Abstract: A method for making a non-stick ceramic cooking vessel for a slow-cooker, the vessel having glazing defining a seal over a cooking surface of the ceramic vessel, the method comprising the steps of removing at least a portion of the glazing while preferably maintaining at least a portion of the seal of the vessel and applying a non-stick coating over the cooking surface. The step of removing the glazing is preferably achieved by grit-blasting at least a portion of the glazing with aluminum oxide. Additionally, the cooking surface preferably includes a bottom surface and a wall surface wherein the glazing is preferably removed from the bottom surface such that the seal is substantially removed, and a portion of the glazing is preferably removed from the wall surface such that the seal there remains substantially intact.

Abstract: A method for making a non-stick ceramic cooking vessel for a slow-cooker, the vessel having glazing defining a seal over a cooking surface of the ceramic vessel, the method comprising the steps of removing at least a portion of the glazing while preferably maintaining at least a portion of the seal of the vessel and applying a non-stick coating over the cooking surface. The step of removing the glazing is preferably achieved by grit-blasting at least a portion of the glazing with aluminum oxide. Additionally, the cooking surface preferably includes a bottom surface and a wall surface wherein the glazing is preferably removed from the bottom surface such that the seal is substantially removed, and a portion of the glazing is preferably removed from the wall surface such that the seal there remains substantially intact.

Abstract: A method for making a non-stick ceramic cooking vessel for a slow-cooker, the vessel having glazing defining a seal over a cooking surface of the ceramic vessel, the method comprising the steps of removing at least a portion of the glazing while preferably maintaining at least a portion of the seal of the vessel and applying a non-stick coating over the cooking surface. The step of removing the glazing is preferably achieved by grit-blasting at least a portion of the glazing with aluminum oxide. Additionally, the cooking surface preferably includes a bottom surface and a wall surface wherein the glazing is preferably removed from the bottom surface such that the seal is substantially removed, and a portion of the glazing is preferably removed from the wall surface such that the seal there remains substantially intact.

Abstract: An automatic breadmaker with improved thermal sensing, wiring, and a simplified assembly procedure. The breadmaker preferably includes a high voltage circuit board coupled to an interior wall of the breadmaker, the interior wall separating the baking chamber of the breadmaker from a component compartment. One or more thermal control devices electrically connected to the high voltage circuit board are disposed in a heat transfer relationship with the interior wall, thereby improving device accuracy and avoiding the need for leads to the thermal control devices. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the high voltage circuit board is coupled to the interior wall via a component mounting bracket which also holds the thermal control devices against the interior wall.

Abstract: A method for making a non-stick ceramic cooking vessel for a slow-cooker, the vessel having glazing defining a seal over a cooking surface of the ceramic vessel, the method comprising the steps of removing at least a portion of the glazing while preferably maintaining at least a portion of the seal of the vessel and applying a non-stick coating over the cooking surface. The step of removing the glazing is preferably achieved by grit-blasting at least a portion of the glazing with aluminum oxide. Additionally, the cooking surface preferably includes a bottom surface and a wall surface wherein the glazing is preferably removed from the bottom surface such that the seal is substantially removed, and a portion of the glazing is preferably removed from the wall surface such that the seal there remains substantially intact.

Abstract: A roaster and method for roasting utilizing a tangential flow reducing structure which directs and guides airflow from a blower device into a roasting vessel with minimal swirl and circular flow. The tangential flow reducing structure is preferably one or more baffles, and is preferably located within a plenum in the base of the roaster. More preferably, the roaster has a number of substantially vertical baffles channeling airflow into a vertical and reduced-swirl flow entering the roasting vessel. The roaster also preferably has a unique connection between the roasting vessel and a base upon which the roasting vessel rests, with a flat washer-shaped gasket maintaining a fluid tight seal between the roasting vessel and the base. To tighten the seal, the roaster also preferably includes a cover which is pivotably attached to a support structure supporting the cover in position over the roasting vessel when the roasting vessel is on top of the base.