Uniform microwave heating of food in a container

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for ensuring more uniform heating of food by microwaves. The method includes providing food in a portion having a predetermined size and shape; and providing a container adapted for receiving and reheating the portion of food in a microwave oven. The container forms a supporting cavity having peripheral sides and a bottom side, with the portion of food placed within the supporting cavity. The peripheral sides of the container are circumferentially shielded by a microwave reflective material that forms a circumference having axial and transverse distances that are determined so as to change the wavelength of resonant modes inside the food thereby resulting in a more uniform heating food pattern.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International application PCT / EP03 / 03712 filed Apr. 9, 2003, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 118,033 filed Apr. 9, 2002, the entire content of each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The present invention relates to a device and method for improving heating of food in a microwave oven. The invention addresses the problems of cold spot, uneven heating and splattering that traditionally occur when foods are heated in a microwave oven. In particular, the present invention proposes a method for handling and evenly heating frozen food that can be economically, conveniently and rapidly served in a foodservice location to the consumer. The invention also relates to a stand-like device adapted to receive a food container for improving the reheating of the food in a microwave oven.

[0003] Microwave reheating of frozen meals provides convenience f...

Examples

example 1

Comparative

Heating of Lasagna in Oval Plate without Metallic Side Band

[0077]A frozen lasagna product of 387 grams is placed in an oval plate (“plat a sabot”) having a long axis of 17.8 cm, a short axis of 10.4 cm, height of 3.1 cm, and no metallic shielding on the side wall. The food product is heated in Welbilt microwave oven (850 Watts) for 6 minutes. The temperature measurement showed a cold spot below 18° C. and edges boiled over.

[0078]FIG. 8 shows the corresponding thermograph at the end of the heating stage.

example 2

Heating of Lasagna in Oval Plate with Half Upper Metallic Side Band

[0079]The same food product is heated in a plate of identical dimension with a metallic shielding tape adhesively attached to the upper half of the upward sides of the plate. The lower half of the sides is left uncovered. The product weighed 389 grams and was heated in the same oven as Example 1 for 6 minutes. The product showed a cold spot below 39° C. and edge slightly boiled over.

[0080]FIG. 9 shows the corresponding thermograph at the end of the heating stage.

example 3

Heating of Lasagna in Oval Plate with a Full Metallic Side Band

[0081]The same food product is heated in a plate of identical dimension with a metallic shielding tape adhesively attached onto the full sides of the plate. The bottom of the plate is left uncovered. The product weighed 386 grams and was heated in same oven and for 6 minutes. It had no cold spot with a temperature of the surface higher than 65° C. and no burnt edge and corner.

[0082]FIG. 10 shows the corresponding thermograph at the end of the heating stage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International application PCT / EP03 / 03712 filed Apr. 9, 2003, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 118,033 filed Apr. 9, 2002, the entire content of each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The present invention relates to a device and method for improving heating of food in a microwave oven. The invention addresses the problems of cold spot, uneven heating and splattering that traditionally occur when foods are heated in a microwave oven. In particular, the present invention proposes a method for handling and evenly heating frozen food that can be economically, conveniently and rapidly served in a foodservice location to the consumer. The invention also relates to a stand-like device adapted to receive a food container for improving the reheating of the food in a microwave oven.

[0003] Microwave reheating of frozen meals provides convenience f...

Examples

example 1

Comparative

Heating of Lasagna in Oval Plate without Metallic Side Band

[0077]A frozen lasagna product of 387 grams is placed in an oval plate (“plat a sabot”) having a long axis of 17.8 cm, a short axis of 10.4 cm, height of 3.1 cm, and no metallic shielding on the side wall. The food product is heated in Welbilt microwave oven (850 Watts) for 6 minutes. The temperature measurement showed a cold spot below 18° C. and edges boiled over.

[0078]FIG. 8 shows the corresponding thermograph at the end of the heating stage.

example 2

Heating of Lasagna in Oval Plate with Half Upper Metallic Side Band

[0079]The same food product is heated in a plate of identical dimension with a metallic shielding tape adhesively attached to the upper half of the upward sides of the plate. The lower half of the sides is left uncovered. The product weighed 389 grams and was heated in the same oven as Example 1 for 6 minutes. The product showed a cold spot below 39° C. and edge slightly boiled over.

[0080]FIG. 9 shows the corresponding thermograph at the end of the heating stage.

example 3

Heating of Lasagna in Oval Plate with a Full Metallic Side Band

[0081]The same food product is heated in a plate of identical dimension with a metallic shielding tape adhesively attached onto the full sides of the plate. The bottom of the plate is left uncovered. The product weighed 386 grams and was heated in same oven and for 6 minutes. It had no cold spot with a temperature of the surface higher than 65° C. and no burnt edge and corner.

[0082]FIG. 10 shows the corresponding thermograph at the end of the heating stage.

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