Multi-point adjustable central box type smoker barbecue oven

Abstract

A cooking apparatus includes: a cooking chamber; and a firebox attached to the bottom of the cooking chamber and in fluid communication with the cooking chamber; the firebox is provided with an internal fuel grid and an air inlet for receiving combustion air from the outside of the firebox. The apparatus further includes a baffle system that controls fluid flow from the firebox into the cooking chamber, the baffle system including: a pair of rotatable stack plates each having a plurality of cutouts defined therein, such that the rotatable plates may rotate relative to each other to vary the extent to which fluid flow through the pair of plates is allowed; a pair of nested cylindrical walls, wherein one of each of the pair of nested cylindrical walls is attached to and extends upwardly from one of each of the modified pair of rotatable plates.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 320,034, filed on March 15, 2022, and such provisional application is incorporated by reference into the present disclosure as if fully set forth on this point. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to outdoor cooking and, more particularly, to solid fuel smokers. Background Art

[0003] Current solid fuel smokers have a firebox and a cooking chamber. The smokebox or firebox is placed in an offset position adjacent to the cooking chamber. There is a cutout in the wall shared between the firebox and the cooking chamber. The cutout allows the combustion products to travel from the offset firebox into the cooking chamber. The cutout also allows heat to be transferred from the burning solid fuel inside the firebox into the cooking chamber. However, this radiation is highly concentrated on a single side of the cooking chamber that shares a wall with the firebox. In fact, the excessive radiant heat makes the portion of the cooking chamber near the firebox too hot and unsuitable for most cooking purposes. The offset positioning of the firebox also results in uneven temperature distribution in the cooking chamber. It also results in a significant loss of energy - about two-thirds of the energy generated in the firebox is lost through its walls.

[0004] There are horizontal smokers that have a firebox mounted below the cooking chamber. These can reduce heat loss. However, these systems still have the problem of excessive radiant heat at the cooking area adjacent to the firebox and a lack of regulation mechanism.

[0005] What are needed are apparatus, systems, and methods for addressing these and related problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] The disclosed invention includes, in one aspect thereof, a cooking device having a cooking chamber and a firebox attached to a bottom of the cooking chamber and in fluid communication with the cooking chamber. The firebox has an internal fuel grid and an air intake that receives combustion air from outside the firebox.

[0007] Some embodiments include a baffle system for controlling fluid flow from a firebox into a cooking chamber. The baffle system may include a pair of rotatable stacked plates, each of the pair of rotatable stacked plates having a plurality of cutouts defined therein such that the rotatable plates may be rotated relative to each other to vary the degree to which fluid flow is permitted through the pair of plates. The baffle system may also include a pair of nested cylindrical walls, wherein one of each of the pair of nested cylindrical walls is attached to and extends upwardly from one of each of the pair of rotatable plates.

[0008] In some cases, the pair of nested cylindrical walls defines a plurality of cutouts such that the nested cylindrical walls rotate with their respective attachment plates to vary the extent to which fluid flow is permitted laterally through the nested cylindrical walls. The extent of fluid flow laterally through the pair of nested cylindrical walls may decrease as the extent of fluid flow through the pair of plates increases. The extent of fluid flow laterally through the pair of nested cylindrical walls may increase as the extent of fluid flow through the pair of plates increases.

[0009] The baffle system may also include a perforated wall, the diffuser extending below the nested cylindrical walls, and / or a diffuser inside the pair of nested cylindrical walls, above the pair of plates.

[0010] The invention of the present disclosure includes, in another aspect thereof, a cooking device having: a cooking chamber defined by an upper portion and a lower portion between end walls; a cooking grill inside the cooking chamber; a firebox attached to the lower portion of the cooking chamber, spaced apart from the end walls, the firebox being in fluid communication with the cooking chamber; and a damper interposed between the firebox and a central portion of the cooking grill, the damper being adjustable to allow combustion products to rise from the firebox to the central portion of the grill and to diffuse the combustion products rising from the firebox.

[0011] In some examples, the damper includes a radial damper. The radial damper may have a first stacked component and a second stacked component, each of which defines a set of cutouts having a degree of overlap that is changed by rotation of one of the first stacked component and the second stacked component to change the fluid flow through the radial damper.

[0012] The cooking device may also include a pair of nested cylindrical walls, a first one of the pair connected to and extending upwardly from the first stacking member, and a second one of the pair connected to and extending upwardly from the second stacking member. In some cases, the first nested cylindrical wall and the second nested cylindrical wall each define at least one cutout, and the at least one cutout of the first cylindrical wall can be adjusted by rotation to overlap or not overlap with the at least one cutout of the second cylindrical wall to change the fluid flow through the first nested cylindrical wall and the second nested cylindrical wall.

[0013] The cooking device may include: a diffuser plate inside the pair of nested cylindrical walls, above the damper; a perforated wall supporting a radial damper and nested cylindrical wall inside the cooking chamber, spaced from the firebox; and / or a pair of adjustable chimneys spaced on an upper portion of the cooking chamber, each of the pair of adjustable chimneys having an adjustable damper to control fluid flow from the chimney. When present, each of the pair of adjustable chimneys may also be height adjustable.

[0014] The disclosed invention includes, in another aspect thereof, a cooking device having: a cooking chamber defined by an upper portion, a lower portion, and two spaced apart end portions; a firebox attached to the lower portion of the cooking chamber and in fluid communication with the cooking chamber; and a baffle system within the cooking chamber that controls the direction of combustion gases from the firebox toward a food support within the cooking chamber. The baffle system includes: a radial damper adjustable by a handle extending to the exterior of the cooking chamber and the firebox to allow combustion products to pass therethrough and diffuse the combustion products radially away from a radial baffle; a pair of nested cylindrical walls extending upward from the radial damper and defining an opening therethrough that is adjusted with adjustment of the radial baffle to allow combustion products to pass through the pair of nested cylindrical walls or be prevented from passing through the pair of nested cylindrical walls; a diffuser plate above the radial baffle; and a perforated wall extending downward from the radial damper.

[0015] The cooking device may include a pair of height- and flow-adjustable chimneys attached to an upper portion of the cooking chamber at a distance from each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a charcoal smoker / grill according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1B is a partial cutaway perspective view of a charcoal smoker / grill according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 is a cutaway perspective view of a charcoal smoker / grill according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional front view of a charcoal smoker / grill according to the present disclosure operating in a char-grill mode.

[0020] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional front view of a charcoal smoker / grill according to the present disclosure operating in a smoking mode.

[0021] Figure 4Ais a close-up simplified cross-sectional view of a charcoal smoker / grill according to the present disclosure operating with two open chimneys.

[0022] Figure 4B is a close-up simplified cross-sectional view of a charcoal smoker / grill according to the present disclosure operating with a single open chimney.

[0023] Figure 5A is a close-up simplified cross-sectional view of a charcoal smoker / grill according to the present disclosure operating in a smoking mode.

[0024] Figure 5B is a close-up simplified cross-sectional view of a charcoal smoker / grill according to the present disclosure operating in a char-grill mode.

[0025] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of an adjustable firebox baffle according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6B is another close-up perspective view of an adjustable firebox damper according to the present disclosure with the adjustment handle and lower side wall removed.

[0027] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B Exploded perspective view of an adjustable firebox baffle.

[0028] Fig. 7A is a close-up bottom perspective view of an adjustable chimney cap according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A Exploded view of the adjustable chimney cap.

[0030] Fig. 8A is a side view of an adjustable chimney in a lowered configuration according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8B is a side view of an adjustable chimney in accordance with the present disclosure in a mid-level configuration.

[0032] Fig. 8A is a side view of an adjustable chimney in a raised configuration according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Reference now Figure 1A , showing a perspective view of a barbecue grill 100 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1B, showing a partial cutaway perspective view of the grill 100. It should be understood that the grill 100 is a cooking device capable of performing cooking operations other than what might be considered traditional grilling. For example, the grill 100 also has smoking capabilities and can be reconfigured internally and externally as explained herein to change operations between grilling, smoking, and possibly other operations. Unless specifically noted otherwise, the use of the term "grill" is not intended to be limiting of the grill 100, which should be considered a "cooking device."

[0034] The barbecue grill 100 and other embodiments of the present disclosure may include a cooking chamber 102. The cooking chamber 102 may be defined by an upper portion 130, a lower portion 132, and a pair of spaced-apart end pieces 134. The cooking chamber 102 may be generally cylindrical, but need not be strictly so, and other geometries are possible. A firebox 108 may be attached to the cooking chamber and in fluid communication with it. Unlike existing systems, the firebox 108 is attached to the lower portion 132, rather than being connected through the end pieces 134. The firebox 108 may be centrally located (front to rear and / or side to side) on the lower portion 132. In some embodiments, the firebox 108 and / or some components associated with the firebox 108 may extend into or be included in the cooking chamber 102. The cooking chamber 102 and / or the firebox 108 may be supported on a bracket 110.

[0035] The adjustable baffle system 112 may control both radiant and convective heat transfer from the firebox 108 into the cooking chamber 102 where food is placed for cooking. An adjustable chimney or flue pipe 106 may be provided to control the flow of gases exiting the cooking chamber 102. Some embodiments may have differently configured chimneys, such as chimney 800 shown in FIG. 8 and discussed further below.

[0036] The cooking chamber 102 may have an openable lid 104 on an upper portion 130 that allows access to the interior components and placement and removal of food items. Various racks, grates, hooks, and other implements (these may generally be referred to as "food supports") may be provided for holding food during smoking or cooking operations. For simplicity and purposes of illustration, a single food support is shown as a single grate 120 (removed from its position above the baffle system 112 in the cooking chamber 102). A central searing area 122 may be located directly above the baffle system 112 for searing operations as discussed in more detail below.

[0037] The firebox 108 may include an openable door 109 on one side (eg, the front) thereof that may allow access to the fuel chamber 114 above the ash receptacle 116. The fuel chamber 114 and ash receptacle 116 may be arranged as drawers for easy access.

[0038] Reference now Figure 2 , showing a cutaway perspective view of the barbecue grill 100. The baffle system 112 may be located atop or above the firebox 108. A fuel grid 204 may be disposed in the fuel chamber 114. Fresh air may enter the firebox 108 from the bottom via the butterfly damper 202 and travel around the ash pan 116 to reach the solid fuel on the charcoal rack or fuel grid 204. Various embodiments of the system 100 are designed in such a manner that the incoming air is provided symmetrically and only from the bottom to enhance the smoldering / burning of the solid fuel. The combustion products travel upward and enter the cooking chamber 102 through the adjustable baffle 112. As explained herein, different combinations of ways of arranging the firebox baffle 112 and each chimney 106 (or flue pipe 800) allow for a wide variety of cooking scenarios that can be easily and accurately achieved.

[0039] Reference now Figure 3A , showing a cross-sectional front view of a charbroiler 100 operating in a char mode according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 3B , showing a cross-sectional front view of the barbecue grill 100 operating in the smoking mode according to the present disclosure. Using the switch handle (608, Fig. 6A ), the user can cook in the cooking chamber 102 in the roasting mode ( Figure 3A ) and smoked mode ( Figure 3B The user can adjust the air damper 202 and the firebox damper 112 to switch between smoking, grilling and broiling and / or fine-tune the smoking / broiling / broiling process.

[0040] Chimney 106 may be adjustable with respect to the amount of exhaust flow permitted from cooking chamber 102 . FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The figure shows two examples of chimney settings. Figure 4A In one embodiment, one chimney 106 is partially open, while the other is more fully open. Figure 4B In the embodiment of the present invention, only one chimney 106 is open. The user can select from a variety of desired cooking scenarios ranging from smoke and heat distribution to specific parts of the firebox 108 to full indirect smoking operation. When both chimneys 106 are open to approximately the same degree, the symmetrical firebox 108 allows for uniform cooking (across all cooking surfaces or at the central searing zone 122, which can receive sufficient heat for searing operation).

[0041] Reference now Figure 5A , showing a close-up simplified cross-sectional view of a barbecue grill 100 operating in a smoking mode according to the present disclosure. Figure 5B, showing a close-up simplified cross-sectional view of the barbecue grill 100 operating in a char mode according to the present disclosure. An adjustable damper or air inlet 202 may be present on the lower portion or bottom of the firebox 108. Adjustment of the air inlet 202 between open and closed and the state of the damper system 112 may also change the cooking characteristics of the barbecue grill 100. The air inlet 202 may allow more air to enter the firebox 108 for a hotter fire and allow less air to enter for a slower, smokier fire.

[0042] In the smoking mode, the air damper 202 is partially open, allowing limited air to be supplied to the solid fuel (on the grille 204), thereby causing smoldering of the fuel. The baffle system 112 is arranged in a manner to reduce or prevent vertical or upward flow of smoke. The smoke is instead directed into the cooking chamber 102 via the perforated sidewall 610. The closed baffle system 112 also acts as a radiation shield, preventing the center of the cooking chamber 102 from overheating or otherwise becoming too hot to perform the desired smoking operation.

[0043] In the broil or grill mode (e.g. Figure 5B ), the air damper 202 is fully opened to provide sufficient air for complete combustion of the solid fuel. The firebox damper system 112 is open, allowing flue gases and radiation generated by the solid fuel to be emitted upward toward the charring zone in the center of the cooking chamber 102. The perforated sidewalls 610 of the damper system 112 limit the amount of heat transferred laterally and help to concentrate the high heat in the charring zone 122 (i.e., the center of the cooking chamber 102).

[0044] Reference now Fig. 6A , showing a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable baffle system 112 according to the present disclosure. The adjustable baffle system 112 controls and directs the flow of combustion products and other gases. This may be generally referred to as fluid flow. The adjustable baffle system 112 may include an outer cylindrical wall 602 that includes a nested and rotatable inner cylindrical wall 604. The outer cylindrical wall 602 defines a plurality of slots or openings 603 that correspond to a plurality of slots or openings 605 defined in the inner cylindrical wall 604. The cylindrical wall 604 may be rotated relative to the outer cylindrical wall 602 via manipulation of a switch handle 608. The switch handle 608 may be accessible to a user outside the cooking chamber 102 and the firebox 608, as can be seen in FIG. Movement of the switch handle 608 causes the openings 603, 605 to align or occlude with each other, thereby controlling lateral fluid flow through the cylindrical walls 602, 604.

[0045] In some embodiments, a diffuser plate 606 may be placed or attached on or within the inner cylindrical wall 604 to further diffuse the smoke and combustion products that are selectively allowed to pass upward through the inner cylindrical wall 604. The diffuser plate 606 may be on a vertical level below the openings 603, 605. The diffuser plate 606 itself may define a plurality of openings 607, which may be angled or form louvers for directing gas flow. The openings 607 are illustrated as being configured to direct gas or fluid flow in a radial direction, which may further enhance the effect of the cylindrical walls 602, 604, but may be configured to, for example, primarily direct or allow gas flow vertically. Functionally, the diffuser plate 606 may also be used to more evenly distribute heat near the charring zone.

[0046] Below the cylindrical walls 602, 604 may be a perforated sidewall 610. The sidewall 610 may descend generally vertically from the cylindrical walls 602, 604, but terminate along a curve that conforms to the shape of the bottom interior of the lower portion 132 of the cooking chamber 102. In some embodiments, a single sidewall may descend from the cylindrical walls 602, 604 and be perforated along all or part of its perimeter.

[0047] Reference now Figure 6B , which is another close-up perspective view of the baffle system 112 from a steeper angle. The handle 608 and the perforated side wall 610 are not shown in this view.

[0048] Reference now Figure 6C , showing an exploded perspective view of the baffle system 112. The cylindrical walls 602, 604 may extend upward from the radial damper defined by the stacked plates. The upper plate 614 may have a cutout 615 defined therein. The lower plate 612 may have a cutout 615 defined therein. The plates 612, 614 may be flat or slightly conical or domed toward their center, with sides or edges joined or attached to their respective cylindrical walls 602, 604. The cutouts 613, 615 may include triangular or wedge-shaped openings in the plates 612, 614, respectively. The cutouts 613, 615 may be arranged so that they overlap to permit gas (fluid) flow to enter, or do not overlap (e.g., they are occluded) to prevent gas flow, depending on the rotation of the cylindrical walls 602, 604 relative to each other.

[0049] Depending on the relative positioning of the inner cylindrical wall 604 and the outer cylindrical wall 602, the direct transfer of radiant and convective heat vertically upward can be limited to produce more smoke and / or limited or diffuse heat, such as may be useful in smoking or baking. Figure 5A614 is seen in operation. In this configuration, the openings 613, 615 in the plates 612, 614 are closed or blocked. However, the openings 603, 605 in the cylindrical walls 602, 604 are aligned. Thus, heat and smoke are forced to flow out of the baffle system 112 via the perforated sidewall 610, while the openings 603, 605 allow indirect smoke and gas flow even to the center of the cooking chamber 102.

[0050] On the other hand, when the baffle system 112 is configured for grilling or broiling (such as in Figure 5B When the baffle system 112 is rotated, the plates 612, 614 are rotated so that the openings 613, 615 allow maximum direct flow of heat and combustion products upward toward the grid 120 and particularly the charring zone 122. The cylindrical walls 602, 604 can be rotated so that their openings 603, 605 are blocked to maintain maximum heating effect directly above the baffle system 112 (e.g., at the charring zone 122).

[0051] It will be appreciated that the plates 612, 614 may be attached to the outer cylindrical wall 602 and the inner cylindrical wall 604, respectively, such that the openings 603, 605 are aligned when the openings 613, 615 are aligned. In such an embodiment, during smoking or roasting operations, smoke and gases may not flow as easily back into the upper portion of the baffle system 112 (e.g., above the diffuser 606), but during grilling / searing operations, more heat may be transferred to the entire grill 120 because the gases and heat may flow outward through the openings 603, 605 when the openings 613, 615 in the plates 614, 612 are aligned.

[0052] It should also be understood that a greater or lesser degree of opening can be achieved between openings 603, 605 and between openings 613, 615 (e.g., cylindrical walls 602, 604 and / or plates 612, 614 can be partially openable and fully open or closed). In some embodiments, outer cylindrical wall 602 can rotate relative to inner cylindrical wall 604, rather than inner cylindrical wall 604 being rotatable within outer cylindrical wall 602.

[0053] Reference now Fig. 7A , showing a close-up bottom perspective view of an adjustable chimney cap 700 according to the present disclosure. Figure 7B , showing Fig. 7AExploded view of an adjustable chimney cap 700. The cap 700 may include a damper valve including an upper member 702 formed of a plate having a cutout 703 around a central opening 704. A lower member 710 may include a plate having a cutout 711 around a central opening 712. The lower member 710 fits against the upper member 702 so that the central openings 712, 704 are aligned. The lower member 710 may be rotatable relative to the upper member 702 (or vice versa) so that the openings 711, 703 may be aligned to allow gas flow or misaligned to block gas flow. A handle 706 shown attached to the lower member 710 may be provided to allow adjustment of the openings 711, 703 and the blocking effect of the cap 700.

[0054] The upper piece 702 and possibly the lower piece 710 may fit in or to the top 701 of the cap 700. The aligned central openings 712, 704 allow gas to flow into the cap, but exhaust from the cap is controlled by the obstruction or alignment of the upper and lower pieces 702, 710.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 8 , a side view of an adjustable flue tube 800 in a lowered configuration is shown according to the present disclosure. Figure 8B and Figure 8C , the flue pipe 800 is shown in a mid-level configuration and a lowered configuration, respectively. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C Various states of an adjustable flue pipe 800 are shown that allow for different levels of buoyancy-driven draft to be created, which can be used to fine-tune the level of smoke in the cooking chamber 102 (e.g., when mated to the chimney 106). A top cap 802 is attached to an upper tube 804 that contains a slidably nested lower tube 806. A removable fastener such as a thumb screw 808 can be used to secure the upper tube 804 in a relative position relative to the lower tube 806. The lower tube 806 can be mated to the cooking chamber 102. The adjustable flue pipe 800 can be used in place of or in addition to the chimney 106, and can also be equipped with an adjustable cap (e.g., cap 700).

[0056] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure provide more accurate and better control of the temperature and heat in the cooking chamber 102 by regulating the manner in which radiant and convective heat is transferred from the firebox 108 into the cooking chamber 102. The adjustable air damper 202 and chimney 116 (or flue pipe 800) allow for fine tuning of each desired cooking mode from low temperature smoking to high temperature searing.

[0057] It should be understood that the terms "comprises", "includes", "comprising" and their grammatical variations do not exclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps or integers or groups thereof, and these terms should be understood to specify components, features, steps or integers.

[0058] If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

[0059] It should be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference should not be construed as meaning that there is only one of the element.

[0060] It should be understood that where the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may," "might," "could," or "can" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0061] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow charts, or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or corresponding descriptions. For example, a flow need not move through each illustrated box or state or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

[0062] The method of the present invention can be implemented by executing or completing the selected steps or tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.

[0063] The term "method" may refer to ways, means, techniques, and procedures for completing a given task, including but not limited to those ways, means, techniques, and procedures known to practitioners in the field to which the invention belongs or that can be easily developed from known ways, means, techniques, and procedures.

[0064] The term "at least" followed by a number is used herein to indicate the beginning of a range that begins with that number (which may be a range with an upper limit or without an upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, "at least 1" means 1 or more than 1. The term "at most" followed by a number is used herein to indicate the end of a range that ends with that number (which may be a range with 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range with no lower limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, "at most 4" means 4 or less than 4, and "at most 40%" means 40% or less than 40%.

[0065] In this document, when a range is given as "(first number) to (second number)" or "(first number) - (second number)", this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted as meaning a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 100. In addition, it should be noted that, unless the context indicates otherwise, where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 100, such a range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., and any other possible combination of lower and upper limits within the range, such as 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values ​​are used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only, and that, unless specifically excluded, decimal and fractional values ​​(eg, 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible sub-range endpoints.

[0066] It should be noted that where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps may be performed in any order or simultaneously (unless the context excludes this possibility), and the method may also include one or more other steps that are performed before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all of the defined steps (unless the context excludes this possibility).

[0067] In addition, it should be noted that, unless otherwise indicated herein, approximate terms (e.g., "about," "substantially," "approximately," etc.) should be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art. In the absence of a specific definition in the present disclosure and in the absence of ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted as plus or minus 10% of the base value.

[0068] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. Although the inventive apparatus has been described and illustrated herein with reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications besides those shown or suggested herein may be made therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept, the scope of which is to be determined by the claims hereinafter.

Claims

1. A cooking device, comprising: Cooking room; as well as a firebox attached to a bottom of the cooking chamber and in fluid communication with the cooking chamber; Wherein, the firebox has an internal fuel grid and an air intake that receives combustion air from outside the firebox.

2. The cooking device of claim 1 further comprising a baffle system that controls fluid flow from the firebox into the cooking chamber.

3. The cooking device according to claim 2, wherein: The baffle system comprises: A pair of rotatable stacked plates each having a plurality of cutouts defined therein such that the rotatable plates may be rotated relative to each other to vary the degree to which fluid flow is permitted through the pair of plates.

4. The cooking device according to claim 3, wherein: The baffle system also includes: A pair of nested cylindrical walls, wherein one of each of the pair of nested cylindrical walls is attached to and extends upwardly from one of each of the pair of rotatable plates.

5. The cooking device according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the pair of nested cylindrical walls defines a plurality of cutouts such that the nested cylindrical walls rotate with their respective attachment plates to vary the extent to which fluid flow is permitted laterally through the nested cylindrical walls.

6. The cooking device according to claim 5, wherein: The extent of fluid flow laterally through the pair of nested cylindrical walls decreases as the extent of fluid flow through the pair of plates increases.

7. The cooking device according to claim 5, wherein: The extent of fluid flow laterally through the pair of nested cylindrical walls increases as the extent of fluid flow through the pair of plates increases.

8. The cooking device according to claim 5, wherein: The baffle system also includes a perforated wall extending below the nested cylindrical walls.

9. The cooking device according to claim 8, wherein: The baffle system also includes a diffuser inside the pair of nested cylindrical walls, above the pair of plates.

10. A cooking device comprising: a cooking chamber defined by an upper portion and a lower portion between the end walls; a cooking grill inside the cooking chamber; a firebox attached to the lower portion of the cooking chamber, spaced from the end wall, the firebox being in fluid communication with the cooking chamber; A damper is interposed between the firebox and the central portion of the cooking grill, the damper being adjustable to allow combustion products to rise from the firebox to the central portion of the grill and to diffuse the combustion products rising from the firebox.

11. The cooking device according to claim 10, wherein: The damper includes a radial damper.

12. The cooking device according to claim 11, wherein: The radial damper includes a first stack component and a second stack component, each of the first stack component and the second stack component defining a set of cutouts having a degree of overlap that is varied by rotation of one of the first stack component and the second stack component to vary fluid flow through the radial damper.

13. The cooking device of claim 12 further comprising a pair of nested cylindrical walls, a first of the pair connected to and extending upwardly from the first stacking member, and a second of the pair connected to and extending upwardly from the second stacking member.

14. The cooking device according to claim 13, wherein: The first nested cylindrical wall and the second nested cylindrical wall each define at least one cutout, and the at least one cutout of the first cylindrical wall can be adjusted by rotation to overlap or not overlap with the at least one cutout of the second cylindrical wall to change the fluid flow through the first nested cylindrical wall and the second nested cylindrical wall.

15. The cooking device of claim 13 further comprising a diffuser plate inside the pair of nested cylindrical walls above the damper.

16. The cooking device of claim 13, further comprising a perforated wall supporting a radial damper and a nested cylindrical wall within the cooking chamber and spaced apart from the firebox.

17. The cooking device of claim 13, further comprising a pair of adjustable chimneys spaced apart on the upper portion of the cooking chamber, each of the pair of adjustable chimneys having an adjustable damper to control fluid flow from the chimney.

18. The cooking device according to claim 17, wherein: Each of the pair of adjustable chimneys is also height adjustable.

19. A cooking device comprising: a cooking chamber defined by an upper portion, a lower portion, and two spaced apart end portions; a firebox attached to the lower portion of the cooking chamber and in fluid communication with the cooking chamber; and a baffle system inside the cooking chamber that controls the direction of combustion gases from the firebox toward a food support inside the cooking chamber, the baffle system comprising: a radial damper adjustable by a handle extending outside the cooking chamber and the firebox to allow combustion products to pass therethrough and diffuse the combustion products radially away from the radial baffle; a pair of nested cylindrical walls extending upwardly from the radial damper and defining an opening therethrough, the opening adjusting with adjustment of the radial baffle to allow combustion products to pass through the pair of nested cylindrical walls or to be prevented from passing through the pair of nested cylindrical walls; a diffuser plate above the radial baffles; and A perforated wall extends downwardly from the radial damper.

20. The cooking device of claim 19, further comprising a pair of height and flow adjustable chimneys attached to the upper portion of the cooking chamber at a distance from each other.

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