Abstract: Apparatus for distributing heat from a heat source relatively evenly over the bottom of a vessel to be heated is disclosed. A first annular element is provided which includes an upwardly concave dish-shaped annulus circumscribing a hollow center. A releasable connecting element of a first type is located on the underside of the first annular element. A second annular element includes an upwardly concave dish-shaped annulus which is larger than the annulus of the first annular element. A releasable connecting element of a second type complementary to the first type is located on the inner periphery of the annulus of the second annular element so that the elements can be locked together for use and disassembled for cleaning.

Abstract: A heat deflector for distributing the heat from a heat source relatively uniformly over the lower surface of a large or small cooking utensil is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of concentric annular elements each including an upwardly concave dish-shaped annulus. Each annular element is constructed of heat conductive material, and the interior edges of the respective elements are fixed to the convolutions of a wire to mount the elements in a concentric configuration. The heat deflector can be placed on the heat source with the wire down to distribute the heat therefrom relatively evenly over the lower surface of a cooking utensil which is large relative to the heat source. Alternatively, the heat deflector can be placed on the heat source with the wire up to concentrate the heat from the heat source relatively evenly over the lower surface of a cooking utensil which is small relative to the heat source.