Rethermalizing apparatus

Apparatus for rethermalizing a package of frozen or refrigerated food, said apparatus comprising

• a frame including a bottom wall and two side walls partially defining a compartment for receiving the package,
• a heating mechanism defining an upper boundary of said compartment, the heating mechanism being movable between a raised position and a lowered position to bring the heating mechanism into conductive heat transfer contact with the package,
• an actuating device on the frame, the actuating device being connected to the heating mechanism and operable to move the heating mechanism between said raised and lowered positions, and
• a gasket between said side walls of the frame and said heating mechanism, the gasket being in sealing contact with said side walls and said heating mechanism to isolate a space above the gasket from the compartment.

Apparatus for rethermalizing a package of frozen or refrigerated food, said apparatus comprising

• a frame including a bottom wall and two side walls partially defining a compartment for receiving the package,
• a heating mechanism defining an upper boundary of said compartment, the heating mechanism being movable between a raised position and a lowered position to bring the heating mechanism into conductive heat transfer contact with the package,
• an actuating device on the frame, the actuating device being connected to the heating mechanism and operable to move the heating mechanism between said raised and lowered positions, and
• wherein said actuating device comprises a scissors mechanism that is expansible and contractible to move said heating mechanism between said raised and lowered positions.