Method and device for heating and / or cooking a frozen or deep-frozen food product

Abstract

A method for heating and / or cooking a frozen or deep-frozen food product, the method comprising: a thawing step; a cooking step, such that during the thawing step, the food product is heated but not cooked. Figure 1 (general)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for heating and / or cooking a frozen or deep-frozen food product FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an oven for pizza and other fast food type products (called "fast-food"), powered by the domestic electrical network, intended to cook a frozen, frozen or fresh pizza in a reduced time of the order of two to three minutes.

[0002] This oven is intended primarily for use in the fast food sector, where food cooking is required to be almost instantaneous, as the influx of customers over short periods (meal times) requires cooking without causing any waiting time among the public.

[0003] Furthermore, fast-food shops are often located in premises supplied exclusively by a domestic electricity supply. It is therefore appropriate for cooking devices to be satisfied with this energy supply constraint, which limits the quality of cooking.

[0004] More specifically, the invention relates to a cooking oven of this type particularly suitable for frozen products. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] In the field of rapid pizza cooking ovens, the main problem is to provide cooking in a short time, while offering a cooked pizza meeting satisfactory taste criteria, and in particular: uniform temperature, cooking of the topping and crispy dough.

[0006] The applicant is at the origin of several innovations in this field to overcome this problem.

[0007] Document FR2889029 thus proposes an oven comprising an enclosure inside which there is a hearth plate heated by electrical resistors arranged under the hearth plate. Heating ray emitting tubes are placed in the enclosure above the hearth plate, and at a distance, so that a food product on the hearth is heated at the same time by the hearth. A reflective plate is arranged above the emitting tubes in order to concentrate the radiation on the product placed on the hearth plate. Such an oven makes it possible to obtain a crispy effect of the dough in particular thanks to the combination of the heating rays of the emitting tubes, the contact with the heated hearth plate and the hot atmosphere of the oven enclosure.

[0008] However, this oven is not designed for large foods corresponding to the diameter of a pizza, and is more suitable for paninis, hot dogs, waffles, and crepes. Pizzas larger than 25 cm cannot be cooked over the entire surface, which causes inconvenience in the quality of cooking.

[0009] Document FR3071043 relates to an electric oven device powered by the domestic network. This oven is intended to cook fresh, frozen or frozen pizzas indifferently, and is characterized by a cooking process in two successive phases: firstly by means of a heated sole and equipped with a refractory stone which cooks the bottom of the pizza, then in a second stage short-wave infrared lamps placed on the roof of the oven finish cooking the ingredients contained on the pizza dough, the two cooking operations occurring automatically one after the other to be compatible with the power supplied by the domestic electrical network. If this device satisfies the cooking of common pizzas with few ingredients, a disadvantage appears on the cooking of thick pizzas or other preparations (of the types: hot dog, croque-monsieur...), in that the residual moisture contained in the food is insufficiently removed, which does not guarantee that the food is cooked to the core, so that cold areas may remain while the cooked dough may sometimes be soggy. These disadvantages are major for the rendering of the flavors of the finished product.

[0010] A method of cooking a food product, for example a frozen pizza, in an oven is also known, in which method: - A support is heated until a set temperature is reached; - Place the product on the support in the oven enclosure; - Simultaneously, the heating of the support is cut off, and infrared radiation heating means arranged above the support are activated; - The product cooks for a set period of time; - We take the product out of the oven.

[0011] This method provides satisfaction for a certain type of food product, in this case for thin pizzas, that is to say with a thin dough and / or with a thin topping. Indeed, the thicker the dough, and / or the thicker the topping, the greater the total thickness of the pizza, and the higher the total energy required to cook such a pizza. By placing the frozen product in a refrigerator before cooking it in the oven, the cooking result can be satisfactory. However, this involves prior handling and stock management which may be incompatible with the needs of fast food.

[0012] To increase the energy supplied, one can either increase the cooking time, or increase the power of the heating elements, or both.

[0013] However, as previously indicated, the cooking time must remain short in order to meet the needs of fast food. In addition, the cooking oven must be able to operate on the domestic electricity network, so that the power at any given time cannot exceed a limit value.

[0014] The invention thus aims in particular to provide a solution to the aforementioned problems.

[0015] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a method for heating and / or cooking a food product making it possible to cook a frozen or frozen food in a manner that is satisfactory in terms of taste.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the heating and / or cooking method allows rapid cooking, suitable for fast-food type catering.

[0017] According to a third aspect, the heating and / or cooking method allows heating and then homogeneous cooking regardless of the thickness and / or diameter of the food product.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect, the heating and / or cooking method makes it possible to use a device connected to a domestic network.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect, the heating and / or cooking method makes it possible not to increase the manufacturing costs of the device for implementing the method. Summary of the invention

[0020] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for heating and / or cooking a frozen or deep-frozen food product, in particular a frozen or deep-frozen food pasta, using a device intended to be connected to a single-phase electrical installation. The device comprises in particular at least one heating enclosure provided with a closable opening for inserting the product therein. Said enclosure is equipped with at least one support on which the product is intended to be placed, a support heating assembly, and at least one heating ramp arranged at a distance from and above the support. The ramp is adapted to develop a variable heating power. The device further comprises a control system configured to adjust the power of the ramp. The method then comprises in particular: • a step of placing the food product on the support; • a so-called defrosting stage, in which the heating power of the ramp is set to a so-called defrosting power; • a so-called cooking stage, in which the heating power of the ramp is set to a so-called cooking power greater than the defrosting power. Thus, during the defrosting stage, the food product is heated without being cooked.

[0021] Thanks to these provisions, it is possible to defrost and cook a food, in particular a pizza, in a single device while preserving the organoleptic properties of the food. More precisely, the defrosting phase makes it possible to remove the moisture from the food before cooking, so that the cooking phase takes place on a food whose freshness corresponds to a food product that comes out of a refrigerator for example. Cooking can then take place in a known manner. In particular, in the case of a pizza, the crispness of the dough is ensured, and the cooking of the topping is uniform and optimal.

[0022] According to different aspects, it is possible to provide one and / or the other of the characteristics below taken alone or in combination.

[0023] According to one embodiment, said ramp may comprise at least three heating zones with variable power, namely successively from the opening of the enclosure a so-called front zone, a so-called central zone and a so-called rear zone, the heating power of each zone being adjusted by the control system. The heating power of the central zone, respectively during the defrosting step and during the cooking step, may then be greater than the heating power of the front zone and the heating power of the rear zone respectively during the defrosting step and the cooking step.

[0024] Thus, the higher heating power in the central zone ensures that the center of the food product, which is generally thicker and / or more loaded with filling than the edges, is defrosted and then cooked evenly compared to the edges.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the heating power of the rear zone respectively during the defrosting step and the cooking step, may be less than or equal to the heating power of the front zone respectively during the defrosting and cooking steps.

[0026] Thus, the temperature drop due to the proximity of the opening of the enclosure is compensated by a higher heating power in the front zone, while the effect of concentrating the heating rays towards the bottom of the enclosure is compensated by a lower heating power in the rear zone. The defrosting effect and the cooking of the food product are thus homogeneous.

[0027] According to one embodiment, during the defrosting step: • the heating power of the central zone of the ramp can be adjusted to be at least 15% lower than the heating power of the central zone during the cooking stage, • the heating power of the front zone of the ramp can be adjusted to be at least 20% lower than the heating power of the front zone during the cooking step; • the heating power of the rear zone of the ramp can be adjusted to be at least 20% lower than the heating power of the rear zone during the cooking stage.

[0028] It is thus possible to form each zone of the ramp by a lamp or a group of lamps which are used both for the defrosting step and for the cooking step. The control system can then adjust the heating power of each zone during the cooking step as corresponding to a nominal power of the lamp or group of lamps. The number of lamps to form the ramp can thus be reduced to three lamps, namely one lamp per zone. The space requirement inside the enclosure is thus reduced.

[0029] According to one embodiment: • the heating power of the central zone of the ramp during the defrosting stage may be greater than the heating power of the central zone of the ramp during the cooking stage; • the heating power of the front zone and the heating power of the rear zone during the defrosting stage may be zero.

[0030] More specifically, the front zone and the rear zone can then each comprise a lamp or a group of lamps and the central zone can comprise at least a first lamp or a first group of lamps and a second lamp or a second group of lamps. Thus: • during the defrosting step, the lamp or group of lamps of each of the front zone and the rear zone may be turned off, the first lamp or group of lamps of the central zone may be turned on at its nominal power and the second lamp or group of lamps may be turned off; • during the cooking stage, the lamp or group of lamps of each of the front zone and the rear zone is lit at its nominal power, the first lamp or group of lamps of the central zone is switched off and the second lamp or group of lamps is lit at nominal power.

[0031] Thus, the control system does not have to vary power, each lamp being either off, and therefore operating at its nominal power, or off. The control system is simplified, and costs are reduced.

[0032] According to one embodiment, prior to the step of placing on the support, the heating assembly of the support can be actuated to heat said support to a set temperature and maintain the support at the set temperature. This makes it possible in particular, when the food product comprises a dough, such as a pizza, to guarantee the crispness of the dough during cooking.

[0033] According to one embodiment, once the set temperature is reached, the heating assembly of the support is switched off before starting the cooking step. In addition, once the set temperature is reached, the heating assembly of the support can be switched off before starting the defrosting step. Thus, the heating assembly of the support and the ramp are not switched on at the same time during the defrosting step and / or the cooking step, limiting the electrical consumption. Preferably, the heating assembly of the support and the ramp are never switched on at the same time, limiting the electrical consumption to one or the other. Thus, the heating device for implementing the method can be connected to a domestic electrical network.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the ramp comprises short-wave halogen lamps, which guarantee a rapid temperature rise, of the order of a few seconds, and heating suitable for cooking food products.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the support heating assembly may comprise electrical resistors in contact with the support. The heating of the support is thus carried out efficiently over the entire surface of the support, at low cost, with inexpensive components, which are easily found commercially and which can easily be replaced in the event of failure.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the device may comprise a system for communicating with a computer device. The method may then comprise a step of adjusting the durations of the defrosting step and / or the cooking step via the computer device. The adjustment of the device is thus simplified. There is then no need to physically act on the control system, which can be modified remotely.

[0037] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for heating and / or cooking a frozen or deep-frozen food product, in particular a frozen or deep-frozen food pasta. The device is intended to be connected to a single-phase electrical installation. The device may comprise in particular at least one heating enclosure provided with a closable opening for inserting the product therein, said enclosure being equipped with at least one support on which the product is intended to be placed, a support heating assembly, and at least one heating ramp arranged at a distance from and above the support. The ramp is adapted to develop a variable heating power. The device may then comprise a control system configured to adjust the power developed by the ramp according to at least two powers: a so-called defrosting power; a so-called cooking power greater than the defrosting power,

[0038] Thus, the defrosting power is adapted to heat the food product without cooking it.

[0039] The device is thus suitable for implementing the method as presented above. Brief description of the drawings

[0040] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

[0041] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for heating and cooking seen from the outside along a front face.

[0042] [Fig.2] is a schematic view similar to that of [Fig.l], in which a front face of the device has been removed.

[0043] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of the device of [Fig.2], seen in side section, according to a first embodiment.

[0044] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the device of [Fig.2], seen in side section, according to a second embodiment.

[0045] In the drawings, like references designate identical or similar objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] In [Fig.l], there is shown a heating and / or cooking device 1, of the oven type according to one embodiment, seen from the outside. The device 1 is suitable for heating and cooking a food product, in particular a dough product such as a pizza. More specifically, the device 1 is suitable for implementing a defrosting step, as will be explained later. The device 1 is intended to be powered by a domestic electrical network, single-phase, typically providing a nominal voltage of between 220V (Volts) and 240V.

[0047] The device 1 comprises a frame 2 which can rest on a table-type support by means of feet 3. The frame 2 has a front facade 4, on which a closable opening 5 is formed. A door 6 is hinged on the front facade 4, to open or close the opening 5. The door 6 may comprise a glazed portion 7a giving visual access to the interior of the frame 2 when the door 6 is closed, and a handle 7b.

[0048] In the following, for the sake of clarity, a first horizontal front / rear direction is designated as being a direction on the oven 1 extending from the side of the front facade 4 towards the opposite direction. A second horizontal left / right direction is also defined, substantially perpendicular to the front / rear direction. Finally, the terms top, bottom, above, over, upper, lower and their variants will be used with reference to a vertical direction. The horizontal and vertical directions are understood with reference to the natural orientation of the oven 1 when it is placed on a support on its feet 3 for use.

[0049] The device 1 further comprises a control panel 8, placed under the door 6, which notably comprises a timer 9 for example in the form of a rotary button, a general switch 10a and a set 10b of buttons to be actuated to trigger different programs, as will be explained later. The control panel 8 may also comprise a screen 10c of the digital display type, to display a duration and / or a program number for example.

[0050] The interior of the frame 2 comprises a heating enclosure 11 accessible through the opening 5 on the front facade 4. The enclosure 11 is equipped with at least one support 12 on which the product is intended to be placed. The support 12 is preferably a sole made of refractory material, in particular mineral and of low density, and for example lava stone, in order to absorb and restore heat quickly.

[0051] The support 12 is associated with a support heating assembly 13. The heating assembly 13 comprises, for example, one or more electrical resistors, placed under the support 12 and in direct or indirect contact with the support 12, in order to heat the support 12 in a substantially uniform manner over its entire surface. A temperature probe 12' ([Fig. 3]) makes it possible to measure the temperature of the support 12. The probe 12' is, for example, placed in a recess made inside the support 12.

[0052] The enclosure 11 is also equipped with at least one heating ramp 14, placed above and at a distance from an upper face of the support 12. For example, the ramp 14 is fixed to a ceiling of the enclosure 11, and the distance between the ramp 14 and the upper face of the support 12 is adapted to allow a food product, such as a pizza, to be placed on the upper face of the support 12 without coming into contact with the ramp 14.

[0053] The control panel 8 is connected to a control system 15, making it possible to control the heating assembly 13 and the ramp 14. By control system, we mean here the set of electronic components ensuring in particular the control of the heating assembly 13 and the ramp 14.

[0054] It is thus possible to define on the device 1 an upper part comprising in particular the front facade 4, the door 6 and the enclosure 11, and a lower part comprising the control panel 8 and the control system 15. A space 16a is preferably placed between the upper part and the lower part, so as to separate the electronic components from the upper part, the temperature of which rises during the implementation of the heating assembly 13 and / or the ramp 14. The space 16a is preferably free, or can be filled with a thermally insulating material. In other words, space 16a provides thermal insulation between the upper part, intended for heating, and the lower part comprising the electronic components.

[0055] The electronic connections required between the control system 15 and the enclosure 11 can then pass through a neck 16b placed between the upper part and the lower part. The neck 16b is of reduced size to limit heat exchanges.

[0056] A connector 15' intended to be connected to a power supply such as a domestic electrical network makes it possible to power the control system 15.

[0057] In an upper part, above the enclosure 11, the device 1 may comprise a space 16 c intended to house a ventilation system for the enclosure 11 to dissipate humidity during heating in the enclosure 11, and possibly heat when the device 1 is stopped.

[0058] The control system 15 is configured to adjust the power developed by the ramp 14 according to at least two powers: • a so-called defrosting power; • a so-called cooking power greater than the defrosting power.

[0059] The defrosting power is high enough to heat the frozen or frozen product placed on the support 12, without cooking it. The temperature of the food is thus gently increased, allowing the moisture in the food to be removed without cooking it.

[0060] Thus, the device 1 is particularly suitable for cooking a still frozen food product, according to the method comprising the following successive steps: • a step of placing the food product on the support 12; • a so-called defrosting stage, in which the heating power of the ramp 14 is set to a so-called defrosting power; • a so-called cooking step, in which the heating power of the ramp 14 is set to a so-called cooking power greater than the defrosting power.

[0061] The defrosting step thus follows the cooking step without removing the product from the device 1.

[0062] The ramp 14 can be divided into three zones, which are distributed from the opening 5, according to the front / rear direction: a first zone 17 called front, extending from the opening 5, followed by a zone 18 called central, itself followed by a zone 19 called rear. The heating power of each zone 17 to 19 can be controlled using the control system 15. The heating power of the ramp 14 then corresponds to the sum of the heating powers of each zone 17 to 19.

[0063] Preferably, the heating power of the central zone 18, respectively during the defrosting step and during the cooking step, is greater than the heating power of the front zone 17 and the heating power of the zone 19 rear respectively during the defrosting step and the cooking step. Thus, the center of the food product is heated more than its periphery, making the device 1 particularly suitable for pizza-type food products. In addition, the heating power of the rear zone 19 respectively during the defrosting step and the cooking step, may be less than or equal to the heating power of the front zone 17 respectively during the defrosting and cooking step. Indeed, the heat from the front zone 17, onto which the opening 5 of the oven opens, dissipates more quickly than the heat from the rear zone 19. By providing a higher heating power in the front zone 17 compared to the power of the rear zone 19, the uniformity of the heating and / or cooking of the product in the device 1 is improved.

[0064] A first embodiment will now be described, with particular reference to [Fig.3].

[0065] According to this first embodiment, at least one zone 17 to 19 is formed by a single lamp or by a group of lamps, with variable heating power in a manner controlled by the control system 15. For example, and as illustrated in [Fig. 3], each zone 17 to 19 comprises a single lamp, the reference of which in [Fig. 3] is the same as that of the zone in question. When it is a group of lamps, the heating power corresponds to the sum of the heating powers of the lamps in the same group. The lamps used are in particular short-wave halogen infrared tubes extending in the left / right direction and which are substantially aligned in a horizontal direction, front / rear, of the oven 1. Thus, during the defrosting step, the power of each zone 17 to 19 is lowered by lowering the heating power of the lamp or group of lamps in each zone.Then, during the baking stage, the heating power of the lamp or lamp group in each zone is increased to its nominal power.

[0066] For example, the control system 15 is configured so that, during the defrosting step,: • the heating power of the central zone 18 of the ramp 14 is at least 15% lower than the heating power of the central zone 18 during the cooking step, • the heating power of zone 17 before ramp 14 is at least 20% lower than the heating power of zone 17 before during the cooking step; • the heating power of the rear zone 19 of the ramp 14 is at least 20% lower than the heating power of the rear zone 19 during the cooking step.

[0067] Thus, by using variable power lamps, the number of lamps can be the same as for a prior art oven, limiting the space requirement inside the enclosure and not requiring the configuration of the enclosure 11 to be revised.

[0068] In particular to facilitate the control of the device 1 and to preserve the components, the heating power of the lamps or groups of lamps of each zone 17 to 19 of the ramp 14 during the cooking phase preferably corresponds to the nominal power of the lamps or groups of lamps.

[0069] By nominal power, we mean here and hereinafter the maximum power which can be supplied by a lamp under normal conditions of use.

[0070] A second embodiment will now be described, in particular with reference to [Fig.4].

[0071] According to this second embodiment, at least zone 17 to 19 may comprise at least two halogen lamps, or at least two groups of halogen lamps, with fixed power, the power of zone 17 to 19 being varied by alternately lighting one lamp or group of lamps at a time, the other lamp or group of lamps being turned off. The nominal power of the two lamps or two groups of lamps of a zone 17 to 19 is different, so that depending on the lamp or group of lamps lit, the heating power of the zone in question is varied. According to the example illustrated in [Fig.4], the front zone 17 is formed by a single lamp 17a, the central zone 18 by two groups of lamps and the rear zone 19 is formed by a lamp 19a. More precisely, the central zone 18 comprises three lamps: two lateral lamps 18a placed on either side, in the front / rear direction, of a central lamp 18b.The two side lamps 18a form a first group of lamps and the central lamp 18b forms a second group.

[0072] According to this second embodiment, the control system 15 is configured so that: • during the defrosting stage, only the second group of lamps 18a in the central zone 18 is lit, all the other lamps being off. • during the cooking stage, lamp 17a of the front zone, lamp 19a of the rear zone and lamp 18b of the second group of the central zone 18 are lit, all other lamps being off.

[0073] By lit, we mean here the fact that the lamp(s) are at their nominal power, and by off the fact that the power is zero.

[0074] The nominal power of the first group of lamps 18a of the central zone 18 is preferably greater than the nominal power of the lamp 18b of the second group of the central zone 18. Indeed, according to this second embodiment, the lamps 18a of the first group of the central zone 18 alone provide heating for the defrosting step, the heating power of the front zones 17 and 19 rear being zero. The lamps 18a of the first group of the central zone 18 can be placed symmetrically to each other with respect to a central left / right line in the enclosure 11, so as to obtain, during the defrosting step, a temperature gradient in the enclosure 11 which is maximum substantially in the center of the enclosure 11, and which decreases towards the front and towards the rear.

[0075] According to this second embodiment, the control of zones 17 to 19 is simplified, not requiring electronic components to manage the variation in power of a lamp: each lamp is either lit at its nominal power or extinguished. The electronics are thus simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the device 1 can remain reduced.

[0076] By adjusting the power according to zones 17 to 19, defrosting and cooking are carried out uniformly, particularly in the case of a pizza. Indeed, the center of the pizza, generally more garnished than the periphery, requires a higher energy input. By reducing the power of zones 17 to 19 in the freezing step, the temperature of the food product rises gently, without cooking the food, while allowing the moisture contained in the product to be evacuated and providing defrosting of the product, that is to say the raising of its temperature above 0°C (degrees Celsius), in order to approach a refrigerator outlet temperature, before starting the actual cooking of the food. By further reducing the power of the front zone 17 and the rear zone 19 compared to the power of the central zone 18, the uniformity of defrosting is optimized.

[0077] The ramp 14 is for example formed by emitters of the short-wave infrared tube type. More precisely, the emitters of the ramp 14 are of the short-wave infrared halogen tube type arranged in the enclosure 11 so as to extend substantially in the left / right direction of the furnace 1. By short waves, here is meant the infrared waves of wavelengths between 50 nm (nanometers) and 4000 nm.

[0078] The emitting tubes of the ramp 14 may, according to a particular embodiment, be covered on an upper part of their portion with a reflector. For example, the reflector comprises as many plates 14a as tubes of the ramp 14, each tube being associated with a plate 14a. The plate 14a is curved to extend along the length and substantially over 180° maximum around the corresponding tube, on a side opposite that of the support 12, so that the reflector reflects the waves emitted upwards, away from the support 12, by the tubes in order to redirect the waves downwards, towards the support 12. The heating efficiency is thereby increased.82

[0079] The duration of the defrosting step can be set, recorded in the control system 15.

[0080] The duration of the cooking step can be adapted to the product. For example, in the case of a pizza, the thickness of the dough and / or the thickness of the topping can be taken into account to adjust the duration of the cooking step.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the support 12 has preferably reached a set temperature at the latest at the start of the cooking step. For this purpose, for example the heating assembly 13 can be actuated during the defrosting step, so that the set temperature of the support 12 is reached during the freezing step. In this case, the power of the heating assembly 13 is adapted so that the power of the device during the defrosting step remains compatible with the domestic electrical network to which it is connected. Alternatively, the heating assembly 13 can be actuated before the defrosting step, so that the set temperature of the support is reached at the start of the defrosting step.The heating assembly 13 is then switched off before the ramp 14 is actuated, so that the power consumed by the device 1 remains lower than a value accepted by the power supply on the domestic electrical network. Advantageously, the device 1 comprises, for example on the control panel 10 on the front panel 4, an indicator light, possibly accompanied by an audible signal, indicating that the support 12 has reached the set temperature.

[0082] The temperature 12 of the support, once the set temperature is reached, decreases only very slowly. When its temperature is lower than the set temperature by a determined value, the heating assembly 13 is activated. This activation is very rapid, the support 12 quickly storing the heat. The control system 15 then manages the total power of the device so that it remains compatible with the power supply of the domestic electrical network.

[0083] Thanks to the implementation of this process, optimal cooking of the product is ensured. Defrosting is carried out quickly.

[0084] We will now describe an example of implementation of the method.

[0085] A user turns on the heating assembly 13 of the support by activating the main switch 10a on the control panel 8. The heating assembly 13 then turns on and the temperature of the support 12 increases accordingly. Once the set temperature is reached, the indicator light comes on, possibly accompanied by an audible signal. The user then places the product on the support 12 in the enclosure 11, sets a cooking time using the timer 9, and starts a program implementing the heating and / or cooking method. The defrosting step, of a predetermined duration, then starts, followed by the cooking step, the duration of which has been set using the timer. The cooking step can start automatically at the end of the defrosting step, or at the user's command. The duration of the defrosting step and / or the duration of the cooking step cooking can be variable depending on the programs, or be fixed for all or part of the programs. Similarly, the power of the zones 17, 18, 19 of the heating ramp 14 during the defrosting step and / or during the cooking step can be variable depending on the programs, or be fixed for all or part of the programs.

[0086] The device 1 is also adapted to implement only the cooking step, without the defrosting step, for example in the case where the food product is not frozen or of sufficiently low thickness. For this purpose, the control system 15 can include a program without a defrosting step, actuable by a button on the control panel 8.

[0087] The user can thus choose a program with or without a defrosting step.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control system 15 comprises a communication system with a separate computer device remote from the device 1, for example of the computer tablet or smartphone type, allowing, for example via a dedicated application displayed on the device, a user to access different programs of the device 1; the communication system is for example of the Bluetooth type. The user can then program the device 1 or change the program from his smartphone, without needing to be next to the oven.

[0089] More precisely, the control panel 8 may have a set 10c of buttons in limited number, the space on the control panel 8 itself being limited. Each button is identified and associated with a program. Thus, the number of possible programs for a device 1 is necessarily also limited. However, depending on the type of use, that is to say depending on the location of the device 1 as well as the products to be heated, the necessary programs may be different, so that the limitation of the number of programs prevents the device from being adapted to all types of uses.

[0090] In order to be able to easily adapt the programs available on the device 1 according to the intended use, the program associated with each button of the assembly 10c can be modified by Bluetooth communication.

[0091] For example, each program recorded in the control system 15 corresponds to different durations for the defrosting step and / or for the cooking step. Thus, for example: - a first button is associated with a first program without a defrosting step and only a cooking step, particularly suitable for thin pizza-type products; - a second button is associated with a second program with a defrosting step of a first duration, and a cooking step of a second duration; - a third button is associated with a third program with a defrosting stage of a third duration and a cooking stage of a fourth duration; - a fourth button associated with a fourth program without a cooking step, and only a defrosting step.

[0092] Thanks to Bluetooth communication, without physically intervening on the device 1 or the control system 15, it is in particular possible to adjust each of the durations of each program, or even to modify the content of the programs.

[0093] Preferably, in each of the programs, the heating ramp 14 and the heating assembly 13 are implemented separately, that is to say they are never switched on at the same time.

[0094] Such an adjustment can be made in the factory, before delivery of the device 1 to the user, or directly by the user who wishes to adapt the programs of the device 1 according to his needs. In particular, in the case of panini or croque-monsieur type products, a defrosting step alone, without a cooking step, may be sufficient to obtain a product ready to be consumed. Conversely, for use exclusively for cooking pizzas, it will be preferable to always provide a cooking step.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for heating and / or cooking a frozen or deep-frozen food product, in particular a frozen or deep-frozen food paste, using a device (1) intended to be connected to a single-phase electrical installation, the device comprising at least one heating enclosure (11) provided with a closable opening (5) for inserting the product therein, said enclosure (11) being equipped with at least one support (12) on which the product is intended to be placed, an assembly (13) for heating the support, and at least one heating ramp (14) arranged at a distance from and above the support (12), in which the ramp (14) is adapted to develop a variable heating power and in which the device (1) comprises a control system (15) configured to adjust the power of the ramp and control the heating assembly (13), the method being characterized in that it comprises: • a step of placing the food product on the support (12);• a so-called defrosting step, in which the heating power of the ramp (14) is set to a so-called defrosting power; • a so-called cooking step, in which the heating power of the ramp (14) is set to a so-called cooking power greater than the defrosting power, in which method the support (12) has reached a set temperature at the latest at the start of the cooking step; so that during the defrosting step, the food product is heated without being cooked.;

2. Heating and / or cooking method according to claim 1, wherein said ramp (14) comprises at least three heating zones with variable power, namely successively from the opening (5) of the enclosure (11) a zone (17) called front, a zone (18) called central and a zone (19) called rear, the heating power of each zone (17, 18, 19) being regulated by the control system (15), method in which the heating power of the central zone (18), respectively during the defrosting step and during the cooking step, is greater than the heating power of the front zone (17) and the heating power of the rear zone (19) respectively during the defrosting stage and the cooking stage.

3. Heating and / or cooking method according to the preceding claim 2, in which the heating power of the rear zone (19) respectively during the defrosting step and the cooking step, is less than or equal to the heating power of the front zone (17) respectively during the defrosting and cooking step.

4. Method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein, during the defrosting step: • the heating power of the central zone (18) of the ramp (14) is adjusted to be at least 15% lower than the heating power of the central zone (18) during the cooking step, • the heating power of the front zone (17) of the ramp (14) is adjusted to be at least 20% lower than the heating power of the front zone (17) during the cooking step; • the heating power of the rear zone (19) of the ramp (14) is adjusted to be at least 20% lower than the heating power of the rear zone (19) during the cooking step.

5. Method according to the preceding claim, in which each zone (17, 18, 19) of the ramp (14) is formed by a lamp or a group of lamps, the control system (15) regulating the heating power of each zone during the cooking step as corresponding to a nominal power of the lamp or group of lamps.

6. Method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, in which: • the heating power of the central zone (18) of the ramp (14) during the defrosting step is greater than the heating power of the central zone (18) of the ramp (14) during the cooking step; • the heating power of the front zone (17) and the heating power of the rear zone (19) during the defrosting stage are zero.

7. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the front zone (17) and the rear zone (19) each comprise a lamp or a group of lamps and the central zone (18) comprises at least a first lamp or a first group of lamps and a second lamp or a second group of lamps, and wherein: • during the defrosting step, the lamp or the group of lamps of each of the front zone (17) and the rear zone (19) is switched off, the first lamp or the first group of lamps of the central zone (18) is switched on at its nominal power and the second lamp or second group of lamps is switched on; • during the cooking step, the lamp or the group of lamps of each of the front zone (17) and the rear zone (19) is switched on at its nominal power, the first lamp or the first group of lamps of the central zone (18) is switched off and the second lamp or second group of lamps is switched on at the nominal power.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, prior to the step of placing on the support (12), the assembly (13) for heating the support is actuated to heat said support (12) to a set temperature and maintain the support at the set temperature.

9. Method according to the preceding claim, in which, once the set temperature has been reached, the support heating assembly (13) is switched off before starting the cooking step.

10. Method according to claim 8, in which, once the set temperature has been reached, the support heating assembly (13) is switched off before starting the defrosting step.

11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip (14) comprises shortwave halogen lamps.

12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims in which the assembly (13) for heating the support comprises electrical resistors in contact with the support (12).

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises a system for communicating with a computing device, the method comprising a step of adjusting the durations of the defrosting step and / or the cooking step via the computing device.

14. Device (1) for heating and / or cooking a frozen or deep-frozen food product, in particular a frozen or deep-frozen food paste, said device (1) being intended to be connected to a single-phase electrical installation, the device (1) comprising at least one heating enclosure (11) provided with a closable opening (5) for inserting the product therein, said enclosure (11) being equipped with at least one support (12) on which the product is intended to be placed, an assembly (13) for heating the support, and at least one heating ramp (14) arranged at a distance from and above the support (12), in which the ramp (14) is adapted to develop a variable heating power and in the device (1) comprises a control system (15) configured to adjust the power developed by the ramp (14) according to at least two powers: • a so-called defrosting power; • a so-called cooking power greater than the power of defrosting, so that the defrosting power is suitable for heating the food product without cooking it.

Images