Process for cooking food using a food preparation appliance

Abstract

Method for cooking food in a food preparation appliance comprising first heating means, second heating means, the method comprising: - a main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, consisting of supplying the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) P1, and - a mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3) consisting of: supplying the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) P1, and supplying the second heating means with one or more second instantaneous heating power(s) P2, wherein, at least during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), a sum of the first instantaneous heating power P1 and the second instantaneous heating power P2 does not exceed a total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance. Figure for abstract: Fig.3.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for cooking food implemented by a food preparation appliance Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a cooking method implemented by a preparation appliance comprising different heating elements. In particular, the invention may relate to domestic grilling appliances, and more particularly to domestic grilling appliances that can be used inside the home. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art to provide food preparation appliances with different heating means. On the other hand, these different heating means may require significant heating powers and the total power of the food preparation appliance may form an obstacle to offering certain cooking options or certain particular uses of the food preparation appliance. Statement of the invention

[0003] An aim of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a cooking method which makes it possible to offer more cooking options or other uses of a food preparation appliance comprising several heating means, compared to the cooking methods known from the prior art.

[0004] For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method of cooking food implemented by a food preparation appliance, the food preparation appliance comprising: - a first cooking space arranged to receive first food to be cooked, - first heating means provided to provide a first maximum heating power PiM and arranged to heat and / or cook at least the first food received in the first cooking space, - a second cooking space designed to receive second food to be cooked, - second heating means provided to provide a second maximum heating power P2M and arranged to heat and / or cook at least the second food received in the second cooking space, the cooking method comprising: - at least one main heating step of the first cooking space, consisting of to supply the first heating means with a first instantaneous heating power Pb equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power P1M, and preferably without supplying the second heating means, and - at least one mixed heating step consisting of: • to supply the first heating means with a first instantaneous heating power Pi strictly lower than the first maximum heating power, and • to supply the second heating means with a second instantaneous heating power P2 equal to or greater than 80% of the second maximum heating power P2M, in which, at least during the mixed heating step, a sum of the first instantaneous heating power Pi and the second instantaneous heating power P2 is equal to a predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T and does not exceed a total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance.

[0005] The cooking method comprises at least two distinct cooking phases which use or activate the heating means in a specific manner. In the main heating step of the first cooking space, priority is given to heating and cooking in the first cooking space. For example, it may be provided that the first cooking space is a grill or a grilling space which requires a high heating power at certain particular times (such as for example to mark a grill). During this phase where priority is given to the first cooking space, the first heating means are supplied for example with their first maximum power P1M. It may be provided not to supply the second heating means so as not to exceed the limit of the available power.In the case of a grill, this allows the first foods to be marked, as when cooking on a professional grill or in a device dedicated to this type of cooking only. In the mixed heating stage, the first cooking space and the second cooking space are heated simultaneously. However, due to the limit of the available power, the first heating means are not supplied with their first maximum power P1M, which allows the second heating means to be supplied, for example, with their second maximum power P2M.Consequently, it can be proposed to carry out cooking of the first foods which occasionally requires a lot of power, without giving up cooking the second foods: a cooking phase (the main heating stage of the first cooking space) is carried out in the first cooking space with the first maximum power P[M , and another cooking phase (the mixed heating stage) is carried out in the second cooking space with for example the . second maximum heating power P2M while the first cooking space is heated with a power lower than the first maximum power P 1M. In other words, the power allocated to each cooking space is not fixed over time, which makes it possible to distribute the electrical power according to the needs to properly and simultaneously cook the first foods and the second foods according to their specificities, without exceeding the capacities of the food preparation appliance.

[0006] It may be provided to supply the first and / or second heating means with the principle of pulse width modulation (PWM). In such a case, the invention may relate to a method of cooking food implemented by a food preparation appliance, the food preparation appliance comprising: - a first cooking space designed to receive the first foods to be cooked, - first heating means provided to provide a first maximum heating power PiM and arranged to heat and / or cook at least the first food received in the first cooking space, - a second cooking space designed to receive second food to be cooked, - second heating means provided to provide a second maximum heating power P2M and arranged to heat and / or cook at least the second food received in the second cooking space, the cooking process comprising: - at least one main heating step of the first cooking space, consisting of supplying the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) Ph equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power P1M, and preferably without supplying the second heating means, and - at least one mixed heating step consisting of: • to supply the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) Pi strictly lower than the first maximum heating power, and • to supply the second heating means with one or more second instantaneous heating power(s) P2 equal to or greater than 80% of the second maximum heating power P2M, wherein, at least during the mixed heating step, a sum of the first instantaneous heating power Pi and the second instantaneous heating power P2 is equal to a predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T and does not exceed a total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance.

[0007] In other words, the invention may relate to a method of cooking food implemented by a food preparation appliance, the food preparation appliance comprising: - a first cooking space designed to receive the first foods to be cooked, - first heating means provided to provide a first maximum heating power PiM and arranged to heat and / or cook at least the first food received in the first cooking space, - a second cooking space designed to receive second food to be cooked, - second heating means provided to provide a second maximum heating power P2M and arranged to heat and / or cook at least the second food received in the second cooking space, the cooking process comprising at least: - at least one main heating step of the first cooking space, consisting of supplying the first heating means with a first instantaneous heating power Pb which can be variable, equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power PiM, and preferably without supplying the second heating means, and - at least one mixed heating step consisting of: • to supply the first heating means with a first instantaneous heating power PB which can be variable, strictly lower than the first maximum heating power, and • to supply the second heating means with a second instantaneous heating power P2, which may be variable, equal to or greater than 80% of the second maximum heating power P2M, in which, at least during the mixed heating step, a sum of the first instantaneous heating power Pi and the second instantaneous heating power P2 is equal to a predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T and does not exceed a total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the cooking method may comprise: - a preheating step of the food preparation appliance, corresponding to the mixed heating step, which can be followed by - a prioritized cooking step of the first foods received in the first cooking space, corresponding to the main heating step of the first cooking space. In other words, the cooking cycle includes: - a mixed heating stage (on the one hand preheating of the first space of cooking of the appliance, and on the other hand preheating of the second cooking space or even starting cooking in the second cooking space which may be an oven), - a main heating step of the first cooking space (i.e. cooking in the first cooking space, for example marking meat in a grill, while the second cooking space is not specifically heated).

[0009] According to one embodiment, the prioritized cooking step of the first foods can be followed by: - a core cooking stage, corresponding to the mixed heating stage. In other words, the cooking cycle, once the main heating stage of the first cooking space is complete, continues with a mixed heating stage to, for example, cook the first food items thoroughly in the first cooking space (meat in a grill) and cook the second food items thoroughly in the second cooking space (vegetables in an oven). Cooking the first food items thoroughly or the second food items thoroughly does not necessarily require the use of maximum power. Indeed, after the main heating stage of the first cooking space and in particular a marking phase which requires maximum power in the first cooking space to counter the drop in temperature in the plates and ensure the Maillard effect, the appliance will regulate to a set temperature to avoid burning the food.In practice, this regulation is functional in the first cooking space, with cycling according to a model of alternation of the first heating means.

[0010] According to one embodiment, during the main heating step of the first cooking space, the first heating means can be supplied with the first maximum heating power P1M, preferably equal to the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance.

[0011] According to one embodiment, during the main heating step of the first cooking space, the second heating means may be supplied with an electrical power less than or equal to 20% of the second maximum heating power P2M, and preferably the second heating means may not be supplied.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the food preparation appliance may comprise control means, the first heating means may comprise a first heating element and a second heating element, the control means can be arranged to control: - the first heating element according to a first sequence alternating first power supply phases and first power supply cut-off phases, - the second heating element according to a second sequence alternating second power supply phases and second power cut-off phases, and during the mixed heating step, the first power supply phases may be distinct and separated from the second power supply phases. Two embodiments may be envisaged depending on the control technology used.

[0013] In a first embodiment, there is an alternation of the first supply phases and the second supply phases with heating elements operating individually at full power during these phases. In such an embodiment, the regulation is managed by simple relays. This mode of alternating activation of the heating elements of the first cooking space, in addition to the needs of the second cooking space, makes it possible to exploit the thermal capacities of the product as precisely as possible without exceeding a maximum capped power. This with a simple, reliable, and inexpensive construction. The complementarity of the cooking processes in the first cooking space and in the second cooking space is fully exploited: while it is necessary to preheat the first cooking space (to guarantee a Maillard reaction), this "dead time" is taken advantage of to start cold cooking in the second cooking space.

[0014] In a second embodiment, the power of the heating elements is modulated. In such an operating mode, regulation electronics are necessary. This requires a more complex and more expensive construction but which allows the distribution of power between the different heating elements to be managed more precisely.

[0015] In these two embodiments, during the mixed heating step, the first heating element and the second heating element are never powered at the same time and at full power. This frees up power to power the second heating means.

[0016] According to one embodiment, during the mixed heating step, the first power supply phases and the first power supply cut-off phases may be reversed with respect to the second power supply phases and the second power supply cut-off phases. Schematically, when the first heating element is powered, the second heating element is not powered, and vice versa.

[0017] According to one embodiment, during the main heating step of the first cooking space, at least one first supply phase may be concomitant or combined with at least one second supply phase. In other words, during the main heating step of the first cooking space, the first heating element and the second heating element may be supplied at the same time, and / or at full power. Indeed, the second heating means are not supplied during the main heating step of the first cooking space.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise means for measuring temperature arranged to measure a temperature of the first cooking space and / or a temperature of the second cooking space, and the method may comprise at least one step of adjusting a supply power and / or a supply duration of the first heating means and / or the second heating means during the main heating step of the first cooking space and / or during the mixed heating step, depending on a temperature of the first cooking space and / or a temperature of the second cooking space.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise means for measuring a cooking thickness of the first foods and / or a cooking thickness of the second foods, and the method may comprise at least one step of adjusting a supply power and / or a supply duration of the first heating means and / or the second heating means during the main heating step of the first cooking space and / or during the mixed heating step, depending on a thickness to be cooked of the first food and / or a thickness to be cooked of the second food.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance is less than a sum of the first maximum heating power P[M and the second maximum heating power P2M-

[0021] In particular, the following formula can be provided: [equation 1] PtOT^ Pappmax< P1M+P2M Description of figures

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0023] [Fig.l] represents a general perspective view of a food preparation appliance defining a grilling space and a cooking chamber;

[0024] [Fig.2] represents a schematic sectional view of the food preparation appliance of [Fig.l] to show first heating means for heating the grilling space and second heating means for heating the cooking chamber;

[0025] [Fig.3] represents a first example of control of the first heating means and the second heating means during a cooking process according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig.4] represents a second example of control of the first heating means and the second heating means during a cooking process according to the invention.

[0027] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0028] [Fig.l] represents a general perspective view of a food preparation appliance comprising: - a first structure 10 forming a base with feet 11, - a second structure 20 forming a cover of the culinary preparation appliance and movable relative to the first structure 10 between a cooking position ([Fig.l]) and an opening position (as shown by the arrow [Fig.l]), - a hinge C forming an articulation to allow rotation of axis Ax between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, - a handle 21 secured to the second structure 20 for opening and closing the cover formed by the second structure, - a human-machine interface 30 provided for controlling the food preparation appliance, comprising for example a screen and control buttons and arranged on the front of the food preparation appliance, - a first cooking space, here a grilling space EG, defined between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20 in the cooking position of [Fig.l], and arranged to receive first foods to be grilled such as for example a piece of meat, - a second cooking space, here a cooking enclosure EC formed by a drawer 12 sliding in the first structure 10, and arranged to receive second foods to be cooked such as for example an accompaniment to the first foods (vegetables, a gratin, potatoes, etc.) - a juice tray formed in this example by a side drawer 13 arranged under the grilling space EG.

[0029] The food preparation appliance of [Fig.l] is designed to simultaneously heat and / cook first foods in the grilling space EG and second foods in the cooking chamber EC. A single appliance can therefore be used to prepare a complete dish (grilled meat and its accompaniment), which simplifies the user's task with a single appliance to use. It can also be noted that the grilling space EG and the cooking chamber EC are superimposed, which provides a compact construction and easy access to both the grilling space EG and the cooking chamber EC, from the same front of the food preparation appliance. However, other implementations could be envisaged with the grilling space EG and the cooking chamber EC offset, or reversed compared to the construction of [Fig.l].

[0030] The grid space EG is defined between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20. As shown in [Fig.l], it is sufficient to open the cover (the second structure 20) to access the grilling space EG and place the first food to be cooked there. The food preparation appliance of [Fig.l] comprises a hinge C to allow rotation between the first structure 10 and the second structure 20, but any other type of kinematics can be provided (translation, combination of rotation and translation, movement, etc.) with slides, connecting rods or articulated levers...

[0031] The food preparation appliance comprises a side drawer 13 located under the grilling space EG for collecting cooking juices. Typically, the side drawer 13 is placed under a cooking plate of the grilling space EG, opposite a drain hole which can allow cooking juices from the grill to flow into the side drawer 13. Alternatively, a retention tray can be provided in the drawer 12 of the cooking chamber EC, placed under a juice drain channel, which allows cooking juices from the grilling space EG to flow from a cooking plate of the grilling space EG to the retention tray in the drawer 12. The side drawer 13 can be located rather in the rear part of the food preparation appliance, as in [Fig.l], or towards the front, that is to say just behind or below the human-machine interface 30.This juice collection drawer can even be provided on the front, above or next to drawer 12 of the EC cooking chamber.

[0032] The cooking enclosure EC is typically an enclosed space provided in the first structure 10. The drawer 12 (forming a cooking tray) allows second foods to be quickly introduced therein to heat and / or cook them as in an oven for example. The drawer 12 is designed to slide, but other types of structure could be provided such as for example a vertical axis pivot with drum opening / closing, or a system combining translational and rotational movements, or even a first structure 10 in several parts which opens like a wallet...

[0033] The food preparation appliance of [Fig.l] typically comprises an electronic control unit designed to control the operation. The human-machine interface 30 allows a user to choose a type of operation (the user may be asked to select a recipe, a type of cooking, a type of food, etc.). Depending on the user's choice, the first foods in the grilling space EG and the second foods in the cooking chamber EC, the control unit controls the food preparation appliance to carry out appropriate heating and / or cooking. The food preparation appliance may comprise means for measuring the temperature in the grilling space EG, and / or in the cooking chamber EC to modulate the control of the food preparation appliance.It is also possible to provide means for measuring the cooking thickness of the first foods in the grilling space EG in order to specifically modulate the heating and / or cooking there.

[0034] [Fig. 2] represents a schematic sectional view of a first implementation of the food preparation appliance of [Fig. 1]. The first structure 10 comprises the drawer 12 placed in the cooking chamber EC, and a first cooking plate 41 placed above the cooking chamber EC, to define a lower face of the grilling space EG. The second structure 20 comprises a second cooking plate 42 to define an upper face of the grilling space EG.

[0035] As explained above, the food preparation appliance is intended to heat and / or cook food. For this purpose, the food preparation appliance comprises heating means. [Fig.2] shows an implementation, with the heating means comprising: - first heating means comprising in particular a first heating element 51 arranged in the first structure 10 for heating and / or grilling the first food received in the grilling space EG and for heating the second food received in the cooking chamber EC, and comprising a second heating element 52, arranged in the second structure 20 for heating and / or grilling the first food received in the grilling space EG. A first power supply relay may also be provided which can connect or disconnect the first heating element 51 from a power source. A second power supply relay may also be provided which can connect or disconnect the second heating element 52 from a power source.Alternatively, one (or two) power supply units may be provided designed to independently power the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 according to the principle of pulse width modulation. - second heating means comprising in particular a base heating element 53, arranged under the cooking chamber EC to heat the second food received in the cooking chamber EC. A third power supply relay may also be provided which can connect or disconnect the base heating element 53 from a power source. Alternatively, a power supply unit may be provided designed to power the base heating element 53 according to the principle of pulse width modulation.

[0036] In addition, the cooking chamber EC also benefits from the radiation of the heating element 51. This allows, during the complete mobilization of the heating elements 52 and 51 during the marking phase (and therefore with the heating element 53 switched off), to benefit from a remainder of calories to promote keeping the cooking chamber EC warm.

[0037] The heating means may be electrical resistors as shown here, but convection heating means may also be provided, which may be remote and / or include a heating fan. Radiant heating means may also be provided as an alternative or in addition, such as infrared lamps.

[0038] It may be noted that the first heating element 51 is positioned in the first structure 10 between the grilling space EG and the cooking chamber EC, so that the first cooking plate 41 is heated by radiation / conduction or even convection to cook the first food in the grilling space EG. With regard to the second heating element 52 provided in the second structure 20, it may be noted that it is provided to heat and / or cook the first food received in the grilling space EG. In summary, the first heating means are dedicated to heating and / or cooking first food received in the first cooking space, the grilling space EG.

[0039] With regard to the base heating element 53 provided in the first structure 10 under the cooking chamber EC, it can be noted that it is provided for heating and / or cooking the second food received in the cooking chamber EC. In summary, the second heating means are dedicated to heating and / or cooking second food received in the second cooking space, the cooking chamber EC.

[0040] The food preparation appliance, and in particular its control unit, may be provided to independently control the components of the heating means, i.e. the first heating element 51, the second heating element 52 and the base heating element 53 may be independently controlled to implement common or separate heating phases of each heating element. These common or separate heating phases may be implemented depending on the cooking program, the recipe or the food selected by the user.

[0041] In detail, it is proposed to modulate the electrical power supply of the first heating means and the second heating means, to offer more cooking possibilities to the user, without exceeding the electrical capacities of the food preparation appliance or the electrical capacities of the network or electrical installations. Furthermore, products which exceed a certain amperage require more expensive electrical components of a higher amperage class.

[0042] In particular, it can be noted that the food preparation appliance has a maximum total power of the food preparation appliance Pappmax. The first heating means are provided to provide a first maximum heating power P1M, and the second heating means are provided to provide a second maximum heating power P2M-

[0043] It is advisable not to exceed the maximum total power Pappmax, but it may be necessary to occasionally provide a high heating power in the first cooking space and / or in the second cooking space (for example to mark meat in the grilling space EG, or to brown a dish in the EC cooking chamber).

[0044] Consequently, it can be provided that the sum of the first maximum heating power P1M, and of the second maximum heating power P2M is greater than the maximum total power Pappmax. To avoid exceeding, even occasionally, the maximum total power Pappmax, the invention proposes a particular management of the electrical power supply of the first heating means and of the second heating means.

[0045] In detail, it is possible to provide for alternating cooking steps or phases during which the supply priority is given to one or the other of the first cooking space and the second cooking space.

[0046] [Fig. 3] represents a first example of controlling the first heating means and the second heating means during a cooking process according to the invention. In this first example, [Fig. 3] represents three power supply curves. Starting from the bottom of [Fig. 3], the first curve represents the second instantaneous heating power P2 of the second heating means, which can vary between 0 and the second maximum heating power P2M, for example 800 W here. Starting from the bottom of [Fig. 3], the second curve represents the first instantaneous heating power P of the first heating means, which can vary between 0 and the first maximum heating power PiM, for example 2400 W here. Starting from the bottom of [Fig.3], the third curve represents the predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T (sum of the first instantaneous heating power Pi and the second instantaneous heating power P2) which can vary between 0 and the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance, for example 2400 W here.

[0047] It may be noted that the sum of the first maximum heating power P1M and the second maximum heating power P2M theoretically exceeds the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance. Consequently, for example, to cook a piece of meat in the grilling space EG and a gratin in the cooking chamber EC, several successive steps are proposed.

[0048] First of all, the user can be invited to place the gratin in the cooking chamber EC and start a first cooking step with cold start between T0 and T1 (for example 15 minutes). During this first cooking step, it is possible to provide: - to supply the first heating means at half of the first maximum heating power PiM, for example 1200 W (for example, the first instantaneous heating power Pi can be modulated by using a rheostat, or by supplying only the first heating element 51 or only the second heating element 52, or by supplying the first heating element 51 and / or the second heating element 52 with pulse width modulation), - to supply the second heating means at the second maximum heating power P2M (800 W).

[0049] Consequently, during this first cooking step T0-T1 (corresponding to a mixed heating step T0-T1): - the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can quickly reach, for example, a temperature between 180°C and 220°C to cook the gratin, - the roasting space EG is preheated, when empty, to reach, for example, a temperature between 150°C and 210°C, - the predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T is 2000 W and does not exceed the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance of 2400 W.

[0050] At time T1, it is possible to switch to a main heating step T1-T2 of the first cooking space until time T2 (for example for approximately 10 minutes), consisting of supplying the first heating means with a first instantaneous heating power Pb equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power PiM, and preferably without supplying the second heating means.

[0051] In the example shown, the first heating means are supplied with the first maximum heating power PiM, and the second heating means are not supplied.

[0052] Consequently, during this main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space: - the grilling space EG is heated at full load to reach, for example, a temperature greater than or equal to 240°C, and the user can then, for example a few minutes after T1, be invited to place the piece of meat in the grilling space EG, which will lead to marking it, - the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can decrease slowly to reach, for example, a temperature between 80°C and 150°C to cook / keep the gratin warm, - the predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T is 2400 W equal to the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance of 2400 W.

[0053] A few moments after placing the piece of meat in the grilling space EG, at time T2, the meat is marked, and we can return to a mixed heating step (T2-T3) during which we can provide: - to supply the first heating means at half of the first maximum heating power PiM, for example 1200 W (as between T0 and Tl, we can for example modulate the first instantaneous heating power Pi using a rheostat, or by supplying only the first heating element 51 or only the second heating element 52, or by supplying the first heating element 51 and / or the second heating element 52 with pulse width modulation), - to supply the second heating means at the second maximum heating power P2M (800 W).

[0054] Consequently, during this third cooking step T2-T3 (corresponding to a second mixed heating step T2-T3): - the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can quickly reach again, for example, a temperature between 180°C and 220°C to finish cooking the gratin, - the EG grilling space can reach, for example, a cooking temperature of the piece of meat between 210°C and 180°C, - the predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T is 2000 W and does not exceed the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance of 2400 W.

[0055] At time T3, the heating can be stopped, because the piece of meat is perfectly cooked (marked between T1 and T2 then cooked through between T2 and T3), and the gratin is also cooked. It can be noted that time T3 can be modulated according to several parameters: the user can be asked what degree of cooking he wants (rare meat, cooked to a point or well done), and time T3 can also be adjusted (alternatively or in addition) according to the thickness of the piece of meat (informed by the user or measured by an internal device of the food preparation appliance.

[0056] [Fig. 4] represents a second example of controlling the first heating means and the second heating means during a cooking process according to the invention. In the example of [Fig. 3], it can be noted that the first and second heating means are continuously supplied with a heating power that is constant over time along the cooking steps. Provision may be made to supply the first and second heating means with a heating power that varies over time along the cooking steps. In particular, the example of [Fig. 4] shows that the first heating means can be supplied with a power signal in square waves (it is of course possible to also supply the second heating means with a power signal in square waves, or to simultaneously supply the first and second heating means with a power signal in square waves).

[0057] In detail, starting from the bottom of [Fig.4], the first curve represents the second instantaneous heating power P2 of the second heating means, which can vary between 0 and the second maximum heating power P2M, for example 800 W here. Starting from the bottom of [Fig.4], the second curve represents the power supply P52 of the second heating element 52, which can vary between 0 and its maximum heating power, for example 1200 W here. Starting from the bottom of [Fig. 4], the third curve represents the power supply P5i of the first heating element 51, which can vary between 0 and its maximum heating power, for example 1200 W here. Starting from the bottom of [Fig. 4], the fourth curve represents the first instantaneous heating power Pi of the first heating means (it is therefore the sum of the power supply P51 of the first heating element 51 and the power supply P52 of the second heating element 52), which can vary between 0 and the first maximum heating power P1M, 2400 W here. Starting from the bottom of [Fig.4], the fifth curve represents the predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T (sum of the first instantaneous heating power Pi and the second instantaneous heating power P2) which can vary between 0 and the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance, for example 2400 W here.

[0058] The cooking method of [Fig.4] can be applied to make the same preparation as in the case of [Fig.3]: it is possible to plan to cook a piece of meat in the grilling space EG and a gratin in the cooking chamber EC. The supply of the second heating means is identical to that carried out in the context of [Fig.3] and will not be described again.

[0059] The difference compared to [Fig. 3] lies in the power supply of the first heating means. Between time T0 and T1, and between time T2 and T3 (i.e. during the mixed heating step T0-T1 or T2-T3), it is possible to provide for alternately supplying the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 with signals in square waves which do not overlap: when the first heating element 51 is supplied, the cover heating element 52 is not supplied. Thus, the first instantaneous heating power Pi does not exceed 1200 W during these mixed heating steps, and the predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T is 2000 W and does not exceed the total maximum heating power Pappmax. Between T0 and Tl, the grilling space EG is preheated in the same way as in [Fig.3], just as between T2 and T3 the piece of meat is cooked thoroughly in the same way as in the cooking process of [Fig.3].

[0060] Consequently, the same points can be noted as those relating to [Fig.3]: during the first cooking stage between T0 and T1 (corresponding to a mixed heating stage T0-T1): - the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can quickly reach, for example, a temperature between 180°C and 220°C to cook the gratin, - the EG grilling space is preheated, when empty, to reach, for example a temperature between 150°C and 210°C, - the predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T is 2000 W and does not exceed the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance of 2400 W.

[0061] During the main heating step T1-T2 of the first cooking space between T1 and T2: - the grilling space EG is heated at full load to reach, for example, a temperature greater than or equal to 240°C, and the user can then, for example a few minutes after T1, be invited to place the piece of meat in the grilling space EG, which will lead to marking it, - the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can decrease slowly to reach, for example, a temperature between 80°C and 150°C to cook / keep the gratin warm, - the predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T is 2400 W equal to the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance of 2400 W.

[0062] During the third cooking step T2-T3 between T2 and T3 (corresponding to a second mixed heating step T2-T3): - the temperature in the EC cooking chamber can quickly reach again, for example, a temperature between 180°C and 220°C to finish cooking the gratin, - the EG grilling space can reach, for example, a cooking temperature of the piece of meat between 210°C and 180°C, - the predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T is 2000 W and does not exceed the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance of 2400 W.

[0063] [Fig.4] shows that the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 are supplied with identical slot signals (and offset so as not to overlap), but different or even variable frequencies can be provided during these mixed heating steps. It is also possible to provide sequences without supplying the first heating means, or to supply the first heating element 51 and / or the second heating element 52 with delays.

[0064] Between time T1 and time T2, the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 are continuously powered at full power, but it is perfectly possible to envisage providing an electrical power supply with signals in square waves which overlap, which partially overlap or which do not overlap, for example for a certain time (for example in a cooking program dedicated to meat requiring less heat, such as a minced steak or fish).

[0065] It is possible to plan to start the power supply to the first heating means after time T0, to initiate preheating shortly before time T1, if for example the dish in the cooking chamber requires a fairly long cooking time.

[0066] [Fig. 4] shows power supply signals in square waves, but any kind of shape can be provided, and in particular a sinusoidal power supply can be provided. It is possible to adjust the power level by varying the frequency or the shape of the power supply signal, as can be done, for example, using the principle of pulse width modulation.

[0067] [Fig. 2] shows that the first heating element 51 and the second heating element 52 are each formed by an electrical resistor, which heats the grilling space on either side. It can be noted that it is possible to provide that the first heating element and / or the second heating element are constituted by at least two secondary resistors.

[0068] The simplest embodiment would consist of providing that the first heating element 51 comprises two first secondary resistors under the first cooking plate 41 (one of 400 W and one of 700 W for example) and that the second heating element 52 comprises two second secondary resistors in the cover 20 (one of 400 W and one of 700 W for example).

[0069] It is then possible to regulate the first instantaneous heating power Pi by selectively and / or independently supplying one or two of the first secondary resistors or the second secondary resistors.

[0070] For example, during the mixed heating step T0-T1 or T2-T3, it is possible to provide power to only the first and second 700 W secondary resistors of the first heating element 51 and of the second heating element 52. Alternatively, it is possible to provide power to only the first 700 W secondary resistor of the first heating element 51 and the second 400 W secondary resistor of the second heating element 52. Alternatively, it is possible to provide power to only the first and second 400 W secondary resistors of the first heating element 51 and of the second heating element 52. Thus, even with the second heating means powered, the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance is not exceeded.

[0071] During the main heating step T1-T2 of the first cooking space between T1 and T2, it is possible to provide for supplying all the first secondary resistors and all the second secondary resistors. As above, the second heating means are not supplied during this step.

[0072] The cycling models cited above have been described without reference to a regulation condition on a set temperature so as to illustrate more of these cycling models.

[0073] Of course, a temperature control condition can also be applied within each cycling model; the temperature control can depend on the cooking program selected by the user or by the appliance after selection by the user of the food(s) to be cooked. Hysteresis control can be applied. A correction for exceeding the set temperature during the preheating phase can also be applied, in particular by using a PID (proportional, integral, derivative) regulator. Industrial application

[0074] A cooking method according to the present invention, a culinary preparation apparatus for its implementation, and the manufacture of such an apparatus, are capable of industrial application.

[0075] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, it can be noted that the first heating element 51 and / or the structure of the food preparation appliance is / are provided to heat primarily the first cooking plate 41, but also incidentally the cooking enclosure EC.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of cooking food implemented by a food preparation appliance, the food preparation appliance comprising: - a first cooking space designed to receive the first foods to be cooked, - first heating means provided to provide a first maximum heating power P[M and arranged to heat and / or cook at least the first food received in the first cooking space, - a second cooking space designed to receive second food to be cooked, - second heating means provided to provide a second maximum heating power P2M and arranged to heat and / or cook at least the second food received in the second cooking space, the cooking process comprising at least: - at least one main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, consisting of supplying the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) PH equal to or greater than 80% of the first maximum heating power P1M, and preferably without supplying the second heating means, and - at least one mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3) consisting of: • to supply the first heating means with one or more first instantaneous heating power(s) Pi strictly lower than the first maximum heating power, and • to supply the second heating means with one or more second instantaneous heating power(s) P2 equal to or greater than 80% of the second maximum heating power P2M, wherein, at least during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), a sum of the first instantaneous heating power P i and the second instantaneous heating power P2 is equal to a predetermined general instantaneous heating power PT0T and does not exceed a total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance, and the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance is less than a sum of the first maximum heating power P iM and the second maximum heating power P2M.

2. Cooking method according to claim 1, comprising: - a step of preheating the food preparation appliance, corresponding to the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), followed by - a step of prioritized cooking of the first food received in the first cooking space, corresponding to the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space.

3. Cooking method according to claim 2, in which the step of prioritized cooking of the first foods is followed by: - ​​a core cooking step, corresponding to the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3).

4. Cooking method according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which, during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, the first heating means are supplied with the first maximum heating power P[M, preferably equal to the total maximum heating power Pappmax of the food preparation appliance.

5. Cooking method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which, during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, the second heating means are supplied with an electrical power less than or equal to 20% of the second maximum heating power P2M, and preferably the second heating means are not supplied.

6. Cooking method according to one of claims 1 to 5, the food preparation appliance comprising control means, the first heating means comprising a first heating element (51) and a second heating element (52), the control means being arranged to control: - the first heating element (51) according to a first sequence alternating first power supply phases and first power cut-off phases, - the second heating element (52) according to a second sequence alternating second feed phases and second feed cut-off phases, wherein during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), the first feed phases are distinct and separate from the second feed phases.

7. A cooking method according to claim 6, wherein during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), the first feeding phases and the first feeding cut-off phases are reversed with respect to the second feeding phases and the second feeding cut-off phases.

8. Cooking method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space, at least a first feeding phase is concomitant or cumulative with at least a second feeding phase.

9. A cooking method according to one of claims 1 to 8, the apparatus comprising temperature measuring means arranged to measure a temperature of the first cooking space and / or a temperature of the second cooking space, the method comprising at least one step of adjusting a supply power and / or a supply duration of the first heating means and / or the second heating means during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space and / or during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), as a function of a temperature of the first cooking space and / or a temperature of the second cooking space.

10. Cooking method according to one of claims 1 to 9, the apparatus comprising means for measuring a thickness to be cooked of the first foods and / or a thickness to be cooked of the second foods, the method comprising at least one step consisting of adjusting a supply power and / or a supply duration of the first heating means and / or the second heating means during the main heating step (T1-T2) of the first cooking space and / or during the mixed heating step (T0-T1, T2-T3), as a function of a thickness to be cooked of the first foods and / or a thickness to be cooked of the second foods.

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