuel suitable for grill combustion. In some embodiments, the pellets are loaded into the pellet hopper 114 from the top by pivoting open the pivotable cover 141. As part of the pellet hopper 114, a set of operating devices 143 controlled by a control panel display 145 is also included. These operating devices 143 can determine the rate at which pellets are delivered to the combustion canister 118 and the temperature and method of grill operation. The control panel display 145 allows for digital temperature control and can transmit heat information from probes inside the grill. In some embodiments, a set of probes 147 are stored within the pellet hopper 114. These probes 147 can be inserted through holes or passages on the side of the pellet hopper 114 and placed directly within the internal cooking space 138 of the grill 100. The probes 147 remain connected to the operating devices 143 and can help determine the cooking temperature within the grill housing 110 and for the food being cooked.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figure 2 to... Figure 4H As shown, the combustion chamber 118 and other internal components can be more fully understood from the schematic diagram of these components and systems. For example... Figures 2A to 2D As shown, the combustion chamber 118 provides a heat source for cooking. Therefore, the heat and smoke generated during cooking are entirely provided by burning wood pellets in the combustion chamber 118. The combustion chamber 118 provides direct heat, as well as general heat and smoke, to the cooking platform 112 from below. The combustion chamber 118 is covered by a heat shield 146 located in the grill base 130. The combustion chamber 118 and the heat shield 146 are further positioned below the cooking platform 112, providing heat to the food from below.

[0037] Figures 2A to 2D A combustion canister 118, including a handle 174, is shown. The combustion canister 118 can be removed from the grill 100 by opening the grill lid 136, removing the grill from the cooking platform, and using the handle 174 to remove it from the grill base 130. Specifically, the combustion canister 118 can be disengaged from the latch 175 and removed from its engagement with the feed hopper 177 surrounding the screw conveyor 120. This removable combustion canister design facilitates cleaning. That is, the ash contained within the combustion canister 118 can be easily emptied simply by clamping it out of the housing 110.

[0038] A screw conveyor 120 extends between the pellet hopper 114 and the combustion tank 118. The screw conveyor 120 conveys fuel pellets from the pellet hopper 114 to the combustion tank 118. It should be understood that suitable screw conveyors 120 of all types and styles capable of conveying fuel from the pellet hopper 114 location to the combustion tank 118 location where heat can be generated can be used.

[0039] The outer shell of the combustion canister 118 may surround the various components and provides a central hole 170 and a recess for combustion. The combustion canister 118 further includes an air vent 176 for introducing a flow of fresh air. A handle 174 can be used for easy insertion and removal of the combustion canister 118. In some embodiments, the combustion canister 118 may be made of a sheet of metal. The combustion canister 118 has an air vent 176 for airflow and is coupled to a screw conveyor 120.

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 3A Components of a slightly different alternative embodiment of the combustion canister 118, shown in detail, are illustrated. Specifically, in Figure 3A The exploded view of the combustion canister 118 includes a combustion canister housing 160, a canister housing 162, a pellet grid 164, a coil heater / igniter 166, and a cap 168. The combustion canister housing 160 surrounds the components and provides a central aperture 170 and a recess for combustion. The combustion canister housing 160 also includes vents 172 for introducing a flow of fresh air from a combustion fan. Additionally, a handle 174 is present for easy insertion and removal of the combustion canister 118. The canister housing 162 has vents 176 for airflow and a connector 178 for connection to a screw conveyor 120. Furthermore, a removable pellet grid 164 is shown, which keeps the pellets away from the coil heater / igniter 166 below and provides uniform heat dissipation. The coil heater / igniter 166 is used to initiate combustion of wood pellets or other fuels within the combustion canister 118. Finally, the cap 168 can be spot-welded to the bottom of the canister housing 162 to accommodate the various components of the assembly. Figure 3A As shown, the combustion canister 118 can be removed from the outside of the grill via the handle 134.

[0041] Figures 4A to 4H Various views disclose a heat shield 146 and / or associated rotatable actuator 184 and handle 188, which provide a grilling station for the grill 100. The heat shield 146 can be used to control heat, specifically for controlling the grilling of food located on the cooking platform 112.

[0042] exist Figure 4E and Figure 4F In the image, a heat shield 146 provides a flat heat shield 180, within which multiple radially displaced holes 182 are located. Above these holes 182 is a disc-shaped rotatable actuator 184 containing radial holes 186. When the actuator 184 is rotated to an aligned position, the radial holes 186 are shaped to align with the holes 182 below. A handle 188 is attached to the actuator 184 at one end and extends out of the side of the housing 110 at the other end. See also... Figure 4C and Figure 4DTherefore, the end of the handle 188 extending out of the housing 110 can be used to control the radial movement of the actuator 184 and to align or block the passage between holes 182 and 186. For example, Figure 4C The open channel is shown, and Figure 4D The closed passage is shown. The alignment of the holes typically allows flame to pass through the combustion chamber 118 located below and reach the cooking surface. Therefore, the heat shield 146 uses a rotatable actuator 184 to open and close the holes 182 and 186 to regulate the flame from the combustion chamber 118. This, in turn, allows the user to control the searing of the food.

[0043] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An outdoor barbecue assembly 200 is shown, comprising an outdoor pellet grill 100 and an outdoor grill pan 202 mounted on a common frame or support structure 139. Figure 5A In the middle, the cover 136 of the corresponding device is closed, while... Figure 5B In this configuration, the lid 136 of the corresponding device is open. Typically, the cooking operations of the pellet grill 100 and the outdoor grill pan 202 are largely separate and rely on separate, independent heat sources. One heat source is a gas burner, and the other is a wood pellet combustion canister. However, placing these two types of devices very close together allows for the simultaneous or sequential preparation of a wider range of foods.

[0044] Figures 6 to 8 Specific alternative embodiments of the pellet grill 100 are envisioned, wherein the structure is adapted to a specific type of cooking known as "bark mode." Typically, bark mode cooking requires the grill to draw smoke from the combustion canister 118 of the pellet grill 100 and direct it upwards to cook the top surface of the food from above. The hot smoke concentrates on the food, creating a sizzling sound on its outer surface, which provides the flavor and texture required for authentic grilling.

[0045] This bark-style cooking method primarily utilizes the grill duct system 116 and the squirrel-cage blower 122 to move the smoke and heat required for this cooking process. For example... Figures 6 to 7C As shown, the grill duct system 116 is located within the grill housing. The grill duct system 116 defines a cavity 142 extending upwards from a squirrel-cage blower 122 in the grill base 130 to the rear wall portion 132 and along the top wall portion 134 of the grill housing 110 to an opening 144 above the cooking platform 112. In some embodiments, the duct system 116 provides a path with a "C"-shaped cross-section. See also... Figure 6 , Figure 7A and Figure 7BIn some embodiments, the grill duct system 116 extends primarily outside the grill housing 110, and only the last horizontally positioned portion of the grill duct system 116 and the opening 144 contained therein enter the internal cooking space 138 of the grill 100.

[0046] A cage-type blower 122 is located in the grill base 130 near the combustion chamber 118 and the heat shield 146. Powered by a blower motor 150, the cage-type blower 122 selectively directs the smoke generated by the combustion chamber 118 to an opening 144 above the cooking platform 112. This allows the smoke to be concentrated from above onto the food on the cooking platform 112. Specifically, the cage-type blower draws heat and flames into the grill duct system 116 and exhausts them above the cooking platform 112, the upper cooking rack 140, or other cooking surfaces. Figure 6 , Figure 7A and Figure 7B The image shows a squirrel-cage blower 122.

[0047] It should be noted that the control device 143 can be used to allow the user to selectively turn the cage blower 122 on and off, which enables "bark mode" cooking. Furthermore, it should be noted that the upper cooking rack 140 of the grill 100 can also be referred to as a bark mode grilling station because when the grill is in the "bark mode" setting, the upper cooking rack 140 is close to the smoke being directed to that section from above.

[0048] like Figure 8 The outdoor pellet grill 100, as disclosed above, enables various methods 700 of "bark-mode" cooking using the pellet grill 100. Embodiments of bark-mode cooking draw smoke from the combustion chamber 118 of the pellet grill 100 and direct the smoke upwards to cook the top surface of the food from above. The hot smoke is concentrated on the food, contributing to the formation of a bark-like texture on the exterior. This "bark" is essential for the flavor and texture of the desired type of authentic grilling.

[0049] This method 700 may include first providing an outdoor pellet grill 100 at 702. This may include providing an outdoor pellet grill 100 including a grill housing 110, the grill housing 110 including a grill base 130, a rear wall 132, a top wall 134, and a hinged grill cover 136 providing selective closure around an internal cooking space 138. The outdoor pellet grill 100 includes a cooking platform 132 coupled within the grill housing 110, the cooking platform 132 holding food within the internal cooking space 138. The outdoor pellet grill 100 further includes a pellet hopper 114 adjacent to the grill housing 110. The outdoor pellet grill 100 further includes a combustion chamber 118 covered by a heat shield 146 located in the grill base 130. The combustion chamber 118 and the heat shield 146 are further located below the cooking platform 112 and provide heat to the food from below. The outdoor pellet grill 100 further includes a screw conveyor 120 extending between a pellet hopper 114 and a combustion canister 118, the screw conveyor 120 conveying fuel pellets from the pellet hopper 114 to the combustion canister 118. The outdoor pellet grill 100 further includes a squirrel-cage blower 122 in a grill base 130 near the combustion canister 118 and a heat shield 146. The outdoor pellet grill 100 further includes a grill duct system 116 defining a cavity 142 extending upward from the squirrel-cage blower 122 in the grill base 130 to a rear wall 132 and along the top wall 134 of the grill housing 110 to an opening 144 above the cooking platform 112.

[0050] The bark-mode cooking method 700 includes guiding wood particles at 704 using a screw conveyor 120. Screw conveyors 120 with different operating modes are possible.

[0051] The bark-based cooking method involves igniting wood pellets within the combustion chamber 118 at point 706. This may include the use of a coil heater and plug.

[0052] The bark-mode cooking method involves receiving food on a cooking surface 112 at 708 for cooking. In various embodiments, the cooking surface 112 consists primarily of a horizontally arranged grate.

[0053] The bark-mode cooking method involves directing heat from below to the cooking surface 112 at 710.

[0054] The bark mode cooking method includes operating a squirrel-cage blower 122 at 712 to draw in smoke from the combustion canister 118 and direct the smoke through a duct system 116 and out through an opening 144 above the cooking platform 112 onto the top of the food, creating "bark" on the outer surface of the food while continuing to direct heat from below onto the cooking surface 112. In some embodiments, this would include using a manipulator that includes both a pellet grill cooking mode and a bark mode cooking mode.

[0055] Some methods will further include the step of manipulating the heat shield 146 at 714 to sear the food being cooked. In some methods, the food is cooked solely by burning wood fuel that provides smoke and heat. In some methods, the outdoor pellet grill 100 is part of an outdoor grill assembly 200 that includes an outdoor grill pan 202 that also has a separate heat source for cooking.

[0056] Various embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, it should be understood that the various features of the described embodiments can be combined in various ways to produce many other embodiments. In addition, although various materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and positions, etc., used with the disclosed embodiments have been described, other embodiments besides the disclosed embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter of this invention may include fewer features than those exemplified in any of the individual embodiments described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to exhaustively represent all possible combinations of features of this subject matter. Therefore, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various embodiments may include combinations of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments. Furthermore, elements described with respect to one embodiment may be implemented in other embodiments, even if not described in such embodiments, unless otherwise stated.

[0058] Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims statement to a specific combination of one or more other claims, other embodiments may also include combinations of dependent claims with the subject matter of each of the other dependent claims, or combinations of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are presented herein unless it is stated that a particular combination is not intended.

[0059] Any inclusion of the foregoing references by reference is limited to the fact that no reference is made to any subject matter contrary to the express disclosure herein. Any inclusion of the foregoing references by reference is further limited to the fact that none of the claims included in these documents are incorporated herein. Any inclusion of the foregoing references by reference is further limited to the fact that any definitions provided in these documents are not incorporated herein unless expressly included herein.

Claims

1. An outdoor pellet grill comprising: a grill housing comprising: a grill base; a rear wall portion secured to the grill base; a top wall portion secured to the rear wall portion; and a hinged grill lid providing selective closure about an interior cooking space within the grill housing; a cooking platform coupled within the grill housing, wherein the cooking platform holds food in the interior cooking space; a pellet hopper adjacent the grill housing, the pellet hopper comprising a set of probes housed in the pellet hopper, the set of probes configured to be inserted through a passage proximate a side of the pellet hopper adjacent the grill housing, wherein the set of probes, upon insertion through the passage, enter the interior cooking space of the grill and remain coupled with a set of manipulation devices; a burn pot covered by a heat shield located in the grill base, the burn pot and the heat shield further located below and below the cooking platform and providing heat to food from below; a screw conveyor extending between the pellet hopper and the burn pot, the screw conveyor transporting fuel pellets from the pellet hopper to the burn pot; and an actuator rotatably coupled to the heat shield, the actuator comprising a first set of holes positioned to selectively align with a second set of corresponding holes in the heat shield to control adjustment of a flame from the burn pot; a squirrel cage blower associated with the grill base proximate the burn pot and the heat shield; and a grill duct system defining a cavity extending from the squirrel cage blower of the grill base to an opening above the cooking platform, wherein the squirrel cage blower directs smoke generated by the burn pot through the grill duct system to the opening above the cooking platform such that the smoke is concentrated from above to below on the cooking platform while continuing to direct heat from below to the cooking platform, wherein a bark texture is created on an outer surface of food placed on the cooking platform.

2. The outdoor pellet grill of claim 1, wherein the actuator is coupled to a handle extending to an exterior of the grill housing such that a user can orientally position the actuator to provide food sear control.

3. The outdoor pellet grill of claim 1, wherein heat and smoke generated for cooking is provided entirely by burning wooden pellets in the burn pot.

4. The outdoor pellet grill of claim 1, wherein the burn pot is latchably releasable and removable from the grill housing.

5. The outdoor pellet grill of claim 1, wherein the pellet grill comprises a control panel display that controls the set of manipulation devices, the control panel display allowing digital temperature control and relaying heat information from probes located within the grill interior.

6. The outdoor pellet grill of claim 1, wherein the outdoor pellet grill is part of an outdoor grilling assembly that includes an outdoor grill pan that also has a separate heat source for cooking.

7. The outdoor pellet grill of claim 1, wherein the grill ducting provides a path having a "C" shaped cross section that extends upward from the squirrel cage blower in the grill base to a rear wall portion and along the top wall portion of the grill housing to the opening above the cooking platform.

8. The outdoor pellet grill of claim 1, wherein a manipulation device selectively opens and closes the squirrel cage blower.

9. The outdoor pellet grill of claim 1, wherein a lighter or coil heater is provided to initiate combustion of the wooden pellets in the combustion pot.

10. A method of bark mode cooking using an outdoor pellet grill, comprising: providing an outdoor pellet grill, the outdoor pellet grill comprising: a grill housing including a grill base, a rear wall, a top wall, and a hinged grill lid that provides selective closure around an interior cooking space; a cooking platform coupled within the grill housing, wherein the cooking platform holds food in the interior cooking space; a pellet hopper adjacent to the grill housing, the pellet hopper including a set of probes housed in the pellet hopper, the set of probes configured to be inserted through a passage near a side of the pellet hopper that is proximate to the grill housing, wherein the set of probes, upon insertion through the passage, enter the interior cooking space of the grill and remain coupled with a set of manipulation devices; a combustion pot covered by a heat shield located in the grill base, the combustion pot and the heat shield further located below and below the cooking platform to provide heat to food; a screw conveyor extending between the pellet hopper and the combustion pot, the screw conveyor to transport fuel pellets from the pellet hopper to the combustion pot; a squirrel cage blower in the grill base proximate to the combustion pot and the heat shield; grill ducting defining a cavity that extends upward from the squirrel cage blower in the grill base to the rear wall and along the top wall of the grill housing to an opening above the cooking platform; directing wooden pellets with the screw conveyor; igniting the wooden pellets within the combustion pot; receiving food on the cooking platform for cooking; directing heat from below to the cooking platform; and Directing smoke through a C-shaped grill duct system that defines the cavity from the squirrel cage blower in the grill base up to the back wall of the grill housing and along the top wall to the opening above the cooking platform, wherein the squirrel cage blower directs smoke through the C-shaped grill duct system and out the opening above the cooking platform down to the top of the food and forms a bark texture on the outer surface of the food while continuously directing heat from below to the cooking platform.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising manipulating the heat shield to sear the food being cooked.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the manipulating means comprises a pellet grill cooking mode and a bark mode cooking mode.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the food is cooked by only wood fuel burning that provides smoke and heat.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the outdoor pellet grill is part of an outdoor cooking assembly that includes an outdoor grill pan that also has a separate heat source for cooking.

Images