Abstract: Devices, systems, and apparatuses, and associated methods of preparing a liquid food item for consumption by a liquid food item preparation device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a device includes an inner shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, an outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the inner shell defining a liquid holding volume and the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell defining a vacuum chamber. The outer shell and inner shell can be configured to form an orifice to the liquid holding volume at their junction. The device can be configured to prepare a liquid food item for consumption, including by powering a heating element and mixer device that can be configured to respectively heat and mix a liquid food item in the liquid holding volume.

Abstract: A warming apparatus for warming contents of a foodstuff container includes an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving the foodstuff container and a reservoir separate from the interior space for receiving a warming liquid. A heating element is disposed within the enclosure for warming the warming liquid within the reservoir. A conduit is configured to extend between the interior space and the reservoir so that the reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The heating element is adapted to move the warming liquid from the reservoir through the conduit into the interior space as the warming liquid within the reservoir is warmed.

Abstract: In one aspect, with a sounding rocket, a space-capsule bean roasting system is placed into a sub-orbital flight path. The space-capsule bean roasting system includes a re-entry capsule. The re-entry capsule includes a bean roasting system and a payload of raw beans. The re-entry capsule re-enters the Earth's atmosphere at a specific trajectory. The re-entry heat is transferred to the bean roasting system. The payload of raw beans is roasted with the re-entry heat.

Abstract: A thermocouple assembly for use in a high-temperature gas path that includes a thermocouple. The thermocouple includes a first conductor and a second conductor, the first and second conductors formed of different materials and coupled to one another by junction, a metal sheath surrounding the first and second conductors wherein the metal sheath is substantially coaxial with the both the first conductor and the second conductor. The assembly also includes: a first termination electrically coupled to the first conductor; a second termination electrically coupled to the second conductor; a first connector configured to couple to the first termination; a second connector configured to couple to the second termination; and a housing configured to cover the first and second terminations and the first and second connectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a cooking medium in a cooking apparatus are disclosed. A delivery system includes a rotary valve having a rotary inlet and a plurality of rotary outlets. The rotary inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a source of cooking medium and the plurality of rotary outlets are configured to be in fluid communication with a corresponding plurality of receptacles. A rotary position sensor generates a signal, having continuous angular position resolution, based on an angular position of the rotary valve. A controller receives the signal generated by the rotary position sensor and selectively places the rotary inlet in fluid communication with one of the plurality of rotary outlets based on the signal generated by the rotary position sensor. The rotary position sensor may include a Hall-effect sensor that functions at elevated operating temperatures associated with the cooking medium.

Abstract: A cover (1) for a centrifugal pump which comprises a heating element (8), which has a heating stretch (10) and two end stretches (12) connected to the heating stretch (10), wherein the heating element (8) crosses the cover (1) so that the heating stretch (10) is under the cover (1) and the two end stretches (12) are over the cover (1), wherein at least one safety device (20), sensitive to the temperature of the electric resistor (8), fixed to the outer face (6), is provided and at least one control device (22), sensitive to both the temperature of the liquid and the temperature of the electric resistor (8), fixed to the outer face (6), is provided, wherein at least one first portion (14) of the heating stretch (10) is in contact with the cover (1), so that the heating stretch (10) is adapted to be contact with the liquid.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a heating temperature of an electric rice cooker and the electric rice cooker. The control method comprises: when determining that the electric rice cooker is in a boiling state, according to a temperature of a bottom temperature sensing bulb and a temperature of a top temperature sensing bulb, judging whether a bottom temperature of the electric rice cooker rises too fast (S110), when determining that the bottom temperature rises too fast, controlling a heating plate to temporally stop heating the bottom of the electric rice cooker (S120); and after the temperature of the bottom temperature sensing bulb falls to a first preset temperature, controlling the heating plate to reheat the bottom at a heating power in the boiling stage (S130).

Abstract: This invention discloses an airlift pumping mechanism for a fluid container, which is intended to address the problem of decreasing efficiency of the pumping mechanism when the liquid level in the container is low in the prior art. For this purpose, the airlift pumping mechanism comprises an air compressor and a riser tube assembly, wherein the riser tube assembly is located in a fluid container, and the air compressor is in communication with the riser tube assembly for feeding the compressed air to the riser tube assembly so that the same flows upward through the riser tube assembly together with the fluid in the fluid container. The pumping mechanism is characterized by further comprising a sunken cavity downwardly extending from the inner bottom surface of the fluid container, wherein the sunken cavity is located between the air compressor and the riser tube assembly and is in communication with the air compressor and the riser tube assembly.

Abstract: A frying machine for efficiently placing ingredients into a frying basket and removing fried food from the frying basket. Ingredients are placed into, and fried food is removed from, a frying basket by moving the frying basket and a frying tank cover to above the frying tank using a first transfer mechanism, moving the frying basket and frying tank cover to a predetermined position using a second transfer mechanism, and causing the frying basket to descend to an ingredient input position or fried food output position using the first transfer mechanism, and the ingredients are placed into the frying basket and the fried food is removed from the frying basket efficiently at the ingredient input position or fried food output position separated in the horizontal direction from a position above the frying tank in a configuration equipped with the frying tank cover adapted to open and close the frying tank.

Abstract: An air washer includes an outer case having an air suction port, a water tub disposed in the outer case to store water, a humidification unit disposed in the water tub, a display unit disposed so as to be spaced apart from the outer case to form an air discharge port, the display unit having a water supply port, through which water is supplied, an inner case located at an upper side of the water tub, the inner case having an air channel, connecting the air suction port with the air discharge port, and a water channel, along which the water injected through the water supply port is guided to the water tub, and a blower disposed in the inner case to blow air suctioned through the air suction port to the air discharge port.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing hot beverages includes a heater and a latent heat storage provision (LHSP) that is in thermal contact with the heater. The LHSP contains, or is configured to contain, a phase-change material. The apparatus further includes an electric circuit for powering the heater. The electric circuit includes a switch assembly that is configured cut power to the heater when a temperature of the LHSP fulfills a predetermined auto-power-down condition.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device installed in a hybrid electric vehicle or an electric vehicle is provided to be capable of interrupting a current supplied from a power supply to a load via a supply line. The vehicle safety device includes first interrupting mechanism adapted to set the supply line in an interrupted condition when a temperature of the load reaches a first set temperature and second interrupting mechanism adapted to set the supply line in the interrupted condition such that the supply line cannot be returned to an energized condition when the temperature of the load reaches a second set temperature that is higher than the first set temperature.

Abstract: A heating device for heating a fluid in a container, in particular milk in a baby bottle, the heating device including a heat transfer surface for transferring heat to the fluid, wherein the heating device is arranged to be brought into association with the container such that, in use, the heat transfer surface contacts the fluid to transfer heat to the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-level and vertical assembling type PTFE heater and the methods of manufacture thereof. Said heater includes a vertical frame assembled by multi-poles and upper and lower retaining plates. Several levels of PTFE sleeves and electrical heating belts are alternatively disposed on the multi-poles. The number of the poles is determined in accordance with the size and capacity of a heater desired and the power and levels of PTFE electrical heating belts with heating needs. Multiple levels of PTFE electrical heating belts are formed in an assembling way, by which heaters with varied powers are easily produced and with the elements replaceable, will not be wholly wasted in event of an element damaged, thus the heater service life prolonged. Said heater has a better heating result than the one with only a single level of heating structure.

Abstract: An appliance for conditioning a liquid made of or based on milk, in particular for preparing heated liquid or a cold or heated frothed liquid. The appliance includes a tank for receiving the liquid that is to be conditioned; a closed compartment secured to the tank; and an electric device located therein for imparting a conditioning effect to the liquid. The compartment is made water impervious and washable under running water without infiltration thereof into the compartment containing the electric device.

Abstract: A melted depilatory wax dispenser has a container with an opening that stores solid depilatory wax at room temperature. The container is opened, inverted and inserted into a vertically protruding heating element and the opening is placed upon and sealed to an adaptor ring. As the heating element heats the contents of the container, the wax melts and is dispensed through a mouth which leads to a piping system and a valve which in turn leads to a dispensing tube which allows the hot wax to be dispensed in a controlled and easy fashion.

Abstract: An embodiment of a spa control system includes a heater, a pump for circulating water through the pump, one or more sensors for monitoring temperature, and an electronic controller coupled to the heater, pump and sensor(s) for controlling the heater and pump based on the rate of change in temperature at the sensor(s). A method of controlling a heater in a spa with a spa control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spa control system that measures the flow of water through the heater and accurately reports water temperature in the spa using only one solid-state sensor in the heater. The rate of flow is determined by energizing the pump, with the heater still de-energized, and observing the rate in which the moving water cools the inside of the heater. If there is no circulation of water through the heater, the temperature of the sensor will continue to rise from the energy applied when the heater was briefly energized. This rise will be quite significant and a clear indication of a flow problem. If the flow is found to be adequate, the heater will be energized for a normal period of time. The sensor is now carefully monitored for a sudden increase in temperature, which would indicate loss of a normal flow of water.

Abstract: The invention provides an overheat protection control component for a liquid heating vessel which includes a control body (1); a single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is provided on the upper face of the control body (1), wherein the single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is two integrated and relatively independent actuating units which are formed on a piece of bimetallic strip, and the outer kick limb (3) of either said actuating unit will produce an actuating movement downwards when an overheat state occurs; two groups of switch contacts (6) are also provided on the control body (1), wherein either group of switch contacts (6) cooperate with the outer kick limb (3) of a corresponding actuating unit, and the outer kick limb (3), when producing a downward actuating movement, will open a corresponding group of switch contacts (6) and cut off the power supply of the heater for the liquid heating vessel.

Abstract: The disclosure features a method of performing a boil-out cleaning process in connection with a fryer. The fryer includes a vat, a vessel for receiving oil drained from the vat, the vessel movable from an under-unit position, an oil drain path leading from an outlet opening of the vat to the pan, and an oil return path from the vessel back to the vat. The oil return path includes a pump. A drain valve is located along the oil drain path. The drain valve is opened to drain oil from the vat into the vessel is opened. The drain valve is closed after draining the oil from the vat. A boil-out cleaning fluid is delivered to the vat and the boil-out cleaning fluid is heated. A boil-out drain path is provided with an inlet positioned for receiving boil-out fluid from the drain valve and an outlet positioned forward of a front of the fryer unit. A container is placed below the outlet of the boil-out drain path.

Abstract: A modular water heating assembly containing two heating elements (1, 2), each having a thermostat module (5, 6) inserted into a sensing tube (3, 4) and attached to the same threaded boss (7). The heating elements are therefor contained in a single assembly with the elements having a fixed temperature set point differential such that the elements are switched on or off to maintain a constant temperature and reduce energy consumption by minimizing temperature overshoot.

Abstract: A fluid heating system configured to regulate a temperature of a fluid within a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor in electrical communication with the processing unit, and a heating element in electrical communication with the processing unit. The at least one fluid temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of one or both of the fluid receptacle and/or fluid retained within the fluid receptacle. The processing unit selectively activates and deactivates the heating element to regulate the temperature of the fluid within the fluid receptacle.

Abstract: An electrical water heater includes a housing, a filling opening delimited by a rim, heating elements, a pouring member, a lid, a tongue mobile between an extended position wherein it seals the pouring member and a pouring position wherein it is retracted, and a pouring control connected to the tongue through an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first mechanism arranged in the housing and having one end connected to the pouring control and one end mobile through a window of the rim, and a second mechanism arranged in the lid and having one end mobile through a window of the lid and one end connected to the tongue, the windows of the rim and of the lid being urged into mutual correspondence when the lid seals the opening, and the corresponding ends of the mechanisms being adapted to co-operate.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a mount that selectively rotates an element and a seal that prevents leakage of a liquid therethrough.

Abstract: A heating system for heating fluid media including a carrier unit, a heating unit arranged on the carrier unit and a heat transfer element arranged on the carrier unit and includes a material which is a good conductor of heat, which heat transfer element has a first mounting portion for mounting a first safety device which responds at a first response temperature and a second mounting portion for mounting a second safety device which responds at a second response temperature which is lower than the first response temperature, which heat transfer element has a first temperature pickup portion which is in direct heat-conducting contact with the heating unit and the first safety device. The heat transfer element has a second temperature pickup portion is spatially separate from the first temperature pickup portion and in heat-conducting contact with the medium to be heated and the second safety device.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for brewing coffee, which includes a housing having an inner chamber for receiving and retaining brewed coffee, a water reservoir adjacent to and generally surrounding the inner chamber, for receiving water, and an electrically powered coil for heating the water contained in the water reservoir. A brew valve is positioned above the inner chamber for supporting coffee grounds, the brew valve being rotatable between a first inactive position and a second active position for brewing coffee. Heated water is directed from the water reservoir to the brew valve and to the coffee grounds to brew coffee. and to the coffee grounds to produce brewed coffee, and into the inner chamber.

Abstract: An electrical heater bundle has heater elements, each including a metal tube, an electrical resistance coil within the tube, a conductor pin connected to the coil and protruding from an end of the tube, and an electrical insulation powder surrounding the coil within the tube. A conical cavity is located in the insulation powder at the end of the tube, the cavity extending from an inner diameter of the tube to the conductor pin. The cavity is filled with an epoxy that is cured in place. The insulation powder may have an infiltrated layer at the cavity that is an uncured liquid silicone. The heater elements are mounted to a header plate, and the elements associated with the three different phases of electrical power may protrude past the header plate at different distances.

Abstract: An electric deep frying appliance adapted for the heating of cooking oil comprising a bowl and heating assembly; said heating assembly including a heat distributor wherein said heat distributor is in the form of an annular dished member; said heating assembly further including a control pylon adapted to provide power and temperature control to said heat distributor.

Abstract: A device for filtering the frying bath of an electric fryer having a heating resistor that is immersed in a frying bath in a tank during frying, the device including: a filter screen adapted to extend beneath the immersed electric resistor; and at least one holding element for connecting said screen to the immersed electric resistor. An electric fryer composed of; a tank provided to receive a frying bath; an electric heating resistor provided to be immersed in the frying bath; and the device described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking appliance used for boiling or cooking food, or more particularly, to a cooking pot, which can rapidly heat water or food, and thereafter can suppress overflowing of water or food therein, while simultaneously maintaining its suitable temperature and pressure, thereby shortening its cooking time while enhancing its safety and convenience during cooking.

Abstract: A water level detecting device for a percolator includes a pot body having a coffee powder container provided on the topside and a buoy device installed in the interior. The buoy device consists of a buoy rod fitted thereon with a buoy. A detecting device (a magnetic induction element or a photoelectric element) is provided on a power base or on the outer wall of the pot body or in the buoy rod. The buoy is able to move upward and downward together with the height of the water level of a water tank of the pot body. When the water level of the water reservoir reaches a lowermost limit preset, the detecting device will interact with the buoy to cut off power of the heater of the pot body, enabling the percolator to cut off electricity automatically to enhance safety in use.

Abstract: This utility model provides an electric fryer that is composed of shell, fryer proper, electrothermal components, temperature control components and control box, its electrothermal components, temperature control components and fryer proper are fixed together, the control box can be separated from the fryer proper and the shell. The temperature probe with thermal resistor encapsulated inside and the safety probe with fuse encapsulated inside are tightly held and fixed to the bottom of the fryer proper, its outlets are plugged with the control box when the fryer is in use. When washing, the fryer proper, the shell and the control box can be separated from one another, therefore, the fryer proper and the shell can be bathed in water for washing. This electric fryer is suitable for household use, for it is easy and safe to use, and can be washed thoroughly.

Abstract: An improved heater assembly for use with a chafing dish having water and food pans with complemental peripheral flanges is disclosed. The assembly includes a corner piece sized to be interposed between such flanges to maintain at least portions of such flanges in spaced relationship when the chafing dish is in use. The assembly also includes an immersible heater element sub-assembly including an upstanding arm connected to and depending from the corner piece. The sub-assembly including an encased electrical resistance heater loop having end portions connected to the arm with the arm and loop being sized to position the loop near a bottom of such water pan and immersed in water when such chafing dish is in use. Side and end arms are connected to the corner piece and adapted to be positioned respectively between side and end portions of such peripheral flanges. The spacer arms are each of thickness from a thick portion near the corner portion to a thinner remote end portion.

Abstract: A steamer is provided comprising a tank shell, one or more top doors acting as a cover to the steamer, a food holding grid inside the tank shell, and an elongated open-top water tray below the food holding grid to keep the steamer and food therein at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A heater for use with a chafing dish having water and food pans with complemental peripheral flanges is disclosed. The heater includes a spacer sized to be interposed between such flanges to maintain at least portions of the flanges in spaced relationship. An immersible heater assembly including an upstanding arm is connected to and depends from the spacer. The heater assembly includes an encased electrical resistance heater loop having end portions connected to the arm. The arm and loop are sized to position the loop near a bottom of the water pan and immersed in water when the chafing dish is in use. A temperature sensitive switch is connected to the heater unit for interrupting a power supply when the temperature of the heater unit exceeds a predetermined temperature. A power supply cord extends from the spacer outwardly from the dish when the heater is in use.

Abstract: A compact, portable warmer which is insertable into a bottle for the purpose of warming and stirring contents of the bottle. The warmer has a projecting heating element having a stainless steel sheath configured similarly to a paddle, and a cap for protecting the heating element from contamination and for protecting external objects from heat from the heating element. The portable warmer includes a battery for powering the heating element, an on-off switch, and an electrical cable for recharging the battery from a socket of a cigarette lighter of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A tubular electrical element lying substantially in a plane is fixed under a heater plate of an electrical appliance. The ends of the element are connected to a thermal limiter disposed near the middle of the element to measure at least the temperature of the element and to disconnect the electrical power supply from the element if the measured temperature exceeds a predetermined value. A portion of the element extends substantially along the peripheral contour of the plate and the ends of the element extend towards the middle of the element.

Abstract: A sunken receptacle unit for insertion in an opening of a counter having a top surface and a bottom surface includes a receptacle having a bottom and a plurality of walls defining an interior cavity, a receptacle support surface extending outwardly from the walls for supporting the receptacle within the opening and a receptacle retaining surface coupled to one of the walls. The receptacle retaining surface moves between a first position beyond the opening for engaging the bottom surface of the counter and a second position within the opening for insertion of the unit through the opening. The receptacle retaining surface is resiliently biased in the first position.

Abstract: Described is an electric immersion heating element for a water boiling vessel which has a single thermal sensor which protects the element against overheating by switching on and off dependant on dryness and water boiling conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage cup for warming beverages that is made of thermally and electrically insulating material, such as injection molded low-melting point plastic, and has an integral heater element that warms the beverage. Also disclosed is a system for retracting the power cord of the cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for loosening wallpaper by means of steam, consisting of a steam generator and a steam plate connected to the steam generator by a steam hose, in which the steam generator incorporates a boiler which is closeable by means of a cover provided with a carrying handle and containing an electrical heating element, the carrying handle provided on the cover being thermally separated from the cover. This embodiment ensures that if the apparatus is used correctly, an operator will not come into immediate contact with heated components or hot steam and burns and scalds will be avoided.

Abstract: A safety control system for a boiling clothes washing machine has paired wash water temperature detecting devices and heater temperature detecting devices, for accurately detecting and controlling the temperature of the wash water, and for preventing the heater from overheating. One embodiment of the system, for use in a washing machine including a wash water heater, includes a first water temperature detector for detecting the temperature of wash water by means of direct contact with the wash water; a second water temperature detector for detecting the temperature of wash water by means of direct contact with the wash water; and a circuit, responsive to the second water temperature detector, for controlling the operation of the heater during an abnormal operation of the first water temperature detector.

Abstract: An electric immersion water heater comprises a vessel with a heating element having cold tail ends extending individually through a side wall of the vessel. Temperature sensing elements sense temperature levels of an outer wall of the heating element outwardly of the vessel and are arranged to disconnect power to the element upon either a boil condition within the vessel occurring or upon sensing an elevated temperature indicative of dry or partially dry operation within the vessel. The heating element further including a jacket defining a space around the outer wall of a core part of the heating element within the vessel adjacent the vessel wall and arranged to fill with steam upon a boil condition occurring in the vessel during normal operation.

Abstract: The warming device of the present invention includes a food tray or pan formed from metal so as to promote the conduction of heat to the food contained in the pan. The pan is held within a sump vessel adapted to contain a heat transfer fluid such as water. The sump vessel is a unitary bowl-shaped container having side and bottom walls and an upper open wide mouth for receiving the food pan whereby the food pan, when inserted, is located within the sump vessel so that the bottom portion of the food pan is spaced from the wall of the sump vessel to define a chamber suited for containing water and steam between the sump vessel and the food pan. The sump vessel has heat-insulating qualities that reduce heat loss and promote the transmission of heat to the food pan. A heat dissipator plate formed from a metal or other conductor of heat is connected to a wall of the sump vessel with an air space between the heat dissipator plate and the sump vessel.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus which includes a heated water reservoir, a heating element retained in the reservoir, and a thermostatic and a low water sensor configuration positioned in a heat exchange relationship with the heated water reservoir. The thermostatic and low water sensing configurations position the temperature sensors outside of the water reservoir to prevent the heated accumulation of mineral and other deposits thereon. A niche is formed in the wall of the heated water reservoir for receiving the thermostatic sensor configuration. A retaining cover is positioned over the niche to enclose the thermostatic sensor configuration in the niche. A portion of the niche against which the sensors are positioned is thinned in order to more accurately read the corresponding temperatures.

Abstract: The boiling water washing machine provides a safety control device for a heater. The safety control device comprises a metal bracket sealingly mounted on a tub. On the top of the bracket the heater is contactedly mounted. On the inner of the bracket the thermistor is installed for initially detecting the temperature of the heater, and the thermostat is installed for controlling the heater when the thermistor cannot operate properly. At the brim of the metal bracket a fuse assembly is mounted. The fuse cuts off the electrical supply when excessive heat is transmitted through the metal bracket.

Abstract: A pasta cooking system including an automatic control which permits a cooking vat containing water to be automatically filled to a predetermined level in response to turning the system on, maintained at a constant level by the addition of water during repeated cooking cycles, remove the starchy froths resulting from a cooking cycle in response to a manual input by adding additional water to cause water to rise above the automatically maintained level and overflow a skimming weir, drained by manually opening a valve and automatically rinsed by leaving the control system on during the drain time as water is continually added by the automatic fill system to clean the pot. The water is introduced by the automatic system in such a manner to cause surface agitation during the skim procedure, and to rinse the walls of the vat during the drain cycle. A water level sensing uses a single stainless steel probe and a low voltage a.c. current between the probe and a stainless steel vat to prevent cathartic corrosion.

Abstract: A portable electric wallpaper steamer has a generator (G) including a base (1) and lid (2), both injection molded of plastic material. An elastomeric sealing ring (29) is seated in a recess in a circumferential interengagement zone between the lid and base and is held compressed by the interengagement of engagement members (24) on the lid with cooperating engagement members (39) on the base. The lid-engagement members (24) and base-engagement members (39) comprise integrally molded parts of the lid and base and one or both are resiliently deformable so that they can be brought into snap-fit engagement with each other by downward movement of the lid relative to the base to form a steam pressure tight seal. An electric heating element (6) is mounted in the base for heating water therein to generate steam. The lid includes a handle (9), filling port (10), safety valve (13) and a steam outlet port (21) connected to a wall paper steaming plate (W) by a pipe.

Abstract: A transportable pressurized coffee maker adapted to be used in and mounted to an automobile includes a coffee cup to receive brew which can be secured in tandem with the brewing chamber to prevent spills while driving. Safety features include temperature regulation, pressure release, interlocking safety cap, non-pressurized brewing chamber and a cool-to-touch outer shell. This coffee making apparatus also provides a high heat transfer immersion heating element compatible with the nominal 12 volt d.c. electrical system of most automobiles. This coffee making apparatus provides a sealable unit which can be operated while the automobile is in motion.

Abstract: A food warmer is provided which includes a metal food tray having side and bottom walls and a mouth at the top opening upwardly. A hollow well or sump vessel is provided around the food tray. The sump vessel is formed from a highly filled thermosetting plastic resin to provide a rigid monolithic body comprising at least about 15% and preferably about 30% to 80% by weight of an inert mineral filler, e.g. calcium carbonate (CaCO.sub.3) and fiberglass, and about 20% to 50% by weight of a thermosetting plastic resin so that the thermal conductivity of the food tray is at least about 50 times greater than that of the sump vessel. The sump vessel has bottom and side walls that enclose the sides and bottom of the food tray and is adapted to hold liquid, specifically water, as a heat transfer medium. An electric heating element is supported from a wall of the sump vessel between the walls of the sump vessel and the food tray for heating the food when energized.