IES930777A2

IES930777A2 - Microwave browning dish

Info

Publication number: IES930777A2
Authority: IE
Inventors: James Connolly
Original assignee: James Connolly
Priority date: 1993-10-14
Filing date: 1993-10-14
Publication date: 1994-03-09
Also published as: IES59575B2

Abstract

The Browning dish is a product which gives food cooked in a microwave oven the seared appearance of conventionally cooked food. It consists of a hot-plate which sits in a plastic tray. This plate heats under the influence of microwave energy to a temperature of 230°C which is the temperature required to sear the food in the short cooking times normal in a microwave oven. The product is manufactured from a non-stick coated aluminium plate, to which a ferrite-filled silicone compound is applied. Four virgin silicone feet are attached to the underside ofthe plate. This then sits into a tray moulded from a custom-developed high-temperature polymer which has a high dielectric constant and a low dissipation factor The combination ofthe hightemperature properties coupled with these characteristics, the insulating feet and air gap design (to permit air circulation) allow the skillet to reach the high temperatures necessary for browning without damaging the containing tray, and permits the user to handle the dish without oven gloves.

Description

Description The product is a dish designed to brown food in a microwave oven. It consists of a hot-plate (or skillet) contained by a plastic tray. Microwave energy is a popular method for cooking and reheating food, but does not brown food as it cooks. To be effective, a browning dish needs to achieve temperatures in excess of 230°C. Before use, the dish is pre-heated for five minutes in a microwave oven (this varies due to the power of the oven ). Food is then placed upon the hotplate of the dish, and is returned to the microwave oven to cook. The hot-plate will then brown the food as it cooks.

It consists of a PTFE coated aluminium plate which is coated one side with a microwave susceptible material. This plate sits in a retaining tray made from a specially formulated high temperature plastic which insulates the microwave oven from the radiant energy of the browning plate whilst serving the function of collecting the fats and juices expelled by the food during cooking. The plate utilises special inert silicone feet to insulate the tray from direct contact with the high temperature aluminium. A 10mm air gap is maintained between the plate and the retaining tray to allow adequate air flow which cools the tray.

Claims

1. The use of a complete containing tray, without holes, will prevent damage to the glass base plate or turntable of the oven whilst collecting the fats and juices from food as it cooks.

2. A plastic tray, raising the skillet, should be used to ensure microwave access to the underside of the skillet. This tray should withstand short term exposure to 235°C.

3. That a high heat conductive material coated one side with P.T.F.E. ensures efficient browning whilst providing a non-stick surface for easy food release

4. That a suitable ferritic material bound by a heat stabilised silicone rubber is used to efficiently convert the microwave energy to heat. This material should have a curie temperature between 300 and 55O°C and is bonded to the underside of the tray with a silicone rubber.

5. That an air gap of at least 10mm is maintained between the browning plate and the plastic tray, ensuring air circulation to protect the tray and allow adequate microwave access to the microwave active material.