Abstract: A robotic kitchen assistant for frying includes a robotic arm, a fryer basket, and a robotic arm adapter assembly allowing the robotic arm to pick up and manipulate the fryer basket. The robotic arm adapter includes opposing gripping members to engage the fryer basket. A utensil adapter assembly is mounted to the handle of the fryer basket, and the opposing gripper members are actuated to capture a three-dimensional (3D) feature of the utensil adapter assembly. The robotic arm adapter assembly can include an agitator mechanism to shake the fryer basket or another utensil as desired. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel solution and process comprising a modified solvent for providing enhanced blade edge attributes.

Abstract: A slow cooker liner system with integrated dividers is provided. The system includes an annular support that secures to an upper support opening edge of a slow cooker or similar cooking vessel. A stabilizing member divider extends across the opening of the slow cooker for additional stability. The system further includes a plurality of individual liners. Each individual liner has a closed lower end and an open upper end. The open upper end further includes a locking device. In operation, the user can removably secure liners to the annular support in a desired configuration. The liners can have different shapes and sizes, such that the user can divide the interior of the slow cooker into distinct cooking chambers. After cooking, the liners can be removed from the annular support via the locking device for disposal.

Abstract: An integrated strainer and container includes a strainer with a plurality of openings in at least one wall thereof and at least one engagement foot; and the container for holding a liquid and having an open top, configured to receive the strainer within in a soaking position, the container having an upper structure configured to engage at least one engagement foot to hold the strainer relative to the upper structure in a raised, drainage position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a planter device, and in some implementations, a planter for providing water to a plant and its method of use. The planter device may optionally include a double-walled vessel comprising a plurality of supporting sidewalls. In some embodiments, the inner and outer supporting sidewalls may be connected to one another by a supporting bridge.

Abstract: A fryer and method for cooking food products is provided that automates the movement of baskets carrying the food products. The fryer includes a cooking chamber with a heating element located therein for heating cooking medium in the cooking chamber. The fryer also includes at least one vertical transport assembly that selectively engages with and moves the basket vertically into and out of the cooking medium. A horizontal transport assembly selectively engages with and moves the basket horizontally between different positions. The horizontal transport assembly hands off the basket to and from the vertical transport assembly, and first and second hooks on the horizontal transport assembly engage with front and rear receiving mechanisms on the basket to continuously maintain at least two points of contact with the basket. This allows for controlled pivotal movements of the basket when food products are to be added or removed from the basket.

Abstract: An easy handling and installable fryer for cooking materials in an electric-field carrying space includes an oil pot base including an oil pot having an inner surface at least partially being a metal plate, and a metal mesh basket placeable in and out of the pot. The base includes a pot fastener that allows the basket to be placed in the pot without electricity conduction to the inner surface, and a conductor including a conducting electrode on an upper portion of a pot surface opposing a handling side, and insulated from the inner surface that conducts an alternating current to the basket in the pot. The basket includes a basket fastener that allows, with the pot fastener, the basket to be placed in the pot without electricity conduction to the inner surface, and an electricity receiver that receives electricity from the electrode and conducts electricity to the mesh basket metal.

Abstract: A cooking assembly includes a grill rack having a peripheral portion defined by a plurality of laterally extending wires bound by a peripheral frame. An inner retention portion is defined by a plurality of laterally extending wires generally co-planar with the plurality of laterally extending wires of the peripheral portion. The inner retention portion includes a retention border adapted to removably engage the drip tray. A drip tray is configured to removably engage the retention border, thereby securing the drip tray laterally. One of a searing pan and a cooking stone is configured to be received in the drip tray.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a base, a housing, partition walls, a lid, a control module, an exhaust module, a connecting electrode and a heating module. The exhaust module includes an air-filled element, an air-extraction element, an inlet passage and an exhaust passage. The air-extraction element is used to exhaust fog or oil fume generated in the plurality of inner pots. The connecting electrode is arranged in a middle position of the base. The heating module includes: bottom heating units disposed different locations inside a storage compartment of the housing respectively and connected with the processor individually; second heating units arranged on the partition walls and connected with the connecting electrode by wires inside the partition walls; and third heating units arranged on the inner wall of the housing.

Abstract: A machine for preparing beverages, particularly for preparing espresso coffee, comprising a base (2) and a head (3) for dispensing the beverage that is provided with an extraction chamber adapted to accommodate a portion of at least one ingredient of the beverage, and in particular a dose of roasted and ground coffee, and connected to a water reservoir (4) by means of a pump (5). The machine comprises a support (6) for a container (6a) of the beverage dispensed by the dispensing head (3). The support (6) of the container of the beverage is interposed axially between the dispensing head (3) and the reservoir (4), so that the dispensing head (3), the support (6) and the reservoir (4) are crossed by an axis (A) that is substantially perpendicular to the base (2).

Abstract: A container includes a canister having an upper lip, and an operator having an operator main body. The operator has a gripping ring at one end that defines an operator upper lip and a container opening. The gripping ring outside diameter is greater than an outside diameter of the operator main body. The canister includes a helical grooved canister engagement feature which extends about the canister. The operator includes an operator engagement feature which is a longitudinal slot formed through the operator main body. A lift having a lift projection is received in the operator, and the operator main body is received within the canister, with the lift projection extending through the operator engagement feature and into the canister engagement feature. The gripping ring extends at least partially over the canister upper lip, and a lower edge of the gripping ring is located adjacent the canister upper lip.

Abstract: A frying apparatus includes a basin for holding a volume of oil, the basin including a plurality of catches on opposed internal sidewalls of the basin, and a basket dimensioned to be received in the basin and including a pair of handles and at least one catch member. The catch member is movable between a safety position in which the catch member is biased away from the basket and towards the sidewalls, and a clearance position in which the catch member is urged inwards towards the basket. When the catch member is in the safety position, the catch member is configured to engage one of the catches on the internal sidewalls of the basin.

Abstract: A system for delivering a cooking medium of a cooking apparatus includes one or more cooking vessels. The system also includes a drain manifold in fluid communication with the cooking vessel, and a fill manifold having input valves, and output valves in fluid communication with a corresponding cooking vessel. A first flow path is connected to the fill manifold. A filter container selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold. A filter pump is positioned between the filter container and the fill manifold and conveys a recycled cooking medium. An overflow pump selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold via a second flow path and a portion of the first flow path. The overflow pump conveys a new cooking medium to the fill manifold. The first flow path conveys one of the recycled cooking medium and the new cooking medium to the fill manifold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a smoker with multiple separate drawers for smoking meat, fish, sausage, etc. In an example embodiment, one drawer may contain water and another drawer may contain smoking material such as wood chips. The sliding drawers enable the maintenance of a stable smoking temperature and offer a safer means to replenish water and/or wood during the actual smoking operation. The multiple drawers allow a user to add wood and/or water without opening the smoking chamber.

Abstract: A steamer for foodstuffs has a lidded pot enclosing a stepped steaming platform adapted to support various foodstuffs at different levels dictated by the intensity and duration of their cooking requirements.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus provides a frame for supporting a pot or cooking vessel. A basket is sized a shaped to fit the interior of the pot or cooking vessel. The pot is movable from a cooking position to intermediate draining position to a discharge position. In the discharge position, a pot lid is receptive of food articles that had been cooked. The lid is preferably pivotally attached to the frame and/or cooking vessel.

Abstract: A device and a method for removing a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.

Abstract: An ovenable cooking apparatus for facilitating the cooking of food components while maintaining the separateness thereof includes a first container for holding a first food component, and a second container for holding a second food component. The separation of the first food component from the second food component maintains the surface area for the first and second food components to facilitate heating of the first and second food components. The first food component may have a liquid based content for producing steam when heated, and one or both of the first container and the second container may define a passage for providing airflow and steamflow for contacting the second container and/or the second foodstuff and heating or steaming the second food component. Additionally, the second container may be steam impermeable for cooking bread and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooking foods such as pasta rice including a container which receives a liquid to be heated and a cooking strainer-basket partially submerged in the liquid for cooking within the container, the container and the basket configured to have cooperating selectively engaging support members for alternatively positioning of the basket in the liquid for cooking of the food and repositioning of the basket above the liquid to provide for straining of the food.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for steam cooking food items in two consecutive steps whereby the food items contained in a food carrier are first preheated in water in a container which is being heated by a heater. After the food items are at or near the cooking temperature, the food carrier is raised above the water and into steam. A cover may be placed on the container so as to retain the steam within the container.

Abstract: A cooking appliance in accordance with the present invention includes a base, a container engageable with the base and configured to receive one or more food ingredients, a heater for converting a liquid into a cooking vapor and a blade assembly rotatably mounted in the container and having at least one vapor aperture located adjacent to a top of said blade assembly and at least one vapor outlet located adjacent to a bottom of said blade assembly.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a basket out of and into the tank of a cooking appliance. The device has a support adapted to rest on the cooking appliance and to be coupled to the basket for moving the basket with respect to the support between a raised position and a lowered position, and a handle mounted for movement between a first position to place the basket in the raised position, and a second position to place the basket in the lowered position. The support includes a hub mounted to have a certain degree of rotational freedom, together with the basket, with respect to the appliance about an axis extending in the direction of the basket, and the handle is connected to the hub for movement between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A fuel-fired multifunctional cooker system is useable for deep frying, submerged cooking in water, steaming, griddle frying, grilling, double-boiler operation and simultaneous combinations thereof. Some examples of cooker system 4 include features such as a cylindrical flue with a perforated upper discharge ring plate for even heat distribution, a removable upper flue deflector ring (annular deflector) for shielding a user and creating an “air curtain” across the cooker system's upper food-receiving opening, an invertible griddle/grill cooktop with a central flue gas opening, an adjustable skewer, a steamer hood, an annular lower heat deflector around the burner, an annular flue gas baffle in the combustion chamber, a series of legs or feet creating a combustion air inlet between the floor and the cooker system's lower edge, a removable table, and a lifting device for handling one or more cooker components.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooking foods such as stock or pasta, rice including a container which receives a liquid to be heated and a cooking strainer-basket partially submerged in the liquid for cooking within the container, the container and the strainer-basket configured with cooperating selectively engaging support members for alternatively positioning of the strainer-basket in the liquid for cooking of the food and repositioning of the strainer-basket above the liquid to provide for straining of the food.

Abstract: A cooking device include an outer housing and a cooking cavity disposed within and separate from the outer housing. The cooking cavity accommodates a volume of cooking liquid therein. The device includes a heater positioned adjacent the cooking cavity to heat the cooking liquid. A lid is movably attached to the device and is used to form a seal with the cooking cavity. The lid includes a transparent portion positioned along a top surface to enable viewing inside of the cooking cavity. A controller can be used to heat the cooking fluid for an amount of time designated by user input. A moving mechanism can be used to move a food article into and out of the cooking liquid. The moving mechanism can be automated. The device can include a drainage system for removing the cooking liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure cooker for cooking noodles, wherein a cooking container capable of cooking noodles is formed into a net shape inside a main body of the pressure cooker and a lifting means capable of lifting the cooking container is provided, thereby allowing noodles to be evenly cooked through and enabling cooking of high quality noodles with taut and excellent texture through a dual cooking process comprising the following steps: putting noodles in the cooking container, boiling the noodles, and then lifting the cooking container to the surface of the water using the lifting means to steam the noodles at a high temperature and at a high pressure.

Abstract: A cooktop drain that heats liquid in a stockpot and empties the hot liquid directly down a drain. The cooktop sits in at countertop level over a sink and a valved stockpot sits on the cooktop. The sink, cooktop and stockpot are assembled such that heating, draining the stockpot of liquid and rinsing any residue are performed by a single apparatus without having to transport and tip the stockpot. The cooktop drain has a burner underneath a grate, and the stockpot has a bottom valve connecting to an integrated funnel leading directly to the sink directly beneath the grate and the drain, bypassing the burner, disposing of heated water directly through the valve and integrated funnel into the sink and down the drain. The cooktop drain has a rinse head in the sink that rinses any food residue a clean, fresh smelling sink under the grate without removing the burner.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus facilitates cooking with a heated/boiling liquid of a food item by utilizing a cooking bag, a cooking tray, and/or a cooking film. A food product that utilizes the cooking apparatus and food items produces cooked food that may be plateable.

Abstract: A system for a deep fryer having a frypot containing a cooking Medium including a holder that carries a food product to be cooked in the cooking medium and a motor operatively connected to the holder that lowers the holder into the cooking medium. The system further includes a sensor that detects contact of the holder when the holder is immersed in the cooking medium; and a controller including a timer that commences cooking the food product when the sensor contacts holder.

Abstract: A steamer device and method of use thereof. More particularly, a steamer device (generally a vertical steam device) designed to make loading and unloading of rice, easy, quick, and efficient while ensuring a quality steam for the rice, similar to traditional saké steaming methods.

Abstract: A steam cooker having a lower part, which has raised side walls, wherein the sides walls include two long and two short sides, and which has handles attached to the opposite long side walls so as to be diametrically offset relative to each other, and including a lid, which has a frame, a lid body, a lid handle, and a plurality of openings for pressure equalization, and at least one steam cooking insert to be inserted into the lower part, wherein the steam cooking insert is provided with through-holes for steam to flow through and with handles arranged at an offset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing an item of food into a cooking vessel capable of quickly achieving an effective frying temperature after placement into the hot cooking oil of a deep fryer is disclosed. The vessel includes a food containment area where food is placed in intimate contact with an interior wall of the vessel. Using a rack, the vessel is submerged into the oil to an effective depth such that the food item containment area remains below the surface of the cooking oil in the deep fryer while a vent of the cooking vessel remains above the cooking oil surface. Heat is substantially instantaneously transferred from the oil through the cooking vessel to the food item contained therein, causing the food to fry. Steam emitted from the food during cooking escapes through the vent.

Abstract: A frying apparatus includes a basin for holding a volume of oil, the basin including a plurality of catches on opposed internal sidewalls of the basin, and a basket dimensioned to be received in the basin and including a pair of handles and at least one catch member. The catch member is movable between a safety position in which the catch member is biased away from the basket and towards the sidewalls, and a clearance position in which the catch member is urged inwards towards the basket. When the catch member is in the safety position, the catch member is configured to engage one of the catches on the internal sidewalls of the basin.

Abstract: A cooking device comprises a rotatable food basket disposed within the cooking device and a damping mechanism configured to reduce a vibration generated by the rotatable food basket rotating within the cooking device. An aspect of the cooking device includes a basket partition in the rotatable food basket, and the basket partition is configured to maintain a substantially equal distribution of a food within the rotatable food basket. The cooking device includes a motor in a hood for rotating the rotatable food basket, and it further includes a lifting plate and a lifting mechanism operable to move the rotatable food basket between a cooking section and a spinning section. The cooking device may also comprises a first basket portion and a second basket portion configured to be disposed within a first section and a second section of the rotatable food basket.

Abstract: A steam generating container A heated by a heat source includes: a water evaporation chamber into which water is supplied by a water supply device; a leading opening to lead steam from the water evaporation chamber, and ejection openings ejecting steam led through the leading opening into a heating chamber containing food. A buffer chamber connecting through the leading opening and with the ejection openings is provided between the water evaporation chamber and the heating chamber. Even when bumping water enters the buffer chamber through the leading opening, the bumping water having entered flows inside the buffer chamber. Thus, the bumping water is hardly ejected into the heating chamber through the ejection openings.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus that lowers and raises a turkey, or similar food item, into a large fry pot is herein disclosed. The apparatus has a vertically-adjustable tripod stand that is positioned over the top center of a fry pot. A manual cranking mechanism lowers and raises a steel cable having a grasping hook at the distal end. Additionally, the steel cable can have a basket at its distal end. In operation, the turkey to be fried is placed thereon the hook or therein the metal basket. Then, with the user a safe distance removed, the crank lowers the food into the hot oil in a controlled manner. When the food has finished cooking, the cranking mechanism is reversed to raise the food from the fryer. The apparatus may also be provided having an alternate electric-powered winch.

Abstract: A system and method for barrier submersion cooking comprising a thin walled plastic cooking pouch for receiving a food item effectively dimensioned such that when placed into a hot liquid cooking medium a vent remains above a top surface of the liquid cooking medium and a rack for lowering the vessel into the liquid cooking medium to an effective depth such that the food item received by the pouch is below the top surface of the liquid cooking medium and the vent is above the top surface of the liquid cooking medium.

Abstract: The present invention is a fryer basket or roaster basket constructed with fine wire mesh to prevent food particles from remaining in the fryer oil once the fried food is removed. The fryer basket is preferably constructed of stainless steel, but other materials could be used including but not limited to copper, brass, glass, fiberglass or the like.

Abstract: Deep fryers and associated accessories providing increased efficiency and convenience in the production of deep-fried, steamed and boiled foods. Multiple cooking cycles and versatile food support means to fully cook foods are provided. Special advantages for larger unitary foods, such as for example, a large turkey, are provided. Advantages include without limitation minimizing countertop usage; reduction in the use of frying oil; compact storage; reduced shipping costs; reduced warehousing and manufacturing costs; and being lighter and more easy to handle in the kitchen. Accessory items simplify and facilitate production of deep fried foods, including cutting foods into shapes appropriate to produce French fries and blooming onions. Other accessories facilitate the transference and maintenance of frying oil including: returning frying oil to original containers for storage and disposal; and filtering frying oil to prolong its useful life.

Abstract: A portable outdoor cleaner and cooker for steaming foodstuffs such as shellfish includes an elongated housing having an internal conveyor that routes the foodstuffs past a water dispersing station for cleaning and subsequently through a steaming section for cooking.

Abstract: Deep fryers and associated accessories providing increased efficiency and convenience in the production of deep-fried, steamed and boiled foods. Multiple cooking cycles and versatile food support means to fully cook foods are provided. Special advantages for larger unitary foods, such as for example, a large turkey, are provided. Advantages include without limitation minimizing countertop usage; reduction in the use of frying oil; compact storage; reduced shipping costs; reduced warehousing and manufacturing costs; and being lighter and more easy to handle in the kitchen. Accessory items simplify and facilitate production of deep fried foods, including cutting foods into shapes appropriate to produce French fries and blooming onions. Other accessories facilitate the transference and maintenance of frying oil including: returning frying oil to original containers for storage and disposal; and filtering frying oil to prolong its useful life.

Abstract: A steamer for sandwich buns, bagels, croissants, cakes, vegetables, pastas, and other foods delivers fixed amounts of water onto a hot, dry platen through a vertically-oriented water conduit which is also thermally insulated from the hot platen and made from thermally insulating materials. The vertically-oriented water conduit retains water after a water supply is shut off at the beginning or end of a steam generating cycle. Orienting the conduit vertically reduces the surface area of liquid water exposed to air. Insulating the water conduit from the hot platen reduces the rate at which water standing in the conduit evaporates. Tubes used in the water conduit are insulating and easily removed from the water conduit assembly and flexible. Minerals that precipitate out of solution and become deposited onto the flexible tube are easily removed by flexing the flexible tube.

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 chef basket is disclosed. The basket includes a ring, a plurality of overhangs, the overhangs coupled to the ring and juxtaposed over each neighboring overhang, a plurality of interlocking wires forming a straining surface, the straining surface coupled to the ring; and at least two handles, the at least two handles rotatably coupled to the ring, wherein at least five different reversible configurations or orientations, including a collapsed configuration, a first standing configuration, a second standing configuration, a first configuration, and a second configuration, are formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food fryer. The food frying apparatus generally comprises two sections: a frying section and an oil removal section. The frying section houses and/or heats oil for frying the food, and the oil removal section is operable to reduce the oil content of the food. The fryer device may also comprise a drawer configured to be slidably removable from the fryer device. Various aspects of the fryer device are configured to be automatically controlled.

Abstract: A steamer for foodstuffs comprises a lidded pot enclosing a stepped steaming platform adapted to support various foodstuffs at different levels dictated by the intensity and duration of their cooking requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food fryer for frying a food in oil, comprising a heating element, an oil section, a conveyor section, a food basket, a spinning section with a spinner for spinning said food basket, and wherein the heating element, the oil section, the conveyor system, and the spinning section are interoperable to maintain a C of less than 50° C. per minute.

Abstract: A food cooking device generally comprises two sections: a cooking section and a deoiling section. The cooking section houses and/or heats liquid for cooking the food, and the liquid removal section is operable to reduce the liquid content of the food. The cooking device may further comprise a centrifugal oil removal device.

Abstract: An improved lid (1) for covering containers for cooking foods (2), includes elements for cooling vapor (3) placed outside and above the lid (1), and support elements (4) for the vapor cooling elements (3). The lid has an extension in the thickness direction so as to provide a plurality of channels (11) through the lid. The channels (11) define a passage path for the vapor coming from the container (2) for cooking the foods outward, causing an acceleration of the vapor, the accelerated vapor contacting through the channels (11) a lower surface (31) of the vapor cooling elements, condensing and flowing again, at a liquid phase, inside the cooking container (2) through the plurality of channels (11).

Abstract: A steamer includes a steamer body and a plate stacker assembly. The steamer body includes a dutch oven and a hi-dome lid. The dome lid is integrally formed for openably closing onto an open top of the dutch oven to define a relatively high space in between the dutch oven and the dome lid for receiving the steaming rack assembly therein. The steaming rack assembly includes two or more plate stacker, which can be detachably stacked on one another. Foods held in dishes can be positioned on each of the steaming racks and be steamed in the steamer body at the same time. With the integrally formed dome lid, vapor produced by boiled water in the dutch oven does not easily escape from the steamer body and the foods can be evenly heated and cooked through closed steaming, making the steamer environmentally friendly and energy saving.