DE102009003136A1 - Cooking appliance with a muffle and method for operating a cooking appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooking appliance having a muffle (3) which delimits a cooking chamber (2) and which has receptacles (14a, 14b, 14c, 15 to 18) for preparation devices on side walls (4, 5), the receptacles (14a, 14b, 14c, 15 to 18) are arranged in pairs so that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation devices and optical display elements (19 to 23) for indicating a level of insertion on the muffle (3) adjacent to the respectively associated receptacles (14a, 14b, 14c, 15 to 18) are arranged, wherein an operating function of the cooking appliance (1) is associated with at least one preferred shelf level, which is displayed by selecting the operating function by lighting the associated display elements (19 to 24), wherein the operating function is a specific lighting device of the cooking chamber (2) is functionally assigned and the automatic activation of the lighting device depends on the selection of the operating function g is. The invention also relates to a cooking appliance in which, in addition to or instead of the automatic activation of the lighting, a question-answer dialogue between the user and the cooking appliance is automatically started depending on the operating function.

Description

The The invention relates to a cooking appliance with a muffle, which limited cooking space and which on the side walls recordings for preparation devices, wherein the recordings arranged in pairs so that different insertion levels are designed for the preparation device, and optical Display elements adjacent to the muffle indicating a Einschubbene are arranged to the respective associated recording. Of Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for operating a cooking appliance with a muffle.

From the EP 1 260 770 A1 is a household appliance with a cooking chamber, in which the cooking space is limited by a muffle. On the side walls of the muffle receiving devices, such as grid frames are arranged on the inside, which are provided for receiving food supports as preparation devices, wherein in addition also different insertion levels are defined by the receiving device. Adjacent to these receiving devices, optical markings for indicating the insertion levels are formed on the vertical side walls of the muffle.

From the EP 0 981 027 A1 a muffle for a cooking appliance is known, which has receiving devices for food support on vertical inner walls. On these inner walls, optical display elements are arranged adjacent to the receiving devices. In addition, further optical display elements at the level of the respective insertion levels, by which the receiving devices are defined, are formed on a front muffle flange around the vertically oriented narrow flange edge.

It Object of the present invention, cooking appliances and methods to provide for cooking appliances which have a enabling more user-friendly and automated operation, with the user next to the display of Einschubbenen further explicit to be performed manual operations removed should be and should be automated.

These Task is by cooking appliances, which the characteristics after Claims 1 and 13, as well as by methods which the Features according to claim 14 and 15, solved.

According to one In the first aspect of the invention, a cooking appliance comprises a muffle, which limits a cooking space and which on side walls Recordings for preparation devices, wherein the Pickup are arranged in pairs so that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation device. The cooking appliance also includes visual display elements for display a shelf level, which adjacent to the muffle to each associated recordings are arranged. An operating function of the Cooking appliance is assigned a preferred rack level, which after selecting the operating function by lighting up the assigned Display elements is displayed, with the operating function additionally a specific lighting of the cooking chamber is assigned functionally and the automatic activation of the illumination from the selection the operating function is dependent. By the cooking appliance can thus be a more user-friendly and automated operation be enabled. In addition to the individual ad at least a preferred and most suitable rack level for a selected operating function is beyond for carrying out this operating function the preferred for illumination of specific areas of the cooking chamber Lighting automatically activated.

Preferably it is provided that the cooking appliance a first lighting device for irradiation of light in the cooking chamber over a ceiling of the muffle and / or a second lighting device for lateral Has light irradiation at the level of a rack level and depending on specific operating functions, the first one and / or the second lighting device with the selection of Operating function is automatically activated. The second lighting device can in the door to close the cooking chamber be educated. It can also be provided that the light sources are arranged outside the cooking chamber and over Light guide elements and light shafts in the door and / or in the muffle the light to the height of the respective Shelf level is brought and laterally or over the Door is irradiated in the cooking chamber to the associated Illuminate shelf level. The first lighting device is preferably arranged in the middle of the ceiling of the muffle and thus radiates from above into the cooking chamber. Depending on an operating function and / or an attachment of a preparation device or more preparation devices on the recordings can thus then automatically the most appropriate lighting in the oven be achieved. This also follows automatically, so that the Users each activated the best possible lighting themselves can be provided.

The cooking device preferably comprises a warning device, which visually and / or acoustically signals a user to penetrate into a preparation device on a preferred insertion level for an operating function. Preferably, it is provided that an operating function of the cooking appliance is associated with a specific question-answer dialog, so that between the cooking appliance and a Users through the questions-answer dialog information can be exchanged. The automatic start of the question-answer dialog is preferably dependent on the selection of this associated operating function. In particular, a further generation of information thus takes place by means of which the cooking appliance can independently select and set further functionalities as a function thereof in order to be able to optimize the preparation process with regard to the selected operating functions.

Preferably The question-and-answer dialogue includes questions about the form and / or the dimensions one by the user for the subsequent preparation process provided preparation device. Even so can then, if appropriate, the appropriate rack level and a possible Adaptation of processes of the preparation program automatically respectively.

Of course The question-and-answer dialogue may also go beyond that Have questions which, in terms of individual attitude of the cooking appliance.

Preferably is provided that defined by the bottom of the muffle another insertion level is. In such an embodiment of the cooking appliance can thus not only preparation devices on the pairs of the vertical walls of the muffle opposite arranged receiving, but at least one Preparing device also placed directly on the floor of the muffle become. The flexibility and variable availability of the Cooking device can thus be increased again and further operating functions as well as further specific preparation processes is the access with this cooking device possible. Preferably the bottom of the muffle has at least two preparation zones, on which preparation devices are positioned, wherein the Preparation zones are each individually heated. It can thus almost the basic design of a hob brought into the oven and thus into the cooking chamber of the muffle become. It can thus on the ground at specific surface areas individual preparation devices are set up.

When Preparation device can generally be a grate or grill pan or baking tray may be provided. Just to put up on the floor However, the muffle can also be a pan or a pot or may be provided.

It may also be provided that the ground substantially over its entire surface is formed as a preparation zone. As a result, relatively large preparation devices be placed on the ground and evenly be heated.

Preferably are the preparation zones by delimitation marks on the Ground marked, so that the surfaces on which the Preparing devices can be set up for a user are easily visible.

Preferably At least one preparation zone has an optical display element on, which is function-dependent for displaying the selection this preparation zone for placing thereon a preparation device is formed in the subsequent preparation process. Will thus selected an operating function in which the setting a preparation device most suitably on a preparation zone is on the floor of the muffle, this will be through the optical display element displayed in this preparation zone. The user can thus easily recognize where he set up the preparation device on the ground should.

The Design of the optical display element can be directly on Floor itself be provided and provided there integrally. For example, it may be provided that the preparation zone characteristic area boundary lights up or lights up becomes.

It can also be provided that in addition or instead to the bottom of the muffle optical display elements for display of the floor as a shelf level at a selected operating function assigned. With this optical display element is thus initially In principle, the user is shown that he is the floor as such as shelf level for the selected Operational function should use. With this optical display element is but preferably not yet indicated which of the preparation zones, if several such preparation zones are provided on the ground, ultimately to be used. This can be with such Embodiment then preferably with that optical display element more accurate, which then the specific preparation zone is assigned to the ground.

Preferably the visual display element for displaying the floor is suitable Shaft level on a front side of a flange of the cooking chamber limiting muffle arranged, in particular on a lower flange part arranged. Preferably, it is thus provided that the user through this specific position of the optical display element quickly and reliably recognizes that he is the floor as a shelf level to choose for a preparation device.

Preferably are all optical display elements for displaying a rack level on the front sides of a flange of the cooking chamber delimiting muffle arranged. So are those optical display elements, which the shelf level with regard to the vertical interior walls the muffle arranged recordings on such a front page formed by vertically oriented flange parts.

Preferably The cooking appliance comprises a control unit, which is used to control a heating device of a cooking appliance is formed, wherein at a specific operating function of the cooking appliance at the same time at least two insertion levels by a respective preparation device are movable and the control of the heater depends of the number of preparation devices actually used is feasible. Is thus an operating function of the user chosen, in which also several preparation devices at the same time on different rack levels in the oven can be introduced, so is for the preparation the corresponding food a corresponding heating power required by the heater. Will with this operating function but not the theoretically given maximum possible Number of preparation devices in the cooking chamber on the recordings but introduced a reduced number of preparation devices introduced, this is done by appropriate sensors of the cooking appliance detected and the sequence of the operating function adapted to it, then the number of preparation devices actually used is detected and depending on the control of the heater he follows. For example, with an oven, that the hot air operation is selected as an operating function is. In such an operating function, several Baking trays are placed on different shelves levels. By the actually introduced number of preparation devices is detected and made according to the number of insertion levels used device internally a correction of the control of the heater. For example, a lower oven temperature is then set, allowing a more even heating and a more even preparation of all foods can take place during the ongoing preparation process.

One Another aspect of the invention relates to a cooking appliance with a muffle, which limits a cooking space and which on side walls Recordings for preparation devices, wherein the shots are arranged in pairs so that different Insert levels designed for the preparation devices are, and optical display elements for displaying a shelf level arranged on the muffle adjacent to the respectively associated receptacle are. An operating function of the cooking appliance is a preferred Shunting level assigned, which after selecting the operating function by Flashing the associated display elements is displayed, where In addition, the operation function has a specific question-and-answer dialogue between assigned to the user and the cooking appliance, and the automatic Start the question-answer dialog by selecting the Operating function is dependent. Also with this cooking device can be next to the automatic display of the selected one Operating function most suitable rack level additionally Another automatism can be generated by the question-and-answer dialog is started. Through this you can get more information are obtained, on the basis of which the cooking appliance independently Adjustments to the course of the preparation process is performed and this is done with regard to an optimal preparation result.

refinements of the cooking appliance according to the first aspect The invention are advantageous embodiments of the cooking appliance to view according to the second aspect of the invention.

at a method according to the invention analogous to the cooking appliance according to the first aspect of the invention is a Operating function of the cooking appliance a preferred rack level assigned, which after selecting the operating function by lighting up the associated display elements is displayed, the operating function a specific lighting of the cooking compartment assigned functionally and depending on the selection of the operating function the lighting is activated automatically. Again, these are advantageous Embodiments of the cooking appliance according to the First aspect of the invention as advantageous embodiments of according to the method of the invention to look at the first aspect.

One another inventive method of operation a cooking appliance according to the second aspect The invention is carried out such that an operating function the cooking appliance associated with a preferred rack level which will light up after selecting the operating function the associated display elements is displayed, the operating function a specific question-and-answer dialogue between the user and the user Cooking appliance is assigned, and depending on the Selecting the operation of the question-answer dialog is carried out or started. Again, are beneficial Embodiments of the cooking appliance according to the second Aspect to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of this method.

In general, it can be achieved that, for example, in a conventional oven heating operation is selected and the preferred insertion levels by the associated optical An display elements are displayed and in addition to the start of the conventional heating operation or staggered to a question-and-answer dialog is started. This can be based on voice input and voice output and / or displayed on a display panel by text and / or icons, whereby the user can enter his answers through a keyboard. For example, the question may then be as to what shape the preparation vessel intended for use in the preparation process has, whether it is high, whether it is flat, whether it is a baking tray or the like. It can then be additionally provided that with the selection of the conventional heating operation, the lighting device is automatically turned on the ceiling of the muffle and depending on the information entered in the question-answer dialog then light up the appropriate visual display elements regarding the preferred insertion levels. If the accessories in the form of the preparation device are then inserted at the correct insertion levels, the optical display elements extinguish. If the accessories are inserted at wrong levels of insertion, an acoustic signal and, if necessary, a corresponding indication on the display field.

at a hot air operation as an operating function can be provided be that the preferred insertion levels indicated by the visual display elements be initially preferably only one insertion level is shown. Here, too, or in advance, the question-answer dialog automatically to be started. The lighting on the door of the cooking chamber will be turned on automatically. Will the accessories be on the inserted in the correct rack level, appears in this hot air mode further proposal for a further level of burial, on additionally introduced a preparation device can be. Simultaneously with the second proposal for another shelf level can be the associated side wall lighting be activated, so that then this shelf level already illuminated is. Will also be a preparation device on this further shelf level introduced, so the previously described scenario can continue become. This can also be done if proposed on this second Shelf level no preparation vessel applied and then on a third proposed shelf level then again a preparation device is introduced. Even there can then additionally activated the associated most appropriate side wall lighting become. With regard to the warning when inserting a preparation device on a wrong shelf level is based on the explanations set out above directed. In particular, in this hot air operation can several shelves simultaneously with each one preparation device be occupied. Depending on the actual used Selection of the preparation devices in this hot air operation the control unit then controls the heater to heat the Garraums, so in this regard situation specific the optimal Temperaturbeaufschlagungen done. For example less preparation devices than in this hot air operation possibly introduced into the cooking chamber, so can opposite the full cast set a lower oven temperature become.

Becomes selected an operating function, in which the bottom of the muffle is preferably provided as a rack level, this is for example characterized by the soil Mehrzonenheizbetrieb, in which case the associated optical display preferably at the bottom Flange part lights up. The other optional embodiments in view of the extinction of the optical display at the right Sliding on the floor and / or warning when incorrectly inserted etc. can analogously to the already explained embodiments also be provided here.

The optical display elements can be directly connected to the respective Be lighting position in the form of light sources. It can, however be provided that the light sources of the optical display elements spaced apart from and their light over Light guide to the appropriate place where the light up takes place, is conducted. It can also be provided that in a program or an operating function such as the hot air operation, several levels of insertion can be selected simultaneously and each can be occupied with a preparation device. In this operation can then also be provided that the optical Simultaneously illuminate display elements of the assigned recordings, if they are not occupied yet.

The mounted in the flange illuminated display elements can be formed differently. It can be backlit directly the digit, as well as a backlit geometric shape next to the numeral to be appropriate. The color of the light signal can be on or off be multicolored. The visual cue signals can also be used independently of an accessory detection. The visual signal disappears at the start of the cooking process. In addition, the function of visual notice signals concerning the optical display elements with a door contact switch be coupled. This connection lights up the warning signals every time you open the oven door. Thus, one is Display during baking with preheating guaranteed.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the Figu renbeschreibung. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or alone in the figures are usable not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of the invention to leave. Illustrated embodiments may thus be combined into individual features or feature combinations with other illustrated embodiments in accordance with some features or feature combinations to novel embodiments.

embodiments The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings explained. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cooking appliance according to the invention; and

2 a perspective view of sub-components of the cooking appliance according to 1 ,

In The figures are the same or functionally identical elements with the provided the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a cooking appliance in a simplified perspective view 1 shown, which includes an oven and a hob. The cooking appliance 1 has a cooking space 2 on, which through walls of a muffle 3 is limited, with the muffle 3 two side walls 4 and 5 , a floor 6 and a blanket 7 having. The front loading opening of the muffle 3 and thus also the cooking space 2 is through a door 8th closable. The cooking appliance 1 also includes four cooking zones as an example 27 . 28 . 29 and 30 , which are heated and on which preparation devices such as pans or pots or the like can be placed.

Subcomponents of the cooking appliance 1 are in perspective in 2 shown, in particular the muffle 3 is shown there. The muffle 3 includes a front frame-like circumferential flange 9 , which is a first vertical flange part 10 and an adjoining horizontally oriented upper flange portion 11 and a subsequent second vertical flange 12 and an adjoining horizontal lower flange part 13 having. The flange parts 10 to 13 have fronts 10a . 11a . 12a and 13a on. On the insides of the vertically oriented side walls 4 and 5 the muffle 3 Several shots are arranged in pairs opposite each other, so that different shank levels are defined. In the embodiment shown, various recordings are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction (y-direction). So is a top shelf level through the elements 14a and 14b on the side wall 5 and the opposite side of the element 14c and an unspecified and to the element 14b provided corresponding element. A preparation device, for example in the form of a baking sheet or a griddle or a grill pan can be inserted there. In a corresponding manner, a second insertion level by corresponding elements of a recording, which generally only with 15 are designated provided. The same applies to the lower levels formed by shooting with the elements 16 . 17 and 18 are defined.

On the front side 10a the vertical flange part 10 is adjacent to the elements 14a and 14b an optical display element 19 arranged, which lights up to signal this shelf level. In an analogous way, including optical display element 20 . 21 . 22 and 23 at this front 10a formed, which in each case adjacent and at the level of the assigned insertion levels, defined by the elements 15 . 16 . 17 and 18 , are arranged.

In addition, it is envisaged that at the front 13a the lower horizontal flange part 13 another optical display elements 24 is trained. The cooking appliance 1 This is because it also includes another level of insertion through the floor 6 the muffle 3 is formed. It can therefore also directly on the ground 6 Preparation devices such as baking trays, gratings, pans, pots or the like can be positioned. Underneath the ground 6 one or more heating devices are arranged, through which the entire floor 6 is heated.

It can also be provided that only specific surface areas of the soil 6 can be heated, with only two exemplary preparation zones 25 and 26 on the ground 6 are drawn.

It can be provided that each of these preparation zones 25 and 26 an additional individual optical display element, which on or in the ground 6 is arranged and adjacent to the preparation zone 25 or 26 is trained. Through these specific visual indicators in the ground 6 can then the respective preparation zone 25 or 26 be identified and the user knows where he is on the ground 6 should set up his preparation vessel. For example, it can be provided that one or more point-shaped optical display element are provided or that, for example, one on the ground 6 trained area boundary 25a and 26a which the preparation zone 25 respectively. 26 limited area, illuminated or is illuminable.

The cooking appliance 1 is designed so that with the selection of a specific operating function, such as a hot air operation or a top heat or a bottom heat or a bottom multi-zone function automatically the preferred rack level or preferred insertion levels by lighting one or more optical display elements 19 . 20 . 21 . 22 . 23 or 24 displayed to the user. If the insertion or the introduction of a preparation device on the correct preferred and displayed shelf level, so the associated optical indicator goes out. If a preparation device is mounted on a wrong rack level, the user is signaled by a warning sound or an optical warning signal, which is generated by a warning device, this wrong slot.

In addition, with the selection of the operating function, a specific lighting device suitable for this operating function is automatically activated, wherein depending on operating function, a ceiling lighting and / or a side wall lighting is automatically activated. Additionally or instead, it may be provided that a question-answer dialogue between the user and the cooking appliance 1 is started. The communication can be via an operating device 31 ( 1 ) both by voice input and / or by text input.

1

Cooking appliance

2

oven

3

muffle

4, 5

side walls

6

ground

7

blanket

8th

door

9

flange

10 11, 12, 13

flange

10a, 11a, 12a, 13a

fronts the flange parts

14a, 14b

elements

15

second Shelf position

16 17, 18

elements

19

display element

20 21, 22, 23, 24

indicators

25 26

preparation zones

25a, 26a

area boundaries

27 28, 29, 30

cooking zones

31

operating device

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 1260770 A1 [0002]
• EP 0981027 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Cooking appliance with a muffle ( 3 ), which a cooking space ( 2 ) and which on side walls ( 4 . 5 ) Recordings ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) for preparation devices, the images ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) are arranged in pairs so that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation devices, and optical display elements ( 19 to 23 ) for displaying a shelf level on the muffle ( 3 ) adjacent to the respective assigned recordings ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) are arranged, characterized in that an operating function of the cooking appliance ( 1 ) is assigned at least one preferred rack level, which after selection of the operating function by lighting the associated display elements ( 19 to 24 ), wherein the operating function is a specific lighting device of the cooking chamber ( 2 ) and the automatic activation of the lighting device is dependent on the selection of the operating function. Cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooking appliance ( 1 ) a first illumination device for irradiation of light into the cooking chamber ( 2 ) over the ceiling ( 7 ) the muffle ( 3 ) and / or has a second illumination device for the lateral irradiation of light at the level of a shelf level and depending on a specific operating function, the first and / or the second lighting device with the selection of the operating function is automatically activated. Cooking appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that a warning device is formed, which a user the introduction of a preparation device on a for a service function not preferred rack level visually and / or acoustically signaled. Cooking appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating function a specific question-answer dialogue between the user and the cooking appliance ( 1 ), and the automatic start of the question-and-answer dialog depends on the selection of the operational function. Cooking appliance according to claim 4, characterized that the question-and-answer dialog questions about form and / or dimensions one by the user for the subsequent preparation process includes provided preparation device. Cooking appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that through the bottom ( 6 ) the muffle ( 3 ) Another insertion level is defined. Cooking appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that the bottom ( 6 ) at least two preparation zones ( 25 . 26 ) on which preparation devices can be positioned, the preparation zones ( 25 . 26 ) are each individually heated. Cooking appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one preparation zone ( 25 . 26 ) an optical display element ( 25a . 26a ), which is functionally dependent on the display of the selection of this preparation zone ( 25 . 26 ) is designed for setting up a preparation device in a subsequent preparation process. Cooking appliance according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the floor ( 6 ) an optical display element ( 24 ) for displaying the soil ( 6 ) is assigned as a shelf level at a selected operating function. Cooking appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the display element ( 24 ) for displaying the rack level on a front side ( 13a ) of a flange ( 9 ) of the cooking space ( 2 ) limiting muffle ( 3 ) is arranged, in particular on a lower flange part ( 13 ) is arranged. Cooking appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all optical display elements ( 19 to 24 ) for displaying a rack level on front pages ( 10a . 11a . 12 , a, 13a ) of a flange ( 9 ) of the cooking space ( 2 ) limiting muffle ( 3 ) are arranged. Cooking appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control unit is provided, which for controlling a heating device of the cooking appliance ( 1 ) is formed, wherein at a specific operating function of the cooking appliance ( 1 ) at least two insertion levels can be assigned by a respective preparation device and the control of the heating device can be carried out depending on the number of preparation devices actually used. Cooking appliance with a muffle ( 3 ), which a cooking space ( 2 ) and which on side walls ( 4 . 5 ) Recordings ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) for preparation devices, the images ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) are arranged in pairs so that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation devices, and optical display elements ( 19 to 23 ) for displaying a shelf level on the muffle ( 3 ) adjacent to the respective assigned recordings ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) are arranged, characterized in that an operating function of the cooking appliance ( 1 ) is assigned a preferred rack level, which after selecting the operating function by lighting up the associated display elements ( 19 to 24 ), wherein the operating function is a specific question-answer dialogue between the user and the cooking appliance ( 1 ), and the automatic start of the question-and-answer dialog depends on the selection of the operational function. Method for operating a cooking appliance ( 1 ) with a muffle ( 3 ), which a cooking space ( 2 ) and which on side walls ( 4 . 5 ) Recordings ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) for preparation devices, the images ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) are arranged in pairs so that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation devices, and optical display elements ( 19 to 23 ) for displaying a shelf level on the muffle ( 3 ) adjacent to the respective assigned recordings ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ), characterized in that an operating function of the cooking appliance ( 1 ) is assigned a preferred rack level, which after selecting the operating function by lighting the associated display elements ( 19 to 24 ), wherein the operating function is a specific lighting device of the cooking chamber ( 2 ) is functionally assigned and the lighting device is activated depending on the selection of the operating function. Method for operating a cooking appliance ( 1 ) with a muffle ( 3 ), which a cooking space ( 2 ) and which on side walls ( 4 . 5 ) Recordings ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) for preparation devices, the images ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ) are arranged in pairs so that different insertion levels are formed for the preparation devices, and optical display elements ( 19 to 23 ) for displaying a shelf level on the muffle ( 3 ) adjacent to the respective assigned recordings ( 14a . 14b . 14c . 15 to 18 ), characterized in that an operating function of the cooking appliance ( 1 ) is assigned a preferred rack level, which after selecting the operating function by lighting the associated display elements ( 19 to 24 ), the operation function being a specific question-answer dialogue between the user and the cooking appliance ( 1 ), and depending on the selection of the operation function, the question-answer dialogue is performed.