DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE COOKING OF FOOD

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for pressure cooking food using microwaves.

[0002] Numerous microwave pressure cooking devices are already known. These offer the advantage of heating, cooking, or reheating food in a very short time and are therefore now found in almost every modern kitchen. Microwave ovens are also used in commercial kitchens and on airplanes, where pre-portioned food for visitors or passengers needs to be heated quickly.

[0003] When food is heated using microwaves, the microwaves act on water molecules present in the food being heated, causing them to rotate. This creates friction, which in turn generates heat. The evaporating water produces steam, which creates increased pressure inside the microwave oven compared to the outside atmosphere. Therefore, microwave ovens known from the prior art have pressure regulating elements, especially valves, to reduce or equalize the pressure.

[0004] A generic device is described, for example, in DE 20 2004 009 000 U1. This discloses a device for pressure cooking food contained in a cooking container using microwave radiation, wherein the device has a cooking chamber designed as a pressure cooking chamber with a pressure-resistant and pressure-tight door, which has a pressure relief valve that can be adjusted to a specific overpressure forming in the pressure cooking chamber.

[0005] A particular disadvantage of the aforementioned device, as well as other devices known from the prior art, is that the water vapor generated during the heating of food comes into contact with a cold interior lining and condenses there. The condensation droplets that form in this way drip onto the food being cooked, resulting in an undesirable accumulation of liquid on the food or the support on which it is placed, which is perceived as sensorially detrimental.

[0006] Furthermore, it has been found that after the cooking process is completed and the existing overpressure is released via the overpressure valve, a vacuum is created inside the device, which makes opening the door to the cooking chamber very difficult or even impossible if it is not opened immediately after the overpressure has been released.

[0007] US Patent 5,945,021 A describes a device for heating food using microwaves and steam. The device has several compartments containing water and the food product to be heated. The water is vaporized by microwave treatment, so that the food contained in the compartments is heated both by microwaves and by the resulting steam.

[0008] WO 2008 / 128493 describes a container for heating food using microwaves, which allows pressure equalization between the cooking chamber and the outside atmosphere through a gas passage opening sealed with a hygienic protection element. To prevent unwanted condensation, a heat storage element is disclosed in which a specific amount of heat energy is stored and released to the food after the cooking process is complete. In particular, the cooking vessel itself and / or the lid can be designed as a heat storage element, and preferably the heat storage element can be formed as a heat storage layer of a coating on the inside of the container, wherein the coating heats up when electromagnetic energy is supplied by the microwave beams and subsequently releases this heat energy to the food or the surrounding material of the vessel. Object of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative device and method for pressure cooking food using microwaves, which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages known from the prior art and is characterized in particular by the fact that the food cooked in the device does not come into contact with dripping condensate. Furthermore, the device provided by the present invention should preferably also be suitable for use in commercial kitchens. General description of the invention

[0010] The invention solves this problem with the features of the claims and in particular with a device for pressure cooking food arranged on or in a cooking carrier by means of microwave radiation, wherein the device has a device for generating microwaves, in particular one or more magnetrons, and a cooking chamber which is surrounded by at least one pressure-tight door for inserting or removing the food to be cooked and by interior walls, and wherein the device further has a heating device which is configured to partially or completely heat the interior walls surrounding the cooking chamber.

[0011] Preferably, the device according to the invention has an antenna by means of which the microwaves generated by the device for generating microwaves are distributed homogeneously.

[0012] For the purposes of the present invention, "cooking" or "pressure cooking" is understood to mean heating food by means of microwave radiation. It is irrelevant whether the food was already cooked before being heated by microwave radiation or not. "Cooking" or "pressure cooking" can therefore also refer to simply reheating or regenerating food that has already been cooked.

[0013] A "cooking product" can be any foodstuff in any state of cooking that is heated in the device according to the invention by means of microwave radiation.

[0014] A "food carrier" can be any microwave-safe object on or in which food can be placed and heated. A preferred food carrier is a microwave-safe plate, and another preferred food carrier is a microwave-safe container, particularly without a lid.

[0015] A particular advantage of the device according to the invention is that it has a heating device which partially or completely heats the interior walls of the device surrounding the cooking chamber. This prevents the water vapor generated during the heating of the food from coming into contact with a cold interior lining of the device, condensing there, and dripping back onto the food in the form of condensation droplets. Instead, in the device according to the invention, the water vapor encounters preheated interior walls on which it does not condense.

[0016] An example of a heating device for heating interior walls includes or consists of one or more heating coils.

[0017] According to the invention, the heating device is configured to partially or completely heat the interior walls before condensation begins, i.e., before or at the beginning of the cooking process, i.e., the generation of microwaves in the device according to the invention. Preferably, the heating device is configured to heat the interior walls of the device before the cooking process begins, in particular to a temperature between 50 and 100 °C, and more preferably to a temperature between 80 and 95 °C.

[0018] Furthermore, the heating device of the device according to the invention is configured to heat the interior walls completely or only partially. This means that optionally only some of the interior walls, for example only the ceiling, are heated, and / or that the interior walls are not heated over their entire surface, but only over a portion of their surface. Therefore, the heating device of the device according to the invention can optionally be configured to heat one or more of the interior walls over their entire surface or only over a portion of their surface.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the heating device is configured to heat the interior walls surrounding the cooking chamber to varying degrees, thereby creating different temperature zones. For example, some interior walls may not be heated at all, while another part is heated to a first temperature and yet another part to a second temperature that differs from the first. In this way, it is possible to control which interior walls or parts thereof must be protected from condensation under all circumstances and / or which interior walls or parts thereof may even be desirable.

[0020] Preferably, at least a portion of the interior walls of the device according to the invention has drainage grooves for condensate that forms during the cooking process. These drainage grooves are recesses arranged on the surface of the interior walls that direct condensate towards the bottom of the device. The device preferably has a drain for condensate at the bottom, through which it can be removed after the cooking process has ended.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a pressure equalization element configured to close before or at the beginning of microwave generation by the microwave generation device and to reopen after microwave generation by the microwave generation device has ceased. This pressure equalization element can, in particular, be a mechanically controlled valve. Optionally, the aforementioned condensate drain can also serve as the pressure equalization element. In this embodiment, the pressure equalization element is located in the base of the device. Alternatively, however, the pressure equalization element can also be provided in addition to the aforementioned condensate drain, in which case it can be located not necessarily in the base, but at any suitable location within the device.

[0022] Preferably, the pressure equalization element is designed to open immediately after the cooking process is complete, i.e., after the microwave generation has finished, so that no negative pressure can build up in the device that could make it difficult or impossible to open the at least one pressure-tight door. The pressure equalization element is specifically designed to close only when a new cooking process begins. Furthermore, keeping the pressure equalization element open when not in use prevents mold growth within it.

[0023] Advantageously, the interior walls surround the cooking chamber of the device according to the invention in a tubular shape, with at least one pressure-tight door being arranged at one end face of the cooking chamber surrounded by the interior walls in a tubular shape, and an optional second pressure-tight door being arranged at the opposite end face of the cooking chamber surrounded by the interior walls in a tubular shape. Even with non-tubular cooking chambers, providing a second pressure-tight door can be very advantageous. For example, food to be cooked on a food carrier can be introduced from a cold area on one side of the device according to the invention into the cooking chamber through the first pressure-tight door, and after the cooking process is complete, it can be removed from the device through a second pressure-tight door, which is preferably located opposite the first pressure-tight door.This design with two pressure-tight doors, one for the insertion and the other for the removal of food, is particularly suitable for use in autonomous robot units.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the device according to the invention has a food carrier holder on which the food carrier with the food arranged therein or on it can be placed for the cooking process. Optionally, the food carrier holder has openings through which condensate that forms during the cooking process can drain towards the bottom of the device. The food carrier holder preferably has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the food carrier with the food arranged therein or on it. Since the interior walls above the food are preferably heated sufficiently to prevent condensate from forming there during the cooking process, but the areas not located above the food are, for example, less heated or not heated at all, the condensate droplets that form in these areas can drip onto the food carrier holder.The optional perforations in the food carrier holder prevent liquid from accumulating on it. Instead, they flow through the perforations towards the bottom of the appliance, ensuring that a food carrier placed on the holder is not damp underneath after cooking and removal from the appliance, as it would be if it were standing in condensation collected on the holder. The condensation can be drained from the bottom of the appliance via a valve, such as the pressure equalization element, after cooking is complete.

[0025] It has been found that for cooking food in the device according to the invention, it is most advantageous if the cooking chamber is as small as possible. In this way, the pressure build-up necessary for cooking can be achieved effectively. In particular, the cooking chamber can be adapted to the dimensions of plates or Gastronorm containers by accommodating these food carriers with the food arranged within them, without a large gap between the edges of the food carrier and the interior walls. It has been found that a food-to-cooking-chamber ratio of 1:3 to 1:4 is particularly advantageous. When using microwave-safe plates and Gastronorm containers, this corresponds to a cooking chamber height of approximately 5-7 cm and a diameter that is preferably 1 to 5 cm larger than the microwave-safe plate or Gastronorm container used.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device for pressure cooking food arranged on or in a cooking tray using microwave radiation is stackable, so that several devices according to the invention can be arranged one above the other in a space-saving manner. This is particularly advantageous for use in commercial kitchens or anywhere where many dishes need to be heated within a short time. Furthermore, the stackable embodiment is suitable for use where space is limited, such as in airplanes.

[0027] In addition to or as an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment, a further embodiment of the device according to the invention is also suitable for heating many dishes within a short time. This embodiment includes at least one second cooking chamber and optionally any number of additional cooking chambers. The second cooking chamber and the optional additional cooking chambers preferably have, like the first cooking chamber described above, partially or completely heatable interior walls that prevent the condensation of the water vapor generated during the cooking process in undesirable locations. In embodiments with multiple cooking chambers, the device according to the invention is optionally configured to heat each cooking chamber independently of the other cooking chambers by means of microwave radiation. Alternatively, however, the device can also be configured to heat all cooking chambers contained within the device simultaneously.

[0028] The invention further relates to a method for pressure cooking food arranged on or in a cooking carrier using microwave radiation, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Providing a device for pressure cooking food arranged on or in a cooking carrier using microwave radiation, wherein the device comprises a microwave-generating device and a cooking chamber surrounded by at least one pressure-tight door for inserting and removing the food to be cooked and by interior walls, wherein the heating device is configured to partially or completely heat the interior walls surrounding the cooking chamber; inserting food arranged on or in a cooking carrier into the cooking chamber and closing the pressure-tight door; generating microwave radiation by means of the microwave-generating device; heating the interior walls surrounding the cooking chamber by the heating device, wherein the interior walls are heated completely or partially.

[0029] Preferably, the device provided in the method according to the invention is a device according to the invention which can have all the features of the device according to the invention described above in any combination.

[0030] Since at least part of the interior walls of the device used in the inventive method has drainage grooves, the inventive method preferably also includes a step of draining condensate that forms during the cooking process, i.e. while food is being heated in the device, wherein this step may include draining along the drainage grooves.

[0031] Furthermore, the method according to the invention preferably also includes a step of closing a pressure equalization element, which takes place before or at the beginning of the generation of microwaves by the microwave generation device, as well as a step of opening the pressure equalization element, which takes place after completion of the generation of microwaves by the microwave generation device.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of heating the interior walls surrounding the cooking chamber by the heating device comprises heating the interior walls to varying degrees, thereby creating different temperature zones within the cooking chamber. For example, the heating of the interior walls can involve heating only certain interior walls, while other interior walls remain unheated. Alternatively or additionally, only parts of an interior wall can be heated to a specific temperature, while other parts are not heated at all or are heated to a different temperature. It is particularly preferred that the interior wall above the food being cooked is heated more intensely than other interior walls, e.g., to a temperature between 80 and 100 °C, in order to prevent condensation from forming on the interior wall above the food and dripping onto the food.

[0033] Optionally, the inventive method also includes a step of removing the cooked food from the steam pressure cooking device, wherein the removal of the cooked food preferably takes place through a second pressure-tight door of the device, which is preferably opposite the first pressure-tight door through which the food was introduced into the device.

[0034] Optionally, the inventive method can also provide a device with two or more cooking chambers for heating the food. In this embodiment, a food carrier with food arranged on it is placed in any number of the available cooking chambers. Optionally, the different cooking chambers are heated simultaneously and in the same way, or independently of one another, by the microwave generation device, which can also comprise several microwave generation devices. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures, which are schematically illustrated. in the Figure 1 a device according to the invention before, during and after the cooking of food; in the Figure 2 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention in a sectional view; and in the Figure 3 Show an embodiment of an interior wall of a device according to the invention.

[0036] In the Figure 1 is schematically an embodiment of a device according to the invention. 1 before, during and after the cooking of food 3 shown. The left part of the figure shows the device. 1 before pressure cooking, place a plate on top to serve as a food carrier. 2 arranged cooking food 3 by means of microwave radiation.

[0037] The device 1 has a magnetron as a device4 for generating microwaves and a cooking chamber 5 open. The cooking chamber 5 is from interior walls 7 as well as two doors arranged on opposite sides of the device 1 6 The device is surrounded by a mechanism for inserting and removing the food to be cooked. Furthermore, the device features... 1 a heating device 8 on, which is set up, which the cooking chamber 5 surrounding interior walls 7 to heat partially or completely. The heating device 8 In the embodiment shown, it is located in the heated interior walls. 7 integrated and therefore not shown separately.

[0038] At the bottom of the device 1 This one has a pressure equalization element. 10 in the form of a mechanically controlled valve. This is preferably designed to close at the beginning of a cooking process and to reopen after the cooking process has ended.

[0039] The lower part of the device features a food carrier holder. 12 with openings 13 Condensation that forms during the cooking process and lands on the cooking tray. 12 It drips, can leak through the openings. 13 drain away and, after the cooking process is complete, via the opened pressure equalization element. 10 from the device 1 be taken away.

[0040] In the middle part of the Figure 1 is the device according to the invention 1 shown during a cooking process. On the cooking tray. 12 is a cooking carrier 2 with the food on it 3 arranged. The two pressure-tight doors 6 are locked.

[0041] In the right part of the Figure 1 is the device according to the invention 1 after the cooking process is complete and the cooking tray has been removed 2with the food on it 3 shown. The door shown on the right in the picture. 6 is open, since the cooking tray 2 with the food 3 through this door 6 was taken.

[0042] In the Figure 2 is a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 during a cooking process in a cross-sectional view with symbolically represented food 3 in the cooking chamber 5 The arrows indicate the formation and release of steam during the cooking process. This occurs when the food is heated. 3 The resulting water vapor hits the heated interior walls. 7 in the upper part of the device 1 and does not condense there, but only in the lower part of the device 1, where it no longer forms condensation droplets on the food being cooked 3can drip, but rather due to the tubular geometry of the device in the direction of its base and the pressure equalization element arranged therein. 10 can drain away.

[0043] In the Figure 3 schematically, an interior wall 7 with drainage grooves arranged within it 9 shown. It goes without saying that the drainage grooves 9 They can vary in both form and number, because for their function, the only important thing is that condensate from the upper areas of the interior walls is removed. 7 towards the bottom of the device 1 can run off instead of onto the food being cooked 3 to drip.

[0044] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the figures and in the claims can be essential for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list:

[0045] 1. Steam pressure cooking device 2. Food rack 3. Food to be cooked 4. Microwave generator 5. Cooking chamber 6. Pressure-tight door 7. Interior walls 8. Heating device 9. Drainage grooves 10. Pressure equalization element 11. End of cooking chamber 12. Food rack holder 13. Openings in the food rack holder

Claims

1. Device (1) for steam-pressure cooking a food item (3) placed on or in a food item support (2) using microwave radiation, wherein the device (1) comprises a microwave-generating device (4) and a cooking chamber (5), the cooking chamber (5) being surrounded by at least one pressure-tight door (6) for introducing or removing the food item (3) to be cooked and by interior walls (7), characterized by a heating device (8) configured to heat the interior walls (7) surrounding the cooking chamber (5) partially or completely.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the interior walls (7) comprises drainage grooves (9) for condensate that is formed during the cooking process.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by a pressure equalization element (10) configured to close before or at the start of microwave generation by the microwave-generating device (4) and to reopen after the completion of microwave generation by the microwave-generating device (4).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior walls (7) surround the cooking chamber (5) in a tubular manner, wherein the at least one pressure-tight door (6) is arranged on an end face (11) of the cooking chamber (5) that is surrounded by the interior walls (7) in a tubular manner and, optionally, a second pressure-tight door (6) is arranged at the opposite end face (11) of the cooking chamber (5) that is surrounded in a tubular manner by the interior walls (7).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a receptacle for a food item support (12) having optional openings (13) for the drainage of condensate that is formed during the cooking process.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a bottom having a drain arranged therein for condensate that is formed during the cooking of a food item.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one additional cooking chamber (5).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (8) is configured to heat the interior walls (7) surrounding the cooking chamber (5) to different degrees, thereby creating different temperature zones.

9. Process for steam-pressure cooking a food item (3) arranged on or in a food item support (2) using microwave radiation, wherein the process comprises the following steps: - Providing a device (1) for steam-pressure cooking a food item (3) placed on or in a food item support (2) using microwave radiation, wherein the device comprises a microwave-generating device (4) and a cooking chamber (5), the cooking chamber (5) being surrounded by at least one pressure-tight door (6) for introducing or removing the food item (3) to be cooked and by interior walls (7), wherein the heating device (8) is configured to heat the interior walls (7) surrounding the cooking chamber (5) partially or completely; - Introducing a food item (3) arranged on or in a food item support (2) into the cooking chamber (5) and closing the pressure-tight door (6); - generating microwaves by means of the microwave-generating device (4); - heating the interior walls (7) surrounding the cooking chamber (5) by the heating device (8), wherein the interior walls (7) are heated completely or partially.

10. Process according to claim 9, characterized by a further step in which the interior walls (7) are heated to different degrees, thereby forming different temperature zones, wherein, optionally, an interior wall (7) located above a receptacle (12) for a food item support for receiving the food item (3) that is placed on or in the food item support (2) is heated more intensely than other interior walls (7), at least in the region that is located above the food item (3).

11. Process according to one of the claims 9 or 10, characterized by a further step in which condensate that is formed during the generation of microwaves by means of the microwave-generating device (4) is allowed to drain toward the bottom through drainage grooves (9) arranged in at least a portion of the interior walls (7).

12. Process according to one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized by a further step in which condensate that is formed during the generation of microwaves by means of the microwave-generating device (4) is drained from the device (1) through a condensate drain arranged in the bottom of the device (1).