Abstract: A baking pan includes a lower pan part having a respective periphery and at least one raised area spaced from that periphery. The pan further includes an upper pan part having a respective periphery, the upper pan being removably connected to the lower pan part about the periphery of the upper pan part. This pan is utilizable in a cooking method including a dough proofing stage and a baking process. The baking process in turn incorporates a first cycle of baking and steaming and a second cycle of baking only. The baking pan has a water-receiving internal chamber and a proofing and cooking chamber communicating with the internal chamber via one or more perforations in an upper surface of the baking pan. The proofing and cooking chamber is formed by a cover or lid placed over the upper surface of the baking pan.

Abstract: A domestic oven includes a housing defining a cooking chamber, at least one stationary first heating element in the chamber, a shelf movably disposed in the chamber, a second heating element mounted to the shelf, and a drive operatively connected to the shelf for translating the shelf, together with the second heating element, in the housing. The shelf is made of heat conductive metal. A temperature sensor in heat conductive contact with the shelf senses the temperature of the shelf and of a metal tray or pan placed on the shelf in heat conductive contact therewith. The temperature sensor is operatively connected to an energization circuit for the second heating element for de-energizing the second heating element upon detecting a sudden rise in temperature. The second heating element is mounted to the shelf via insulating spacers. The oven is used to perform a hybrid steaming and baking method.