Abstract: An improved electric cooking appliance with a plurality of heating units arranged in two groups, a first group adapted for energization by a first AC power signal and a second group adapted for energization by a second AC power signal, 180.degree. out of phase relative to the first power signal. The heating units of the first and second groups are each connected to a common neutral power line.

Abstract: An improved power control system for a glas-ceramic cooktop appliance of the type having at least one radiant heating unit disposed beneath the glass-ceramic cooking surface, and a user actuable input keyboard to enable the user to select one of a plurality of power settings for the heating unit. The control system monitors the glass-ceramic temperature and the rate of change of the glass-ceramic temperature to detect abnormal thermal load conditions on the glass-ceramic cooking surface. Upon detection of an abnormal load condition, the power level applied to the heating unit is lowered as a function of the sensed glass-ceramic temperature, the temperature rate of change, and the user selected power setting, to limit the temperature of the glass-ceramic cooking surface so as to avoid damage by excessive temperatures resulting from the abnormal thermal load conditions on the cooking surface.