Abstract: In an electrical oven at least one corona generation electrode is provided to enhance heat and mass transfer. Food being cooked in the oven provides a second electrode which is normally supported on insulating support structure and provided with high potential through the use of a probe inserted into the food. A high voltage potential supply and constant current high voltage control are connected between the two electrodes. The corona generating electrode has a plurality of corona discharge generators with pointed or small diameter free ends fixed at their opposite ends to a common conductive base. The corona discharge generators are flexible and have current conducting capability and are connected to the conductive base so as to yield under pressure but to return to operative position upon imposition of corona producing potential. The corona discharge generators are preferably metallic foil, insulator sheet covered with foil or conductive fibers.

Abstract: A cooking oven has an enhanced heating structure for decreasing the cooking time relative to conventional ovens. The enhanced heating structure located on the bottom of the oven has a plurality of spaced apart upward projecting needle electrodes and a heater element located adjacent the needle electrodes. A frame and a flat plate form an enclosure of selected volume for enclosing the needle electrodes and the heater element. The flat plate supports the food for cooking and provides safety and ease of cleaning for the user. An electrical circuit generates a high voltage between the flat plate and the needle electrodes for increasing the rate of heat transfer from the heater element to the flat plate. The temperature of the selected volume enclosed is separately monitored and independently controlled.