Tandoor device with manual flow regulator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tandoor device for cooking, grilling or baking food, comprising a closable oven which is composed of a barrel assembly and a chimney element connectable thereto, which barrel assembly is suitable for supporting a fuel located on a grate, wherein the barrel assembly is provided at the bottom with an adjustable air valve for regulating the flow rate of incoming combustion air, wherein the barrel assembly is composed of an outer shell and a connecting smaller inner shell, resulting in a spherical shell-shaped channel for combustion air between the two shells.

Description

[0001] TANDOOR DEVICE WITH MANUAL FLOW REGULATOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a tandoor device for cooking, grilling or baking food.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] It is known to prepare food by grilling it over a fuel, for example an open fire, by burning for example charcoal, coal or other pyrogenic material in a barbecue. Such grilling and roasting is also known to be done by skewering the food on skewers placed in an elevated horizontal position above the fuel and allowing the heat to embrace the skewered food.

[0006] However, it is often difficult to ensure a good and even cooking of the food with these devices. At the same time, it is also difficult to achieve complete combustion of the pyrogenic material used. In these known devices, incomplete combustion occurs which will lead to an irregular temperature in the device. The irregular temperature in the device will ensure a longer preparation time and a more difficult uniform preparation of food in the device.

[0007] However, it is often difficult to ensure proper and even preparation of food with these known devices. At the same time, it is also difficult to achieve complete combustion of the pyrogenic material used. In these known devices, incomplete combustion occurs, resulting in an uneven temperature in the device. The uneven temperature of the device, on the one hand, lengthens the cooking time of the food, but on the other hand, these devices require constant monitoring to prevent the food from burning.

[0008] The current state of the art does not provide a sufficient or any solution for one or more of the above-mentioned problems or shortcomings.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In a first aspect, the current invention concerns a tandoor device according to claim 1.

[0011] According to a first aspect of this invention, a tandoor device for cooking, grilling or baking food comprises a closable oven which is composed of a barrel assembly and a chimney element connectable thereto, which barrel assembly is suitable for supporting a fuel located on a grate, wherein the barrel assembly is provided at the bottom with an adjustable air valve for regulating the flow rate of incoming combustion air, wherein the barrel assembly is composed of an outer shell and a connecting smaller inner shell, resulting in a spherical shell-shaped channel for combustion air between the two shells.

[0012] Preferred forms of the device are set out in claims 2-14.

[0013] In a second aspect, the invention concerns the use of the tandoor device for preparing food, preferably in the open air.

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explained explicitly.

[0016] In this document, "a", "the" and "it" refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "a segment" means one or more than one segment.

[0017] When "around" or "about" is used in this document with respect to a measurable quantity, a parameter, a time or moment, and the like, variations are meant of + / - 20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, even more preferably + / -1% or less, and even more preferably + / -0.1% or less than and of the quoted value, insofar as such variations are applicable in the described invention. However, it should be understood that the value of the quantity where the term "around" or "about" is used is itself specifically disclosed.

[0018] The term "volume ratio" in this document refers to the ratio of the volume of the outer shell in liters to the volume of the inner shell in liters.

[0019] The term "height ratio" in this document refers to the height of the barrel assembly in mm compared to the height of the chimney element in mm.

[0020] The term "skewer" in this document refers to an elongated rod, usually made of stainless steel, onto which various pieces of food are threaded for preparation in the tandoor device. The length of the skewer is equal to the height of the chimney between the top and the base of the chimney, wherein the skewers are provided upright above the fuel. Quoting numeric intervals by the endpoints includes all integers, fractions, and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including those endpoints.

[0021] In a first aspect, the invention concerns a tandoor device for cooking, grilling or baking food, comprising a closable oven which is composed of a barrel assembly and a chimney element connectable thereto, which barrel assembly is suitable for supporting a fuel located on a grate, wherein the barrel assembly is provided at the bottom with an adjustable air valve for regulating the flow rate of incoming combustion air, wherein the barrel assembly is composed of an outer shell and a connecting smaller inner shell, resulting in a spherical shell-shaped channel for combustion air between the two shells.

[0022] The tandoor device as described herein is suitable for various preparation techniques such as grilling, baking, steaming and slow cooking. The food can be placed on skewers in the tandoor device, but often the food is also placed against the wall and the tandoor device is designed to work as a kind of oven. When the combustion of the fuel stops, the oven remains hot for some time and it can still be used to prepare food. This makes the tandoor device a versatile device. It can perform the function of a barbecue, a pizza oven, a smoker, an oven, etc.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the tandoor device comprises an inner shell provided with two annular rows of air openings extending below and above the grate around the circumference of the inner shell.

[0024] By providing air channels above and below the grate, there is a supply of fresh air both above and below the fuel. This will cause complete combustion of the fuel. A proper combustion of the fuel will also ensure an even temperature distribution in the tandoor device, and the food will cook uniformly.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, the inner shell comprises an upper ring of air openings and a lower ring of air openings, in a ratio of the number of air openings of at least 1 : 1.5, preferably at least 1:2 and in particular at least 1:2.5.

[0026] Using these ratios has the advantage that the air circulation in the barrel assembly is optimal for the combustion of the fuel. The air openings will create an air channel through which air circulation will occur within the barrel assembly. This air circulation will ensure complete combustion of the fuel, resulting in an even temperature distribution in the device and uniform roasting of food. Thanks to the air circulation, complete post-combustion will also take place. According to a preferred embodiment, the grate is housed between the two rings with air openings, wherein the air channel is provided above and below the grate and the grate has dimensions that fit into the inner shell. The grate is preferably circular and is provided with preferably one or more air circulation holes over an entire surface.

[0027] The air circulation holes will contribute to air circulation in the barrel assembly. Optimal oxygen circulation ensures complete combustion of the fuel. The grate is suitable for comprising a recess. This recess is used to place ignition material in, preferably a fire starter block or another fire starter made of flammable material and used for the controlled and safe ignition of, for example, the barbecue, the grill, the fireplace, a wood stove, a fire pit or a wood fire. The highly flammable object is used to set something on fire quickly, but in a controlled and safe manner. Providing this recess increases safety when using this device.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the tandoor device comprises an outer shell and an inner shell, in a volume ratio of at most 2.5: 1, preferably at most 2: 1, in particular at most 1.5: 1.

[0029] The inner shell is smaller than the outer shell and will fit effortlessly into the outer shell. An air channel will be provided along the entire circumference, creating a spherical shell-shaped channel. Fresh air flows through this air channel via the air valve, through holes in the inner shell and above and below the fuel for optimal fuel combustion.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer shell comprises a cylindrical base, wherein a base surface and a top surface are open, and along a shell, a slot is provided.

[0031] The slot is suitable for providing a control system. The slot at the bottom of the base of the tandoor device is a good position because it is almost always accessible. Placing a control system in this slot ensures easier and safe operation of the tandoor device. Proper and easy operation of the tandoor device will ensure good and high- quality preparation of food because the control system mainly regulates the oxygen supply, which influences the combustion of the fuel and the temperature in the tandoor device.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the air valve comprises a control system provided in the slot of the outer shell. The air flow is controlled manually by means of the control system. The control equipment will selectively vary the effective size of the air valve openings. The control equipment regulates the temperature by varying the oxygen supply. Because the control equipment is in an easily accessible location, this operation is very easy to perform.

[0033] When the air valve is fully open and the chimney element is open, a lot of oxygen flows into the tandoor device. The air valve is open, drawing in all the oxygen possible and adding it to the fuel. The chimney element is open and removes burnt gases so that they do not penetrate the food. This is the ideal situation for lighting the tandoor device.

[0034] When the air valve is half open and the chimney element is open, less oxygen passes through the tandoor device than when the air valve is fully open. The temperature in the tandoor device can be regulated by operating the air valve.

[0035] If the air valve is open and the chimney element is half closed, smoking can take place in the tandoor device. When smoking food, as much oxygen as possible is supplied and little smoke is removed. In this way, relatively low temperatures are used. There is a relatively large amount of smoke in the barrel assembly and this smoke passes by the dishes, giving them a smoky taste.

[0036] If the ventilation holes are closed and the chimney element is closed, no oxygen will enter the tandoor device. This causes the fuel to stop burning. A tandoor device does not go out immediately after you close the air valve and the chimney element. This may take a number of hours, allowing food to be prepared in the tandoor device for some time.

[0037] According to a further preferred embodiment, the air valve comprises at least one opening, preferably at least two and in particular at least three openings, wherein each opening has an air supply surface between 1900 mm2and 2800 mm2, preferably between 2100 mm2and 2600 mm2and in particular between 2300 mm2and 2400 mm2.

[0038] The air valve supplies fresh oxygen and can be manually operated via a control system. The temperature is substantially regulated by the air valve. If the air valve is fully opened, the oxygen will be optimally added to the fuel through the air channel, which increases combustion and increases the temperature, until the fuel has burned up. If the air valve is closed more, the oxygen supply will be cut off, the fuel will receive less oxygen, combustion will decrease and the heat will decrease. The temperature can be regulated via the air valve control system, preferably between 100°C and 300°C. These temperatures are good enough for any type of dish and preparation. When preparing thinner pieces of meat or fish, the air valve must be fully open. Slow cooking of food is also possible and will take place at a temperature between 100 and 150°C, with the air valve being more closed.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the chimney element comprises a hollow space that preferably has an oval shape, wherein an open base includes a first dimension and an open top includes a second dimension greater than the first dimension wherein a cross-section of the chamber increases as a wall extends downward from an upper end, wherein the base is provided removable from the barrel.

[0040] Due to the highly insulating effect and the slightly oval shape of the device, it has a temperature of up to 500°C inside the device and the temperature will be uniform. This means that food is cooked very quickly and does not have time to lose moisture and nutrients.

[0041] In an uncovered, open position of the chimney element, the burnt gases, excess heat and smoke disappear through the open top. If smoke and burnt gases are allowed to escape through the top air hole, a low pressure will be created in the tandoor device, causing oxygen to be drawn in through the air valve.

[0042] It is possible to prepare food with this device by smoking. If the preparation method is smoking, the chimney element is partly closed, preferably by a lid. It is important that the chimney element is partly open during the preparation of food. Too little discharge of burnt gases to the outside with a large quantity of fuel causes the wrong type of smoke in the device. This smoke will penetrate the meat, affecting the taste. This often results in a bitter taste. This smoke is gray and opaque.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the chimney element is made of a metal material, preferably aluminum.

[0044] The chimney element is made of metal, preferably the chimney element is made of aluminum. In an alternative embodiment, the chimney element can also be made of another fire- and heat-resistant material, for example from ceramic materials, enameled with a heat-resistant glass-like finish or from a combination of metal and ceramic materials. The thickness of the chamber wall has an almost uniform crosssection, so that the outer surface of the wall facing the environment, i.e. the outside air, is generally parallel to the inner surface. Due to the highly insulating effect and the slightly oval shape of the device, temperatures can reach up to 500°C inside the device. This means that food is cooked very quickly and does not have time to lose moisture and nutrients. The material from which the tandoor device is made, preferably metal, ensures good heat circulation. These materials ensure that the temperature is perfectly controllable and that the chimney element is strong and durable. Metal will not absorb moisture from the ingredients, so the food retains more flavor and remains juicier. Another important point is that the metal expands when heated and contracts again when cooled. Thanks to the metal of the tandoor device, this happens more evenly so that the risk of tears or cracks is minimal. The metal walls have good and even heat transfer. The temperature is the same everywhere in the oven. Thanks to this property, the food does not burn, but is, as it were, saturated with heat and is cooked from the inside, resulting in high quality food. In the tandoor, food not only acquires a delicate taste and aroma, but also retains all its beneficial properties, such as vitamins.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the open top of the chimney is suitable for providing a removable ring wherein one or more notches are provided along the entire inner circumference where it is suitable to provide one or more skewers in an inclined, but generally upright position.

[0046] The length of the skewer is equal to the height of the chimney between the top and the base of the chimney, wherein the skewers are provided upright above the fuel. The bottom ends of the skewers will rest on the fuel and with the top ends of the skewer resting against the removable ring with notches. The recesses of the ring will hold the skewers in place so they don't shift. The advantage here is that food skewers cook very evenly and also faster than on a grill. Due to the even cooking, the upright position in the chimney, the skewers no longer have to be turned while the food is cooking, so constant monitoring of the food is not necessary. Food will burn less quickly, be ready faster and retain its taste and juiciness better.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the tandoor device comprises a barrel assembly and a chimney element, with a height ratio of at most 1 :2, preferably at most 1: 1.6 and in particular at most 1 : 1.2.

[0048] The tandoor device forms a closable oven. The temperature is the same everywhere in the oven. Thanks to this property, the food does not burn, but is, as it were, saturated with heat and is cooked from the inside. Due to the voluminous size, the temperature in the tandoor device drops no earlier than 1.5 to 2 hours after lighting the fuel. This makes it possible to grill a wide variety of dishes in any order and thus provide a large group with different grill specialties in just a few minutes. The food is prepared at a constant, even temperature.

[0049] In a second aspect, the invention concerns the use of the tandoor device for preparing food, preferably in the open air.

[0050] Before using the tandoor device, fuel, pyrogenic material, is placed on the grate, wherein the chimney element is removed. The pyrogenic material is then ignited. The chimney element is then placed on top of the fuel. The food to be prepared, for example meat, fish, etc., which may have been previously soaked in a marinade, is placed on metal skewers with heat-insulated handles. These skewers are then inserted through the open top of the chimney element to rest with their bottom on the fuel. In a slightly inclined but generally upright position, the skewers lean against a ring with notches that rests on the top of the chimney, with the handles of the skewer protruding from the top of the chimney element. The heat from the burning material is conducted along the metal skewers to cook the food internally, while the radiated and convected heat from the fuel is delivered to the outside of the food to cook it, and additionally to flavor it when the fuel is of an aromatic nature. The metal skewers can optionally be hollow throughout most of their length to improve heat transfer from the heat source to the food placed on them.

[0051] In addition to being used in the manner described above, the tandoor device can also be used as a conventional barbecue or grill. This involves adding a baking grid to the barrel assembly and removing the chimney element, with the food being placed directly on the baking grid.

[0052] With both types of use, smoke will develop, which means that the tandoor device will preferably be used outdoors, in other words in the open air.

[0053] In what follows, the invention is described by means of non-limiting examples or figures illustrating the invention, which are not intended or should be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0054] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following non-limiting examples or figures.

[0055] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0056] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of the tandoor device. Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the tandoor device.

[0057] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the tandoor device.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of the tandoor device.

[0059] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the inner shell.

[0060] In the different figures, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0061] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show the tandoor device from different perspectives each time. The tandoor device comprises a barrel assembly (1) and a chimney element (2) that can be connected to it. The chimney element (2) is open at each end. An open base comprises a first dimension and an open top comprises a second dimension larger than the first dimension wherein a cross-section of the chamber increases as a wall extends downward from an upper end. The chimney element (2) is provided with one or more external handles (11) with which the chimney element can be lifted onto the barrel assembly and also removed from it. The chimney element can be closed via a lid (9). The lid is operated using the handle of the lid (10). A temperature sensor (12) is provided on the outside of the chimney element, which can be used to read whether the tandoor device is warm enough to prepare food.

[0062] Figure 3 shows the bottom of a tandoor device, more specifically the air valve (4). The air valve consists of 3 valve holes (17). Each hole can be completely or partially closed. If the air supply to the fuel needs to be improved, the air valve (4) can be used. The valve is adjustable via a control system (16) to vary the air flow that flows through the tandoor device via the air channel (19). The control system (16) is preferably a lever.

[0063] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the tandoor device, with the contents of the barrel assembly (1) visible. The barrel assembly includes an outer shell (5) and a smaller inner shell (6) forming an air channel (19). The outer shell (5) comprises an air valve (4) in the base. A slot (18) is provided in the base of the outer shell through which a control system (16) can be used to operate the air valve (4). The inner shell can be seen in more detail in Figure 5 and includes two rings of air holes, an upper ring with air holes (7) and a lower ring with air holes (8). A removable ring with notches (15) is provided on the top of the chimney element (2). This ring is suitable for holding one or more skewers in place. Figure 4 shows that the grate (3) is positioned between the upper ring with air holes (7) and the lower ring with air holes (8). There is also a recess in the grate (13), this recess can be used, among other things, as a holder to place a fire starter in. Figures 1-4 show that the tandoor device is supported by a base (14). This base (14) is illustrative but certainly not binding for the tandoor device. The tandoor device can be supported by any type of base and is also suitable as a built-in device. As can be seen in the figures mentioned, the tandoor device in this embodiment is provided with a base that comprises three support legs (20), the support legs comprising two upright arms that are connected by a flat connecting piece. The first arm is provided on the outer surface of the barrel assembly and the second upright arm is provided on the underside of the barrel assembly. A rubber leg (21) is provided under each flat connecting piece.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Tandoor device for cooking, grilling or baking food, comprising a closable oven which is composed of a barrel assembly and a chimney element connectable thereto, which barrel assembly is suitable for supporting a fuel located on a grate, wherein the barrel assembly is provided at the bottom with an adjustable air valve for regulating the flow rate of incoming combustion air, characterized in that the barrel assembly is composed of an outer shell and a connecting smaller inner shell, resulting in a spherical shell-shaped channel for combustion air between the two shells.

2. The tandoor device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner shell is provided with two annular rows of air openings extending below and above the grate around the circumference of the inner shell.

3. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner shell comprises an upper ring of air openings and a lower ring of air openings, in a ratio of the number of air openings of at least 1: 1.5, preferably at least 1 :2 and in particular at least 1:2.5.

4. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that the grate is housed between the two rings with air openings, wherein the air channel is provided above and below the grate.

5. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-4, characterized in that the grate has dimensions that fit into the inner shell, preferably has a circular shape and is provided over an entire surface with preferably one or more air circulation holes.

6. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1- 5, characterized in that the tandoor device comprises an outer shell and an inner shell, in a volume ratio of at most 2.5: 1, preferably at most 2: 1, in particular at most 1.5: 1.

7. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-6, characterized in that the outer shell comprises a cylindrical base, wherein a base surface and a top surface are open, and along a shell, a slot is provided.

8. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-7, characterized in that the air valve is provided in the base of the outer shell and comprises a control system provided in the slot of the outer shell.

9. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that the air valve comprises at least one opening, preferably at least two and in particular at least three openings.

10. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-9, characterized in that the air valve comprises openings, wherein each opening has an air supply surface between 1900 mm2and 2800 mm2, preferably between 2100 mm2and 2600 mm2and in particular between 2300 mm2and 2400 mm2.

11. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the chimney element comprises a hollow space which preferably has an oval shape, wherein an open base includes a first dimension and an open top includes a second dimension greater than the first dimension wherein a cross-section of the chamber increases as a wall extends downward from an upper end, wherein the base is removably provided on the barrel assembly.

12. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-11, characterized in that the chimney element is made of a metal material, preferably aluminum.

13. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-12, characterized in that the open top of the chimney is suitable for providing a removable ring wherein one or more notches are provided along the entire inner circumference where it is suitable to provide one or more skewers in an inclined, but generally upright position.

14. The tandoor device according to any of the preceding claims 1-13, characterized in that the tandoor device comprises a barrel assembly and a chimney element, with a height ratio of at most 1 :2, preferably at most 1: 1.6 and in particular at most 1 : 1.2.

15. Use of the tandoor device according to any of claims 1-14 for preparing food, preferably in the open air.

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