Accelerated steam generation method for convection steam cooking device

Abstract

A method of operating a steam food cooking device having a cooking cavity, a pool disposed below the cooking cavity; and a heat source for heating water in the pool so at to generate steam includes: a) in response to turning on the cooking device, initiating a water flow into the pool and substantially simultaneously activating the heat source to generate heat; and b) thereafter, controlling the on/off state of the heat source based on a thermal sensor and circulating steam within the device by unforced natural convection. The pool may be thereafter automatically drained in response to turning off the cooking device prior to repeating steps a and b. The water inflow into the pool may be via an inlet disposed proximate a lower side of the bottom. Steam cooking devices suitable for such method(s) are also described.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.