Combination product of indoor grill and air fryer

Abstract

An apparatus comprises: a housing (108); a chamber (106) within the housing (108), food to be grilled or air fried being disposed in the chamber; a fan system (126); a heating element (124); and a food placement element (110, 110a, 110b) comprising a surface on which food is placed in the chamber. At least one of the heating element (124) or the fan system (126) is disposed below the food placement element (110, 110a, 110b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to cooking products, and more particularly to a cooking product that functions as both an indoor grill and an air fryer. Background Art

[0002] An indoor grill is a cooking product or appliance that allows food to be grilled indoors. Indoor grills can be used indoors because they do not emit or emit a sufficiently small amount of smoke to the exterior of the product. However, one feature that indoor grills do not have over outdoor grills is the ability to produce grill lines or marks on the food being grilled. This is also the case with cooking appliances that function as both indoor grills and air fryers. Therefore, such products do not provide the user with the full grilling effect that outdoor grills provide. Summary of the invention

[0003] The specification describes an apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a chamber within the housing, food to be grilled or air fried being disposed in the chamber; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element comprising a surface on which food is placed in the chamber. The food placement element is disposed between the chamber and at least one of the fan system or the heating element.

[0004] In other embodiments, a device configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer includes: a housing; a chamber within the housing, in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element including a surface on which food is placed in the chamber; and a porous protrusion extending into the chamber. The porous protrusion is configured to deliver air directed by the fan system into the chamber.

[0005] In other embodiments, a device configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer includes: a housing; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element including a surface on which food is placed in the chamber; a container in which the heating element and the food placement element are disposed; and a fluid collector disposed below the container and removably engaged with the housing.

[0006] In other embodiments, a device configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer includes: a housing; a chamber within the housing, in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element including a surface on which food is placed in the chamber; a filter chamber in which a smoke filter is disposed; and at least one channel in fluid communication with the filter chamber and the chamber.

[0007] In other embodiments, a device configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer includes: a housing; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element including a surface on which food is placed in the chamber; and a cover removably engaged with the housing. The cover includes a transparent portion that provides visual access to the chamber.

[0008] In other embodiments, a device configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer includes: a housing; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a lid movable between a closed position covering the chamber and an open position exposing the chamber; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element including a surface on which food is placed in the chamber. The fan system is configured to remain enabled for a predetermined period of time when at least one of the following occurs: the device is deactivated to stop cooking or the lid is moved to an open position.

[0009] Other embodiments are possible, and each embodiment may be used alone or in combination.Therefore, various embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of an indoor grill / air fryer combination is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the indoor grill / air fryer combination without its lid.

[0012] Figure 3A A perspective view of a first food placement element for grilling is shown.

[0013] Figure 3B A perspective view of a second food placement element for air frying is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of the indoor grill / air fryer combination showing the heating element and fan system.

[0015] Figure 5 An isolated perspective view of a food placement element and a food placement support is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 A perspective view of a separate food placement rack is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 Shows the settings in Figure 1 A perspective top view of a food placement bracket in a housing of an indoor grill / air fryer combination.

[0018] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 A perspective top view of an indoor grill / air fryer combination with the food placement rack removed.

[0019] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 1 A perspective top view of the indoor grill / air fryer combination with the food support removed and the heating element mounting plate hidden.

[0020] Fig.10 Shows Figure 1 A perspective top view of an indoor grill / air fryer combination with the food placement bracket removed and the heating element and heating element mounting plate hidden.

[0021] Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of the indoor grill / air fryer combination is shown with the housing hidden to show the lower fan disposed below the container floor.

[0022] Fig.12 Shows Figure 1 The heating element and upper fan of the indoor grill / air fryer combination are shown separated, with the heating element in an uncovered position.

[0023] Fig.13 Shows Figure 1 A perspective top view of an indoor grill / air fryer combination is shown having a container with an opening that is fluidly connected to the smoke filter chamber through a channel.

[0024] Fig.14 Shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of the indoor grill / air fryer combination is shown with the housing hidden to show the fluid collector.

[0025] Fig.15 Shown separately Fig.14 A perspective view of the fluid collector is shown without the cover.

[0026] Fig.16 A perspective side view of the indoor grill / air fryer combination is shown with the lid detached from the housing.

[0027] Fig.17 A perspective view of the lid of an indoor grill / air fryer combination is shown, showing struts for providing a removable connection to the housing.

[0028] Fig.18 Shows Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary strut of a strut in FIG.

[0029] Fig.19 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a food placement rack of an indoor grill / air fryer combination is shown including an external tab that prevents the food placement rack from being improperly positioned in the indoor grill / air fryer combination. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] This specification describes various embodiments of products, appliances, devices, cooking products, cooking appliances, cooking devices, and related methods that provide a combination of indoor grilling and air frying. For simplicity, such products, appliances, and devices are referred to as indoor grill / air fryer combinations.

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view of an indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is shown. The indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is configured to operate in a variety of cooking modes, including a grilling mode for grilling food and an air frying mode for air frying food. In any of the various embodiments, other cooking modes for the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 are possible, such as baking and / or roasting. In various embodiments, other operating modes of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100, such as dehydrating and / or reheating. Typically, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 operates in different cooking modes in an alternating manner or over different time periods. The indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 may include a control panel 102, which is configured to receive user input that allows the user to select a cooking mode. Upon receiving a given cooking mode, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 may be configured to operate according to a set of operating characteristics, which in turn will produce a cooking effect corresponding to the selected cooking mode on the food. For example, if the cooking mode "grill" is selected, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 can operate according to a set of operating characteristics associated with the "grill" cooking mode, which grills food. As another example, if the cooking mode "air fry" is selected, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 can operate according to a set of operating characteristics with the "air fry" cooking mode, which air fries food.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 can include a lid 104 that can generally be moved between two positions, including a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the lid 104 exposes the interior chamber 106 defined by the housing 108 of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 to its external environment. When a user wants to use the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 to cook food, the user can position the lid 104 in the open position, which allows the user to place the food in the chamber 106. Moreover, when the user wants to cook the food in the chamber 106, the user can position the lid 104 in the closed position. In the closed position, the lid 104 can cover, enclose and / or seal the chamber 106 to isolate it from the external environment. Figure 1 The cover 104 is shown in a closed position.

[0033] Figure 2 A perspective view of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 without the lid 106 is shown, showing the interior cavity 106. The indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 can include a food placement element 110 including a surface 112 on which food is placed in the cavity 106. In various embodiments, the food placement element 110 includes two different food placement elements, including: a first food placement element for placing food in and / or on the cavity 106 when the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is operated in a grilling mode; and a second food placement element for placing food in and / or on the cavity 106 when the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is operated in an air fryer mode.

[0034] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the first and second food placement elements 110a, 110b is shown, respectively. The weight of the first food placement element 110a for grilling can be greater than the weight of the second food placement element 110b. The first and second food placement elements 110a, 110b can be removably disposed within the cavity 106 and / or can be interchangeable with each other. Also, with particular reference to Figure 3A The first food placement element 110a may include a set of raised ribs 114 that form a surface of the first food placement element 110a for contacting food. When the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is operated in a grilling mode, the ribs 114 may produce grill marks or lines on the food in contact with the ribs 114.

[0035] Return to reference Figure 2, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 can operate as an indoor grill because, even when operated in an indoor environment (e.g., in a kitchen), it does not emit or output smoke in sufficient quantities to activate a smoke alarm or create an indoor air environment that is harmful to breathe due to grilling. Additionally or alternatively, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 can minimize or suppress the smell or odor produced by the smoke so that the user cannot detect the smoke with his / her sense of smell.

[0036] To minimize the effects of smoke in the surrounding (indoor) environment, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 may include a smoke filtration system 116 that filters smoke from the air within the indoor grill / air fryer 100. The smoke filtration system 116 may include a smoke filter (or simply a filter) 118 that, when subjected to smoke-laden air (or a mixture of air and smoke or air including smoke particles), captures smoke particles in the smoke-laden air and delivers filtered air without (or with a reduced amount of) smoke particles to the exterior of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100. The smoke filtration system 116 may include a filter chamber 120 in which the filter 118 may be disposed. The filter 118 may be removably disposed within the filter chamber 120 such that a user may insert the filter 118 into the filter chamber 118 and / or remove the filter 118 from the filter chamber 120 at any number of times or at any different points in time. Additionally, the filter 118 can be configured as a replaceable filter 118, such that a user can replace the current filter with a new or different filter, for example, when the current filter has captured a sufficient amount of smoke particles. For at least some embodiments, the indoor grill / air fryer 100, for example, via the control panel 102, can instruct the user to replace the filter 118. Furthermore, as Figure 2 As shown, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 may include a filter door 122 that is configured to be opened and closed. The user can open the filter door 122 to remove the current filter 118 and replace the current filter 118 with a new filter. In addition, the user can close the filter door 122 to securely hold the filter 118 in the filter chamber 120.

[0037] Figure 4 A side perspective view of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is shown with most of the housing 108 hidden to allow certain internal components to be shown isolated. In particular, Figure 4An indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is shown that includes a heating element 124 and a fan system 126. Each of the heating element 124 and the fan system 126 is located or disposed below the food placement element 110. As used herein, the terms "above," "below," "top," "bottom," "under," and "above," "upper," and "lower," and other similar terms are used to describe, as non-limiting examples, components and relative positioning of components of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 when the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is positioned in its intended position to operate on a base having a flat surface, such as a countertop or tabletop. In its intended position, the food placement element 110 is generally parallel to the flat surface of the base, with a surface 112 of the food placement element 110 facing away from the flat surface of the base. The term "top" is used to refer to one or more components of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 that are farthest from the planar surface of the base (e.g., the lid 104), and the term "bottom" is used to refer to one or more components that are closest to and / or contact the planar surface of the base when the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is in its predetermined position. Accordingly, the terms "above," "over," and "upper" are used to refer to the positioning or arrangement of components that are closer to the "top" and farther from the "bottom" (or farther from the planar surface of the base), and the terms "below," "under," and "lower" are used to refer to the positioning or arrangement of components that are closer to the "bottom" and farther from the "top" (or closer to the planar surface of the base).

[0038] Further references Figure 4 As described above, the heating element 124 and the fan system 126 can be disposed below the food placement element 110. Accordingly, the food placement element 110 is disposed between the chamber 106 and the heating element 124 and the fan system 126. When activated, the heating element 124 generates heat according to a temperature setting determined by the control panel 102 to cook food on the food placement element 110, for example, according to a cooking mode. By positioning the heating element 124 below the food placement element 110, when the first food placement element 110a for grilling is positioned in the inner cavity 106, the heating element 124 can be configured to heat the food placement element 110a to a sufficiently high temperature, including when the indoor grill / air fryer combination is in a grilling mode, so that the ribs 114 produce grill lines or marks on the food in contact therewith.

[0039] Positioning the heating element 114 below the food placement element 110 can be contrasted with other configurations in which the heating element is positioned above the food placement element 110. For example, the food placement element can be a component of the cover 104 or fixedly coupled to the cover. However, for such configurations in which the heating element is positioned above the food placement element, the heating element may not be able to heat the food placement element so that the food placement element can produce grill marks or lines on the food. For example, in a configuration in which the heating element is positioned above the food placement, the heating element is positioned at a distance far enough from the food placement element to provide a desired amount or space or volume in which food can be placed. However, this distance and the presence of food between the heating element and the food placement element may prevent the heating element from heating the food placement element so as to produce grill lines or marks on the food. In contrast, by positioning the heating element 124 below the food placement element 110, as in Figure 4 As shown, the heating element 124 can be closer to the food placement element 110 and can be placed so that no food is placed between the heating element 124 and the food placement element 110, which in turn can allow the heating element 124 to heat the food placement element 110 to allow or cause the food placement element 110 to produce grill marks or lines on the food, thereby producing a more ideal and close to the grilling function or experience of an outdoor grill. The embodiment shown in the figure shows the heating element 124 and the fan system 126 disposed below the food placement element 110. However, in various embodiments, at least one of the heating element 124 or the fan system 126 is disposed below the food placement element 110. For example, in some embodiments, the heating element 124 can be below the food placement element 110, and the fan system 126 can be above the food placement element 110 (e.g., such as a portion of the cover 104). In other embodiments, the heating element 124 can be located above the food placement element 110, and the fan system 126 can be located below the food placement element 110.

[0040] Moreover, if Figure 4 As shown, the fan system 126 is located below the heating element 124. The fan system 126 is configured to perform at least two functions, including: circulating heated air (air heated by the heating element 124) in the chamber 106 to facilitate cooking of food on the food placement element 110, and facilitating the removal of smoke by directing air to the filter 118 of the smoke filtration system 116.

[0041] Additionally, for at least some embodiments, e.g. Figure 4In the embodiment of the present invention, the smoke filtering system 116 includes a filter housing 127 defining a filter chamber 120, and at least one hollow member 128 defining at least one channel 130. The at least one hollow member 128 extends from the filter housing 127 to the interior of the housing 108 in a direction substantially parallel to the food placement element 110. The at least one channel 130 is in fluid communication with the filter chamber 120.

[0042] The fan system 126, when in operation or when enabled, can direct air in the chamber 106 and / or the area below the chamber 106 to the at least one passage 130 for delivery to the filter 118. Since the air may include smoke particles generated during cooking, the directing of the air into the at least one passage 130 caused by the fan system 126 facilitates the removal and / or filtering of smoke particles from other areas within the chamber 106 and inside the indoor grill / air fryer 100 other than the filter chamber 120, thereby enabling the indoor grill / air fryer 100 to be used indoors with minimal or negligible smoke effects.

[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments, for example Figure 4 In the embodiment, the fan system 126 includes two fans, including an upper fan 126a and a lower fan 126b. Accordingly, at least one channel 130 includes a dual channel system having two channels, including an upper channel 130a and a lower channel 130b. Figure 4 As shown, the upper fan 126a and the upper fan 130a are substantially transverse to each other and / or disposed at substantially the same height within the housing 108. In addition, the upper and lower fans 126a, 126b each include a set of blades that rotate in respective planes, with each blade being parallel to the food placement element 110. The upper fan 126a circulates the heated air in the chamber 106 (i.e., the air heated by the heating element 124) and also directs the air in the chamber 106 toward the filter chamber 120 into the upper channel 130a, and the lower fan 126 directs the air in the area below the chamber 106 toward the filter chamber 120 into the lower channel 130b.

[0044] In some embodiments, after the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 transitions from being operational or enabled to being inoperative or disabled, such as when the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 deactivates the heating element 124 to stop cooking, the fan system 126, such as controlled by the control panel 102, remains enabled (i.e., the fan blades rotate) for a predetermined period of time. The indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 may transition from being operational to being inoperative in response to an event, such as the expiration of a timer or receipt of a "stop cooking" or "cancel cooking" input from a user on the control panel 102. Additionally or alternatively, the fan system 126 remains enabled for a predetermined period of time after the lid 104 is moved from the closed position to the open position. Upon expiration of the predetermined period of time, the fan system 126 turns off. By maintaining activation for a predetermined time period after the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is turned off and / or when the lid 104 is opened, the fan system 126 continues to direct smoke toward the filter 118, and ideally minimizes the effects of smoke in the surrounding indoor environment for a certain time period after the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is closed and / or the lid 104 is opened, thereby exposing the chamber 106 to the external environment of the indoor environment. Additionally or alternatively, maintaining the fan system 126 activated for a predetermined time period minimizes or controls the accumulation of smoke in the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 after cooking is completed, and the food particles continue to burn until the food placement element 110 or other surface is sufficiently cooled. Without maintaining the fan system 126 activated for a predetermined time period, when the user opens the lid 104, the accumulated smoke can be released into the surrounding environment. For at least some embodiments, the predetermined time period is less than ten minutes. For at least some of these embodiments, the predetermined time period is in the range between three minutes and seven minutes. For other embodiments of these embodiments, the predetermined time period is in the range between four minutes and six minutes. For still other embodiments of these embodiments, the predetermined time period is five minutes. Other time periods are also possible.

[0045] Return to reference Figure 2 , the indoor grill / air fryer 100 may further include a porous protrusion 132 extending into the chamber 106. The porous protrusion 132 is configured to deliver heated air (e.g., air heated by the heating element 124) into the chamber 106 to facilitate cooking of food placed on the food placement element 110. Figure 2In at least some examples shown in , the porous protrusion 132 can be a hollow structure having an interior area. The fan system 126 including the upper fan 126a can convey, blow or guide the heated air in an upward direction into the interior area. In the direction facing the food placement element 110, the central axis of the porous protrusion 132 and the central axis of the upper fan 126a can be aligned with each other, and / or the porous protrusion 132 can be arranged above the upper fan 126a. The bottom or base or porous protrusion 132 can be open above the upper fan 126, allowing the upper fan 126a to blow the heated air upward into the interior area of ​​the porous protrusion. In addition, as Figure 2 As shown, the porous protrusion 132 has a plurality of holes or apertures 132 through which heated air may flow to flow from within the interior region to the chamber 106 .

[0046] In more detail, the porous protrusion 132 may have any of a variety of three-dimensional shapes. Figure 2 As shown, the porous protrusion 132 is a frustum of a cone, but other three-dimensional shapes, such as cones, pyramids, cylinders, or rectangular prisms as non-limiting examples, are also possible. Additionally or alternatively, in e.g. Figure 2 In any of the various embodiments shown in , the apertures or holes 134 can be disposed on the sidewalls of the porous protrusions 132, or otherwise face in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction in which the food placement element 110 faces. Additionally or alternatively, in any of the various embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown in , the plurality of holes 134 may extend 360 degrees circumferentially around the central axis of the three-dimensional structure, and / or be substantially evenly distributed on the sidewalls of the porous protrusion 132, so that the porous protrusion 132 substantially evenly distributes or delivers heated air from the interior area to the chamber 108. Additionally or alternatively, in a configuration such as Figure 2 In any of the various embodiments shown in , the sidewalls may be configured as a grid or basket to define the apertures 134 .

[0047] Also refer to Figure 3A and 3B , the food placement element 110 (including the first and second food placement elements 110a, 110b) can have a hole 135. When the food placement element 110 is located in the cavity 106, the porous protrusion extends or protrudes through the hole 136.

[0048] Return to reference Figure 2 The indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 may also include a food placement rack 136 on which the food placement element is disposed, positioned and / or supported in the housing 108. Figure 2 , Figure 5 An isolated perspective view of the food placement element 110 positioned in the food placement rack 136 is shown, and Figure 6 A separate perspective view of a food placement support 136 having a porous protrusion 132 is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the food placement rack 136 has a bottom surface 140 (also referred to as the upper surface of the bottom 141 of the food placement rack 136), and the food placement element 110 can be disposed on the bottom surface. Moreover, in at least some embodiments, the food placement element 110 is removably disposed on the food placement rack 136, wherein the food placement element 110 can be disposed on the food placement rack 136 and can be removed or separated therefrom while the food placement rack 136 remains in the housing 108 of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 and / or is connected thereto. For example, gravity can keep the food placement element 110 in the food placement rack 136, and the user can separate the food placement element 110 from the food placement rack 136 by overcoming gravity, such as by lifting the food placement element 110 out of the area in the food placement rack 136 where the food placement element 110 is located.

[0049] The detachable connection between the food placement element 110 and the food placement bracket 136 provides various features. For example, the food placement element 110 and the food placement bracket 136 can be used for cooking and / or cleaning at different times. In addition or alternatively, the same food placement bracket 136 can be used with multiple or different food placement elements 110. For example, during a first time period, the food placement bracket 136 can be used (coupled) with the first food placement element 110a when grilling, and during a second time period, the food placement bracket 136 can be used (coupled) with the second food placement bracket 110b when air frying.

[0050] Moreover, if Figure 6 As best shown in FIG. 1 , for at least some embodiments, the food placement support 136 and the porous protrusion 132 are an integral part. That is, the porous protrusion can be considered as a part of the food placement support.

[0051] Additionally, for at least some embodiments, e.g. Figure 2 , 5 6, the food support 136 may include at least one vent 138 in the side wall 142. The vent 138 may serve as a passage through the side wall of the food support 138 through which air (including smoke-filled air) may flow from within the area of ​​the chamber 106 defined by the food support 136. As described in further detail below, air exiting the chamber 106 through the vent 138 may flow to the upper passage 130a, to the filter 118 ( Figure 4 ).

[0052] In addition, refer to Figure 7 and8 , the food placement rack 136 can be removably connected to the housing 108 of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100. In particular, the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 can include a container 144, and the food placement rack 138 can be removably connected to and / or disposed within the container 144. For example, the food placement rack 138 can be placed within the container 144, and when placed, gravity can keep the food placement rack 138 coupled to the container 144. A user can detach or separate the food placement rack 138 from the container 144 by overcoming gravity and lifting the food placement rack 138 out of the container 144. Figure 7 A food placement support 138 is shown disposed within and coupled to a container 144 . Figure 6 The food placement rack 138 is shown as a separation component when separated and / or removed from the container 144.

[0053] The food placement rack 138 can be removably connected to the container 144 or connected to the housing 108 as a whole, and various features can be provided. For example, by being able to remove the food placement rack 138 from the container 144, the food placement rack 138 can be cleaned separately or individually. In addition or alternatively, the interior of the container 144 can be cleaned without being obstructed by the food placement rack 138.

[0054] Further references Fig. 9 and 10 , the heating element 124 and the upper fan 126a can be disposed or positioned in the container 144. The container 144 can include an inner surface 146 that at least partially defines the chamber 106. In addition, the chamber 144 can include a bottom member or bottom plate 148 having an upper surface 150 that forms a portion of the inner surface 146 of the container 144. The heating element 124 and the upper fan 126a can be disposed in the lower chamber within the container 144, located between the bottom plate 148 and the food placement element 110 and / or the food placement support 136.

[0055] Figure 8 The interior of the container 144 is shown when the food placement support 138 is removed. Figure 8 As shown, removal of the food placement support 138 reveals the mounting plate 152 to which the heating element 124 is coupled. Fig. 9 The indoor grill / air fryer device 100 is shown with the mounting plate 152 hidden to show the heating element 124 . Fig.10 The indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is shown with the heating element hidden to show the upper fan 126a. Figure 7-10 When the food placement rack 138 is located in the container 144, the bottom 141 ( Figure 6) is directly above or on the mounting plate 152, the mounting plate 152 is directly above or on the heating element 124, the heating element 124 is directly above or on the upper fan 126a, and the upper fan 126a is directly above or on the bottom plate 148 of the container 144. In addition, specific reference is made to Figure 8 The central portion of the mounting plate 152 may include a mesh screen 154 through which the upper fan 126 may direct air into the interior area of ​​the porous protrusion 132 .

[0056] Reference Figure 4 , 11 13, the bottom plate 148 of the container 144 can be arranged between the upper fan 126a and the lower fan 126b and / or separate them. In this way, the lower fan 126 guides the air below the bottom 148 of the container 144 into the lower channel 130b. And, the container may include an opening 156 to allow air to circulate from the inside of the container to the outside of the container 144. The opening 156 can be aligned with the upper channel 130a and positioned at a height substantially the same as the upper fan 126a and the upper channel 130a. Therefore, the upper fan 126a can guide air from the chamber 106 to enter the upper channel 130a through the opening 156 to reach the filter 118. Moreover, as previously described with reference to 2, 5 and 6, the food placement bracket 136 may include a vent 138, and the air in the chamber 106 (including the air filled with smoke) can be passed to the outside of the food placement bracket 136 through the vent. Thus, the air flow path for air (including smoke-laden air) to travel from the chamber 106 to the air filter 118 may include from the chamber 106, through the vents 138 of the food placement rack 136, through the opening 156 of the container 144, through the upper passage 130a, and into the filter chamber 120. In the filter chamber 120, the filter 118 may capture smoke particles and allow air to pass through it, through the filter door 122, and to the exterior of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100. In operation, the upper fan 126a may facilitate the flow of air on this air flow path.

[0057] refer to Figure 8 , 9 12, for at least some embodiments, such as those shown in the figures, the heating element 124 can be in the form of a serpentine coil, although any other shape or structure suitable for heating food is also possible depending on the cooking mode of the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100. Moreover, as Figure 8 , 9As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the heating element 124 and / or the mounting plate 152 can be moved relative to the housing 108, the container 144, and / or the upper fan 126a. For example, the heating element 124 and the mounting plate 152 can be moved between a covering position and an uncovered position. In the covering position, the heating element 124 and / or the mounting plate 152 covers or is arranged on the upper fan 126a, such as Figure 8 and 9 In the uncovered position, the heating element 124 and / or the mounting plate 152 are not covered and / or are not arranged on the upper fan 126a so as to expose the upper fan. The removable heating element 124 and the mounting plate 152, and in particular the positioning of the heating element 124 and the mounting plate 152 in the uncovered position, can facilitate cleaning of the upper fan 126a and / or the upper surface 150 of the bottom plate 148.

[0058] Moreover, in e.g. Fig. 9 and 12 In the particular embodiment shown in , the heating element 124 may include an end 158 pivotably connected to the container 144, which allows the heating element 124 and the mounting plate 152 to pivot or rotate between a covering position and an uncovered position. Other ways of configuring the heating element 124 and the mounting plate 152 to be movable relative to the container 144 and / or the upper fan 126a are also possible.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 and 2 ,as well as Fig.14 and 15 The indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 may also include a fluid collector 160. The primary function of the fluid collector 160 may be to collect grease, although the fluid collector 160 may be capable of collecting other or additional fluids, including those generated during cooking. Figure 7 , the food support 136 may include a hole or opening 162 through which fluid may enter. The hole 162 may be in fluid communication with a channel extending from the bottom 141 of the food support 136 to the bottom plate 148 of the container 144. Fig.14 , a tubular or hollow member 164 may further extend the passage from the base plate 148 to the fluid collector 160, where the fluid is ultimately contained.

[0060] refer to Fig.13 and 19 , the food placement support 136 may include an outer tab 194 (such as a cutout tab) Fig.19 ), which protrudes or extends outwardly from the side wall of the food placement support 136. Accordingly, the inner surface of the container 144 may include a protrusion or bump 192 ( Fig.13). The protrusion 192 and the tab 194 can prevent the food placement bracket 136 from being incorrectly inserted into the container 144. That is, when the food placement bracket 136 is correctly inserted into the container 144, the hole 162 is aligned with the channel to allow grease or other fluids in the food placement bracket 136 to enter the stream 162 and flow into the grease collector 160. However, this will only happen when the food placement bracket 136 is inserted into the container 144 in one way (i.e., the correct way). If the food placement bracket 136 is incorrectly inserted into the container 144, the hole 162 will not be aligned with the rest of the channel. Therefore, if the food placement bracket 136 is incorrectly inserted into the container 144, the protrusion 192 and the tab 194 can prevent the food placement bracket 136 from being fully inserted and / or disposed in the container 144, which in turn causes the user to remove the food placement bracket 136 from the container 144 and reinsert it in the correct way so that the hole 162 is aligned with the rest of the grease collector channel.

[0061] Return to reference Figure 1 , 2 , 14 and 15, the fluid collector 160 can be slidably and removably connected to the housing 108. For example, the fluid collector 160 can be slidably engaged and disengaged from the housing 108 in a direction substantially parallel to the food placement element 110 (or substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the food placement element 110 faces).

[0062] Moreover, for at least some embodiments, e.g. Fig.14 and 15 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the fluid collector 160 may include a window 166 that provides visual access to an area or volume 168 in which the fluid is collected. The window 166 enables a user to determine how much fluid is in the fluid collector, which enables the user to determine if and / or when the fluid collector 160 should be emptied while the fluid collector 160 is engaged with the housing 108, for example. Figure 1 and 2 Also, in some embodiments, the fluid collector may have a cover 170 located above the fluid collection area 168. When the user wants to empty the fluid collector 160, the user can slidably detach the fluid collector 160 from the housing 108 and remove the cover 170 to desirably create a larger area for removing fluid from the fluid collector 160. Fig.15 The fluid collector 160 is shown alone without the cover 170 .

[0063] The fluid collector 160 may be different from other configurations that utilize a tray located below the food placement element as a final storage portion for grease or other fluids to be collected and removed. Such a tray may have to be cleaned by a user entering the chamber and / or the food placement element must be removed to allow access to the housing and / or remove the tray from the housing. In contrast, for the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100, the fluid collector 160 is located below the bottom plate 148 of the container 144 and can be slidably engaged and disengaged with the housing 108 without interfering with any components in the container 144. For example, a user can remove the fluid collector 160 from the housing 108 and / or insert the fluid collector 160 into the housing 108 without first removing the food placement element 110 and / or the food placement bracket 136 from the container 144, which can facilitate the removal of grease or other fluids and / or the cleaning of the final grease reservoir of the indoor grill / air fryer.

[0064] Reference Fig.10 and 12 For at least some embodiments, the upper fan 126a may include a set of blades 172, as described above. Each blade 172 may be a planar structure parallel to the direction facing the food placement element 110. Moreover, the blades 172 are circumferentially positioned around the center point or axis of the upper fan 126a. Each blade 172 may have a length extending across the upper edge from the inner end closest to the center point of the upper fan 126a to the outer end farthest from the center point. Moreover, each blade 172 may extend from its inner end to its outer end at an angle relative to a geometric ray extending from the center point and intersecting the inner end of the blade 172. In addition or alternatively, the upper fan 126a may include a cover ring 174 oriented substantially parallel to the surface 112 of the food placement element 110. In various embodiments, the cover ring 174 may cover at least 50% of the length of the blade 172 on its upper edge. In particular, in these embodiments, the cover ring 174 may cover 100% of the length. For example, the inner ends of blades 172 may define an inner contour and the outer ends of blades 172 may define an outer contour. The outer circumference of cover ring 172 may substantially match and / or align with the outer contour of blades 172 and the inner circumference of cover ring 174 may substantially match the inner contour of blades 172.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 For at least some embodiments, the cover 104 can include a clear or transparent portion 176 through which a person can see. When the cover 104 is in the closed position, the transparent portion 176 provides visual access to the cavity 106, allowing the user to observe the food being cooked in the cavity 106. In some embodiments, the transparent portion 176 constitutes at least 50% of the top surface area of ​​the cover 104. In certain embodiments of these embodiments, for example Figure 1As shown, the transparent portion 176 includes the entire top surface area of ​​the cover 104, except for the outer frame 178 that engages the top lip of the housing 108 and the food placement support 136 when the cover 104 is in the closed position. The transparent portion 176 is particularly useful in combination with the heating element 124 and the fan system 126 located below the food placement element 110. In other configurations, when the heating element and / or the fan system are above the food placement element, the transparent portion in the cover may not be useful because the heating element and the fan will block the user's view of the chamber 106 anyway.

[0066] Also refer to Fig.16 and 17 , the cover 104 can be coupled to the housing 108 via a hinge assembly 180 or other similar connection that allows the cover 104 to pivot or move between open and closed positions. In addition, for at least some configurations, the cover 104 can be slidably and / or removably coupled to the housing 108 and / or engaged therewith. That is, the cover side portion 182 of the hinge assembly 180 can be slidably and removably coupled to the housing side portion 184 of the hinge assembly 180 and / or can be engaged therewith. To this end, the cover side portion 182 may include a post 186 that rotates or pivots within a corresponding hole 188 on the housing side portion 184. The housing side portion 184 may also have a groove or track 190 that has a width less than the corresponding hole 188. For the cover side portion 182, the post 186 may have a cross-sectional shape, such as Fig.18 The pill shape shown in FIG. 1 allows the post 186 to slide through the track 190 when the cover 104 is in only one position or a very small range of positions between the open position and the closed position. For example, Fig.18As shown, the cross-section of the pillar 186 may have a plurality of different widths W, each width being geometrically defined by a different corresponding parallel tangent line. For example, the first width w1 is defined by the parallel tangent lines l1 and l2, and the second width w2 is defined by the parallel tangent lines l3 and l4. Of all possible widths, a cross-sectional shape such as a spherical shape may provide only a subset of widths that are less than the track 190. For example, the first width w1 may be less than the width of the track 190, and the second width w2 may be greater than the width of the track 190. When the cover 104 is in a specific position or a small range of specific positions between the open position and the closed position, so that the parallel tangent lines corresponding to the pillar width that is less than the track width are parallel to the track 190, the pillar 186 may then slide through the track 190 to separate the cover 104 from the housing 108. By sliding the pillar 186 through the track 190 in a similar manner, the separated cover 104 may be coupled to the housing 108. For all other cover positions, where a parallel tangent line parallel to track 190 corresponds to a width greater than or equal to the track width, cover 104, support post 186 cannot slide through track 190, and subsequently cannot be slidably separated if connected to housing 108, and cannot be slidably connected to the housing if separated from housing 108.

[0067] like Fig.16 As shown, for at least some configurations, the track 190 can extend substantially parallel to the direction in which the food placement element 110 faces (i.e., an upward direction and / or a direction perpendicular to the surface of a base (e.g., a countertop or tabletop) on which the indoor grill / air fryer combination 100 is disposed), and when the cover 104 is in the same orientation, the attached cover 104 can be removed from the housing 108, and the removed cover 104 can be attached to the housing 108. The cover 104 configured to be slidably and removably attached to the housing 108 can provide a feature in which the cover 104 can be washed or cleaned individually or independently.

[0068] Furthermore, while the embodiments described herein specifically describe an indoor grill / air fryer combination (e.g., a device that can grill and air fry food), one or more of the features described herein can also be used with a grill or indoor grill without necessarily having air frying capabilities. Figure 1-19 The depicted embodiment may be an indoor grill that operates in a "grill" mode rather than an "air fry" mode, and / or that does not have a food placement element 110b specifically for air frying.

[0069] The subject matter of this specification may also relate to the following aspects in particular:

[0070] A first aspect includes an apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a chamber within the housing, in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element comprising a surface on which food is placed in the chamber, wherein the food placement element is disposed between the chamber and at least one of the fan system or the heating element.

[0071] A second aspect includes the first aspect and further includes a porous protrusion extending into the chamber, the porous protrusion being configured to deliver air directed by the fan system into the chamber.

[0072] A third aspect includes the second aspect, and further includes wherein the porous protrusion is in the shape of a frustum of a cone.

[0073] A fourth aspect includes any of the second or third aspects, and further includes wherein the food placement element includes a hole, and the porous protrusion extends through the hole.

[0074] The fifth aspect includes any one of the second to fourth aspects, and further includes a food placement rack, the food placement element being disposed on the food placement rack.

[0075] A sixth aspect includes the fifth aspect, and further includes wherein the food placement support and the porous protrusion are an integral component.

[0076] The seventh aspect includes any of the fifth or sixth aspects, and further includes, wherein the food placement support includes a side wall defining a cavity, wherein the side wall includes a vent hole in fluid communication with a filter chamber, and the filter chamber includes a smoke filter disposed within the housing and outside the cavity.

[0077] An eighth aspect includes any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, and further includes, wherein the food placement support is configured as an insert that is removably coupled to an inner surface of the housing.

[0078] A ninth aspect includes any one of the first to eighth aspects, and further includes, wherein the heating element is movable relative to the housing.

[0079] A tenth aspect includes any one of the first to ninth aspects, and further includes a cover coupled to the housing.

[0080] The eleventh aspect includes the tenth aspect and further includes wherein the cover includes a transparent portion providing visual access into the chamber.

[0081] A twelfth aspect includes any of the tenth or eleventh aspects, and further includes wherein the cover is removably engageable with the housing.

[0082] A thirteenth aspect includes the twelfth aspect and further includes wherein the cover is slidably engaged with the housing when the cover is oriented substantially parallel to an upward direction of the device.

[0083] A fourteenth aspect includes any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, and further includes: a fluid collector removably coupled to the housing.

[0084] A fifteenth aspect includes the fourteenth aspect, and further includes, wherein the fluid collector is slidably engaged with the housing, the fluid collector being engaged and disengaged with the housing in a direction substantially parallel to the food placement element.

[0085] A sixteenth aspect includes any of the fourteenth or fifteenth aspects, and further includes, wherein the fluid collector includes a window providing visual access to an interior volume of the fluid collector.

[0086] The seventeenth aspect includes any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, and further includes, wherein the food placing element includes a first food placing element, the device further includes a second food placing element, wherein one of the first food placing element and the second food placing element is used for grilling food, and the other of the first food placing element and the second food placing element is used for air frying food.

[0087] An eighteenth aspect includes the seventeenth aspect, and further includes, wherein one of the first food placing element and the second food placing element for grilling food is heavier than the other of the first food placing element and the second food placing element for air frying food.

[0088] A nineteenth aspect includes any of the seventeenth or eighteenth aspects, and further includes wherein one of the first food placement element and the second food placement element for grilling food includes a set of ribs configured to produce grill marks on food contacted by the set of ribs.

[0089] A twentieth aspect includes any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, and further includes a channel in fluid communication with the filter chamber for the smoke filter.

[0090] A twenty-first aspect includes the twentieth aspect and further includes, wherein the fan system is configured to direct air into the passageway.

[0091] A twenty-second aspect includes any of the twentieth or twenty-first aspects, and further includes, wherein the housing comprises a container, the heating element and the food placement element are disposed in the container, wherein the container comprises an opening in fluid communication with the passageway.

[0092] A twenty-third aspect includes the twenty-second aspect, and further includes, wherein the device further includes a food placement rack, the food placement element is disposed on the food placement rack, and the food placement rack includes a vent hole that provides fluid communication between the cavity and the opening.

[0093] A twenty-fourth aspect of any one of the first to twenty-third aspects, further comprising, wherein the fan system comprises a fan disposed below the base plate, the fan being configured to direct air into a channel in fluid communication with the filter chamber for the smoke filter.

[0094] The twenty-fifth aspect includes any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, and further includes, wherein the fan system includes an upper fan and a lower fan, the upper fan is arranged above the bottom plate of the container in which the heating element and the food placement element are arranged, and the lower fan is arranged below the bottom plate, and the device further includes: a dual-channel system connected to the fluid of the filter chamber for the smoke filter, the dual-channel system includes an upper channel and a lower channel, wherein the upper fan is configured to guide air above the bottom plate to the filter chamber, and wherein the lower fan is configured to guide air below the bottom plate to the filter chamber.

[0095] A twenty-sixth aspect includes the twenty-fifth aspect, and further includes, wherein the upper fan is further configured to direct heated air into the chamber.

[0096] Aspect twenty-seven includes any of aspects twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth, and further includes, wherein the upper fan comprises: a group of blades oriented substantially perpendicular to a surface of a food placement element; and a cover ring oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the food placement element blades, wherein the cover ring covers the group of blades.

[0097] A twenty-eighth aspect includes the twenty-seventh aspect, and further includes at least one of the following: an outer circumference of the cover ring substantially matches an outer contour defined by the set of blades, or an inner circumference of the cover ring substantially matches an inner contour defined by the set of blades.

[0098] A twenty-ninth aspect includes any of aspects one to twenty-eight, and further includes, wherein the fan system is configured to remain active for a predetermined period of time when at least one of the following occurs: the device is deactivated to stop cooking, the lid is moved to an open position.

[0099] A thirtieth aspect includes the twenty-ninth aspect, and further includes, wherein the predetermined time period is five minutes.

[0100] A thirty-first aspect includes a device configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the device comprising: a shell; a chamber within the shell, in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element comprising a surface on which food is placed in the chamber; and a porous protrusion extending into the chamber, the porous protrusion being configured to deliver air directed by the fan system into the chamber.

[0101] A thirty-second aspect includes an apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a chamber within the housing, in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element comprising a surface on which food is placed in the chamber; a container in which the heating element and the food placement element are disposed; and a fluid collector disposed below the container and removably engaged with the housing.

[0102] A thirty-third aspect includes an apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a chamber within the housing, in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element comprising a surface on which food is placed in the chamber; a filter chamber in which a smoke filter is disposed; and at least one channel in fluid communication with the filter chamber and the chamber.

[0103] A thirty-fourth aspect includes an apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element comprising a surface on which food is placed in the chamber; and a cover removably engaged with the housing, the cover comprising a transparent portion that provides visual access to the chamber.

[0104] A thirty-fifth aspect includes a device configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the device comprising: a housing; a chamber within the housing, in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a lid movable between a closed position covering the chamber and an open position exposing the chamber; a fan system; a heating element; and a food placement element comprising a surface on which food is placed in the chamber, wherein the fan system is configured to remain enabled for a predetermined period of time when at least one of the following occurs: the device is deactivated to stop cooking or the lid is moved to an open position.

[0105] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention has been given for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the present invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. In light of the above teachings, many modifications and changes are possible. The embodiments discussed are selected and described in order to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that one of ordinary skill in the art can utilize the present invention in various embodiments and make various modifications to suit the specific purposes envisioned. All these modifications and changes are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted according to the extent authorized fairly, legally and equitably.

Claims

1. An apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: case; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; Fan system; Heating elements; as well as a food placement element comprising a surface on which the food is placed in the chamber, The food placement element is disposed between the chamber and at least one of the fan system or the heating element.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A porous protrusion extends into the chamber, the porous protrusion being configured to deliver air directed by the fan system into the chamber.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The porous protrusion is in the shape of a frustum of a cone.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The food placement element includes an aperture through which the porous protrusion extends. 5 . The device according to claim 2 , further comprising a food placement rack, wherein the food placement element is disposed on the food placement rack.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The food placement support and the porous protrusion are an integral part.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The food placement rack includes a side wall defining the cavity, wherein the side wall includes a vent hole in fluid communication with a filter chamber, the filter chamber including a smoke filter disposed within the housing and outside the cavity.

8. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The food placement support is configured as an insert that is removably coupled to an inner surface of the housing.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating element is movable relative to the housing.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cover coupled to the housing.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The cover includes a transparent portion that provides visual access to the chamber.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The cover is removably engaged with the housing.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The cover is slidably engaged with the housing when the cover is oriented substantially parallel to an upward direction of the device.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A fluid collector is removably coupled to the housing.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The fluid collector is slidably engaged with the housing, the fluid collector engaging and disengaging with the housing in a direction substantially parallel to the food placement element.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The fluid collector includes a window providing visual access to an interior volume of the fluid collector.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The food placing element includes a first food placing element, and the device further includes a second food placing element, wherein one of the first food placing element and the second food placing element is used for grilling food, and the other of the first food placing element and the second food placing element is used for air frying food.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein: One of the first food placing element and the second food placing element for grilling food is heavier than the other of the first food placing element and the second food placing element for air frying food.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein: One of the first food placement element and the second food placement element for grilling food includes a set of ribs configured to produce grill marks on food contacted by the set of ribs.

20. The device of claim 1, further comprising a passage in fluid communication with a filter chamber for a smoke filter.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The fan system is configured to direct air into the passageway.

22. The device according to claim 20, wherein: The housing includes a container in which the heating element and the food placement element are disposed, wherein the container includes an opening in fluid communication with the passageway.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein: The device also includes a food placement support, the food placement element is disposed on the food placement support, and the food placement support includes a vent hole that provides fluid communication between the cavity and the opening.

24. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The fan system includes a fan disposed below the base plate, the fan being configured to direct air into a channel in fluid communication with a filter chamber for a smoke filter.

25. The device according to claim 1, wherein The fan system includes an upper fan and a lower fan, the upper fan is arranged above the bottom plate of the container in which the heating element and the food placement element are arranged, and the lower fan is arranged below the bottom plate, and the device further includes: a dual channel system in fluid communication with a filter chamber for a smoke filter, the dual channel system comprising an upper channel and a lower channel, wherein the upper fan is configured to guide air above the bottom plate to the filter chamber, and Wherein, the lower fan is configured to guide the air below the bottom plate to the filter chamber.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein The upper fan is further configured to direct heated air into the chamber.

27. The device according to claim 25, wherein: The upper fan comprises: a set of blades oriented substantially perpendicular to a surface of the food placement element; and A cover ring is oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the food placement element blades, wherein the cover ring covers the set of blades.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein At least one of the following items is included: the outer circumference of the cover ring substantially matches the outer contour defined by the set of blades, or the inner circumference of the cover ring substantially matches the inner contour defined by the set of blades.

29. The device according to claim 1, wherein The fan system is configured to remain active for a predetermined period of time when at least one of the following occurs: the device is deactivated to stop cooking, or the lid is moved to an open position.

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein: The predetermined time period is five minutes.

31. An apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: case; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; Fan system; Heating elements; as well as a food placement element including a surface on which the food is placed in the chamber; as well as A porous protrusion extends into the chamber, the porous protrusion being configured to deliver air directed by the fan system into the chamber.

32. An apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: case; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; Fan system; Heating elements; as well as a food placement element including a surface on which the food is placed in the chamber; a container in which the heating element and the food placement element are disposed; as well as A fluid collector is disposed below the container and removably engaged with the housing.

33. An apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: case; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; Fan system; Heating elements; a food placement element including a surface on which the food is placed in the chamber; a filter chamber in which a smoke filter is disposed; as well as At least one channel is in fluid communication with the filtration chamber and the filtration chamber.

34. An apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: case; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; Fan system; Heating elements; a food placement element including a surface on which the food is placed in the chamber; as well as A cover is removably engaged with the housing, the cover including a transparent portion that provides visual access to the chamber.

35. An apparatus configured to operate as both an indoor grill and an air fryer, the apparatus comprising: case; a chamber within the housing in which food to be grilled or air fried is disposed; a cover movable between a closed position covering the chamber and an open position exposing the chamber; Fan system; Heating elements; as well as a food placement element comprising a surface on which the food is placed in the chamber, Wherein the fan system is configured to remain enabled for a predetermined period of time when at least one of the following occurs: the device is deactivated to stop cooking, or the lid is moved to an open position.

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