Patent Publication Number: US-2021177201-A1

Title: Modular barbecue system and kits therefore

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/766,506, filed Apr. 6, 2018, which is a National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/M2016/056033, filed Oct. 7, 2016, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/284,713, filed Oct. 8, 2015. The entireties of all the above-listed applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The invention relates to the technical field of barbecue systems. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE ART 
     Barbecues are cooking devices that many people use during festive moments such as parties, family reunions or the like and barbecuing is often considered as outside cooking for spending a good time with friends, family or colleagues during which an important amount of food is cooked. 
     There exist three main types of barbecues, namely charcoal barbecues, gas grill barbecues and electric grill barbecues. 
     Electric barbecue grills closely resemble to kitchen electric grills. They are used mainly in apartments and locations where charcoal or gas barbecue grill are prohibited by fire regulation, and are generally not considered a suitable replacement for them. 
     Modern gas grill barbecues have generally been designed to have the following typical components: a main body with sets of casters at its lower end for displacing the barbecue, a main storage space, located over the casters and designed to receive a main propane or natural gas tank and shelves for storing utensils such as grids or cleaning equipment, and a heating compartment. Mounted at the bottom of the heating compartment are one or multiple burners, heat deflectors and a cooking grid for receiving the food to be cooked, at a suitable distance from the burners and heat deflectors. Other types of heat sources can also be provided, such as infrared burners mounted on the side of the heating compartment. A typical gas barbecues is also provided with a lid to cover the heating compartment during the cooking process. 
     While gas grills are popular for their convenience, they are generally associated with a less satisfactory smoky flavor than conventional charcoal grills or smokers. Gas barbecues are indeed typically designed to allow only one type of cooking, namely grilling. While some gas grills are equipped with small smokers boxes, they tend to be unsatisfactory with respect to providing smoky flavor. 
     The barbecue users looking for an enhanced flavor therefore tend to opt for charcoal barbecue grills. While this type of apparatus allows for a better smoky, grilled flavor or smoking meats and fish products, they are more burdensome to use than gas barbecue grills because of the time required to start the coals, preheating the grill and cleaning the grill after cooking. 
     Therefore, barbecues purchasers often face the dilemma of choosing between the convenience of gas barbecue grill and the taste of charcoal grills and those wanting both are left with limited options, aside from purchasing the two type of grilling apparatuses. 
     Despite its drawbacks, gas barbecue grill remains the most popular type of backyard barbecue apparatus. Despite its convenience, in northern countries such as Canada or in the northern states of the United States such Vermont, New York state or Maine, barbecue grills tend to be used only during the summer season. This is due to the fact that it is not convenient to cook outside during cold days, but also because the gas barbecue grills are designed to achieve a single purpose, namely to grill food. Even during the summer season, gas barbecue grills tend to be of limited use because they are designed for a single application. For instance, those wanting to slowly braise stews and the like, fry turkeys and other types of meat or boil corn need separate gas heaters and pots. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to be provided with a way to extend the use of barbecue grills, and especially gas barbecue grills to applications other than grilling, such as charcoal grilling, smoking, boiling, steam cooking and/or braising. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a broad aspect of this invention, there is provided a modular gas barbecue system. In this broad aspect, the system comprises a heating compartment having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall includes a bottom end adjacent to the bottom wall and a top end, the bottom wall and peripheral walls defining a cavity. The system also comprises a heat source provided in the cavity of the heating compartment, a plurality of add-on components receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment, and a plurality of steps provided in the cavity of the heating compartment. Each of the plurality of steps is configured to support the add-on components in the cavity, and the plurality of steps allows the positioning of the add on components at a corresponding plurality of distances relative to the heat source. 
     In another aspect, the plurality of steps are defined on the peripheral wall of the heating compartment. 
     In still another aspect, the plurality of steps are removably secured to at least one of the bottom wall and the peripheral wall of the heating compartment. 
     In yet another aspect, the plurality of steps comprises a lower step proximate top the lower end of the peripheral wall, a top step proximate to the upper end of the peripheral wall and at least one intermediate step located between the lower step and the top step. 
     In another aspect, the heating compartment has a generally rectangular bottom wall and the peripheral wall comprises a back wall, a front wall and a pair of side walls. In this aspect, the rectangular bottom wall and the peripheral wall define a generally rectangular cavity. 
     In still another aspect, the plurality of steps are defined in the back wall and the front wall. 
     In yet another aspect, each of the plurality of steps comprises a back step component defined in the back wall and a front step component defined in the front wall. 
     In another aspect, the back wall and the front wall converge toward one another from the top end of the peripheral wall toward the bottom end of the peripheral wall. 
     In still another aspect, the plurality of steps are defined in the side walls. 
     In yet another aspect, the bottom wall is circular and the peripheral wall is curved. 
     In another aspect, the bottom and peripheral walls are curved. 
     In a further aspect, the modular barbecues system further comprises a lid receivable on the heating compartment for closing the cavity. 
     In a further aspect, the lid is pivotably attached to the peripheral wall of the heating compartment. 
     In yet another aspect, the modular barbecue system further comprises a base for supporting the heating compartment. 
     In still another aspect, the base comprises at least one leg. 
     In another aspect, the base comprises at least two spaced-apart legs. 
     In a further aspect, the at least two spaced-apart legs define a storage space therebetween. 
     In a further aspect, the base further comprises at least one shelf mounted in the storage space. 
     In a further aspect, the base comprises at least one storage rack mounted in the storage space, the at least one storage rack being configured to store one of the plurality of add-on components in the storage space. 
     In a further aspect, the barbecue system further comprises a shelf extending on one side of the base. 
     Preferably, the shelf is a foldable shelf. 
     In a further aspect, the heat source is provided on the bottom wall of the heating compartment. 
     In yet a further aspect, the heat source comprises at least one burner operatively connected to a combustible source. 
     In yet a further aspect, the at least one burner is a gas burner and the combustible source is a source of inflammable gas. 
     In yet a further aspect, the source of inflammable gas is a source of propane, a source of butane or a source of natural gas. 
     In yet a further aspect, the source of inflammable gas is a propane tank, or a butane tank. 
     In yet a further aspect, the heat source is a solid combustible. Preferably, the solid combustible is selected from the group consisting of wood, charcoal and briquettes. 
     In still a further aspect, the plurality of add-on components are selected from a group consisting of a large basin, a flat basin, a maple sap boiling kit, a double boiler kit, a lid, a strainer, a water heating kit, a charcoal conversion kit, a boiler kit, a smoker conversion kit, a steam cooking kit. 
     In still a further aspect, the add-on components are adapted to be combined with each other. 
     In still a further aspect, the large basin comprises a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a pair of side walls, wherein the bottom wall, the front and back walls and the pair of side walls define a cavity and, wherein the large basin is adapted to be removably received on the lower step of the heating compartment. 
     In still a further aspect, the front and back walls of the large basin comprise a step, at the upper end thereof, for receiving at least one other add-on component thereon. Preferably, the at least one other add-on component is selected from a group consisting of a flat basin and a lid. 
     In still a further aspect, the flat basin comprises a bottom wall and a peripheral wall, the bottom wall and peripheral wall defining a cavity. In this aspect, the cavity is adapted to receive food, ingredients, liquids, or a solid combustible. 
     In still a further aspect, the flat basin is a perforated flat basin comprising a perforated bottom wall and a perforated peripheral wall. 
     In still a further aspect, the flat basin is configured to be receivable both in the large basin and on one of the plurality of steps of the heating compartment. 
     In still a further aspect, the peripheral wall of the flat basin comprises a top end and a lip extending therefrom. In this aspect, the lip of the flat basin is configured to engage the one step of the heating compartment to maintain the flat basin on the step. 
     In another aspect, the lid comprises a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall comprises a front wall, a back wall and a pair of side walls. The peripheral wall further comprises a lip and handles removably secured to the peripheral wall for manipulating the lid. 
     In another aspect, the maple sap boiling kit comprises a plurality of large basins and at least one syphon. The at least one syphon includes two vertical legs connected by a connecting tube, each of the at least one syphon connecting a pair of large basins for allowing transfer of maple sap from one basin of the pair to the other basin of the pair. 
     In another aspect, the double boiler kit comprises on the large basin, one flat basin, the flat basin being receivable in the large basin, and one lid, the lid being receivable on the flat basin. 
     In another aspect, the water heating kit comprises a large basin and a water conveying apparatus mountable to the large basin. 
     In another aspect, the water conveying apparatus is a pump. 
     In another aspect, the pump is adapted for conveying water to be heated into the basin. 
     In yet another aspect, the pump is adapted for conveying heated water from the large basin to a water dispensing apparatus. 
     In yet another aspect, the water dispensing apparatus is selected from the group consisting of an outdoor shower, a trailer shower, a trailer sink and a portable radiator. 
     In yet another aspect, the charcoal conversion kit comprises a flat basin adapted to receive charcoal. 
     In another aspect, the smoker conversion kit comprises a flat basin comprising a cavity adapted to receive wood chips and, a perforated plate system receivable on the flat basin. The perforated plate system includes a base plate in contact with said flat basin and comprising a first set of holes, and a top plate comprising a second set of holes. The top plate is slidably mounted on the plate and is slidable between an open position and a closed position to control the amount of smoke. When the top plate is in open position, the first and second sets of holes are aligned while when the top plate is in closed position, the first one of the base and top plate closes the other one of the base plate and top plate. 
     In yet another aspect, the steam cooking kit comprises a large basin defining a cavity, a perforated flat basin receivable in the cavity of the large basin and a lid for closing the cavity of the large basin. 
     In yet another aspect, the boiler kit comprises a large basin defining a cavity, a strainer receivable in the cavity of the large basin and a lid for closing the cavity of the large basin. 
     According to another broad aspect, there is provided a kit for converting a barbecue into a maple sap boiler. In this broad aspect, the barbecue includes a heating compartment defining a cavity, a heat source provided in the cavity of the heating compartment and a plurality of steps provided in the cavity. The kit comprises, a plurality of large basins receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment and configured to be supported on one of the plurality of steps. The kit also comprises at least one syphon, the at least one syphon having two vertical legs connected by a connecting tube, each of the at least one syphon being configured to connect a pair of large basins for allowing transfer of maple sap from one basin of the pair to the other basin of the pair. 
     In a further aspect, the kit for converting a barbecue into a maple sap boiler also comprises a plurality of removable adaptors, the removable adaptors being removably attachable to the larges basins. The removable adaptors enable the large basin to be position on one of the plurality of steps in the cavity of the heating compartment. 
     According to another broad aspect, there is provided a kit for converting a gas barbecue into a smoker. In this broad aspect, the gas barbecue includes a heating compartment defining a cavity, a heat source provided in the cavity of the heating compartment and a plurality of steps provided in the cavity. The kit comprises a flat basin receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment and configured to be supported on one of the plurality of steps. The kit also comprises a perforated plate system receivable on the flat basin, the perforated plate system including a base plate in contact with the flat basin and comprising a first set of holes and a top plate comprising a second set of holes, the top plate being slidably mounted on the plate and being slidable between an open position and a closed position to control the amount of smoke, wherein when the top plate is in open position, the first and second sets of holes are aligned while when the top plate is in closed position, the first one of the base and top plate closes the other one of the base plate and top plate. 
     According to another broad aspect, there is provided a kit for converting a gas barbecue into a charcoal barbecue. The gas barbecue includes a heating compartment defining a cavity, a heat source provided in the cavity of the heating compartment and a plurality of steps provided in the cavity. The kit also comprises a flat basin receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment and configured to be supported on one of the plurality of steps, the flat basin being adapted to receive charcoal therein. 
     According to another broad aspect, there is provided a kit for converting a barbecue into a double boiler apparatus. In this aspect, the barbecue includes a heating compartment defining a cavity, a heat source provided in the cavity of the heating compartment and a plurality of steps provided in the cavity. the kit comprises a large basin receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment and configured to be supported on one of the plurality of steps, a flat basin receivable in the large basin, and a lid receivable on the flat basin. 
     According to another broad aspect, there is provided a kit for converting a barbecue into a water heater. In this aspect, the barbecue includes a heating compartment defining a cavity, a heat source provided in the cavity of the heating compartment and a plurality of steps provided in the cavity. The kit comprises a large basin receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment and configured to be supported on one of the plurality of steps, and a water conveying apparatus mountable to the large basin. 
     According to another broad aspect, there is provided a kit for converting a gas barbecue into a steam cooking apparatus. The barbecue includes a heating compartment defining a cavity, a heat source provided in the cavity of the heating compartment and a plurality of steps provided in the cavity. The kit comprises a large basin receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment and configured to be supported on one of the plurality of steps, the large basin defining a cavity, a perforated flat basin receivable in the cavity of the large basin, and a lid adapted for closing the cavity of the large basin. 
     According to another broad aspect, there is provided a kit for converting a gas barbecue into a boiling apparatus. The barbecue includes a heating compartment defining a cavity, a heat source provided in the cavity of the heating compartment and a plurality of steps provided in the cavity. The kit comprises a large basin receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment and configured to be supported on one of the plurality of steps, the large basin defining a cavity, a strainer receivable in the large basin, and a lid receivable on the strainer. 
     According to another broad aspect, there is provided a kit for converting a barbecue into a modular barbecue system adapted to receive a plurality of add-on components. The barbecue includes a heating compartment having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the peripheral wall comprising a bottom end adjacent to the bottom wall and a top end. The bottom wall and peripheral walls define a cavity, and a heat source is provided in the cavity. The kit comprises at least one step base removably receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment, the step base extending upwardly from the bottom wall and being adapted to receive the plurality of add-on components thereon. The step base is configured to allow adjustment of a distance between the heat source and the plurality of add-on components to be received thereon. 
     In a further aspect, the step base comprises a plurality of height adjustable legs and a width adjustable cross-member, the cross-member being adapted to connect the legs at one end thereof. 
     In a further aspect, the height adjustable legs abut the bottom wall of the heating compartment and extend upwardly relative to the bottom wall, the legs being telescopic for accommodating different heights relative to the bottom wall. 
     In a further aspect, the cross-member connects the legs at one end thereof, the cross-member being telescopic for accommodating different widths of heating compartments, the cross-member being adapted to removably receive the add-on components thereon. 
     In a further aspect, the base step is removably mounted to the top end of the peripheral wall and extends downwardly therefrom. In this aspect, the step base is configured to accommodate different distances between the heat source and the plurality of add-on components when the add-on components are received thereon. 
     In a further aspect, the base step comprises pairs of arms and a width adjustable cross-member, the cross-member being adapted to connect the arms at one end thereof. 
     In a further aspect, the arms comprise a plurality of steps corresponding to different distances relative to the heat source, and the steps are adapted to removably receive the add-on components thereon. 
     In a further aspect, the arms comprise a pivot at one end thereof for pivotally connecting to the cross-member for accommodating different angles of the peripheral wall relative to the bottom wall. 
     In a further aspect, the cross-member is telescopic for accommodating different widths of heating compartments when the base step is placed therein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present, as well as other aspects, and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a modular barbecue system according to one embodiment, in which a barbecue grill is provided with a plurality of add-on components mounted in a heating compartment; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the modular barbecue system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the heating compartment of the modular barbecue system of  FIG. 1 , without the add-on components; 
         FIG. 4  is a right side cross-sectional view of the heating compartment of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a large basin; 
         FIG. 6  is a right side cross-sectional view of large basin of  FIG. 5  along line VI-VI′; 
         FIG. 7  is a front cross-sectional view of large basin of  FIG. 5  along line VII-VII′; 
         FIG. 8  is a right side cross-sectional view of the large basin being positioned in the heating compartment; 
         FIG. 9  is a right side cross-sectional view of the large basin of  FIG. 5  positioned in the heating compartment; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a maple sap boiling kit; 
         FIG. 11  is a front cross-sectional view of the maple sap boiling kit of  FIG. 10  when assembled; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a flat basin; 
         FIG. 13  is a front cross-sectional view of the flat basin of  FIG. 12  along line XIII-XIII′; 
         FIG. 14  is a right side cross-sectional view of the flat basin of  FIG. 12  to be positioned in the heating compartment of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a right cross-sectional view of the flat basin of  FIG. 12  positioned in the heating compartment of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a right cross-sectional view of a kit for coal fire cooking; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a lid; 
         FIG. 18  is a exploded perspective view of a lid and a large basin; 
         FIG. 19  is a front cross-sectional view of the lid assembled on the large basin; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a flat basin; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded perspective view of a steam cooking kit including the large basin of  FIG. 5 , the second embodiment of the flat basin of  FIG. 20  and the lid of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a front cross-sectional view of the steam cooking kit; 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a smoke cooking kit including the flat basin of  FIG. 12  and a first embodiment of a perforated plate system; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the smoke cooking kit of  FIG. 23 , with the perforated plate system in the open position; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the smoke cooking kit of  FIG. 23 , with the perforated plate system in the closed position; 
         FIG. 26  is an exploded perspective view of a combination of add-on components including the large basin of  FIG. 5 , the perforated plate system of  FIG. 23  and the lid of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a front cross-sectional view of the add-on components of  FIG. 26  once assembled; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a flat basin; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a smoke cooking kit including the flat basin of  FIG. 28  and a second embodiment of a perforated plate system; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the smoke cooking kit of  FIG. 29 , with the perforated plate system in an open position; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of the smoke cooking kit of  FIG. 29 , with the perforated plate system in a closed position; 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a water heating kit including the large basin of  FIG. 5  and a pump; 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a boiler kit, including the large basin of  FIG. 5  and a strainer; 
         FIG. 34  is a front cross-sectional view of the boiler kit of  FIG. 33  with the strainer positioned in the large basin; 
         FIG. 35  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a portable gas barbecue used in conjunction with the large basin of  FIG. 5  and the lid of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a right cross-sectional view of the portable gas barbecue of  FIG. 35 , with the large basin and the lid positioned in the heating compartment of the portable gas barbecue. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , there is shown a modular barbecue system  1  for receiving add-on components. The modular barbecue system  1  offers different types of cooking or uses such as coal fire cooking, smoke cooking, plate cooking, double boiling, water heating, boiling, steam cooking and maple sap boiling by combining the various add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900 , as it will be explained further. 
     In this embodiment, the modular barbecue system  1  is a gas barbecue grill  2  comprising a main body  10  having a cart design of an usual gas grill barbecue and including a lower portion  12  with a plurality of caster wheels allowing the gas barbecue  2  to be moved, an intermediate portion  14  defining a storage space  30  and an upper cooking portion  16 . The storage space  30  includes a shelf  32  for storing the gas or propane tank used as the fuel source. The storage space  30  is also configured to receive the add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900  when they need to be stored. 
     The upper cooking portion  16  of the gas barbecue  2  comprises a heating compartment  18  and a lid  20 , pivotally mounted to the heating compartment  18 . Provided on the lid  20  is a handle  22  to help a user open and close the lid  20  during cooking. Provided on each side of the heating compartment  18  is a pair of foldable side trays or shelves  24 ,  26  for supporting food, cooking accessories or utensils during the operation of the gas barbecue. Control knobs  28  are disposed proximate to the heating compartment  18  to ignite the fire and to control the intensity of the flames during cooking operation of the modular barbecue system  1 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the heating compartment  18  of the upper cooking portion  16  of the gas barbecue will now be described in greater detail. The heating compartment  18  comprises a generally horizontal bottom wall  34  including an internal surface  36  on which a plurality of spaced burners  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c  and  38   d  are horizontally disposed and installed, for cooking or heating food, ingredients or liquids. The heating compartment  18  further comprises a back wall  40 , a front wall  42  and a pair of vertical side walls  44   a ,  44   b  defining a main cavity  46 . 
     The back wall  40  comprises a lower end  48 , an upper end  50  and an internal surface  52  extending from the lower end  48  to the upper end  50 . The lower end  48  of the back wall  40  extends upwardly from the bottom wall  34  and comprises an outward extending lower step component  54   a  and an outward extending upper step component  56   a , vertically distant from the bottom wall  34 . At the upper end  50  thereof, the back wall  40  is provided with a grid supporting step component  58   a  and a vertical extending edge  61   a  defining the upper rim of the heating compartment  18 . 
     Likewise, the front wall  42  comprises a lower end  60 , an upper end  62  and an internal surface  64  extending from the lower end  60  to the upper end  62 . The lower end  60  of the front wall  42  extends upwardly from the bottom wall  34 . As with the back wall  40 , the lower end  60  of the front wall  42  comprises an outward extending lower step component  54   b  and an outward extending upper step component  56   b . As with the back wall  40 , the upper end  62  of the front wall  42  comprises a grid supporting step component  58   b  and a vertical extending edge  61   b  defining the lower rim of the heating compartment  18 . 
     The vertical side walls  44   a ,  44   b  extend from the back wall  40  to the front wall  42  and comprise a lower end  66 , extending upwardly from the bottom wall  34 , and an upper end  68 . The upper end  68  of the side walls  44   a ,  44   b  connects the lower and upper rims of the front and back walls  42 ,  40  and, in the illustrated embodiment, allows the lid  20  to be pivotally connected to the heating compartment  18 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4 , step component  54   a  of the back wall  40  and step component  54   b  of the front wall  42  are vertically aligned. Likewise, step component  56   a  of the back wall  40  is vertically aligned with step component  56   b  of the front wall  42 . Together, complementary steps components  54   a ,  54   b  or  56   a ,  56   b  define steps  54  and  56  and collaborate to receive the add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900  in the cavity  46  and to allow them to rest horizontally when properly positioned. In a like manner, the grid supporting steps components  58   a  and  58   b  of the back and front walls  40  and  42 , define step  58  and collaborate to receive a cooking or warming grid  59  and allows it to remain horizontally positioned when food is received thereon to be cooked. 
     While the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 4  include two sets of outward extending steps (i.e. step  54  and step  56 ) in addition to grid supporting step  58 , the heating compartment  18  could be provided with more than three sets of steps for receiving the add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900 . Furthermore, the height of the steps could vary according to the add-on components to be received thereon, to optimize the distance between the add-on components and the burners  38  in order to improve heat transfer. While the illustrated embodiment shows that the step components  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a ,  56   b  and  58   a ,  58   b  are provided only on the back and front walls  40 ,  42 , the vertical side walls  44   a ,  44   b  could also be provided with steps complementary to those of the front and back walls  42 ,  40 . Alternatively, steps provided on side wall  44   a ,  44   b  could be provided at vertical distances different than those of step component  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a ,  56   b  and  58   a ,  58   b , thus providing with more flexibility in terms of positioning the add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900  relative to the burners  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c  and  38   d  or for allowing for a greater variety of add-on components to be received in the heating compartment  18 . In a further alternative, step components like step component  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a ,  56   b  and  58   a ,  58   b  could be provided exclusively on side wall  44   a ,  44   b  instead of being provided on back and front walls  40 ,  42 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 5 to 34 , the add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900  will now be described. The add-on components are configured to collaborate either with each other and/or with the various step components  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a ,  56   b  or  58   a ,  58   b  to provide the modular barbecue system  1  with different cooking methods and capabilities. In a preferred embodiment, the add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700  and  900  are preferably made out of stainless steel. The person of skill in the art will appreciate that they could alternatively be made out any other type of material that is suitable, such as aluminum, copper, ceramics, Pyrex™, cast iron or other alloys. 
     In a first embodiment, the add-on component is a large basin  100  (best shown in  FIGS. 5 to 9 ),. The large basin  100  can be used to cook corn, lobsters, spaghetti sauce or any simmering meal and is configured to be positioned in the cavity  46  of the heating compartment  18  of the gas barbecue. As it will be explained below, the large basin  100  can nest a plurality of add-on components therefore adapting the cooking method as needed. 
     The large basin  100  has a generally rectangular shape and comprises a bottom wall  102 , a lower end  104 , an upper end  106 , two pairs of spaced-apart vertical walls  108   a ,  108   b  and  110   a ,  110   b , extending from the lower end  104  to the upper end  106 , an external surface  112  and an internal surface  114  defining a main cavity  116  in which food, ingredients or liquids are placed to be cooked or heated. As best shown in  FIG. 6 , vertical walls  108   a ,  108   b  of the large basin  100  comprise, at the upper end  106  thereof, an outward lip  118  extending along the entire length of vertical walls  108   a ,  108   b . The lip  118  is configured to help a user grasp the large basin  100  to manipulate or insert it in the heating compartment  18  and comprises a horizontal portion  120  extending outwardly relative to the vertical wall  108  and a downward extending portion  122 . 
     Likewise, vertical walls  110   a ,  110   b  of the large basin  100  comprise, at the upper end  106  thereof, an outward extending step  124  for receiving different add-on components. Each vertical wall  110   a ,  110   b  comprises an outward extending lip  126 , extending from step  124 , comprising a horizontal portion  128  and a downward extending portion  130 , extending the entire length of vertical walls  110   a ,  110   b , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Although the illustrated embodiment of the large basin shows the step  124  located on the upper end of walls  110   a ,  110   b , in an alternative embodiment, the step  124  of the large basin  100  could be located at a different height relative to the bottom wall  102  or could be located only on vertical walls  108   a ,  108   b  or on all the vertical walls  108   a ,  108   b  and  110   a ,  110   b.    
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the use of the large basin  100  with the modular system  1  will now be explained. In order to position the large basin  100  in the heating compartment  18  of the gas barbecue  2 , the deflectors or heat plates located over the burners  38  (not shown) as well as the main cooking grid  59  of the grill  2  are removed. The large basin  100  is then positioned in the heating compartment  18  of the gas barbecue . As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the width of the large basin  100  (i.e. the distance between side walls  108   a ,  108   b ) is about half the width of the heating compartment  18  (i.e. the distance between side walls side walls  44   a ,  44   b ). As such, large basin  100  can be positioned, either on the left side, the right side or at any position between the left side and the right side of the heating compartment  18  by aligning in parallel either vertical wall  108   a  or  108   b  of basin  100  with side walls  44   a  or  44   b . Once positioned in the main cavity  46  of the heating compartment  18 , the external surface  112  of the bottom wall  102  of the large basin  100  abuts the lower step components  54   a ,  54   b  of the heating compartment  18 . As best shown in  FIG. 9 , in this position, the large basin  100  is located over the burners  38  at a distance tending to optimize and improve the heat transfer from the burners  38  to the large basin  100 , as compared to a recipient that would be placed on the grid (e.g. grid  59 ) of a conventional barbecue for instance. Furthermore, the height of the large basin  100  slightly exceeds the height of the heating compartment  18 . Therefore, food can either be placed directly in the large basin  100  to be cooked, for instance to cook corn, lobsters, spaghetti sauce or any simmering meal. In an alternate embodiment, a cooking grid (e.g. grid  59 ) can be placed on top of the large basin  100 . When the large basin is filled with water, such a configuration enables steam cooking, preferably when the lid  20  is closed to maximize concentration of heat and steam. 
     Although in the illustrated embodiment the large basin  100  has a generally rectangular shape, it will be understood that other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of this embodiment. For instance, in an alternative embodiment the large basin  100  could have a square, circular or oval shape configured to engage step components  54   a ,  54   b ,  56   a ,  56   b  or  58   a ,  58   b . In a further alternate embodiment, the large basin  100  could be configured to removably receive a plurality of removably secured adaptors (not shown) located on the external surface  112  of the vertical walls  110   a ,  110   b  and configured to fit flush with the bottom wall  102  of the large basin  100 . The adaptors (not shown) could therefore allow the large basin  100  to abut a unique internal step of conventional heating compartments of gas grill barbecues when the large basin  100  is smaller than the width of the heating compartments, thus providing the large basin the possibility to be installed in a variety of different heating compartments of different barbecues. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a second embodiment of an add-on component  200  will now be described. In this embodiment, the add-on component is a maple sap boiling kit  200  configured to transform the barbecue grill  2  into a maple syrup boiler. In this embodiment, the gas barbecue combined with the maple sap boiling kit  200  are used to provide different boiling stages, to evaporate maple sap in order to produce maple syrup. In this embodiment, the maple sap boiling kit  200  includes a pair of large basins (in this example, large basins  100   a ,  100   b ), generally corresponding to basin  100 , and placed side by side along their vertical side walls  108   a ,  108   b . The maple sap boiling kit  200  further includes a U-shaped syphon  202  having the usual shape of two identical elongated tubes  204   a ,  204   b  connected therebetween with a connecting tube  206  and all having square sections. The U-shaped syphon  202  is preferably made out of stainless steel and enables maple sap to communicate between both basins  100   a ,  100   b  as one basin is filled with maple sap to be boiled. In an alternative embodiment, the sections of the of the connecting tube  206  and tubes  204   a ,  204   b  could be either circular, oval or have any other shape allowing the U-shaped syphon  202  to connect the two large basin  100   a ,  100   b . To allow for final evaporation of the maple syrup and prevent further maple sap to be conveyed to large basin  100   b , syphon  202  can be removed, as known to those skilled in the art. 
     The maple sap boiling kit  200  further comprises a container  208 , preferably made out of stainless steel, securable to either one of the vertical side walls  108   a ,  108   b  of large basin  100   b  by a hook or any suitable means. The container  208  comprises a receptacle  210  at the bottom end thereof for receiving either butter, an oily material, cooking fat or any suitable material that a person of skill in the art would know to avoid the creation of an excessive amount of foam resulting from the boiling of maple sap which would ultimately spill out of large basin  100   b.    
     The maple sap boiling kit  200  is installed in the heating compartment  18  by aligning in parallel side walls  108   a  and  108   b  of large basins  100   a ,  100   b  and by using the same procedure as described for the installation of the large basin  100 . Subsequently, maple sap is poured in large basin  100   a  which will act as a first preheating and boiling stage for evaporating an important amount of water, therefore increasing the sugar content of the sap. The syphon  202  is then installed between large basins  100   a  and  100   b  to communicate the preheated and boiled sap to the second basin  100   b , where the container  208  is installed, for a second stage of boiling to increase the evaporation of water. 
     Maple sap boiling and/or maple syrup production typically involve several boiling stages in order to refine the maple sap at each stage to ultimately produce concentrated maple syrup. Each stage may require different heat intensity. In this embodiment, the burners  38  of the heating compartment  18  enable for selective heating intensity, for example a high heating intensity for burners located under large basin  100   a  to preheat and boil at a first stage the maple sap whereas, burners located under large basin  100   b  could be set to a lower intensity heating for the second stage of boiling. Once the maple sap has boiled down and reached a predetermined temperature, it can then be transferred to a final boiling container (not shown) for a final boiling stage which can happen over a kitchen stove or simply by removing syphon  202  to prevent further maple sap to enter second basin  100   b  and better control the density of the syrup contained therein. 
     Although in the illustrated embodiment, the maple sap boiling kit  200  only includes two large basins  100   a ,  100   b , in an alternative embodiment more than two large basins could be used depending on the size of the heating compartment of the gas barbecue  2 , therefore improving and optimizing the different boiling stages by adjusting the heating intensity of the burners to collect a more refined maple syrup. Although in the illustrated embodiment the large basins used in the maple sap boiling kit  200  have a generally flat bottom wall, they could comprise a crenelated bottom or heat transfer fins in order to increase the heat transfer, as known in the art. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 12 to 16 , a third embodiment of an add-on component  300  will now be described. In this embodiment, add-on component  300  is a flat basin. Like large basin  100 , the flat basin  300  has a generally rectangular shape and, is adapted to be received in the heating compartment  18  on upper step components  56   a ,  56   b . Flat basin  300  comprises a bottom wall  302 , a lower end  304 , an upper end  306  and pairs of side walls  308  and  310  extending from the lower end  304  to the upper end  306  and defining a main cavity  312 , shallower than the main cavity  116  of the large basin  100 . 
     The lower end  304  of side walls  308 ,  310  comprises a lower inclined portion  314  extending upwardly from the bottom wall  302 , whereas, the upper end  306  of side walls  308 ,  310  comprises a vertical portion  316  and, like large basin  100 , an outward extending lip  318 . The outward extending lip  318  extends around the entire edge of the flat basin  300  and comprises a flat portion  320  and a vertical downward portion  322  comprising a lower end  324 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 to 16 , the installation of the flat basin  300  in the heating compartment  18  is accomplished by removing the deflectors or heat plates located over the burners  38  (not shown) as well as the main cooking grid  59 . Like large basin  100 , the flat basin  300  is then placed in the heating compartment  18  but given the difference in shape, the flat basin  300  is configured to rest horizontally on the upper step components  56   a ,  56   b  thanks to the lower end  324  of the lip  318  abutting the step components  56   a ,  56   b  as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Once installed, the bottom wall  302  of the flat basin  300  is at an optimal distance from the burners  38 , substantially similar to the distance of the bottom wall  102  of large basin  100  from the burners  38 , when the large basin  100  is positioned on the lower step components  54   a ,  54   b  of the heating compartment, thus allowing for an optimized and improved heat exchange between the burners  38  and the flat basin  300 . The flat basin  300  can therefore receive food directly on its surface to be cooked as in plate cooking (e.g. eggs, bacon, vegetables and the like). 
     In an alternative embodiment, the flat basin  300  enables the gas barbecue  2  to be converted into a charcoal barbecue, as shown in  FIG. 16 . In this embodiment, flat basin  300  is placed in the heating compartment  18  and charcoal briquettes  326  are then placed in the main cavity  312 . As the burners  38  are ignited and the charcoal starts to heat, creating charcoal embers, a user will therefore know that the correct charcoal temperature has been reached. At this point, the user must turn off the fuel source, for instance the propane tank, by actuating the knobs  28  in order to close the fuel feed to the burners  38  and by closing the feed valve located on the fuel tank. The gas barbecue has therefore been converted into a coal barbecue, thus allowing for coal fire cooking. The main grid  59  can then be installed on step components  58   a ,  58   b  of the heating compartment  18  and food can then be disposed thereon to be cooked. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that instead of using the heat source of the barbecue grill  2  (i.e. burners  38   a - 38   d ) to ignite the charcoal, for instance electric igniters and starter combustibles. 
     In a further embodiment, a plurality of flat basins  300  could be positioned side-by-side in the heating compartment  18 , depending on the size of the barbecue. Therefore, each flat basin  300  could provide for a different cooking method. For example a first flat basin could be used for plate cooking while a second flat basin could be used for coal fire cooking. In this configuration, a grid smaller than the main grid  59  of the barbecue  2  (e.g. about half the width of grid  59 ) would be positioned over the second flat basin to dispose food thereon, thus leaving access to the first flat basin. In a further alternative embodiment, the flat basin  300  enables converting barbecue grill  2  into a smoker to achieve smoke cooking by combining the flat basin  300  with a perforated plate system  600 , which will be described in greater detail. 
     With reference to  FIG. 17 , a lid  350  designed to cover the large basin  100  for enabling food to be cooked in a closed container such as in braising, will now be described in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The lid  350  has the same overall shape and the same features as the flat basin  300  such as the outward extending lip  318 , the lower inclined portion  314  and upper vertical portion  316  of the side walls  308  and  310 , but the lid  350  is deeper than the flat basin  300 , to provide clearance for handles  418  of perforated flat basin  400  as it will be explained further, but shallower than large basin  100 . The lid  350  further comprises a pair of handles  352  located on the lower inclined portion  314  of the side walls  308 , flush with the bottom wall  302 . The handles  352  can either be welded or removably secured to the lid  350  by any suitable technique known to a person of skill in the art. The handles  352  allow for a user to carry and/or manipulate the lid  350  to cover the large basin  100  as it will be explained further. 
     Although in the illustrated embodiment, the lid  350  is shown covering the large basin  100 , the lid  350  can also be used to cover other add-on components such as the flat basin  300  or the perforated flat basin  400 , as it would be apparent for a person of skill in the art. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the lid  350  can be flipped over and can be used in the same manner as the flat basin  300 . In this configuration, the lid  350  can be placed in the heating compartment  18  of the gas barbecue and by abutting the handles  352  onto the step components  56   a ,  56   b  or onto the step components  58   a ,  58   b  therefore modifying the distance between the lid  350  and the burners  38  to optimize the heat transfer according to different cooking methods. Therefore, the lid  350  can alternatively become an add-on component, like flat basin  300 , adapted to receive food or ingredient in its main cavity to be cooked as in plate cooking. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the handles  352  of the lid  350  could be located on the lower inclined portion  314  of the side walls  310  and flush with the bottom wall  302 . Alternatively, the handles  352  could be located on the lower inclined portion  314  of all the side walls  308 ,  310  and flush with the bottom wall  302 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the large basin  100  and the lid  350  are combined for braising. Once the large basin  100  is installed in the heating compartment  18 , food, ingredients or liquids are placed in the main cavity  116  of the large basin  100 . The lid  350  is subsequently installed on top of the large basin  100  by aligning in parallel its side walls  310  with the vertical walls  108   a ,  108   b  of the large basin  100  and by abutting the flat portion  320  of the outward extending lip  318  of the side walls  308  onto the outward extending step  124  of the large basin  100  as shown in  FIG. 19 . In such a configuration, the heat concentration is maximized in the large basin  100  thanks to the lid  350 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 20 to 22 , an embodiment of a perforated flat basin  400  will now be described. In this embodiment, perforated flat basin  400  is a small strainer, sized and shaped to be received in large basin  100 , and to receive lid  350  but can also be positioned on the upper step components  56   a ,  56   b  of the heating compartment  18  like flat basin  300 . As such, the combination of perforated flat basin  400 , large basin  100  and lid  350  enables the conversion of the barbecue grill  2  into a steam cooking device. 
     In this embodiment, perforated flat basin  400  has generally the same overall shape as flat basin  300  and comprises a perforated bottom wall  402 , perforated side walls  404 ,  406 , defining a main cavity  408 , an inclined lower portion  410  of side walls  404 ,  406  and a vertical upper portion  412  of side walls  404 ,  406 . Contrary to flat basin  300 , perforated flat basin  400  does not comprise an outward extending lip but instead comprises an outward extending flat edge  414  having a lower surface  416  adapted to abut step  124  of large basin  100  once received therein. Furthermore, perforated flat basin  400  comprises a pair of handles  418 , obliquely installed and secured on the internal surface  420  of the vertical portion  412  of the side walls  404 . The position of the handles  418  is adapted to avoid interference with the lid  350  when lid  350  is positioned over the perforated flat basin  400  to be covered, as shown in  FIG. 22 . In this configuration the handles  418  of the perforated flat basin  400  are received in the main cavity of the lid  350 , without any obstruction. The handles  418  allow a user to carry and/or manipulate the perforated flat basin  400  in order to nest it in the large basin  100  or to install it in the heating compartment  18 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, handles  418  could be installed on the side walls  406  or on all the side walls  404 ,  406  for allowing a user to easily manipulate and/or carry the perforated flat basin  400 . 
     To convert the barbecue grill  2  into a steam cooking device, the large basin  100  is filled with water and then positioned in the heating compartment  18  of the gas barbecue  2  and placed over the burners  38  (see  FIGS. 21 and 22 ). The perforated flat basin  400  is then nested in the large basin  100  by positioning the perforated flat basin  400  in the main cavity  116  of the large basin  100  thanks to handles  418  and by abutting the lower surface  416  of the flat edge  414  of the perforated flat basin  400  on the outward extending step  124  of the large basin  100 . Food, ingredients or other solid objects can then be disposed in the main cavity  408  of the perforated flat basin  400  to be cooked, heated or steamed. Optionally, the lid  350  can be installed over the perforated flat basin  400  by placing the flat portion  320  of the outward extending lip  318  against the flat edge  414  of the perforated flat basin  400 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 23 to 31 , add on components  600  and  700  are configured to collaborate with flat basins  300  and  500  to convert the barbecue grill  2  into a smoker for smoke cooking. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 23 to 25 , a preferred embodiment of a perforated plate system  600  used in conjunction with flat basin  300  will now be described. The perforated plate system  600  comprises two perforated plates  602  and  604 , disposed one above the other, and allows plate  602  to overlap plate  604  during lateral movement to control the amount of smoke emanating from a plurality of holes during smoke cooking, as it will be explained further. 
     The perforated plate  602  comprises a generally rectangular shape having an external surface  606 , an internal surface  608  and a plurality of holes  610  extending from the external surface to the internal surface. The perforated plate  602  further comprises a first end  612  and a second end  614  comprising downward extending lips  616   a ,  616   b . The perforated plate  602  further comprises upward lips  618  extending vertically above the external surface  606 . 
     Plate  604  has generally the same shape as the plate  602  and has an internal surface  620 , an external surface  622  and a plurality of holes  624  extending from the external surface to the internal surface. The perforated plate  604  further comprises a first end  626  and a second end  628  comprising downward extending lips  630   a ,  630   b . The perforated plate  604  further comprises upward lips  632 , located on the right and left side of plate  604  and extending vertically upwardly from the internal surface  620 . The distance between right and left lips  632  of plate  604  is greater than the distance between right and left lips  618  of plate  602  to allow plate  602  to move laterally relative to plate  604 , as it will be explained further below. Furthermore, lips  632  of plate  604  act as stoppers when plate  602  is laterally moved over plate  604 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the perforated plate system  600  is associated with the flat basin  300  to provide smoke cooking. The flat basin  300  is filled with wood chips and positioned in the heating compartment  18  of the gas barbecue  2 . The perforated plate system  600  is then assembled by positioning the internal surface  608  of perforated plate  602  on the internal surface  620  of the perforated plate  604  and the downward lips  616   a ,  616   b  of plate  602  on the downward lips  630   a ,  630   b  of plate  604 , as it would be readily understood by a person of skill in the art. The perforated plate system  600  is fully functional when plate  602  is able to move laterally above plate  604  for controlling the amount of smoke coming out of the holes during smoke cooking, therefore converting the barbecue grill  2  into a smoker. As shown in  FIG. 24 , the perforated plate system  600  is in an open position when the holes of plate  602  and  604  are aligned. Plate  602  can laterally move within a predetermined length to overlap the holes of plate  604  to a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 25 , or intermediate positions (i.e. partially open positions) where the upward lips  632  of the plate  604  act as stoppers once the maximum lateral distance has been reached. The main grid  59  can then be positioned on step components  58   a ,  58   b  to receive food to be cooked by smoke cooking. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , the perforated plate system  600  combined with the large basin  100  and the lid  350  will now be described in order to obtain a cooking technique using the fumes from meat fat to avoid meat or poultry getting dry during cooking. In this embodiment, the large basin  100  is installed in the heating compartment  18  of the gas barbecue  2  as previously described. The perforated plate system  600  is then placed in the main cavity  116  of the large basin  100  by abutting the perforated plate  604  on the bottom wall  102 . Food is then disposed on plate  602  to be cooked. The lid  350  is then installed on the large basin to maximize the heat concentration. This embodiment is comparable to braising but allows for food such as poultry to avoid having dry skin during cooking by allowing food fat to be trapped under the perforated plate system  600  thus enabling fumes from fat to emanate from holes  610 ,  624  to keep the meat tender during cooking. While in this embodiment perforated plate system  600  is used with barbecue grill  2 , this and other add-on components  100  and  350  can be used with other heating devices. For instance, large basin  100  combined with the perforated plate system  600  and the lid  350  could alternatively be used in a conventional oven, as a roaster. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 28 , a third embodiment of a flat basin  500  will now be described. Like flat basins  300  and  400 , flat basin  500  can be received on the lower step component  54   a ,  54   b  of the heating compartment  18  of the gas barbecue  2  or can be nested in the large basin  100 . Flat basin  500  can enable a plurality of cooking techniques such as plate cooking, coal fire cooking, double boiling or smoke cooking. Also, like the previous flat basins  300  and  400 , flat basin  500  has a generally rectangular shape and comprises a bottom wall  502 . However, flat basin  500  differs from flat basins  300  and  400  in that it comprises pairs of parallel vertical walls  504 ,  506  defining a main cavity  508 , shallower than the main cavity  116  of large basin  100 . 
     The upper end of the vertical walls  504  comprises an outward extending lip  510  whereas, the upper end of the vertical walls  506  each comprises a laterally centered protrusion  512 , extending vertically from the side wall  506  above flat basin  500  and designed to receive a perforated plate system  700  for smoking cooking, as it will be explained further. 
     Flat basin  500  can be combined with the large basin  100  to enable double boiling in order to heat food gently and gradually to fixed temperatures, or to keep food warm over a period of time. Furthermore, like flat basin  300 , flat basin  500  can be directly placed in the heating compartment  18  of the gas barbecue  2  therefore allowing for either plate cooking or coal fire cooking. Flat basin  500  can alternatively be used to convert the barbecue grill  2  into a smoke cooking barbecue by combining the flat basin  500  with a perforated plate system  700 , as it will be explained further. 
       FIGS. 29 to 31  show an alternative embodiment of a perforated plate system  700  which can be combined with flat basin  500  for smoke cooking. Like the perforated plate system  600 , perforated plate system  700  comprises two perforated plates, plate  702  adapted to move laterally relative to plate  704 , having generally rectangular shapes and comprising a plurality of holes  706  and  708  extending the hole thickness of each plate. Plates  702  and  704  further comprise downward extending lips  710  and  712  and laterally extending holes  714 ,  716 , located above lips  710  and  712 . Hole  714  is longer than hole  716  and hole  716  has the same length and width as the protrusions  512  of the flat basin  500 . Furthermore, plate  702  comprises a single vertical protrusion  718  extending vertically upwardly and located along its longitudinal side. 
     Like the perforated plate system  600  with the flat basin  300 , the perforated plate system  700  can be combined with flat basin  500  to obtain smoke cooking. Wood chips are first disposed in the flat basin  500  and flat basin  500  is then installed in the heating compartment of gas barbecue. Plate  704  is then installed on flat basin  500  by aligning holes  716  with the protrusions  512 . Plate  702  is then installed on top of plate  704  by also aligning holes  714  with the protrusions  512 . Therefore, plate  702  is able to move laterally over plate  704  thanks to vertical protrusion  718  enabling a user to pull or push plate  702  over plate  704  and thanks to the holes  714  being longer than holes  716  and defining a maximum lateral length. Plate  702  can therefore laterally move from an open position where the holes  706 ,  708  are aligned, shown in  FIG. 30 , to a partially overlapped position, and to a closed position, shown in  FIG. 31 , where the holes  706 ,  708  are blocked. Plate  702  is laterally stopped when the vertical protrusion  512  abuts the end of holes  714 . 
     In connection with all the above add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700  and combination thereof, the add-on components could alternatively have a square, circular, oval or any other shape for being placed in the heating compartment  18  or for being nested in the large basin  100 . Furthermore, like large basin  100 , flat basins  300  and  500  could be configured to removably receive removable adaptors to accommodate different sizes of heating compartments thus allowing horizontal positioning in a variety of different heating compartments of different gas barbecues. 
     With reference to  FIG. 32 , a kit for converting a gas barbecue into a water heater is provided. This kit is particularly useful for camping or outdoor activities in remote areas. During camping or vacation in remote areas, it can indeed be difficult to find hot water to either bath, make coffee or tea or even to wash dishes. Yet, gas barbecue such as barbecue grill  2  are often available. Therefore, in this embodiment, a large basin  100  is combined with a water pump  800  which is ordinarily either wired to an electrical source such as a plug in a car or is connected to a portable battery. The pump  800  comprises a water inlet  802 , a water outlet  804  and a hook  806  enabling the pump  800  to be secured to either walls  108  or  110  of the large basin  100 . The water outlet  804  of pump  800  is connected to a fluid circuit such as a pipe system for feeding an outdoor shower, a sink and the like. In this embodiment, the pump  800  can be actuated once the water contained in the large basin  100  is sufficiently heated, thus providing heated water to a user. 
     The large basin  100  having a rather significant main cavity  116 , it allows for a user to wash the dishes by dipping them into the heated water. Furthermore, the hot water collected in the large basin could also be used for bathing especially in cold areas where hot water is scarce. As it can be understood for a person of skill in the art, many uses of this embodiment could be apparent without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the pump  800  could be connected to a water or any suitable liquid source for filling the main cavity  116  of the large basin  100  thanks to a hose and could therefore fill automatically the large basin  100  with the conveyed water to be heated. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , a large basin  100  and a strainer  900  are combined to convert barbecue grill  2  into a boil cooking apparatus. In this embodiment, the strainer  900  has the shape of a hollow rectangular box adapted to be nested in the large basin  100  and can be made out of any suitable material such as aluminium, stainless steel or even plastic, silicone or ceramic. The strainer  900  comprises a bottom wall  902  comprising a plurality of holes, side walls  904  and  906  defining a cavity  908  where food is to be placed. The side walls  906  comprise two rods  910   a  and  910   b  disposed in parallel to side walls  904  to help a user grab and take out the strainer  900  from the large basin  100  once the cooking is finished. In an alternative embodiment, more than two rods  910   a ,  910   b  could be positioned longitudinally, parallel with side walls  904 . Furthermore, rods  910   a ,  910   b  could be removable secured to the vertical walls  904 ,  906 . While in the above embodiment the plurality of holes are defined only on bottom wall  902 , side walls  904 ,  906  of the strainer  900  could also be provided with holes. 
     In order to convert the barbecue grill  2  into a boil cooking apparatus, the large basin  100  is first filled with water and placed in the heating compartment  18 . Once the water reaches its boiling point, the strainer  900  containing the food, such as lobster or corn, is placed in the main cavity  116  of the large basin  100 . In this configuration the upper end of the strainer  900  is flush with step  124  of the large basin  100  therefore enabling lid  350  to cover the strainer  900 . Once the food is cooked, the lid  350  is removed and the strainer  900  is removed from the large basin  100  thanks to rods  910   a ,  910   b.    
     It should be understood by a person of skill in the art, that depending on the size of the heating compartment  18 , a plurality of cooking techniques involving the previously described add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900  and combination thereof could take place simultaneously or sequentially therefore converting the modular barbecue system  1  into a smoke cooking apparatus, a double boiling apparatus, a steam cooking apparatus and so on. 
     In a first example, a flat basin  300  could be placed on the left side of the heating compartment  18  and could be used for plate cooking, a large basin  100  coupled with a perforated flat basin  400  and a lid  350  could be placed next to the flat basin  300  and could be used for steam cooking and a flat basin  300  coupled to a perforated plate system  600 , placed next to the large basin  100 , could be used for smoke cooking. Therefore, a small adaptable grid could be installed on the step components  58   a ,  58   b  of the heating compartment  18 , over the smoke cooking combination to allow food to be received thereon and cooked. 
     In a second example, the modular barbecue system  1  could be used for plate cooking for a first user, it could then be used for smoke cooking by a second user, and it could then be used for receiving on the left side of the heating compartment  18 , a large basin  100  combined with a strainer  900  and a lid  350  for boil cooking and on the right side of the heating compartment  18  an adaptable grid such as a telescopic cooking grid would be positioned on upper step components  58   a ,  58   b  for traditional grilling. 
     Furthermore, and as described above, the add-on components  100 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700  and any combination thereof, being made out of stainless steel in one embodiment, can also be placed in a conventional oven therefor enabling different cooking techniques such as the plate cooking, steam cooking, braising, roasting and so on. 
     It should also be understood for a person of skill in the art that modifications and adaptations are possible to adjust the accessories and add-on components to the size and shape of the gas barbecue. 
     While the above embodiments have been described in accordance with a house barbecue (whether stationary or mounted on casters), the person of skill in the art will understand that other types of gas barbecues could be used. For instance,  FIGS. 35 and 36  show an embodiment of a portable gas barbecue  1000  adapted to receive the previously mentioned add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900 . The portable gas barbecue  1000  comprises a heating compartment  1002  at the upper end thereof, smaller than heating compartment  18 , and four retractable legs  1004   a ,  1004   b ,  1004   c  and  1004   d  at the lower end thereof for supporting the heating compartment  1002 . A peripheral wall  1008  extends from the lower end to the upper end, and comprises, at the lower end thereof, an outward extending step  1006 , found in most typical gas barbecues, vertically distant from the burner  1010 . The upper end of the peripheral wall  1008  of the heating compartment  1002  comprises an outward extending step  1012 , for receiving a main grid, and an outward extending protrusion  1016 , for connecting a pivoting lid  1018  which will cover the heating compartment  1002 . 
     The portable gas barbecue  1000  is adapted to receive the previously mentioned add-on components or any combination of them. In  FIGS. 35 and 36 , the large basin  100  and the lid  350  are combined and received in the heating compartment  1002  of the portable gas barbecue  1000 . The large basin  100  is installed in the heating compartment  1002  by abutting the external surface  112  of the bottom wall  102  onto the step  1006  of the heating compartment  1002 . The large basin is therefore located at a predetermined distance from the burner  1010  thus maximizing heat transfer. The lid  350  is subsequently installed on the large basin  100  as previously described. 
     The portable gas barbecue  1000  can sequentially receive different add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900  for enabling different types of cooking. For example, a large basin  100  associated with a perforated flat basin  400  and a lid  350  for steam cooking could first be installed in the main cavity of the portable gas barbecue  1000 . Once the steam cooking is done a second user could combine a flat basin  300  with a perforated plate system  600  in order to have smoke cooking. The main grid would therefore be positioned on step  1012  for receiving food to be cooked. 
     The modular barbecue system  1  allows for the previously described add-on components to be combined in order to offer different types of cooking, thus converting the gas barbecue into a different type of barbecue. The previously described embodiments expose the modularity of the gas barbecue and the portable gas barbecue  1000  comprising a variety of components and accessories granting the user the possibility to expand the functionality of a traditional gas grill barbecue to several methods of cooking, in addition to grill cooking, without having to buy a different barbecue for each use. 
     While in the above embodiments the modular barbecue system  1  has been described in conjunction with heating compartment  18  specifically designed to receive a plurality of add-on components  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  and  900 , it is also contemplated to provide a modular barbecue system for barbecue grills configured in a more conventional way. Indeed, conventional barbecue grills are generally provided with a heating compartment including a single step, located relatively close to the burners mounted at the bottom of the heating compartment. Therefore, in one embodiment, there is provided a kit for converting a barbecue grill into a modular barbecue system, by making use of a step base that can be positioned in the heating compartment to allow receiving the plurality of add-on components. 
     In a first embodiment of a step base, the step base comprises spaced-apart legs having their lower ends in contact with the bottom wall of the heating compartment and upper ends. The step base also comprises a cross-member connecting the legs via their upper ends and adapted to receive the add-on components thereon. In one embodiment, the cross-member is telescopic. For instance, the cross-member can comprise male and female connecting ends allowing for the step base to telescopically modify its width. As it will be appreciated, this cross-member configuration allows to accommodate different widths of heating compartments to better fit various gas barbecues. In another embodiment, the legs are height adjustable legs enabling to accommodate different distances relative to the bottom wall and the burners of the heating compartment to enable the different add-on components to have an optimized heat transfer when received on the step base. 
     In another alternative embodiment of a step base, the step base is configured to be removably mounted to the front and back walls of the heating compartment of a gas barbecue instead of being mounted on the bottom wall. In this configuration, the step base comprises one or multiple pairs of arms that can be positioned along the front and back walls, from the upper end of the heating compartment to the lower end of the heating compartment. At the upper end thereof, the pairs of arms comprise a hook adapted to engage the upper step designed to receive a cooking grid. In this embodiment, the arms comprise, at different heights, a plurality of steps in the form of protrusions, extending towards the center of the heating compartment, and adapted to receive add-on components thereon. At the lower end thereof, each pair of arms is connected via a cross-member. In one embodiment, each arm comprises a pivot connecting the cross-member, the pivot allowing for the step base to accommodate different angles of the front and back walls relative to the bottom wall. The cross-member is preferably telescopic and comprises for instance male and female connecting ends allowing for a telescopic movement enabling step base to accommodate different widths of heating compartments as the step base is removably received in various gas barbecues. 
     It should be understood that a person of skill in the art would understand that modifications and adaptations are possible to adapt the add-on components to a different size and shape of barbecue without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.