Abstract: A method of operating a cooktop appliance includes receiving a rice cooking mode initiation signal. The method also includes operating a heating element to provide a first target temperature at a utensil during a preheat stage and measuring the temperature at the utensil during the preheat stage. The method further includes exiting the preheat stage when the measured temperature at the utensil reaches a temperature threshold. The method also includes operating the heating element to provide a second target temperature at the utensil during a simmer stage after the preheat stage. The second target temperature is different from the first target temperature. The method further includes operating the heating element to provide a third target temperature at the utensil during a sensing stage after the simmer stage and providing a user notification that the rice cooking mode is complete.

Abstract: A method of operating a cooktop appliance in a sauce reduction mode includes operating a heating element of the cooktop appliance at a first power level during a preheat stage and operating the heating element at a second power level during a reduction stage after the preheat stage. The second power level is different from the first power level. The method further includes determining that the reduction stage has ended and decreasing the power level of the heating element because the reduction stage has ended. The method also includes providing a user notification that the sauce reduction mode is complete.

Abstract: A cooktop appliance including a sensor assembly including a body, a centerbody, a sensor, a first wire, and a second wire is provided. The body forms a plenum, a first wire path, a second wire path, and a sensor cavity. The body forms the first wire path and the second wire path each extending from the plenum from a first end to the sensor cavity at a second end distal to the first end. The centerbody forms a fluid path extending in fluid communication from the plenum to each of the first wire path and the second wire path. The body forms a top wall separating the sensor cavity from the fluid path. The sensor is positioned at the sensor cavity. The first wire extends through the first wire path and the second wire extends through the second wire path. The first and second wires operably couple to the sensor.

Abstract: An oven appliance includes a cooking chamber positioned within a cabinet and a door rotatably mounted to the cabinet for providing selective access to the cooking chamber, the door comprising a window. A camera assembly is positioned within the door and a light blocking film configured for selectively blocking light from entering the cooking chamber through the window. Images obtained by the camera assembly are displayed on an appliance display or a remote application (e.g., via mobile phone) and the light blocking film is activated prior to obtaining the images to prevent light from passing through the window and creating undesirable reflections.

Abstract: A cooktop appliance or heating element, as provided herein, may include a thermostat within the heating zone of the heating element. The thermostat may include a base and a top cap held on the base. The heat transfer disk may be joined to the thermostat at the top cap.

Abstract: A low profile spring bracket for a heating element of a cooktop appliance includes features that allow the bracket to move along the axial direction in a smooth fashion with minimal force. In this way, a temperature sensor attached thereto can maintain contact with a cooking utensil placed on the heating element.

Abstract: A cooktop appliance having a temperature switch is generally provided herein. The cooktop appliance may include a panel, an electric heating element, an infinite switch, and the temperature switch. The electric heating element may be positioned at the panel and include a first terminal and a second terminal. The infinite switch may be electrically coupled to the electric heating element to control power thereto. The infinite switch may include a primary voltage path and an auxiliary voltage path independent from the primary voltage path. The temperature switch disposed in thermal communication with the electric heating element, the temperature switch being in alternate communication with the primary voltage path below a predetermined threshold temperature and with the auxiliary voltage path at or above the predetermined threshold temperature.

Abstract: A cooktop appliance is generally provided herein. The cooktop appliance may include a cooktop panel, an electric heating element, a ferromagnetic tab, and a magnetic temperature switch. The electric heating element may be positioned at the cooktop panel. The electric heating element may include a first terminal and a second terminal. The ferromagnetic tab may be in thermal engagement with the electric heating element. The magnetic temperature switch may be positioned in selective magnetic engagement with the ferromagnetic tab. The magnetic temperature switch may be electrically connected in series with the second terminal and operable to restrict a voltage to the electric heating element above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A low profile spring bracket for a heating element of a cooktop appliance includes features that allow the bracket to move along the axial direction in a smooth fashion with minimal force. In this way, a temperature sensor attached thereto can maintain contact with a cooking utensil placed on the heating element.

Abstract: A heating element that limits the maximum temperature readied by a cooking utensil or food items placed on the heating element is provided. A cooktop appliance with features for limiting the maximum temperature reached by a cooking utensil or food items placed on a heating element of the cooktop appliance also is provided. In particular, a cooktop appliance with a positive temperature coefficient heating element and a controller for regulating the heating element to a selected temperature or heat output is provided.

Abstract: A cooktop appliance includes a bimetallic switch is positioned adjacent an electrical heating element. A first electrical conduit is coupled to a first terminal of the electrical heating element and is configured to operate at a first voltage, L1, with respect to ground. A second electrical conduit is configured to operate at a second voltage, L2, with respect to ground. A relay is configured such that the relay connects the second electrical conduit to a second terminal of the electrical heating element when the bimetallic switch is in the first configuration and is also configured such that the relay connects a neutral electrical conduit to the second terminal of the electrical heating element when the bimetallic switch is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A cooktop appliance having a temperature switch is generally provided herein. The cooktop appliance may include a panel, an electric heating element, an infinite switch, and the temperature switch. The electric heating element may be positioned at the panel and include a first terminal and a second terminal. The infinite switch may be electrically coupled to the electric heating element to control power thereto. The infinite switch may include a primary voltage path and an auxiliary voltage path independent from the primary voltage path. The temperature switch disposed in thermal communication with the electric heating element, the temperature switch being in alternate communication with the primary voltage path below a predetermined threshold temperature and with the auxiliary voltage path at or above the predetermined threshold temperature.

Abstract: A cooktop appliance is generally provided herein. The cooktop appliance may include a cooktop panel, an electric heating element, a ferromagnetic tab, and a magnetic temperature switch. The electric heating element may be positioned at the cooktop panel. The electric heating element may include a first terminal and a second terminal. The ferromagnetic tab may be in thermal engagement with the electric heating element. The magnetic temperature switch may be positioned in selective magnetic engagement with the ferromagnetic tab. The magnetic temperature switch may be electrically connected in series with the second terminal and operable to restrict a voltage to the electric heating element above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A cooktop appliance is provided. The cooktop appliance may include a panel, an electric heating element, a drip pan, and a temperature switch. The electric heating element may be positioned at the panel. The drip pan may be attached to the panel and positioned below the electric heating element. The temperature switch may be disposed on a switch bracket such that the temperature switch engages the drip pan. The temperature switch may be operable to restrict a voltage to the electric heating element at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance and a method for mounting a slide rail within a dishwasher appliance are provided. A rack assembly of the dishwasher appliance includes a bracket with a post. A slide rail is mounted to the bracket, and the slide rail and the bracket are positioned within a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. The post extends through the tub, and a sleeve is positioned opposite the bracket on the tub and engages the post. The sleeve hinders retraction of the post through the tub.

Abstract: Heating assemblies for cooktop appliances are provided. In one embodiment, the heating assemblies include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a heat generating component and a first sheath surrounding the heat generating component. The first sheath defines a first support surface. The second portion includes a temperature sensing component and a second sheath surrounding the temperature sensing component. The second sheath defines a second support surface. The first support surface and the second support surface contact a cooking utensil when the cooking utensil is positioned on the heating assembly. The heat generating component may be configured to provide heat to the cooking utensil positioned on the heating assembly, and the temperature sensing component may be configured to sense the temperature of the cooking utensil in order to assist in regulating the temperature of the cooking utensil.

Abstract: A cooktop appliance includes a bimetallic switch is positioned adjacent an electrical heating element. A first electrical conduit is coupled to a first terminal of the electrical heating element and is configured to operate at a first voltage, L1, with respect to ground. A second electrical conduit is configured to operate at a second voltage, L2, with respect to ground. A relay is configured such that the relay connects the second electrical conduit to a second terminal of the electrical heating element when the bimetallic switch is in the first configuration and is also configured such that the relay connects a neutral electrical conduit to the second terminal of the electrical heating element when the bimetallic switch is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A heating element that limits the maximum temperature readied by a cooking utensil or food items placed on the heating element is provided. A cooktop appliance with features for limiting the maximum temperature reached by a cooking utensil or food items placed on a heating element of the cooktop appliance also is provided. In particular, a cooktop appliance with a positive temperature coefficient heating element and a controller for regulating the heating element to a selected temperature or heat output is provided.

Abstract: An appliance is provided. The appliance includes a cabinet, a door mounted to the cabinet and a handle. The appliance also includes features for pivotally mounting the handle to the door and for urging the door away from the cabinet when the handle pivots. The features can also assist with limiting or reducing a gap between the handle and the door.

Abstract: An appliance is provided. The appliance includes a cabinet, a door mounted to the cabinet and a handle. The appliance also includes features for pivotally mounting the handle to the door and for urging the door away from the cabinet when the handle pivots. The features can also assist with limiting or reducing a gap between the handle and the door.