Broiler/griddle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Briefly stated, the invention is a portable, range top broiler and griddle apparatus having a removable and interchangeable griddle and broiling grid.
The unit also includes a removable base assembly which rests beneath the grid during broiling and acts as a secondary grease drain.
When in place, the base, grid, and griddle each decline toward a grease cup to automatically drain grease during cooking.
The apparatus consists of several detachable and interchangeable units.
A three-sided fire box sits on the range top, surrounding the burners.
When the broiler option is being used, the broiling grid is placed within the fire box, resting on supports which make the grid decline towards the front of the fire box.
As food on the grid is broiled, grease automatically drains off the grid and into the grease cup which is removably attached to the front of the fire box.
Preferably, the grid is formed of a series of parallel, spaced, steel channels.
Beneath the grid is a base assembly, which is similar to the grid except that the channels, and spaces between the channels, are wider.
The base acts as a secondary grease drain, catching a large quantity of the grease passing through the grid.
Since the base also declines toward the grease tray, grease automatically drains out of its channels.
Cleanup is simplified since the grease does not pool in the base, and being removable, the base can easily be carried to a sink.
When the griddle option is in place, both the grid and base are removed from the fire box.
The griddle sits on the same supports as the grid, and therefore also declines towards the grease cup.
Since no heat retaining barriers are between the griddle and the burners, the griddle can be rapidly preheated, facilitating quick conversions from broiling to frying.
Further, any grease or food on the grid or base does not become charred or baked on during frying, since they are not in place when the griddle is being used.