Grate apparatus and method of cleaning

Abstract

A grate assembly includes a cook top defining a support surface, and a grate that includes a projection extending from a peripheral portion. The projection is configured to support a cooking vessel on the grate. The peripheral portion is configured to support the grate on the support surface. A hole is formed in one of the peripheral portion of the grate or the support surface of the cook top. An insert is disposed within the hole and between the support surface of the cook top and the peripheral portion of the grate.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to an appliance, and more particularly, to a grate apparatus and method such as for a cook top stove.[0002]A cooking appliance includes gas and / or electric heating elements for heating and cooking food. The cook top may be made out of ceramic or metal. Often the metal cook top is coated with enamel for added durability. Either a natural gas or propane gas cooking unit is generally used.[0003]In a first type, a gas burner is provided which is arranged under a cook top surface that is typically a closed glass-ceramic panel. In this type, the gas burner heats the ceramic cook top that in turn heats a cooking vessel. A second type of gas cooking unit utilizes a conventional atmospheric gas burner, i.e. that with an open flame, which is inserted through an opening in the cook top.[0004]A grate is utilized to provide separation between the cooking vessel and the burner. The grate is often made of metal or other hard materia...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]As described herein, each of the embodiments of the invention

Problems solved by technology

The hard material or metal of the grate can scratch or mar the enamel coating or glass-ceramic cook top.

These scratches not only reduce the visual aesthetics of the cook top, but in the case of a glass-ceramic cook top, weaken the structural integrity of the cook top increasing the possibility of breaking.

This limits removal and can be difficult to clean the cook top as grease and other debris may settle into the depressed regions.

Grates have traditionally been hard to clean due to the intense heat associated with their use and the resulting effect it has on food and grease spills.

The food and grease often becomes cooked onto the surface and becomes difficult to remove.

Generally, harsh chemicals or mechanical methods had been employed with generally poor results in cleaning the grates.

However, the temperature in the self-clean cycle often degrades the interface between the cook top and the grate.

During the high temperatures of the self-clean cycle the soft material often oxidizes or sublimes into carbon ash, or the bonding agent between the soft material and the grate fails.

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