An infrared toaster and a method of toasting use a support configured to hold a food product relative to an infrared source. A light source and a camera are arranged relative to the support to illuminate the food product and capture digital images of the food product. A processor receives and analyzes successive images from the camera. The processor operates the IR source to achieve a predetermined toasting level of the food product. The processor operates the IR source to terminate operation directing IR energy when the predetermined toasting level is reached.

A toaster includes a housing having a slot for receiving a food item, a heating element associated with the slot for toasting the food item, a carriage assembly having a supporting rack movably mounted in the slot for supporting the food item within the slot, a first slider member connected to the supporting rack, and a second slider member operatively connected to the first slider member, a motor, and a driving member having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end received in a slot in the second slider member such that when the motor is driven to rotate the driving member, the driving member drives the supporting rack, via the first slider member and the second slider member, to slidably move within the slot.

A.

i. A toaster component is incorporated into a conventional countertop toaster oven to create a countertop Toaster Oven/Toaster combo, a single structure. The toaster and toaster oven components of this appliance can be used individually or both at the same time.

ii. A toaster component is incorporated into a conventional countertop microwave oven to create a countertop Microwave Oven/Toaster combo, a single structure. The toaster and microwave oven components of this appliance can be used individually or both at the same time.

iii. A toaster component is incorporated into a conventional over-the-range microwave oven to create an Over-The-Range Microwave Oven/Toaster combo, a single structure. The toaster and microwave oven components of this appliance can be used individually or both at the same time.

B.

i. A toaster oven is incorporated into the countertop Microwave Oven/Toaster combo, above A.ii, to create a countertop Microwave Oven/Toaster Oven/Toaster combo, a single structure. The toaster, toaster oven and microwave oven components of this appliance can be used individually, two or three at the same time.

ii. A toaster oven is incorporated into the Over-The-Range Microwave Oven/Toaster combo, above A.iii, to create an Over-The-Range Microwave Oven/Toaster Oven/Toaster combo, a single structure.

The toaster, toaster oven and microwave oven components of this appliance can be used individually, two or three at the same time.

A container for heating tortillas, quesadillas, pitas, or similar food articles in a toaster. The food articles have a moisture content by weight ranging from 30% to 52% prior to heating in the toaster. The container comprises an upright structure adapted to removably fit into the vertical slot of a conventional toaster and be supported by the toaster during a toaster heating cycle. The upright structure has a front and back connected to a hinged or metal ring bound bottom. The sides consist of a stainless-steel wire frame with vertical grate front and back which provides apertures for passing heat from the toaster to the food article located inside the container. The container is openable to permit removal of the food article after heating.

The magnetic toaster cover adheres to the sides of most metal and stainless-steel toasters. It only covers the open toaster slots and hangs approximately 2 inches on the right and left sides of a toaster. It will not fall off, but can be repeatedly and easily removed and placed back on the toaster once it cools off as needed.

A method of preparing meals in a computerized kitchen workspace is set forth. The computerized kitchen workspace includes one or more robots for preparing and cooking food in the kitchen workspace. Kitchen appliances may be automatically controlled according to a recipe. The one or more robots may access kitchen items necessary for meal preparation by rotating automated shelves. The meal may then be automatically prepared by the one or more robots. Automated storage shelves may be provided with electrical power for powering kitchen appliances found on the shelves.

A toaster is provided with rotary slots propelled by an electric motor. The toaster utilizes infrared waves to heat or bake breads such as bagel, muffins or the like and is provided with a sensor that discontinues infrared heating after the temperature reaches a certain set temperature.

A toaster includes a housing having a slot for receiving a food item, a heating element associated with the slot for toasting the food item, a carriage assembly having a supporting rack movably mounted in the slot for supporting the food item within the slot, a first slider member connected to the supporting rack, and a second slider member operatively connected to the first slider member, a motor, and a driving member having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end received in a slot in the second slider member such that when the motor is driven to rotate the driving member, the driving member drives the supporting rack, via the first slider member and the second slider member, to slidably move within the slot.

A toaster includes a housing having a slot for receiving a food item, a heating element associated with the slot for toasting the food item, a carriage assembly having a supporting rack movably mounted in the slot for supporting the food item within the slot, a first slider member connected to the supporting rack, and a second slider member operatively connected to the first slider member, a motor, and a driving member having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end received in a slot in the second slider member such that when the motor is driven to rotate the driving member, the driving member drives the supporting rack, via the first slider member and the second slider member, to slidably move within the slot.

A grilling apparatus for bacon or other thinly sliced meat. The apparatus includes a base with sidewalls extending from opposite ends of the base. A pair of doors are coupled to opposite sides of the base and movable from an open position to a closed position. A pair of grill plates are removably connected to a corresponding one of the doors. A heating element extends from the base between the side walls. A removable grill is placed over the heating element between the said side walls. When the doors are in the closed position, the grill and the grill plates form an enclosed space, so that when power is supplied to the heating element, heat generated by the heating element is provided by convection to the grill and the grill plates.