Processes and systems for improvements on the efficiencies of convection ovens utilizing exhaust heat recuperation in the form of heat exchangers and premixed combustion systems, and a combination thereof. The heat exchangers and premixed combustion systems allow for increased efficiency of use of fuel and gaseous mixtures within convection oven cavities for improved heating capabilities and decreased efficiency losses.

Processes and systems for improvements on the efficiencies of convection ovens utilizing exhaust heat recuperation in the form of heat exchangers and premixed combustion systems, and a combination thereof. The heat exchangers and premixed combustion systems allow for increased efficiency of use of fuel and gaseous mixtures within convection oven cavities for improved heating capabilities and decreased efficiency losses.

An air fryer comprises an air flow passage provided between an inner shell and an outer shell; a first cooking chamber having a first cooking fan in air flow communication with the first cooking chamber and a first heating element in thermal communication with the first cooking chamber. A cooling fan, when actuated, circulates air within the airflow passage. A common motor is drivingly connected to each of the cooking fan and the cooling fan, wherein a first axle portion drivingly connects the common motor to the cooking fan, a second axle portion drivingly connects the common motor to the cooling fan and, when the air fryer is positioned with the bottom on a horizontal surface, the first axle portion extends upwardly from an upper side of the common motor and the second axle portion extends downwardly from a lower side of the common motor.

An air fryer comprises an air flow passage provided between an inner shell and an outer shell; a first cooking chamber having a first cooking fan in air flow communication with the first cooking chamber and a first heating element in thermal communication with the first cooking chamber. A cooling fan, when actuated, circulates air within the airflow passage. A common motor is drivingly connected to each of the cooking fan and the cooling fan, wherein a first axle portion drivingly connects the common motor to the cooking fan, a second axle portion drivingly connects the common motor to the cooling fan and, when the air fryer is positioned with the bottom on a horizontal surface, the first axle portion extends upwardly from an upper side of the common motor and the second axle portion extends downwardly from a lower side of the common motor.

Conveyor ovens for cooking food according to various embodiments include variable speed fans to deliver air from a plenum into at least two lower cooking zones below a conveyor of the oven, and at least one variable speed fan to deliver air from the plenum into one or more upper cooking zones above the conveyor, wherein a controller operates the fans delivering air into the lower cooking zones independently of each other and independently of the other fan. The fans can be controlled so that air delivered to a bottom side of the conveyor has a speed that is different in the different lower cooking zones and/or is different than air delivered to the top side of the conveyor. In some cases, the speed of the fans is predetermined and set in accordance with the type of food to be cooked.

Conveyor ovens for cooking food according to various embodiments include variable speed fans to deliver air from a plenum into at least two lower cooking zones below a conveyor of the oven, and at least one variable speed fan to deliver air from the plenum into one or more upper cooking zones above the conveyor, wherein a controller operates the fans delivering air into the lower cooking zones independently of each other and independently of the other fan. The fans can be controlled so that air delivered to a bottom side of the conveyor has a speed that is different in the different lower cooking zones and/or is different than air delivered to the top side of the conveyor. In some cases, the speed of the fans is predetermined and set in accordance with the type of food to be cooked.

The present invention provides a combination pressure cooker and air fryer lid that may be attached to a vessel. The lid may be adjustable between two general cooking positions. In the first cooking position, the lid may operate with the vessel as a pressure cooker. In the second cooking position, the may operate with the vessel as an air fryer. In performing either of the pressure cooking or air fryer cooking functions, the lid need not be replaced.

The present invention provides a combination pressure cooker and air fryer lid that may be attached to a vessel. The lid may be adjustable between two general cooking positions. In the first cooking position, the lid may operate with the vessel as a pressure cooker. In the second cooking position, the may operate with the vessel as an air fryer. In performing either of the pressure cooking or air fryer cooking functions, the lid need not be replaced.

A modular cooking apparatus is disclosed. The modular cooking apparatus includes a first interchangeable cooking module containing an impingement oven, and a second interchangeable cooking module containing a hot air oven having a cooking chamber. The hot air oven includes a cook rack having multiple air deflectors having different lengths located within said cooking chamber and a blower for directing heated air in a horizontal direction beneath said cook rack.

A cooking appliance is provided. The cooking appliance may include a convection fan installed in a cooking chamber; a fan motor installed outside of the cooking chamber and configured to rotate the convection fan; a cooling fan installed outside of the cooking chamber and rotated by the fan motor to generate air currents to flow to the fan motor; a duct that forms a passage that connects an inside of the cooking chamber and the outside of the cooking chamber, wherein an opening in the duct is opened toward the cooling fan; and a blocking member installed outside of the cooking chamber and configured to block a path of air flow from the opening to the cooling fan.