Griddle Implement Shelf With Warming Drawer for Space-Saving Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial griddles and charbroilers face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent retrieval of cooking implements and the challenge of temporarily storing food items that require different cooking times or exceed the cooking surface capacity, often leading to overcooking or drying out.
Innovation Solution
A cooking implement shelf that attaches to commercial griddles or charbroilers, featuring a warming drawer and drip pan, positioned to keep food warm without obscuring the cooking surface and preventing implements from overheating, made from stainless steel and adjustable for optimal heat reception and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cooking implements are placed on the cooking surface within reach of the cook, then accessibility and cooking efficiency are improved, but the available cooking area is reduced and the implements may become undesirably warm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by positioning the shelf above the cooking surface at an optimized height (6-18 inches), allowing implements to be accessible without occupying horizontal cooking space. This spatial reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by moving implements from the 2D cooking plane to a 3D space above it.
2Area of stationary object
If cooking implements are placed on nearby shelves or racks, then cooking surface area is preserved, but the cook must constantly step away to retrieve implements, reducing cooking efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is positioned in the vertical space above the cooking surface, creating an accessible storage zone that does not encroach on horizontal cooking area. The optimized height (6-18 inches) ensures implements are within the cook's natural reach zone, eliminating the need to step away while preserving full cooking surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf design allows for adjustable positioning and configuration to adapt to different cook heights and kitchen layouts, optimizing accessibility dynamics while maintaining cooking surface area. The movable or adjustable nature of the shelf system enables dynamic adaptation to various operational needs.
3Temperature
If warming lamps are used to keep food items warm, then food temperature is maintained, but the food items may dry out and lose the appearance of being freshly cooked
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf acts as an intermediary thermal zone between the hot cooking surface and the food items. By positioning food on the shelf above the cooking surface rather than directly under warming lamps, the food receives gentle ambient heat that maintains temperature without the intense localized heating that causes drying and appearance degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters by replacing direct radiant heating from warming lamps with indirect convective heating from the cooking surface. This parameter change in heating method (from intense radiant to gentle convective) maintains food temperature while preventing the harmful effects of over-heating and drying.
4Productivity
If multiple food items requiring different cooking times are prepared simultaneously, then menu variety and customer service are improved, but food items may become overcooked or dry out while waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf provides a pre-heating or holding zone where food items can be positioned before or during the cooking of other items. This preliminary positioning in the warm environment above the cooking surface allows food to be kept at optimal temperature without direct cooking, enabling simultaneous preparation of multiple dishes with consistent quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances cooking efficiency by keeping implements within reach while maintaining food quality by utilizing rising heat from the cooking surface, preventing overcooking and drying, and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
Implementation Method 1
food items contained in the warming drawer are warmed by heat rising from the cooking surface
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking implement shelf is disclosed that is attachable to a commercial griddle and is able to support and position cooking implements such as a spatula, grill weights, cooking tongs, a salt shaker, etc, in a location that is readily accessible to a grill cook and does not taking up space on the cooking surface. One aspect of the invention is attachable to a staging feature on top of a barrier that runs along the backsplash of the griddle, while another aspect is directly attachable to the backsplash or to a side splash guard of the griddle. In preferred embodiments, the accessory is made from stainless steel, includes a warming tray and drip pan under the shelf, can be positioned above the cooking surface so as to warm items in the tray without harming them, and is adjustable horizontally and in height from 8″ to 17″ above the cooking surface.