Abstract: A batter template system and related methods of forming custom pancakes. The batter template system can include one or more template mats made from flexible, non-stick materials that are suitable for use with food and can accommodate conventional cooking temperatures. The template mat can have thermal properties allowing for rapid heating and can be non-perforated. Each template mat can include a permanently etched design on one or both sides of a non-stick sheet. The template mat can be sized and shaped to fit onto a cooking surface of a countertop griddle, cooking pan or even range top surface. One or more pancake batters can be traced or otherwise applied to the etched design to form a pancake depicting a visual design element.

Abstract: A countertop appliance and related methods of fabrication using a floating mounting assembly to connect a cooking surface to a mounting frame. The floating mounting assembly allows the cooking surface to expand and contract in response to changing temperature without translating these dimensional changes to the mounting frame and negatively impacting the integrity or appearance of the countertop appliance. The floating mounting assembly can include a grommet assembly that connects to elongated apertures defined in the mounting frame. As the cooking surface expands and contracts, the grommet assembly can slide within the elongated aperture. Through the use of the elongated aperture, dimensional changes in the cooking surface are not directly translated to the mounting frame.

Abstract: A batter template system and related methods of forming custom pancakes. The batter template system can include one or more template mats made from flexible, non-stick materials that are suitable for use with food and can accommodate conventional cooking temperatures. The template mat can have thermal properties allowing for rapid heating and can be non-perforated. Each template mat can include a permanently etched design on one or both sides of a non-stick sheet. The template mat can be sized and shaped to fit onto a cooking surface of a countertop griddle, cooking pan or even range top surface. One or more pancake batters can be traced or otherwise applied to the etched design to form a pancake depicting a visual design element.

Abstract: A countertop appliance and related methods of fabrication using a floating mounting assembly to connect a cooking surface to a mounting frame. The floating mounting assembly allows the cooking surface to expand and contract in response to changing temperature without translating these dimensional changes to the mounting frame and negatively impacting the integrity or appearance of the countertop appliance. The floating mounting assembly can include a grommet assembly that connects to elongated apertures defined in the mounting frame. As the cooking surface expands and contracts, the grommet assembly can slide within the elongated aperture. Through the use of the elongated aperture, dimensional changes in the cooking surface are not directly translated to the mounting frame.