Griddle

Abstract

A griddle having a grease management system and independent cooking zones is disclosed. The griddle may have a cooking surface back wall with an opening provided therein for grease removal. A grease drip flange may extend away from the cooking surface at a downward angle at or near the back wall opening. A removable grease receptacle having a pivotable handle, as well as a squeegee element, may be provided below the grease drip flange. The independent cooking zones may be provided by burner assemblies having front and rear burners that provide different levels of heat using a single dual gas control valve.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A cooking griddle, comprising:
 a flat continuous cooking surface;   a cooking surface wall extending upward and away from the cooking surface, said cooking surface wall having a hollow interior portion defined by an inner wall element and an outer wall element, wherein the inner wall element is proximal to the cooking surface and the outer wall element is distal from the cooking surface; and   a vent opening provided in the cooking surface wall inner wall element, said vent opening communicating with the hollow interior portion of the cooking surface wall.   
     
     
         12 . The cooking griddle of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a vent cover disposed around the vent opening.   
     
     
         13 . The cooking griddle of  claim 12 , wherein the vent cover is configured to direct heated air from the vent opening towards the cooking surface. 
     
     
         14 . The cooking griddle of  claim 13 , wherein the vent cover is a louver style vent cover. 
     
     
         15 . The cooking griddle of  claim 14 , wherein the cooking surface wall is a side wall. 
     
     
         16 . The cooking griddle of  claim 14 , wherein the cooking surface wall is a back wall. 
     
     
         17 . The cooking griddle of  claim 11 , wherein the vent opening is configured to direct heated air from the vent opening towards the cooking surface. 
     
     
         18 . The cooking griddle of  claim 11 , wherein the cooking surface wall is a side wall.