The primary source for oxygen for a grill comes from below the burner. Conventional grills have vents located near the bottom of the grill, below the burner, to allow for air flow which supplies the necessary oxygen. However, if the airflow through these vents is at too high a velocity, the flame at the burner can be blown out. This can cause conventional grills to be virtually useless. in high wind environments.
Additionally, other areas of high velocity airflow can also disrupt the burner operation. One such area is the venturi assembly. Conventional grills have a venturi tube for mixing propane and air which is generally located outside of the grill tub. High wind conditions can result in this mixture being diluted too much, resulting in the burner flame going out. Additionally, high velocity airflow in the area directly above the burner can disrupt the burner operation. This can occur either when the grill hood is open, allowing the wind to access the top of the burner through the heat diffusing material, which typically consists of rocks or ceramic bricketts. Wind can also affect burner operation through vents in the grill hood when the hood is closed. In any of these cases, the high wind conditions can cause the flame at the burner to go out, and thus the grill must be re-lit, if possible, in order to continue operation.
Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a grill which overcomes these problems and protects the flame at the burner from high velocity airflow.