Abstract: A method and an oven are disclosed which provide reduced baking times for pizza. The method includes the step of impinging the toppings portion of the pizza with jets of heated air. These jets of heated air have a velocity at the point of contact with the pizza sufficient to cause temporary displacement within the toppings portion. As a result, the time needed to properly bake the pizza is reduced. The oven includes means for impinging the toppings portion with jets of heated air at a velocity sufficient to cause temporary displacement within the toppings portion. The oven also preferably includes means for moving the pizza in relation to the jets of heated air. Preferably, the method is practiced and the oven is provided by modifying a commercially available pizza impingement/conveyor oven to produce the requisite heated air velocities.

Abstract: An oven for heating food which includes a tray to support the food, the tray having a plurality of openings therethrough. A first heat source is spaced from and above the food. At least one plate having a plurality of openings therethrough is capable of absorbing heat from the first heat source and radiating heat. A fan spaced from and above the plate and the first heat source delivers air past the plate and past the first heat source onto the food. A second heat source beneath the tray also provides heat to the food.