Multi-chamber cooking apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides multi-chamber cooking equipment, which comprises an equipment main body, a first cooking chamber and a second cooking chamber, at least one heating element controlled by the multi-chamber cooking apparatus wherein the at least one heating element is positioned between the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber so as to be able to generate heat within both the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber for cooking food that can be disposed within one or both of the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber; and a fan operably positioned in fluid communication between the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber wherein air from the first cooking chamber is drawn to an inlet of the fan and an outlet of the fan is directed to the second cooking chamber.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 508,329, filed on October 22, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a multi-chamber cooking device, and more particularly to a multi-chamber cooking device which provides simultaneous smokeless grilling and air frying of food by using the same fan and heating element. Background Art

[0004] Conventional electric grills are usually made of a lower heating element on which the food is placed. In some conventional grills, a lid is closed over the food to keep the heat above the food. Conventional electric grills usually have a pattern, such as grill bars, cast into the cooking surface of the two elements to imprint the pattern onto the surface of the food. Electric grills are usually heated by an internal heating element that is controlled by a temperature controller. Conventional air fryers have a heating element and a fan to force heated air to circulate around the food. These conventional cookers do not provide users with the option of using a single device that provides simultaneous smokeless grilling of food and air frying of food using the same fan and heating element. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present technology provides a multi-purpose cooking device that provides simultaneous smokeless grilling of food and air frying of food using the same fan and heating element. The lower portion of the device includes an enclosed air fryer cooking chamber with a closable door. The air fryer cooking chamber is heated with a heating element and a fan, and the fan is used to blow heated air through the cooking chamber. The heated air, if it has sufficient heat and speed, will air fry the food in the air fryer cooking chamber. In one example, at least one set of heating elements is located in the top of the air fryer cooking chamber.

[0006] The electric grill portion of the device utilizes the same upper heating element as the air fryer chamber and includes a grill surface (such as a grill plate) in an enclosed internal cooking environment. The grilling surface may be in a grill cooking chamber above the air fryer cooking chamber. The upper heating element is located between the grilling surface and the top of the air fryer cooking chamber. The single set of upper heating elements heats both the air fryer chamber and the grilling surface. When the cover is closed over the grill cooking chamber, the cooking environment contains any smoke generated from the cooking environment.

[0007] The fan for circulating the heated air in the air fryer cooking chamber is also used to draw air from the grill cooking chamber through a filtration system to remove smoke from the air. The smoke from the cooking ingredients is sucked into the filtration system via negative pressure through one or more air inlet slits or openings in the side walls of the cooking environment of the grill cooking chamber. The smoke can be mitigated by one or more processes, such as passing through fan blades, through filters, or through a water bed. After removing some or all of the smoke, the air returns to the air fryer chamber to continue cooking the food. The grill plate includes channels and / or orifices that allow grease or other liquids to drain from the ingredients. Grease can be directed to a collection basin for removal.

[0008] The utility model provides a multi-chamber cooking device, comprising: an equipment body, which includes a first cooking chamber and a second cooking chamber; at least one heating element, which is controlled by the multi-chamber cooking device, wherein the at least one heating element is positioned between the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber so as to be able to generate heat in both the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber for cooking food that can be arranged in one or both of the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber; and a fan, which is operably positioned to be fluidically connected between the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber, wherein air from the first cooking chamber is sucked into the inlet of the fan, and the outlet of the fan is guided to the second cooking chamber.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one heating element heats the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber simultaneously.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second cooking chamber comprises an air frying basket in which the food is air fried by heated air circulated in the second cooking chamber by a fan.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first cooking chamber comprises a grilling plate for grilling food.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the cover is placed on the first cooking chamber, the first cooking chamber cooking environment is substantially sealed such that air exits the first cooking chamber environment primarily through the vent inlet aperture when drawn by the fan.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one heating element is in contact with a grill plate in the first cooking chamber.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, heated circulating air from the second cooking chamber is sucked into the first cooking chamber by a fan through holes in the grill plate.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the grill plate heating element has an uneven surface to create an impression in the food.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one heating element is a resistive heating coil.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower portion of the grilling plate includes holes to allow liquid to flow out of the lower portion of the grilling plate.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-chamber cooking device further comprises a liquid reservoir to collect the liquid flowing out from the lower part of the grilling plate.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-chamber cooking device further comprises a filter for removing smoke from the air.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the filter is located between the first cooking chamber and the fan.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second cooking chamber comprises a baking tray for baking food.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fan and the at least one heating element are controlled by a control panel having a user interface for receiving user input.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber are independently accessible, the first cooking chamber is accessed through a first closing element, and the second cooking chamber is accessed through a second closing element, so that cooking can be performed in either the first cooking chamber or the second cooking chamber or in both the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber at the same time.

[0024] These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrated exemplary embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are attached hereto and form a part of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with the cover removed and the door open.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with the cover removed and the door closed.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with a lid and closed door.

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with a lid and an open door.

[0030] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a double grill with a lid and a closed door.

[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with the door closed and the grilling plate removed.

[0032] Figure 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with the door open and the grilling plate removed.

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with an open door and fry basket.

[0034] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with an open door and a baking tray.

[0035] Fig.10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with open doors and shelves.

[0036] Fig.11 is a front view of one embodiment of a double grill with an open door and fry basket.

[0037] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a double grill with a cover.

[0038] Fig.13 is a side view of one embodiment of a double grill with a lid and closed door.

[0039] Fig.14 is a top view of one embodiment of a double grill with the door closed and the grilling plate removed.

[0040] Fig.15 is a top view of one embodiment of a double grill with closed doors and grill plates.

[0041] Fig.16 is a top view of one embodiment of a double grill with a closed door and a cover on the grilling chamber.

[0042] Fig.17 is a cut-away side view of one embodiment of a double grill with a closed door.

[0043] Fig.18 is a cut-away side view of one embodiment of a double grill with a closed door.

[0044] Fig.19 is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with an open door.

[0045] Fig. 20is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double grill with the cover removed and the door open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Examples described herein provide a multi-purpose two-tier grill that provides simultaneous smokeless grilling of food items and air frying of food items using the same fan and heating element. These examples describe a two-tier grill and features that enable the heating element and fan to be used in either or both air frying or grilling modes so that smoke is retained and reduced and grease from food items is directed away from the cooking environment.

[0047] Air frying is a cooking method that uses circulating heated air to cook food more quickly and evenly. In contrast to conventional ovens, heated air is blown across the surface of the food from a fan. In contrast to conventional convection ovens, air fryers have higher speed fans to blow air, typically at least 30% higher than convection ovens. Air fryers also typically place fans near the heating element to allow hotter air to be blown more efficiently. Air fryers typically use a wire basket or other perforated food holder to allow heated air to pass on all sides of the food. The wire basket allows food to cook faster and more evenly. Typically, food is grilled by direct contact with a higher heat source (e.g., directly over a fire or hot grill plate). Baking uses lower temperature dry heat to cook food. Air frying uses hotter circulating air to contact the food and produce a crispier coating. Because hot air is a poor conductor compared to oil or grill plates, the circulation of air makes the product crispier than food baked in a standard oven without circulation. The double grill described herein allows a user to grill food on the grill plate, air fry food in the air fryer chamber, and bake food in the air fryer chamber.

[0048] The grill plate in the grill cooking chamber may have ridges to create sear marks on the food. The grill plate may have any other type of structural parallelism to create sear marks, such as crosshatches, waffle patterns or designs. In some examples, the grill plate is removable or replaceable. For example, the grill plate may be removed for cleaning.

[0049] The air in the grilling chamber is drawn by the fan through the inlet vents to the fan inlet in the side wall of the grilling chamber. The double-layer grill can use any suitable smoke reduction system. In one example, a filter can be placed before or after the fan to remove smoke. In another example, the turbulence created by the crossflow fan causes smoke particles to settle out of the air. The crossflow fan can be a type of fan that creates greater turbulence to remove a greater amount of smoke, such as an axial flow fan with a greater number of blades and / or with longer blades. In another example, a pan of water or other liquid can be placed in one or more channels. When the smoke-laden air passes over the water, smoke settles out of the passing air. Any other suitable mechanism or process can be used to remove smoke from the air.

[0050] The air from the outlet of the fan is directed through the outlet vents inside the air fryer chamber. If the food is being air fried, the heated forced air is passed over and around the food. The air flows out of the air fryer chamber into the grill chamber through holes, vents or other openings between the air fryer chamber and the grill chamber. The air is then drawn out of the grill chamber by the fan as described above. Thus, the air is recirculated through the double grill to conserve the heat generated and reduce smoke emitted to the external environment.

[0051] Figure 1 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein, with the cover 301 removed and the door 105 open. The double layer grill 100 is shown with the grill chamber 101 as the upper layer and the air fryer chamber 102 as the lower layer on the double layer grill 100. In other examples, the grill chamber 101 and the air fryer chamber 102 can be side by side or in any other suitable configuration.

[0052] The double grill 100 can be configured to cook food on the grill plate 103. Figure 3 The grill plate 103 is shown as a cover 301 in the figure and can be lifted to place food and cooking parts in the grilling chamber 101 of the double grill 100 and / or remove food and parts. The grilling plate 103 is shown as having ridges to produce sear marks on the food. The grilling plate 103 can have any other type of structure to produce sear marks, such as crosshatches, waffle patterns or designs. In some examples, the grilling plate 103 is removable or replaceable. For example, the grilling plate 103 can be removed for cleaning. The grilling plate 103 is made of a material such as metal or ceramic that conducts heat from the upper element 501 to the food placed on the grilling plate 103. The grilling plate 103 can have a handle 112 or other means for removing or manipulating the grilling plate 103.

[0053] The grill plate 103 has one or more grease drainage holes, such as hole 113. The grill plate 103 includes channels, holes, or other features to drain grease or other liquids from the food into a holding reservoir. In addition to reducing fat and calories in the ingredients, removing grease from the cooking surface of the grill plate 103 also reduces the smoke generated by the grill plate 103 when cooking food. Heated grease generates more smoke, and removing a portion of the grease reduces the smoke generated.

[0054] The side wall 107 surrounding the grilling plate 103 forms a perimeter wall surrounding the food. The side wall 107 can be a solid wall surrounding the removable grilling plate 103. The side wall 107 can surround the entire perimeter of the grilling plate 103, or can surround only a portion of the grilling plate 103. The side wall includes an inlet vent (at least one of the following: Figure 5 ).

[0055] about Figure 5 The operation of the fan and the air circulation process are described in more detail.

[0056] The air fryer chamber 102 is shown with a door 105. The door 105 may be attached to the double grill 100 by hinges or other connection mechanisms that allow the door 105 to be opened and closed. The door 105 is shown as opening downward with a bottom hinge to provide an opening to the air fryer chamber 102. Alternatively, the door 105 may open in any other manner, such as from the top or side, or by having a French door that opens from the middle.

[0057] The air fryer chamber 102 is shown with one or more environmental vents 109. The environmental vents 109 are on the outer wall of the body of the double layer grill 100. The environmental vents 109 can be any suitable size or configuration, such as slotted vents, holes, or any other shape. The environmental vents 109 allow a secondary fan (not shown) to draw in ambient air to prevent overheating of the body of the double layer grill 100 and any electrical or other components. In one example, the environmental vents 109 are not used as part of the cooking air circulation, but are only used for temperature maintenance on the body of the double layer grill 100.

[0058] The air fryer chamber 102 is shown with a wire rack 104. The wire rack 104 can be used to hold ingredients, trays, baking trays, wire baskets, or any other cooking utensil. The edge of the wire rack 104 is inserted by the user into a groove 110 on the wall of the air fryer chamber 102 to hang the wire rack 104 at a desired height. The groove 110 can be formed by a protrusion 111 into the wall of the air fryer chamber 102 or by an indentation in the wall of the air fryer chamber 102. Two or more protrusions 111 are aligned in parallel and separated by a distance that allows the rack 104 to slide between the upper protrusion 111 and the lower protrusion 111. The wire rack 104 slides into the groove 110 between the protrusions 111 at the desired height. Any other type of mechanism can create the groove 110 (such as a roller, an indentation, a channel, or any other type of suitable mechanism).

[0059] Display or control panel 108 is shown as having features such as temperature display, timer setting, temperature setting, quick start function, preset cooking process or any other suitable control. The control can be a button, a toggle key, a switch or other physical interface object. The control can be a digital representation of the interface object. For example, control panel 108 can be a touch screen. Control panel 108 provides interface objects that allow the user to select between grilling, air frying or both. Control panel 108 provides interface objects that allow the user to set the temperature, fan speed, cooking time or any other selection. Control panel 108 provides interface objects that allow the user to control which heating elements are turned on or any other suitable settings.

[0060] The double grill 100 has a heating element to heat the air within the air fryer chamber 102, such as a lower element 106. The lower element 106 can be any suitable type of resistive heating element or any other type of element that generates heat from electricity. The lower element 106 is exposed to the air fryer chamber 102 and is exposed to the air fryer chamber 102 together with or separately from the upper heating element. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The upper heating element 501 disposed between the grill chamber 101 and the air fryer chamber 102 is shown and described in more detail. The element 106 is used to heat the air fryer chamber 102. The element 106 is controlled by the control panel 108 or any other suitable controller. The element 106 can be turned on or off to maintain a desired temperature in the air fryer chamber 102 and / or the grill chamber 101. Alternatively or additionally, the control panel 108 or other controller increases or decreases the power supplied to the element 106 to maintain a desired temperature in the air fryer chamber 102 and / or the grill chamber 101.

[0061] Figure 2301 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein, wherein the cover 301 is removed and the door 105 is closed. The double layer grill 100 is shown as having at least a grilling chamber 101 without a cover, a closed door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, a grilling plate 103, and a control panel 108. With the door 105 closed, the temperature within the air fryer chamber 102 can be heated to a desired temperature to air fry the food inside or cook the food in any other desired manner. When the door is closed, the circulating heated air is further contained within the double layer grill 100.

[0062] In the absence of the cover 301 on the grilling chamber 101, the user can place food on the grilling plate 103 for cooking.

[0063] Figure 3 301 and a closed door 105 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown as having at least a grilling chamber 101 enclosed under the lid 301, a closed door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, and a control panel 108. With the door 105 closed, the temperature inside the air fryer chamber 102 can be heated to a desired temperature to air fry the food inside or cook the food in another way (such as baking). When the door is closed, the circulating heated air is further contained within the double layer grill 100.

[0064] With the cover 301 on the grilling chamber 101, the user can keep the heat and smoke out while heating the ingredients on the grilling plate 103. The cover 301 is shown with a handle 302 for raising or lowering the cover 301. The handle 302 allows the cover 301 to be installed or removed when the cover 301 is hot. The cover 302 creates a substantially sealed environment in the grilling chamber 101 so that smoke can be drawn out of the grilling chamber 101 by a fan through vents in the side wall 107.

[0065] Figure 4 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with a lid 301 and an open door 105 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown to have at least a grilling chamber 101 enclosed under the lid 301, an open door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, a shelf 104, and a control panel 108. With the door 105 open, a user can place ingredients and / or cooking accessories into the air fryer chamber 102 for cooking.

[0066] Figure 51 is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with a lid 301 and a closed door 105 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown as having at least a grilling chamber 101 enclosed under the lid 301, a closed door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, an upper heating element 501, an inlet vent 502, a fan 503, and a lower heating element 106. With the door 105 closed, the temperature within the air fryer chamber 102 can be heated to a desired temperature to air fry the food inside. When the door is closed, the circulating heated air is further contained within the double layer grill 100.

[0067] With the cover 301 on the grilling chamber 101, the user can keep the heat and smoke in while heating the food on the grilling plate 103. The cover 301 creates a substantially sealed environment in the grilling chamber 101 so that the smoke can be drawn out of the grilling chamber 101 by a fan through the inlet vents 502 in the side walls of the grilling chamber 101.

[0068] The upper element 501 is shown below the grilling plate 103 and at the top of the air fryer chamber 102. The upper element 501 heats the grilling plate 103 and the air fryer chamber 102 simultaneously. The upper element 501 and the lower element 106 can be combined with each other or operate independently. For example, the control panel 108 can be configured to provide power or other control signals to the upper element 501 and the lower element 106 (the upper element 501 or the lower element 106, or even only a part of each of the upper element 501 and / or the lower element 106). That is, each of the upper element 501 and the lower element 106 can be composed of one element or a plurality of elements respectively. For example, the upper element 501 can have two or more separate heating elements, which are controlled together or independently. For example, if necessary, a lower heating temperature can be maintained by operating less than all upper elements 501 simultaneously.

[0069] The fan 503 is shown outside the air fryer chamber 102 and inside the double grill 100 itself. The fan 503 is powered by a motor and controlled by the control panel 108. The fan 503 can have multiple speed settings based on the type of cooking being performed or the temperature being maintained. For example, when air frying food, the fan 503 can be operated at a higher speed to provide a greater air flow over the food. When grilling only in the grilling chamber 101, a lower fan setting can be used. When baking in the air fryer chamber 102, the fan can be set to the lowest setting or completely disabled. The user can manually set the speed of the fan 503 through the control panel 108, or the speed of the fan 503 can be set by a program in the control panel 108.

[0070] The fan 503 can draw air and / or smoke from the grilling chamber 101 via the inlet vent 502 and through a duct or channel from the inlet vent 502 to the fan inlet. The inlet vent 502 can be a series of slits or vents. The inlet vent 502 allows smoke and air from the grilling chamber 101 to be removed from the cooking environment and is guided to a mechanism for removing smoke along the channel 504. Any other size and shape of the inlet vent 502 can be used, such as a single orifice, a series of circular holes, a single rectangular slit or any other suitable opening that allows air and smoke to be drawn from the cooking environment. The channel 504 can be any sealed path for drawing smoke and / or air from the inlet vent 502 to the fan 503 inlet. The channel 504 prevents hot air or smoke from entering the main body of the double-layer grill 100 outside the cooking area or fan blade compartment. That is, protect electronic devices, control panel 108, power supply or any other component from the influence of hot air or smoke. Furthermore, the outer perimeter of the double layer grill 100 is not sealed to prevent hot air or smoke from escaping into the environment.Any cooking chamber, fan housing or channel 504 is substantially sealed to prevent air from escaping.

[0071] Fan 503 forces air through outlet vents 1801 (eg Fig.18 ). The outlet vent 1801 allows air forced by the fan to circulate into the air fryer chamber 102. The air travels through the outlet vent 1801 and enters the air fryer chamber 102 and circulates throughout the body of the air fryer chamber 102. The air is heated by the upper element 501 and / or the lower element 106 while in the body of the air fryer chamber 102. The heated circulating air is drawn upward into the grilling chamber 101 by the vacuum created by the fan 503 inlet. That is, as described herein, the fan 503 inlet draws air out of the grilling chamber 101, which also draws air from the air fryer chamber 102 into the grilling chamber 101. The air enters the grilling chamber 101 upward through the holes in the grilling plate 103 or around the sides of the grilling plate 103. Therefore, the air drawn into the grilling chamber 101 has been heated from the air fryer chamber 102 and is further heated by the heating of the grilling plate 103 by the upper element 501.

[0072] The recirculation of air from the grilling chamber 101 to the fan 503, from the fan 503 to the air fryer chamber 102, and from the air fryer chamber 102 back to the grilling chamber 101 allows heat to be retained and reused. Fumes are contained in the system and are optionally removed by the filter 1201 (e.g. Fig.12 ).

[0073] Figure 6is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 according to certain examples of the technology disclosed herein, with the door 105 closed and the grill plate 103 removed. The double layer grill 100 is shown having at least an open grilling chamber 101 without a lid 301, a closed door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, an upper heating element 501, a lower heating element 106, a grease channel 601, and a control panel 108. When the grill plate 103 is installed in the grilling chamber 101, the upper element 501 is in contact with or adjacent to the grill plate 103. When power is supplied to the upper element 501, heat is transferred to the grill plate 103 to heat the grill plate 103 and any food on the grill plate 103. Figure 6 , the grilling chamber 101 is depicted without the grilling plate 103, such that the grease channels 601 and the upper element 501 are visible. The grilling plate 103 may be removed for cleaning, maintenance, or for any suitable reason.

[0074] The double grill 100 includes a grease retention reservoir. In an example, the double grill 100 includes a grease channel 601 for draining grease or other liquids from the food and draining into the retention reservoir. The grease channel 601 receives grease or other fluids that drain from the food and drain through any holes in the grilling plate 103. The retention reservoir can collect and store grease or other liquids until the user empties the retention reservoir. In an example, the reservoir can be removed from the indoor grill so that the grease can be discarded. In addition to reducing fat and calories in the ingredients, removing grease from the cooking surface of the double grill 100 also reduces the smoke generated by the upper element 501 and the lower element 106. Heated grease generates more smoke, and removing a portion of the grease reduces the smoke generated.

[0075] Figure 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein, with the door 105 open and the grill plate 103 removed. The double layer grill 100 is shown with at least an open grilling chamber 101 without a lid 301, an open door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, an upper heating element 501, a lower heating element 106, a grease channel 601, a wire rack 104 in a groove 110, and a control panel 108. When the grill plate 103 is installed in the grilling chamber 101, the upper element 501 is in contact with or adjacent to the grill plate 103.

[0076] Figure 81 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with an open door 105 and a fry basket 801 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown as having at least a grilling chamber 101 closed with a lid 301, an open door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, and a fry basket 801 mounted in a recess 110. The fry basket 801 can be any type of basket, plate, bowl, or container suitable for air frying food. In one example, the fry basket 801 is a wire mesh basket that allows heated circulating air to flow over and around the food to create greater contact between the air and the food. The heated air flowing over the surface of the food creates an air frying effect that makes the food crispier and simulates conventional oil frying.

[0077] In the illustration, the fry basket 801 is mounted in a recess 110 formed in the wall of the air fryer chamber 102. Alternatively, the fry basket 801 may be placed on a shelf 104 or supported in any other suitable manner in the air fryer chamber 102. In this example, the fry basket 801 is mounted in a central portion of the air fryer chamber 102. By placing the fry basket 801 in the center, the airflow is more evenly distributed over the surface of the food in the fry basket 801, which more evenly air fries the food.

[0078] Fig. 9 301 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with an open door 105 and a baking tray 901 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown as having at least a grilling chamber 101 closed with a lid 301, an open door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, and an installed baking tray 901. The baking tray 901 can be any type of basket, tray, bowl, or container suitable for baked food. In one example, the baking tray 901 is a flat tray with an upturned edge that allows the food to be heated from the surrounding air and from the heated tray itself. The baking tray 901 is heated from the lower heating element 106 below the tray and is heated by the air in the air fryer chamber 102.

[0079] In the illustration, the baking tray 901 is mounted on the support member of the body of the air fryer chamber 102. Alternatively, the baking tray 901 can be mounted in a groove 110 formed in the wall of the air fryer chamber 102. Alternatively, the baking tray 901 can be placed on a shelf 104 or supported in the air fryer chamber 102 in any other suitable manner. In this example, the baking tray 901 is mounted near the bottom of the air fryer chamber 102. By placing the baking tray 901 in the bottom, the baking tray 901 is heated directly from the lower element 106, and the air is heated by the upper heating element 501 (not shown). The food is baked by cooking the food with dry heat and without exposure to flames (such as in an oven). At lower fan speeds or no fan at all, the food in the air fryer chamber 102 is baked instead of being air fried.

[0080] Fig.10 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with an open door 105 and a rack 104 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown with at least a grilling chamber 101 closed with a lid 301, an open door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, and a rack 104 mounted in a recess 110. The rack 104 can be any type of wire rack, grid, perforated plate, grill, or any other type of rack 104 suitable for supporting food or a dish. The food on the rack 104 is heated from the lower heating element 106, the upper heating element 501, and the heated air below the rack 104.

[0081] In the illustration, the shelf 104 is mounted in a recess 110 formed in the wall of the air fryer chamber 102. Alternatively, the shelf 104 may be supported on a support member of the body of the air fryer chamber 102. In the example, the shelf 104 is mounted at the bottom of the air fryer chamber 102.

[0082] Fig.11 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with an open door 105 and a fry basket 801 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown as having at least a grilling chamber 101 closed with a lid 301, an open door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, and a fry basket 801 mounted in a recess 110. The fry basket 801 can be any type of basket, plate, bowl, or container suitable for air frying food. In one example, the fry basket 801 is a wire mesh basket that allows heated circulating air to flow over and around the food to create greater contact between the air and the food. The heated air flowing over the surface of the food creates an air frying effect that makes the food crispier and simulates conventional oil frying.

[0083] In the illustration, the fry basket 801 is mounted in a recess 110 formed in the wall of the air fryer chamber 102. Alternatively, the fry basket 801 may be placed on a shelf 104 or supported in any other suitable manner in the air fryer chamber 102. In this example, the fry basket 801 is mounted in a central portion of the air fryer chamber 102. By placing the fry basket 801 in the center, airflow is more evenly distributed over the surface of the food in the fry basket 801.

[0084] Fig.12 301 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. In the illustration, the front of the double layer grill 100 is a cross-sectional view showing the center portion and the rear portion of the double layer grill 100. The double layer grill 100 is shown to have at least a grilling chamber 101 and a grilling plate 103 enclosed under the cover 301, an air fryer chamber 102, an upper heating element 501, a lower heating element 106, a fan 503, a shelf 104, a filter 1201, and a control panel 108.

[0085] The upper heating element 501 is shown below the grill plate 103 and at the top of the air fryer chamber 102. The upper element 501 heats both the grill plate 103 and the air fryer chamber 102. The lower element 106 is at the bottom of the air fryer chamber 102 below the shelf 104. The fan 503 is shown outside the air fryer chamber 102 and inside the double grill 100 itself. The upper element 501 and the lower element 106 can be operated jointly or individually based on the temperature requirements or the type of cooking being performed. For example, if only the user only uses the grill chamber 101 and not the air fryer chamber 102, the control panel 108 can only turn on the upper element 501 and not the lower element 106.

[0086] Filter 1201 is shown on the downstream side of inlet vent 502. Filter 1201 removes smoke and other particles from air drawn out of grilling chamber 101. Filtered air is drawn into the inlet of fan 503. The filter may be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastic, cellulose, metal, or other suitable material.

[0087] Fig.13 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 having a lid 301 and a closed door 105 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown to have at least a grilling chamber 101 enclosed under the lid 301, and a closed door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102. The double layer grill 100 is shown to have an environmental vent 109 for maintaining the temperature of the body of the double layer grill 100.

[0088] Fig.141 is a top view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 according to certain examples of the technology disclosed herein, with the door 105 closed and the grill plate 103 removed. The double layer grill 100 is shown with at least an open grilling chamber 101 without a lid 301, a closed door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, an upper heating element 501, a grease channel 601, and an inlet vent 502. When the grill plate 103 is installed in the grilling chamber 101, the upper element 501 is in contact with or adjacent to the grill plate 103. When power is supplied to the upper element 501, heat is transferred to the grill plate 103 to heat the grill plate 103 and any food on the grill plate 103.

[0089] Fig.15 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with a closed door 105 and a grill plate 103 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown with at least an open grill chamber 101 without a lid 301, a closed door 105 leading to an air fryer chamber 102, a grill plate 103, and an inlet vent 502.

[0090] Fig.16 is a top view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with a closed door 105 and a cover 301 on a grill chamber 101 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. The double layer grill 100 is shown with at least the grill chamber 101 not covered by the cover 301, and the closed door 105 leading to the air fryer chamber 102.

[0091] Fig.17 1 is a cutaway side view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with a closed door 105 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. In the illustration, the side of the double layer grill 100 is a cutaway view showing a side portion of the double layer grill 100. The double layer grill 100 is shown with at least a fan 503 and an environmental vent 109. The fan 503 is shown outside of the air fryer chamber 102 and within the interior of the double layer grill 100 itself.

[0092] Fig.181 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with an open door 105 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. In the illustration, the side of the double layer grill 100 is a cross-sectional view showing a side portion of the double layer grill 100. The double layer grill 100 is shown as having at least a groove 110, a protrusion 111 and an inlet vent 502. The fan 503 forces air into the air fryer chamber 102 via a fan outlet vent 1801. The outlet vent 1801 is shown as a series of slits or vents. Any other size and shape of outlet vent 1801 can be used, such as a single orifice, a series of circular holes, a single rectangular slit, a series of slits, or any other suitable opening that allows air and smoke to be drawn from the cooking environment. Any number of outlet vents 1801 can be used, such as 1, 2, 4 or 8. The outlet vent 1801 is located on the wall of the air fryer chamber 102. In the example, behind the wall with the outlet vent 1801 is the fan 503 .

[0093] Fig.19 1 is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 with an open door 105 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein. In the illustration, the front and top of the double layer grill 100 are cutaway views showing the interior portion of the double layer grill 100. The double layer grill 100 is shown with at least a fan 503, an ambient vent 109, an upper element 501, and a lower element 106.

[0094] Fig. 20 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a double layer grill 100 according to some examples of the technology disclosed herein, with the cover removed and the door 105 open. The double layer grill 100 is shown with at least a grilling plate 103, a protrusion 111, an inlet vent 502, and an outlet vent 1801. A fan 503 located behind the side wall of the air fryer chamber 102 forces air through the outlet vent 1801 and into the air fryer chamber 102.

[0095] In an exemplary method of using the double grill 100, a user may wish to grill food on the grill plate 103 in the grill chamber 101 and simultaneously or alternatively air fry food in the air fryer chamber 102. The user will open the lid 301 of the grill chamber 101 and place food on the grill plate 103. The user will open the door 105 of the air fryer chamber 102 and place food in the fry basket 801 (which is placed in the recess 110). The recess 110 supports the fry basket 801 substantially in the center of the air fryer chamber 102 so that hot circulating air passes over the food in all directions.

[0096] The user will turn on the control panel 108, such as by pressing a button, turning a knob, inputting data, or instructing the control panel 108 in any other way to turn on one or both of the grill chamber 101 and the air fryer chamber 102. In this example, the user can turn on both the grill chamber 101 and the air fryer chamber 102 at the same time, or operate either one separately. The user can enter a preset recipe function in the control panel 108, enter a separate time and temperature for each of the grill chamber 101 and the air fryer chamber 102, or enter a separate function (such as a grilling function and / or an air frying function).

[0097] The control panel 108 turns on one or more of the upper element 501, the lower element 106, and the fan 503. In this example, the upper element 501 heats the air in the air fryer chamber 102. At the same time, the upper element 501 heats the grilling plate 103 and the grilling chamber 101. The fan 503 draws air from the grilling chamber 101 into the inlet of the fan 503. Any smoke in the air is filtered, settled, or otherwise removed from the air, and the air is forced back into the air fryer chamber 102 by the fan.

[0098] The fan 503 can change speed based on the recipe or other options selected. For example, if the user is baking ingredients in the baking tray 901 to bake a food, the fan 503 can be operated at a lower speed to provide a lower airflow over the food. Different types of cooking use different airflow speeds. For example, air frying requires a higher airflow speed.

[0099] The user can remove the grilling plate 103 from the double layer grill 100 for cleaning. In an example, the grilling plate 103 is clamped to the body of the double layer grill 100 via a clip, latch, or other fastener. In another example, the grilling plate 103 is held in place via gravity and / or friction. The user can remove the cover 301 from the double layer grill 100 and manually remove the grilling plate 103.

Claims

1. A multi-chamber cooking device, characterized in that: include: an apparatus body including a first cooking chamber and a second cooking chamber; at least one heating element controlled by the multi-chamber cooking device, wherein the at least one heating element is positioned between the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber so as to be capable of generating heat within both the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber for cooking food that can be disposed within one or both of the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber; and A fan is operably positioned in fluid communication between the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber, wherein air from the first cooking chamber is drawn into an inlet of the fan and an outlet of the fan is directed to the second cooking chamber.

2. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one heating element heats the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber simultaneously.

3. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second cooking chamber includes an air fryer basket in which food is air fried by heated air circulated in the second cooking chamber by the fan.

4. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cooking chamber includes a grilling plate for grilling food.

5. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the cover is placed over the first cooking chamber, the first cooking chamber cooking environment is substantially sealed such that air exits the first cooking chamber environment primarily through the vent inlet aperture when drawn by the fan.

6. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The at least one heating element is in contact with the grill plate in the first cooking chamber.

7. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Heated circulating air from the second cooking chamber is drawn by the fan into the first cooking chamber through holes in the grill plate.

8. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The grill plate heating element has an uneven surface to create an impression in the food material.

9. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one heating element is a resistive heating coil.

10. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower portion of the grill plate includes holes to allow liquid to flow out of the lower portion of the grill plate.

11. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 9, characterized in that: A liquid reservoir is also included to collect liquid that flows out from the lower portion of the grill plate.

12. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a filter for removing smoke from the air.

13. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The filter is located between the first cooking chamber and the fan.

14. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second cooking chamber comprises a baking tray for baked food.

15. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fan and the at least one heating element are controlled by a control panel having a user interface for receiving user input.

16. The multi-chamber cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber are independently accessible, the first cooking chamber being accessible through a first closing element and the second cooking chamber being accessible through a second closing element, so that cooking can be performed in either one of the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber or in both of the first cooking chamber and the second cooking chamber.

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