Roasting oven with dual heating elements

#The present invention relates to cooking appliances and, more particularly, to a large capacity, roasting oven having a wrap-around type heating element for applying heat to the cooking vessel and a top heater element for browning.

#Electric cooking pots for preparing and serving hot foods are well known to those skilled in the art. Such electric cooking pots typically include a heating element arranged in functional relation underneath the bottom surface of the cooking well for supplying heat. Such cooking wells are often constructed of stainless steel or enameled steel for reasons of durability and sanitation. However, it is known that both stainless steel and enameled steel have relatively low coefficients of heat conductivity as compared with other metals.

#This presents a particular problem for cooking vessels of large capacity (i.e. up to 26 quarts). Applying heat only to the bottom surface of such a large capacity cooking vessel, especially when constructed of stainless steel or enameled steel, can result in the upper portion of the cooking vessel being insufficiently heated. Thus, the food in the upper portion of the cooking vessel may become too cool for serving purposes due to the loss of heat in combination with the low rate of heat conductivity and the slow rate at which heat is supplied to the upper portion of the cooking vessel.

#The novel features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as other features and advantages thereof will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures wherein:

#FIG. 1A is a front elevational view of the roasting oven of the present invention;

#FIG. 1B is an elevational view of the folding handle assembly of an alternative embodiment the present invention;

#With further reference to the drawings, there is shown therein an embodiment of a roasting oven in accordance with the present invention, indicated generally at 10, and illustrated in FIG. 1A. The present roasting oven 10 is comprised of an outer housing 22 equipped with fixed external handles 24 and feet 26. The roasting oven 10 is also provided with a lid 28 equipped with a handle 30.

#In an alternative embodiment the roasting oven 10 is provided with folding handle assemblies, indicated generally at 24′, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Each handle assembly 24′ includes a mounting plate 25 conforming to the exterior contour of the housing 22. Mounting plates 25 include a horizontally disposed groove 25a formed along the breadth thereof, which is configured to receive a generally D-shaped handle member 27. The handle member 27 includes shank portions 27a (shown in broken outline) which engage the groove 25a to impart pivoting movement to the handle member 27 as shown in FIG. 1C. Handle members 27 are designed to temporarily lock in the extended position shown in FIG. 1C. Thereafter, handle members 27 pivot downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 1A for convenient storage. This provides space savings for display on store shelves and cost savings on shipping carton size.

#In the preferred embodiment the housing 22 is constructed of sheet steel, heat resistant plastic, or other suitable material and is provided in different exterior finishes such as powder coating, stainless steel, or plated steel.