Mobile cooking appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile appliance (1) for cooking and / or heating food, comprising: • - an enclosure (10) for cooking or heating a food item, which enclosure can be selectively opened or closed and comprises a heating plate (11) comprising an upper face (110) and a lower face (111), and • - a system (30) for ventilation of the air contained in the enclosure. The invention is characterised in that the appliance comprises a cavity (40) located under the heating plate and adjacent to a lower face of the plate; the system for ventilation of the air contained in the enclosure being configured to circulate the air drawn from the enclosure into the cavity in order to heat the air circulating in the cavity before re-injecting it into the enclosure.

Description

Description Title: Mobile cooking appliance Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile appliance for cooking and / or heating food, in particular for cooking certain culinary specialties. Prior art

[0002] The soufflé is an iconic dish in French gastronomy. It is a hot culinary preparation, which can be sweet or savory, that incorporates whipped egg whites. The soufflé is known for its technical difficulties.

[0003] On the one hand, cooking a soufflé is tricky, and requires that the oven not be open for the entire cooking time. This can pose an organizational problem in restaurants, since cooking a soufflé prevents the oven from being used for other dishes at the same time. A possible, but expensive, alternative is to use several ovens simultaneously. However, this solution also poses a space problem.

[0004] On the other hand, this dish must be served and consumed immediately after cooking to prevent the soufflé from "falling", which requires just-in-time cooking, perfect organization, and numerous and qualified staff, so that the time interval between the end of cooking in the kitchen and consumption in the dining room is as short as possible, typically less than one minute.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a cooking appliance that can overcome these constraints, in particular a mobile cooking appliance, which can be positioned directly on the table or carried close to it, and where the soufflé will be consumed for last-minute cooking and immediate service.

[0006] In the field of mobile cooking appliances, document US 2021 / 0282588 discloses an oven comprising a grill and a lid incorporating convective heating, the convective heating having the function of accelerating the cooking of grilled food. However, this oven is not suitable for cooking certain specialties such as soufflés. Summary

[0007] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0008] In particular, the present disclosure aims to provide a mobile cooking appliance, which is particularly suitable for cooking soufflés. Another aim of the disclosure is to achieve rapid cooking while limiting the energy consumption of the appliance.

[0009] A mobile appliance for cooking and / or heating food is provided, comprising: a cooking or heating enclosure for a food, which can be selectively opened or closed, comprising a heating plate comprising an upper face and a lower face, and a system for ventilating the air contained in the enclosure, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a cavity located under the heating plate and adjacent to a lower face of said plate; the system for ventilating the air contained in the enclosure being configured to circulate the air sucked from the enclosure into the cavity, to heat the air circulating in the cavity, before reinjecting it into the enclosure.

[0010] In embodiments, the ventilation system comprises at least one fan or a pump.

[0011] In embodiments, the ventilation system includes a centrifugal pump positioned in the cavity.

[0012] In embodiments, the ventilation system is configured to draw air from the enclosure from a first peripheral region of the heating plate and to reinject it into the enclosure through a second peripheral region of the heating plate.

[0013] In embodiments, the heating plate includes a peripheral rim overhanging its upper face, and said peripheral rim includes a plurality of slots allowing air circulation between the enclosure and the cavity.

[0014] In embodiments, the slots are radially oriented and inclined toward the upper face of the heating plate.

[0015] In embodiments, the pump is configured to circulate air at a rate greater than at least 1 m3 / h.

[0016] In embodiments, the enclosure includes a peripheral wall adapted to allow viewing of food through the wall.

[0017] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one of an enclosure temperature sensor and a heating plate temperature sensor.

[0018] In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a control circuit for the heating plate and the ventilation system, the control circuit being disposed in a compartment separated from the cavity by a thermally insulating wall.

[0019] In embodiments, the control circuit is configured to detect an opening of the enclosure from a drop in temperature in the enclosure.

[0020] Also described is a mobile table or cart incorporating an apparatus according to the foregoing description.

[0021] Also described is a cooking kit comprising an appliance according to the preceding description, and at least one ramekin sized to be able to be inserted into the enclosure of the appliance and placed on the hotplate.

[0022] In embodiments, the baking kit further comprises a ramekin gripping device.

[0023] In embodiments, the ramekin gripping device is sized to be able to be introduced into the enclosure of the appliance, the gripping device comprising a gripping element and a ramekin support adapted to be placed on the heating plate, the ramekin support comprising at least one through-hole, the ramekin support and the ramekin being shaped so that the base of the ramekin can be introduced into the through-hole of the ramekin support and the ramekin comprises at least one cross-section wider than the through-hole, allowing the ramekin to be lifted via the gripping device.

[0024] The cooking appliance described above allows for rapid and even cooking thanks to a heating system based on a hotplate both for heating the food directly and / or for heating air forced into the cooking chamber. Circulating the air increases convective exchanges and therefore reduces the heating and / or cooking time. This also reduces the time taken to reheat the oven between two openings of the chamber, which increases the availability of the appliance.

[0025] This appliance can be temperature regulated, with a hermetically sealed enclosure, which makes it especially suitable for cooking soufflés.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the heated air inlet slots are located on the periphery of the upper face of the heating plate and oriented towards it, so that the air thus injected is directed towards the center of the plate and rises along the walls of the ramekin containing the soufflé, which ensures uniform cooking. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0028] [Fig. 1] represents an example of a food cooking and / or heating appliance according to one embodiment. [Fig. 2]

[0029] [Fig. 2] represents a sectional view of a food cooking and / or heating appliance according to one embodiment. [Fig. 3a]

[0030] [Fig. 3a] represents a partial view of an example of an air circulation circuit. [Fig. 3b]

[0031] [Fig. 3b] shows a partial view of another example of an air circulation circuit. [Fig. 4]

[0032] [Fig. 4] schematically represents a mobile trolley comprising a cooking appliance. [Fig. 5]

[0033] [Fig. 5] schematically represents an example of an air circulation circuit of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. [Fig. 6]

[0034] [Fig. 6] schematically represents an example of a ramekin and gripping device of a cooking kit according to one embodiment. [Fig. 7]

[0035] [Fig. 7] schematically represents the enclosure of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0036] We will now describe a mobile appliance 1 for cooking and / or heating food or preparing food A. The appliance described below is particularly suitable for cooking soufflés, but can be used for other purposes, for example cooking pastry preparations, egg-based preparations, etc.

[0037] In the context of this document, the term "mobile device" means that the device 1 may be portable. In this regard, the device 1 may have a limited mass to allow easy movement. For example, the device 1 advantageously weighs less than 10 kg, advantageously less than 5 kg. In the case where the device 1 is portable, it comprises an integrated energy source, for example a battery, or a means of connection to an external energy source, for example a power cord allowing it to be plugged into the mains, or a receiver of a contactless electrical power supply device, for example by induction, intended to be placed on a complementary transmitter to allow the operation of the device.

[0038] With reference to Figure 4, the term “mobile device” also covers the case where the cooking device 1 is integrated into a table, typically a restaurant table, or into a mobile trolley 9, for example a serving trolley, equipped with wheels. In these cases, the cooking device 1 may also comprise an integrated energy source 90, for example a battery. Alternatively, the electricity required for the operation of the cooking device may come from the table or the mobile trolley into which it is integrated. Where appropriate, the table or the mobile trolley may comprise an integrated energy source, for example a battery, or an external energy source, for example a power cord that can be plugged into the mains.In the case where the cooking device 1 comprises a receiver of a contactless electrical power supply device, for example by induction, the mobile trolley or the table may comprise the complementary transmitter allowing the device 1 to be electrically powered when it is placed on the trolley or the table. In addition, the table or the mobile trolley on the one hand, and the cooking device on the other hand, then comprise electrical connection means 91 to allow the electrical power supply of the device by the table. In the case where the device 1 is integrated into a table, it may be removable, for example to allow easier cleaning of the cooking device 1 or the table, or it may be integral with the table or the trolley. The table or the trolley is advantageously shaped to receive the cooking device and may comprise for example a recess adapted to receive a. base of the cooking device, the recess also being able to include the means of electrical connection to the cooking device 1 mentioned above.

[0039] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the food cooking and / or heating device 1 comprises an enclosure 10 for cooking or heating a food, comprising a heating plate 11. The heating plate may be circular in shape. The heating plate 11 extends substantially horizontally when the device 1 is in the operating position. The heating plate may be made of metal or a metal alloy, for example aluminum, or cast iron, or even a mineral material, for example steatite. The cooking device 1 further comprises a heating device 12 for the plate 11, which may advantageously be an electrical resistor running along a surface of the plate. In embodiments, the plate 11 comprises an upper face 110 and a lower face 111, and the electrical resistor may run along the lower face 111 of the heating plate.Alternatively, the heating device 12 may comprise a removable gas cartridge so that it can be replaced, and a burner. According to yet another alternative, when the cooking appliance 1 is integrated into a table or a mobile trolley, the table or the mobile trolley may incorporate a gas cylinder and the appliance may comprise a burner and a nozzle for connecting to the gas cylinder.

[0040] The cooking enclosure 10 can be selectively opened or closed, so as to allow an individual to introduce and retrieve food or a food preparation to be cooked, and the enclosure comprises in this regard a means for opening and closing the enclosure. In the closed configuration, the enclosure 10 is advantageously hermetically sealed so as to prevent any communication of air from outside the device 1 to the interior of the enclosure and vice versa, and thus to retain the heat within the enclosure.

[0041] The food A to be cooked or heated may be placed directly on the hotplate, or on a support mounted or placed thereon. In embodiments, the support may comprise two or more superimposed tiers, the tiers being perforated so as not to block the circulation of air in the enclosure. For example, the support may be a grid.

[0042] In embodiments, the enclosure 10 comprises at least one wall 13 extending around the heating plate 11 and above it so as to close the enclosure 10. In the case where the heating plate 11 is circular, the wall 13 may be symmetrical in revolution, for example cylindrical or dome-shaped.

[0043] The wall may include the means for opening and closing the enclosure. In one embodiment, the wall 13 comprises a peripheral wall 130 extending around the heating plate 11, the peripheral wall being surmounted by a removable cover 131. This is the case shown in the example of Figure 1, in which the peripheral wall is cylindrical. If necessary, the removable cover 131 may comprise, on the enclosure side, a hanging device (not shown) making it possible to suspend food or a preparation to be cooked and avoid direct contact with the heating plate. In another example not shown, the wall may comprise a through opening which can be selectively closed or released by a movable panel. According to yet another example not shown, the wall 13 may be an articulated wall having a closed configuration in which the enclosure is hermetically sealed, and an open configuration allowing the introduction of food or food preparation into the enclosure.

[0044] The wall may also include a gripping device 132 for the cover or the movable panel, to facilitate handling of the appliance. The gripping device 132 may be made of a low thermal conductive material to avoid the risk of burns. In the example shown in Figure 2, the removable cover 131 includes a lower cover element 133 providing the function of closing the enclosure, assembled to an upper cover element 134 providing the gripping function and possibly an aesthetic role. In this configuration, the lower element can be made of polished stainless steel so as to reflect radiative emissions inside the enclosure and therefore reduce heating of the cover, and can also include a layer of insulating material to reduce conduction towards the upper element.

[0045] The wall is made of a material capable of withstanding a temperature of at least 200°C, preferably at least 250°C, for example steel or glass. However, the wall 13 is advantageously adapted to allow the food contained in the enclosure to be viewed through the wall. For example, the wall may be made partially or entirely of transparent glass, colored or not. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical peripheral wall 130 is made of transparent glass but the removable cover 131 is opaque.

[0046] With reference to figures 1 and 2, the appliance 1 for cooking and / or heating food may comprise a base 20 including the heating plate 11, and to which the wall 13 is assembled so that the enclosure is formed jointly by the wall 13 and the heating plate.

[0047] The base 20 also makes it possible to house all the electronic and / or mechanical equipment for air ventilation, heating the hotplate, as well as the control and regulation of these functions, described below.

[0048] With reference to figures 2, 3a, 3b and 5, the appliance 1 for cooking and / or heating food further comprises a system 30 for ventilating the air contained in the enclosure, so as to allow convection heating of the contents of the enclosure. The air ventilation system 30 can be selectively activated or deactivated, so as to be able to select a heating mode adapted to the food or preparation in question. The ventilation system 30 comprises a fan or a pump 31, adapted to drive the air contained in the enclosure in motion, an electrical power supply device 32 for the fan or the pump, for example a direct current motor, and an air circulation circuit 33.

[0049] As shown in the example of Figure 2, the base 20 of the cooking and / or heating appliance 1 comprises a cavity 40 located under the heating plate 11 and adjacent to a lower face 111 of the plate. In the case where the heating plate 11 is heated by an electrical resistor 12, the resistor can be housed in the cavity 40.

[0050] The air ventilation system 30 is configured to circulate air drawn from the enclosure 10 into the cavity 40 so that the air is heated therein, for example by circulating along the lower surface 11 1 of the plate 11 , before reinjecting it into the enclosure. Heating the air in the cavity allows it to be reinjected at a temperature greater than or equal to the temperature at which the air was taken from the cavity.

[0051] According to an embodiment shown schematically in Figure 5, the air circulation circuit 33 can be arranged to take air from a peripheral region of the heating plate, optionally around the entire circumference of the heating plate, and to reinject the air through a central orifice into the heating plate. In this case, the appliance can be shaped so that the food to be cooked is arranged around the central orifice of the heating plate. Alternatively, the air circulation circuit 33 can be arranged to take air from a central orifice arranged in the heating plate and to reinject it at the periphery of the heating plate, optionally around the entire circumference of the heating plate. In both these cases, the ventilation system 30 can comprise a fan or an axial pump adjacent to the air sampling or injection zone located at the central orifice of the plate.

[0052] Alternatively, and as shown in Figures 2, 3a and 3b, the air circulation circuit 33 may be arranged to take air from a first peripheral region of the heating plate, and to reinject the air into a second peripheral region of the heating plate, which may represent a larger part of the circumference of the heating plate than the first region. In this case, the air ventilation system 30 may comprise a centrifugal pump 31 (also referred to as a radial pump), the air outlet of which has a direction perpendicular to the direction of the air inlet, which is arranged in the cavity 40 eccentrically relative to the center of the heating plate 11, in line with the first peripheral region where the air is taken.The centrifugal pump may be a radial microturbine with high rotation speed, for example between 1000 and 30,0000 revolutions per minute, for example between 6000 and 9000 revolutions per minute, making it possible to ensure a pulsed air flow rate greater than at least 1 m. 3 per hour, preferably between 5 and 15 m 3 per hour, for example between 8 and 12 m 3 per hour. The pump is advantageously sized, depending in particular on the size of the enclosure and the configuration of the air circulation circuit 33, to overcome all the pressure losses in the circuit and ensure a uniform air temperature in the enclosure.

[0053] Furthermore, regardless of the location of the air suction and reinjection, and the type of pump or fan used, the air circulation circuit 33 may comprise a set of conduits 339 comprising through openings making it possible to ensure air communication between the enclosure and the cavity. In particular, the air circulation circuit may comprise one or more suction conduits 339, making it possible to suck the air into the enclosure towards the cavity, and one or more air injection conduits 339' into the cavity.

[0054] With reference to Figures 2, 3a and 3b, when the air is taken and / or injected at the periphery of the heating plate, the air circulation circuit 33 is advantageously shaped to inject the air over a peripheral zone representing at least 10% of the circumference of the heating plate, preferably at least 25%, and even more advantageously at least 50%. In the case where the heating plate is circular, the air circulation circuit 33 is thus advantageously shaped to inject air into a peripheral area covering an angular opening of at least 30°, preferably at least 90°, and even more advantageously at least 180°. In this regard, the air circulation circuit may comprise an air injection duct 339' comprising an arcuate section 340 extending at the periphery of the heating plate and comprising a set of slots 330 for injecting air into the enclosure, the arcuate section 340 advantageously slightly overhangs the heating plate, with slots 330 inclined towards the heating plate. With reference to Figure 3a, a first example is shown where the arcuate section of the air injection duct is located at a height close to the upper end of the wall of the enclosure.As a variant shown in Figure 3b, a second example is shown where the arcuate section of the air injection duct is located overhanging the heating plate but nevertheless close to the lower end of the enclosure wall.

[0055] On the other hand, as indicated previously, the region where the air is taken preferably occupies a part of the circumference of the heating plate smaller than the region where the air is injected. Thus, in the examples shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the air circulation circuit may comprise one or more suction ducts 339 extending over all or part of the height of the wall, each suction duct comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of slots 330 regularly distributed over the height of the duct to take the air from the enclosure.

[0056] In an embodiment shown in Figure 2, the heating plate 11 may comprise a rim 112 extending over the entire periphery of the plate, the rim therefore being overhanging relative to the upper face of the plate, and the air circulation circuit 33 advantageously comprises a plurality of slots 330 arranged in the peripheral rim, and establishing communication between the cavity and the enclosure. The air circulation circuit may thus comprise a first set of slots 331 arranged in the peripheral rim, forming the first peripheral region mentioned above, these slots opening onto an inlet channel of the centrifugal pump, and a second set of slots 332 arranged in the peripheral rim, forming the second peripheral region mentioned above, these slots directly connecting the enclosure to the cavity where the centrifugal pump delivers the sucked air.

[0057] In this case, the rim therefore comprises both, for a part of its circumference, an air injection duct 339' and for another part of its circumference (preferably covering a smaller angle) an air suction duct, the two ducts nevertheless being separated from each other to prevent circulation of air from the suction duct 339 directly into the air injection duct 339' without passing through the cavity.

[0058] In the embodiments described above, the use of slots in the injection ducts 339' and suction ducts 339 makes it possible to reduce pressure losses and increase the speed of circulation of the air in the enclosure.

[0059] Each slot 330 arranged in the peripheral rim, in an arcuate section of an air injection duct 339' and / or in a suction duct 339 positioned at the periphery of the heating plate, advantageously extends in a radial direction.

[0060] In addition, the slots 330 are advantageously inclined towards the upper part of the heating plate 11 and therefore do not extend in a direction parallel to the plane of the heating plate. This makes it possible on the one hand to direct the air towards the heating plate, and thus further increase the heat exchanges between the air and the plate, and on the other hand to prevent water from entering the air circulation circuit 33 during cleaning of the appliance, and in particular of the heating plate. Also, this prevents the hot air injected into the enclosure 10 from being sent directly onto the food preparation to be cooked. In the case in particular of a soufflé, injecting air directly onto the soufflé would cause it to tilt since the second peripheral region, through which the air is injected, does not extend over the entire circumference of the heating plate. Injecting the air downwards, i.e.towards the heating plate 11, on the contrary, allows an ascending current to be generated along the ramekin and therefore promotes good cooking and vertical development of the soufflé.

[0061] The base 20 of the cooking and / or heating appliance further comprises a control circuit 50, comprising for example an electronic card comprising for example one or more controller(s), microcontroller, processor(s), microprocessor(s), FPGA, etc., and one or more memory(s). The control circuit 50 is configured to control and regulate the heating of the heating plate 11, and to selectively activate, deactivate and regulate the ventilation system 30. The control circuit 50 is advantageously housed in a compartment 51 separated from the cavity 40 by a thermally insulating wall 52. For example, the base 20 of the appliance may comprise a compartment 51 extending under the cavity 40, and thermally insulated therefrom.By way of non-limiting example, a wall 52 separating the cavity 40 and the compartment 51 housing the control circuit 50 may be formed from a thermally insulating material, for example calcium silicate, possibly covered with an aluminum plate on the cavity side, in order to limit the passage of radiative fluxes in the thermally insulating wall.

[0062] The cooking and / or heating appliance 1 may also comprise one or more sensors (not shown), the sensor(s) being advantageously connected to the control circuit, and making it possible to monitor and / or control the operation of the appliance. For example, the appliance may comprise at least one of a temperature sensor in the enclosure and a temperature sensor of the hotplate, making it possible to ensure regulation and control of the heating of the plate and of the ventilation. In embodiments, when the appliance comprises a temperature sensor of the enclosure, the measurements of this sensor may be used, for example by the control circuit 50, to detect an opening of the enclosure. Indeed, an opening of the enclosure brings in air at ambient temperature, therefore colder than the air contained in the enclosure when the appliance is in operation, which causes a rapid drop in the temperature in the enclosure.An opening of the enclosure can therefore be detected when two cumulative conditions, on a temperature gradient value exceeding a predetermined threshold (in absolute value since it is a drop) and on a temperature value which must fall below a predetermined threshold, are respected.

[0063] Other variants may be provided to detect an opening of the enclosure. For example, when the enclosure is closed by a removable cover, the apparatus 1 may comprise a weight sensor exerted on the wall, the sensor thus being able to detect a variation in weight linked to the removal of the cover. According to another example, the device 1 may comprise a Hall effect sensor making it possible to detect an opening of the enclosure, of a movable panel or of a cover thereof.

[0064] In embodiments, the apparatus 1 may comprise a Human-Machine interface (not shown) for controlling the control circuit and therefore the various heating and ventilation functionalities. For example, a user may select via the Human-Machine interface a program from a set of pre-recorded cooking programs, the program being defined by a set of parameters such as a cooking time, a temperature of the hotplate, and whether or not the ventilation system is activated. Alternatively, the Human-Machine interface may be adapted to allow manual selection of each parameter individually, by a user.

[0065] The control circuit 50 may comprise a remote communication interface, for example via Bluetooth, Wifi or even via a low communication network also called OG or LPWAN, and the Human-Machine interface may be transferred to an application that can be installed on mobile equipment such as a telephone or a digital tablet, to enable remote monitoring and control of the device, or of a fleet of devices, for example of the same restaurant.

[0066] The appliance 1 may also include one or more light sources (not shown) controlled by the control circuit 50 and allowing a user of the appliance to determine, based on the state of the light source(s), an operating state of the appliance. In embodiments, different light signals, for example by an intensity level or a color, may be used to indicate that cooking is in progress or completed. Another type of light signal, for example a flashing signal, may also be used to signal a malfunction of the appliance. The appliance may also be configured so that the generated light signal is visible around the entire circumference of the appliance, to allow a user to easily monitor the operation of the appliance remotely.

[0067] For the use of the device 1 described above, the food or preparation to be cooked A is advantageously placed in a ramekin 6 which can be introduced into the enclosure and placed on the heating plate.

[0068] Advantageously, for simpler handling of the food or preparation after cooking, the ramekin can be used with a suitable gripping device 7. The gripping device 5 can for example be tongs. Alternatively, and with reference to FIG. 6, the gripping device 7 can comprise a gripping element 70 that can be grasped by a user, and a ramekin support 71 that can be placed on the hot plate. The gripping element 70 is shaped to be easily accessible from the opening of the enclosure. For example, when the enclosure of the appliance comprises, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, a removable cover at its top, the gripping element 70 can be oblong in shape and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ramekin support, that is to say in a substantially vertical direction when the support is placed on the heating plate, so that it can be grasped from the top of the device.

[0069] The ramekin holder 71 comprises at least one through-hole 72 through which the base 60 of the ramekin can pass, which makes it possible to place the ramekin on the hot plate, and around it the ramekin holder of the gripping device. The ramekin and the gripping device are however shaped to be able to cooperate in order to be able to extract the ramekin by lifting it by means of the gripping device 7. For this, the ramekin 6 comprises at least one cross-section which is wider than the opening 72 of the gripping device in order to be able to rest on the edge of this opening. For example, and as shown in FIG. 5, the ramekin 6 may be flared, with an upper end of section wider than the opening of the gripping device. Alternatively, the ramekin may comprise a peripheral rim also wider than the opening of the gripping device.

[0070] According to another variant shown in Figure 7, in the case in particular where the opening of the enclosure is located at an upper end of the wall of the enclosure, opposite the heating plate, the heating plate can be movable in translation to move the plate supporting the food or the preparation to be cooked between a low position where cooking takes place, and a high position where the preparation is brought close to the opening of the enclosure and where a user can grasp it more easily. To achieve this movement, the heating plate can for example be mounted on a jack 14.

Claims

Claims

1. Mobile appliance (1) for cooking and / or heating food, comprising: an enclosure (10) for cooking or heating food, which can be selectively opened or closed, comprising a heating plate (11) comprising an upper face (110) and a lower face (111), and a ventilation system (30) for the air contained in the enclosure, characterized in that the appliance (1) comprises a cavity (40) located under the heating plate (11) and adjacent to a lower face (111) of said plate; the ventilation system for the air contained in the enclosure being configured to circulate the air drawn from the enclosure into the cavity, to heat the air circulating in the cavity, before reinjecting it into the enclosure.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation system (30) comprises at least one fan or pump (31).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ventilation system (30) comprises a centrifugal pump (31) positioned in the cavity.

4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation system (30) is configured to draw air from the enclosure (10) from a first peripheral region of the heating plate and to reinject it into the enclosure via a second peripheral region of the heating plate.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the heating plate (11) comprises a peripheral rim (112) overhanging its upper face, and said peripheral rim (112) comprises a plurality of slots (330) allowing air circulation between the enclosure and the cavity.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the slots (330) are radially oriented inclined towards the upper face of the heating plate.

7. Apparatus according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the pump (31) is configured to circulate the air at a flow rate greater than at least 1 m 3 / h.

8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure comprises a peripheral wall (130) adapted to allow viewing of the food through the wall.

9. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of a temperature sensor in the enclosure and a temperature sensor of the heating plate.

10. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control circuit (50) for the heating plate (11) and the ventilation system (30), the control circuit being arranged in a compartment (51) separated from the cavity (40) by a thermally insulating wall (52).

11. Apparatus according to claims 9 and 10 in combination, wherein the control circuit (50) is configured to detect an opening of the enclosure from a drop in temperature in the enclosure.

12. Mobile table or trolley (9) incorporating an apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Cooking kit comprising an appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, and at least one ramekin (6) sized to be able to be introduced into the enclosure of the appliance and placed on the heating plate (11).

14. Cooking kit according to the preceding claim, further comprising a device for gripping the ramekin (7).

15. Cooking kit according to the preceding claim, in which the ramekin gripping device is sized to be able to be introduced into the enclosure (20) of the appliance, the gripping device comprising a gripping element (70) and a ramekin support (71) capable of being placed on the heating plate, the ramekin support (71) comprising at least one through-hole (72), the ramekin support and the ramekin being shaped so that the base (60) of the ramekin (6) can be introduced into the through-hole of the ramekin support and the ramekin comprises at least one cross-section wider than the through-hole, allowing the ramekin to be lifted by means of the gripping device.

Images