Abstract: A fire prevention system for a cooking appliance is described. The system includes a contactless temperature sensor for surveying the appliance and determining if a temperature emanating from the appliance is equal to or greater than 285 degrees Celsius. A time of flight sensor is also included to determine the presence or absence of a utensil on the appliance, if a utensil is present, fire prevention measures are undertaken; while if a utensil is absent, hot surface warnings are initiated.

Abstract: A boil detection and prevention system and method for a cooking appliance is described. The system includes a contactless temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of liquid cooking in a utensil on the appliance and a time of flight sensor for detecting a level of the liquid as accommodated within the utensil. A rate of change of the liquid level is determined and a boil profile is formed based upon the liquid temperature, liquid level and rate of change of the liquid level. Assistance with cooking may also be provided along with prevention of certain boil conditions or profiles.

Abstract: A cooking assistant unit is disclosed, the cooking assisting unit having an arrangement including a temperature sensor for detecting heat emanating from the cooktop surface, a time of flight sensor for detecting a level of liquid in a utensil cooking on a heating element of the cooktop and a display for displaying a visual message directly on foodstuff accommodated within the utensil, on the cooktop surface or elsewhere. A determination of where is the current foodstuff preparation with respect to a recipe and the visual message may be made to include instructions on a next step in the recipe as well as countdown to the performance of the next step.

Abstract: A utensil profile determination system and method for determining a profile of a utensil used for cooking liquids and foodstuff on a heating element of a cooktop surface are disclosed. Particular distances are determined and considered in forming the profiles, the distances relating to a cooktop surface, heating element, utensil and sensor. The utensil profile may include whether the utensil is present or absent, vertical movement and direction of the vertical movement, and Dry Pot. Certain remedial measures may be implemented as a result of particular utensil profile determinations.

Abstract: A door for a self-clean cooking appliance, such as an oven, is constructed to maintain a low external surface temperature during high temperature operations within the appliance. The door includes three glass panes in spaced apart relation where the spacing between an outermost glass pane and a central glass pane is greater than the spacing between an innermost glass pane and the central glass pane.