Abstract: The specification describes a system for initiating and promoting combustion of fuels such as wood, coal, oil, etc. Virtually complete combustion is achieved by feeding combustion air under pressure through openings in a diffuser plate with the diameter of the openings having a calculated size and spacing therebetween. By-products of primary combustion are burned by the system. The specification also describes an exemplary wood stove and a cooking unit which utilizes the novel combustion principle.

Abstract: A microwave oven has a trivet in the form of a perforated metal plate which is a receptacle for food, is metal and is supported on a turntable of the oven. The metal plate and the turntable are both insulated by stove enamel to prevent sparking. The plate and the turntable enclose a space which is thereby shielded from electrical fields generated in the microwave oven so that fats and juices draining into the space from food cooked above the trivet do not absorb substantial quantities of microwave power and therefore do not boil or smoke. A rack may be placed on the trivet to support food at a level higher than the trivet.