Abstract: Provided is a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus has a structure in which cooking modules different from each other are selectively mounted with a free arrangement structure on a top surface of the cooking apparatus.

Abstract: An appliance for cooking a food item comprises a bottom housing, a top housing, and a cooking assembly. The cooking assembly comprises a top heated plate, a bottom heated plate, and a center ring therebetween. The top heated plate is selectively movable between (i) an open position and (ii) a closed position in which a top cooking cavity is selectively formed by the top heated plate and the top housing when the top housing is in a closed position. The bottom heated plate is selectively movable between (i) an open position and (ii) a closed position in which a bottom cooking cavity is selectively formed by the bottom housing and the bottom heated plate. A center cooking cavity is selectively formed by the top heated plate, the center ring, and the bottom heated plate when the top and bottom heated plates are in their respective closed positions.

Abstract: A small cooking appliance comprises a bottom housing, a top housing, and a ring assembly. The bottom housing has a top surface that forms a bottom cooking surface of the appliance. The top housing has a bottom surface that forms a top cooking surface of the appliance. The top housing is movably attached to the bottom housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The ring assembly is positionable between the top and bottom cooking surfaces when the top housing is in its closed position. The ring assembly comprises a top ring, a bottom ring, and an optional center cooking plate. The center cooking plate is movable between (i) a closed position in which a space defined by the ring assembly is divided into top and bottom cooking cavities and (ii) an open position.

Abstract: A small cooking appliance comprises a bottom housing, a top housing, and a ring assembly. The bottom housing has a top surface that forms a bottom cooking surface. The top housing has a bottom surface that forms a top cooking surface. The top housing is movably attached to the bottom housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The ring assembly is positioned between the top and bottom cooking surfaces when the top housing is in its closed position. The ring assembly comprises a top ring, a bottom ring, and a center cooking plate. The center cooking plate is adapted to be removably inserted between the top ring and the bottom ring such that a space defined by the ring assembly is divided into top and bottom cooking cavities when the center cooking plate is inserted between the top ring and the bottom ring.

Abstract: A method of producing an edible food product includes the step of forming a vessel core with a first material having a first level of susceptibility to heating by induction. The method also includes the step of casting an apron of a second material with a second level of susceptibility to heating by induction lower than said first level around at least a first portion the vessel core in an in situ casting process to form a clad cooking vessel having a cooking surface. An uncooked food product is then disposed on the cooking surface of the clad cooking vessel and heated to produce the edible food product by subjecting the vessel core to a magnetic field.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to accurately detect a state of an object to be heated in a cooking vessel and effectively avoid cooking failure. An induction heating section (13) inductively heats a cooking vessel (11). A vibration detecting section (14) detects a vibration of the cooking vessel (11) via a top plate (12). A vibration waveform extracting section (15) extracts a vibration waveform of a frequency component having a frequency equal to a predetermined multiplication product of an induction heating frequency, from a waveform of the vibration detected by the vibration detecting section (14). A determining section (16) determines a state of an object to be heated, based on the vibration waveform extracted by the vibration waveform extracting section (15).

Abstract: A double-layer rotatable grilling device has a base with two supporting brackets; a pan component rotatably disposed between the two supporting brackets, which has a lower pan unit with a cooking surface on the top, and a lower handle on one end; an upper pan unit with a cooking surface on the bottom, and an upper handle on one end; and a middle pan unit with two cooking surfaces both on the top and the bottom, and a temperature controller for adjusting the pans units disposed on the middle pan unit, and the knob for adjusting the temperature controller. The temperature controller is a mechanical controller with double-metal pieces, and the temperature is adjusted by rotating the bronze axle; a rotating shaft is disposed between the knob and the temperature controller, the knob can rotate the rotating shaft, and then the bronze axle of the temperature controller can be rotated.

Abstract: A baking plate for a baking oven for producing baked products such as soft waffles, crispy wafers, pancakes and the like. The baking plate has a carrier plate and one or more baking inserts disposed thereon, which are configured for receiving the batter to be baked. The baking inserts are formed from sintered ceramic that are very sturdy and tough and have low thermal expansion.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus facilitates efficient, consistent cooking of superior food products, while also being modular and flexible for use in a wide variety of kitchen arrangements and cooking scenarios. The cooking apparatus may include a variety of features and enhancements to further these goals, including: a steam barrier which prevents the escape of steam from the cooking surfaces during cooking; adjustable cooking surface spacers that ensure desired spacing between the cooking surfaces; a vertically adjustable upper platen that facilitates efficient use and placement of the cooking apparatus; and discrete lower platen cooking surfaces which facilitate multiple cooking processes depending on the needs of the user.

Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.

Abstract: A hot and cold food holding appliance including (1) Positioning a heat transfer plate above the top of food holding pans forming the top surface of each food holding compartment. (2) Providing a heat transfer module to transfer energy to/from the food holding pans in each compartment. (3) Thermally isolating each heat transfer module from an adjacent heat transfer module. (4) Removable heat transfer partitions that can used to subdivide each food holding compartment into sections providing additional heat transfer capability along the sides of each food holding pan and blocking the flow of ambient air between the food holding pans. (5) A control system that regulates the temperature of each food holding compartment by sensing the temperature of each heat transfer module and adjusting the amount of heat energy to be transferred.

Abstract: A method for controlling a clam grill that has first and second platens. The second platen is moved toward the first platen. A signal is provided in response to a detection of an impediment to the motion of the second platen. The motion of the second platen is stopped in response to the signal.

Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a toaster appliance in which an upper grilling plate is typically hinged to the lower grilling plate in a manner to be rotatable relative to said lower plate. The position of said upper plate relative to said lower plate is conventionally adjusted by means of a handle having predetermined locking positions according to the present invention. Said handle is provided with a connection device having a predetermined locking position, which is set to a perpendicular position of said upper plate relative to said lower plate. Said locking position is determined by a plurality of slots into which a set of spring loaded balls engages within said connection device.

Abstract: A double-layer rotatable grilling device has a base with two supporting brackets; a pan component rotatably disposed between the two supporting brackets, which has a lower pan unit with a cooking surface on the top, and a lower handle on one end; an upper pan unit with a cooking surface on the bottom, and an upper handle on one end; and a middle pan unit with two cooking surfaces both on the top and the bottom, and a temperature controller for adjusting the pans units disposed on the middle pan unit, and the knob for adjusting the temperature controller. The temperature controller is a mechanical controller with double-metal pieces, and the temperature is adjusted by rotating the bronze axle; a rotating shaft is disposed between the knob and the temperature controller, the knob can rotate the rotating shaft, and then the bronze axle of the temperature controller can be rotated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a centre arm for holding an upper contact grilling or roasting plate, the centre arm having a substantially vertical supporting section and a holding section which is arranged pivotably on the vertical supporting section and to which is attached the contact grilling or roasting plate, and in the holding section being arranged a device for weight relief for the upper contact grilling or roasting plate to be fitted on the holding section, the device for weight relief including at least one guide means which is constructed and designed at one end for pivotable mounting and on which is movably arranged a sliding element, a return element arranged on the free end of the guide means and secured by a stop means between the sliding element and the stop means, and also an adjusting device which can be actuated by means of an actuating element for varying the distance between the sliding element and the stop means in the longitudinal direction of the guide means, which is distinguished in that th

Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal. A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food product. The controller then executes the selected cooking procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load change sensor.

Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.

Abstract: A relatively compact cooking assembly includes means for selectively positioning a cooking element above several cooking zones of a lower grill. In addition to a lower heated metal surface having several cooking zones, which may be delineated by vertical barriers or splash plates, the system includes an upper assembly comprising an upper member in which a radiant heating element is positioned, said assembly being adapted to fit over the back splash plate of the grill and extending the depth (back to front) of the grill, and further adapted to be raised or lowered and selectively raised or lowered as well as positioned by a sliding motion above a designated zone in predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A system for synchronization of a food preparation appliance and a holding station comprising a food preparation appliance for processing a food during a food preparation cycle and a holding station for maintaining food for a first predetermined period of time. The appliance and holding station communicate with each other. The appliance sends a signal to at least one holding when the food is transferred after the completion of the food processing cycle. A timer operatively coupled to the holding station. The timer countdown the elapsed time after the food has been prepared. Upon food transfer from appliance to the holding station, the remaining countdown is transferred from the appliance timer to the holding station timer. Holding station has a first countdown of the first elapsed time period and a second countdown of a time period less than the first elapsed time period by a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic wafer baking apparatus (1) for baking wafers from a liquid or pasty dough, said apparatus (1) comprising at least two baking moulds (2), each having one pair of top (3) and lower (4) baking plates, said apparatus (1) further comprising moving means (5, 6, 7) for moving at least one plate relative to the other so that each baking mould (2) can move from a closed configuration to an open configuration, heating means for heating the plates (3, 4) to a predetermined baking temperature, means for injecting a predetermined quantity of dough between the baking plates (3, 4) of each mould (2), and means (12, 13) for removing a baked wafer from a baking mould (2), characterized in that each baking mould (2) is stationary in the apparatus (1) and is independent from the other(s).

Abstract: A food timing system is disclosed that includes a number of timer modules associated with food holding devices in a restaurant. The timer modules are connected in a network for communicating information about the food being held in food holding compartments of the food holding devices. Each timer module includes a plurality of timers, with each timer being associated with a food holding compartment of a food holding device. The timers measure the holding time of food in each food holding compartment and are capable of transferring the holding time to another timer when the food is transferred to a holding compartment associated with the other timer.

Abstract: A rotary double-layer grill comprises a base and a pan member, wherein the base has two brackets, and the pan member revolvably connects to the two brackets. The pan member comprises a lower pan unit, an upper pan unit and a middle pan unit, wherein the top side of the lower pan unit has a grilling surface, and the bottom side of the upper pan unit has a grilling surface. The left end of the upper pan unit and the left end of the lower pan unit form a pivot connection. Both the top side and the bottom side of the middle pan unit are grilling surfaces, and the middle pan unit is separately mounted between the upper pan unit and the lower pan unit. The pans form two grilling spaces, which can be used to grill more food simultaneously.

Abstract: In summary, the invention is a method of producing an edible food product. The method includes the step of forming a vessel core with a first material having a first level of susceptibility to heating by induction. The method also includes the step of casting an apron of a second material with a second level of susceptibility to heating by induction lower than said first level around at least a first portion the vessel core in an in situ casting process to form a clad cooking vessel having a cooking surface. An uncooked food product is then disposed on the cooking surface of the clad cooking vessel and heated to produce the edible food product by subjecting the vessel core to a magnetic field.

Abstract: An automatic electric muffin maker for baking muffins and related foodstuffs is disclosed. The present muffin maker comprises a housing assembly enclosing a bottom heating plate having an integrated heating element and a top heating element for browning (i.e. to scorch slightly in cooking). Advantageously, the heating plate includes a plurality of integrally formed, internally tapered heating wells which receive a mating baking pan having tapered cylindrical mold cups configured to provide complementary surface-to-surface engagement within the heating wells and efficient heat transfer therebetween. The heating elements are electrically interconnected to a heat control thermostat, which regulates the baking cycle. In an alternative embodiment the baking functions are carried out by electronic controls including a timed cooking cycle which changes to a warming mode upon completion.

Abstract: A food timing system is disclosed that includes a number of timer modules associated with food holding devices in a restaurant. The timer modules are connected in a network for communicating information about the food being held in food holding compartments of the food holding devices. Each timer module includes a plurality of timers, with each timer being associated with a food holding compartment of a food holding device. The timers measure the holding time of food in each food holding compartment and are capable of transferring the holding time to another timer when the food is transferred to a holding compartment associated with the other timer.

Abstract: A baking assembly bakes a food item prepared to be baked on a stick with a batter. The baking assembly includes a first heating element including a reservoir for receiving the batter and the food item therein. The reservoir defines a longitudinal axis. A second heating element includes a cavity that complements the reservoir. A hinge secures the first heating element to the second heating element allowing the second heating element to pivot over the first heating element such that the reservoir and the cavity create a heating hollow to bake the food item and the batter therein. A stick retainer receives and retains the stick in an orientation such that the food item is coaxial with the reservoir.

Abstract: A portable electric grilling appliance (20) for household use which has first and second heating units (22, 24) which, in use, overlie one another has substantially identical housing shells to make it evident to the user that the grilling appliance (20) can be used with either one of the heating units as the lower heating unit and provide support for the other heating unit. The two heating units (22, 24) have substantially the same exterior appearance and both are designed to function as either the top heating unit or the bottom heating unit. The two heating units (22, 24) are substantially symmetrical about a horizontal plane extending between them when the heating units are arranged one on top of the other to indicate to the user of the appliance that either heating unit could be placed on top and the other on the bottom.

Abstract: A grilling station for simultaneously grilling a variety of foods. The station includes a plurality of grilling ovens. Each of the grilling ovens has a housing with an opening for loading food into that housing. A first grilling unit is mounted in each housing for supporting food. A second grilling unit is mounted in each housing positionable above each respective first grilling unit and being vertically moveable in relation to the respective first grilling unit. The first and second grilling units in each of the housings connected to a respective control assembly to determine selectively the length of time energy is supplied to the grilling units providing selective separate grilling times in each of the housings.

Abstract: A waffle baker grill for producing a waffle product, including a first heating plate having a first surface and a first peripheral wall extending from the first surface to a predetermined distance. The first peripheral wall includes a first side and a second side. A second heating plate has a second surface and a second peripheral wall extending from the second surface to the predetermined distance. The second peripheral wall includes at least a third side and a fourth side. The second heating plate is pivotally connected to the first heating plate to move between a closed position and an open position. The first and second surfaces include at least one scoring flange extending to a distance less than the predetermined distance. The waffle produced from the grill may be divided into a plurality of waffle sticks along score lines created by the scoring flanges.

Abstract: A grill device includes a base unit, a seasoning retaining vessel, and a seasoning supply unit. The base unit includes a housing, a cooking member mounted in the housing, and at least one supply tube connected to the cooking member and extending downwardly relative to the cooking member. The vessel has a tube immersing portion disposed under the cooking member for extension of the supply tube thereinto, and a container mounting portion in fluid communication with the tube immersing portion. The seasoning supplying unit includes a flow control member connected to a container member and mounted adjustably in the container mounting portion. The flow control member controls the flow of seasoning in the container member into the vessel in accordance with the level of the seasoning in the vessel.

Abstract: A dual level waffle iron having a central waffle iron section, a first cover member, and a second cover member. The central waffle iron section and each of the cover members includes a grid array having a cavities and channels connecting the cavities. The central waffle iron section rotates about the longitudinal axis of the dual level waffle iron and further includes pins for preventing the central waffle iron section for rotating unless desired. The cover members further include an adjustment mechanism for varying the distance between the grid arrays in the cover member and the grid arrays in the central waffle iron section. A cutting tool for separating cooked waffles in the cavities is also provided along with a waffle batter dispenser for filling the cavities with waffle batter quickly and easily.

Abstract: A waffle baker grill for producing a waffle product, including a first heating plate having a first surface and a first peripheral wall extending from the first surface to a predetermined distance. The first peripheral wall includes a first side and a second side. A second heating plate has a second surface and a second peripheral wall extending from the second surface to the predetermined distance. The second peripheral wall includes at least a third side and a fourth side. The second heating plate is pivotally connected to the first heating plate to move between a closed position and an open position. The first and second surfaces include at least one scoring flange extending to a distance less than the predetermined distance. The waffle produced from the grill may be divided into a plurality of waffle sticks along score lines created by the scoring flanges.

Abstract: The electrically-powered cooker has a base that pivotally supports a clam shell-type cooking unit having two independently pivotal cooking halves, each half being provided with its own hot plate. One or more dished recesses are provided in the bottom half of the unit, while a matching set of slightly raised bosses are provided on the top half. Each cooking half has its own separate electrically energized heating element to raise the temperature of the corresponding hot plate to the desired level. In use, the cooking unit is initially opened with the two halves laid open on opposite sides of the base and with the hot plates facing upwardly. After batter is poured into the dished receptacles of the bottom half and allowed to cook, the top half is closed upon it and latched, whereupon the closed unit is flipped over onto the opposite side of the base to flip the pancakes contained therein.

Abstract: A cooking device comprises a lower cooking plate including a flat top area, parallel, widthwise ribs on the top area, and pairs of arcuate, opposite projections on the top area; an upper cooking plate including a flat bottom area, parallel, widthwise ribs on the bottom area, and holes at the bottom area; and a temperature sensor including a circuit board in the upper plate, temperature sensing units disposed at the holes and being coupled to the circuit board, and an indicator lamp on the device. Foodstuffs placed in the pairs of arcuate, opposite projection are held in position by the ribs with the pointed ends of the sensing units inserted into the foodstuffs. Temperature of the foodstuffs is sensed by the sensing units. Further, the lamp is lit if the foodstuffs are thoroughly cooked.

Abstract: A donut making arrangement includes a drip tray for placement over a source of cooking heat, and a donut maker with base and cover. The base has a head defining a recess for receiving batter and cover has a lid for engaging over the recess. The head and lid have shapes and sizes to engage into the opening so that when the batter has been cooked to a selected extent on one side, aligned handles connected to the head and lid are used to turn the donut maker over to cook the batter on the opposite side to create a donut.

Abstract: A grill device includes a connecting unit which pivotally connects upper and lower grill units.

Abstract: A grill device includes an upper grill unit pivoted to a lower grill unit so as to rotate about an axis between an open position, and a closed position, in which, the upper and lower grill units cooperatively define a cooking space therebetween. A seasoning supplying unit includes a vessel mounted in the cooking space to receive a body of seasonings in liquid form, and a thermal conductive dispenser. The thermal conductive dispenser is extendible into the vessel when the upper grill unit is positioned at the closed position, and defines a plurality of channels. Each of the channel has an inlet that is immersed in seasonings in the vessel, and an outlet that is exposed from the vessel when the upper grill unit is positioned at the closed position.

Abstract: There is provided a manually actuated press comprising a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. The lower platen defines a generally planar top surface. Moreover, at least one upper platen is in mechanical communication with the housing and defines a generally plated bottom surface. The at least one upper platen is translatable with respect to the lower platen in a manner forming a generally parallel relationship between the bottom and top surfaces when within a prescribed distance range therefrom. Further, the at least one upper platen is rotatable with respect to the lower platen when exceeding the prescribed distance range.

Abstract: A waffle maker includes upper and lower waffle grids coupled to each other and configured to confine a cooking space when closed together. The cooking space is adapted to receive batter therein. An electric heater unit is operable so as to heat and cook the batter in the cooking space for making a waffle. A temperature control circuit controls heating operation of the electric heater unit, and includes a heater controller for controlling supply of electric power to the electric heater unit, a sensor unit for detecting cooking temperature in the cooking space and for generating a sensor output corresponding to the cooking temperature, a user input unit operable so as to provide a cooking temperature setting, and a processor unit for controlling operation of the heater controller in accordance with the sensor output from the sensor unit and the cooking temperature setting from the user input unit.

Abstract: A grill device includes two independently controllable cooking sets confining two isolated cooking spaces such that two different meat pieces can be grilled therein under different cooking temperatures at the same time.

Abstract: Prior ice cream cone baking machines were manually raised and lowered, causing the cone to be sometimes overcooked or burnt. The present invention automatically raises the upper cooking plate after a pre-set cooking time, and maintains the baked cake at a warm temperature until removed from the lower cooking plate.

Abstract: A digitally controlled, manually actuated press comprising a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. The lower platen defines a generally planar top surface. Pivotally connected to the housing are left and right actuation handles, each of which is selectively movable between a loading/unloading and a press position. The press further comprises left and right transitional leveling members which are cooperatively engaged to respective ones of the actuation handles. Also included in the press are left and right upper platens which are cooperatively engaged to respective ones of the leveling members. Each of the upper platens define a generally planar bottom surface. In the press, each of the leveling members is configured to facilitate the rotation of the bottom surface of the corresponding upper platen into generally parallel relation to the top surface during the movement of the corresponding actuation handle from its loading/unloading position to its press position.

Abstract: A cooked food staging device and method is provided. The cooked food staging device allows previously cooked food items, particularly sandwich fillings such as hamburger patties, fish fillets, biscuits, Canadian bacon, pork sausage, eggs, chicken patties, chicken fillets and nuggets, to be stored over extended periods of time at an elevated temperature without significant deleterious effects to the appearance, taste and texture of the food while avoiding risk of bacterial contamination. The food staging device is composed of a plurality of discrete compartments bounded by upper and lower heated compartment surfaces. Food can be stored within the compartments in trays having side walls of a height such that a gap is achieved between the top of the tray and the upper compartment heated surface to limit and control the evaporation of liquid from the food stored therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for baking thin-walled shaped bodies has a baking shaft defining adjacent up and down paths and a respective stack of pairs of cavity-forming baking plates in the shaft at each of the paths. A heater in the shaft heats the stacks between upper and lower ends thereof. A lower transporter conveys plates from the lower end of the down-path stack to the lower end of the up-path stack and an upper transporter conveys plates from the upper end of the up-path stack to the upper end of the down-path stack. Upper and lower fillers and strippers above the respective upper and lower transporter deposit a bakable preproduct on the plates and for removing a baked product from the plates. The plates are transferred from the downstream end of the lower transporter to the lower end of the up stack which is thus stepped upward, and are transferred from the lower end of the down stack to the upstream end of the lower transporter to step the down stack downward.

Abstract: A baking oven has a multiplicity of baking sheet units stacked one above the other and added to below, after bakable mass has been deposited on a lower most member of the stack, so that the individual molds formed by each upper and lower sheet are closed and held closed by the weight of the sheets above it. The sheets are separated at the top of the stack and recycled to the bottom to receive a new portion of the bakable material.

Abstract: A baking apparatus for the production of foamed carbohydrate-based baked products which expand during the baking process has a baking tongs with a pair of tong parts hinged together and a baking mold whose mold halves are each received in a respective one of the tong parts. The hinge has hinge sections connected by two pivot pins with pivot axes offset from one another and enabling a change in the volume of the baking mold. Opposite the hinge sections, a holding device can hold the baking tongs closed.

Abstract: A food heating device such as a sandwich toaster or contact grill, comprising two hingedly connected parts (1) upon which heating elements (6) fixed within heat distribution bodies (7) are mounted. Contact plates (9) against which the food is heated are arranged to abut the heat distribution bodies (7) via complementary curved contact surfaces to provide improved heat distribution. The contact plates can be detached from the food heating device, thereby allowing for easy cleaning.

Abstract: A cooked food staging device and method is provided. The cooked food staging device allows previously cooked food items, particularly sandwich fillings such as hamburger patties, fish fillets, biscuits, Canadian bacon, pork sausage, eggs, chicken patties, chicken fillets and nuggets, to be stored over extended periods of time at an elevated temperature without significant deleterious effects to the appearance, taste and texture of the food while avoiding risk of bacterial contamination. The food staging device is composed of a plurality of discrete compartments bounded by upper and lower heated compartment surfaces. Food can be stored within the compartments in trays having side walls of a height such that a gap is achieved between the top of the tray and the upper compartment heated surface to limit and control the evaporation of liquid from the food stored therein.