Cooking Device with Grease Management System

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/573,083, filed on Apr. 2, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The present invention relates generally to the field of cooking appliances. More specifically, the present application relates to a cooking range with a flat cook surface and a removable grease container.

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an indoor cooking range. The indoor cooking range includes a main body having a plurality of walls, a control panel disposed on the main body, a flat cooking surface supported by the main body, one or more heating elements also supported by the main body, and a grease container. The flat cooking surface defines a drain opening configured to drain food byproduct from the flat cooking surface. At least one of the one or more heating elements is configured to heat the flat cooking surface. The grease container is positioned below the drain opening and is slidably removable from an opening in a front side of the main body.

In some embodiments, a front surface of the grease container is coplanar with a front surface of the main body when the grease container is inserted into the main body. In some embodiments, the indoor cooking range includes a locking mechanism associated with the grease container. The locking mechanism is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locked position is configured to maintain the grease container in a fixed position below the drain opening. In some embodiments, the control panel includes a selective input configured to move the locking mechanism between the unlocked position and the locked position. In some such embodiments, the indoor cooking range further includes a controller configured to disable at least one of the one or more heating elements when the locking mechanism is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. In some embodiments, the indoor cooking range further includes a level sensor associated with the grease container and positioned to measure a level of food byproduct disposed in the grease container. In some such embodiments, the indoor cooking range further includes a controller configured to disable at least one of the one or more heating elements when the level sensor measures a maximum level of the food byproduct disposed in the grease container. In some embodiments, the drain opening is positioned adjacent a front end of the flat cooking surface. In some embodiments, the indoor cooking range further includes a second cooking surface positioned along a side of the flat cooking surface and at least one of the one or more heating elements is configured to heat the second cooking surface. In some embodiments, the main body defines a baking chamber and at least one of the one or more heating elements is positioned to heat the baking chamber. In some embodiments, the grease container has a first rail projecting from a first side and a second rail projecting from a second side opposite the first side. The main body includes a first guide and a second guide, both disposed within the opening defined in the front side of the main body. The first guide defines a first groove configured to slidably receive the first rail and the second guide defines a second groove configured to slidably receive the second rail.

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance includes a cook surface defining an aperture therethrough, a heating element positioned to heat the cook surface, a front panel removable from a front side of the cooking appliance, and a container coupled to the front panel and positioned to collect food byproduct passed through the aperture.

In some embodiments, the front panel is coplanar with a portion of the front side of the cooking appliance when the container is inserted into the cooking appliance. In some embodiments, the cooking appliance further includes a latch configured to releasably retain the container within the cooking appliance. In some such embodiments, the cooking appliance further includes a controller configured to disable the element when the latch in an unlatched position. In some embodiments, the aperture is an elongated trough proximate a front end of the cook surface. In some embodiments, the cooking appliance further includes a second heating element positioned proximate a side of the cook surface. In some embodiments, the cooking appliance further includes a main body and a second heating element. The main body supports the cook surface thereon and defines an oven volume. The second heating element is disposed within the oven volume. In some embodiments, the cooking appliance further includes a sensor configured to output data indicative of a level of food byproduct in the container. In some such embodiments, the cooking appliance further includes a controller configured to receive data from the sensor indicative of the level of food byproduct in the container and to disable the heating element when the level of food byproduct in the container exceeds a threshold level.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Griddles, flattop grills, and similar flat cooking surfaces provide a convenient platform for preparing a variety of foods according to a variety of cooking methods. However, the accumulation of excess grease and other food byproduct on a flat cooking surface during food preparation may hinder the efficiency of the flat cooking surface and create various safety hazards. By way of example, excess food byproduct may ignite if brought in contact with or inadvertently introduced to a source of high heat (e.g., a burner, a heating element, etc.). By way of another example, excess food byproduct may create a hazard of slipping if introduced to a floor or other working surface around the flat cooking surface. These and other safety hazards are exacerbated when the flat cooking surface is used indoors.

Referring generally to the FIGURES, a cooking appliance (e.g., a stove top, a cooking range, a kitchen range, etc.) suitable for indoor use is provided. The cooking appliance includes a flat cooking surface and various food byproduct management features. An aperture (e.g., a drain, a grease drain, etc.) is defined in the flat cooking surface and configured to drain food byproduct from the flat cooking surface into a container (e.g., a grease container, trap, etc.) removably positioned below the aperture. The container may be conveniently removable from a front side of the cooking appliance so that food byproduct drained therein may be disposed of and the container replaced. In some embodiments, the cooking appliance includes a controller and various sensors to disable one or more of the cooking appliance's heating elements when the container is full or removed from the cooking appliance to mitigate the likelihood that food byproduct is inadvertently brought in contact with high heat or introduced to a working surface about the flat cooking surface. Accordingly, the cooking appliance disclosed herein provides enhanced management of food byproduct and greater convenience to a user of the cooking appliance.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in, a cooking appliance(e.g., a stove top, a cooking range, a kitchen range, an indoor cooking range, etc.) includes a cook surface, a heating element, and a container. The cook surfaceis a griddle or flattop grill having a substantially flat cooking surface on which food may be prepared. The cook surfacedefines an aperture(e.g., a drain, a drain opening, a grease drain, etc.) therethrough. The apertureprovides a passage through which food byproduct (e.g., grease, oils, drippings, juices, food scraps, etc.) produced during the preparation of food on the cook surfacemay drain or be removed from the cook surface.

The heating elementis a component positioned to heat the cook surface. In some embodiments, and as shown in, the heating elementis a burner that burns a gas (e.g., natural gas, propane, etc.) to produce heat. In some such embodiments, the cooking applianceincludes a valve or valve assembly to controllably meter a flow of gas to the heating elementand an igniter to initiate the combustion of gas provided to the heating element. In other embodiments, and as shown in, the heating elementis an electric heating element configured to convert electrical energy into heat. In some such embodiments, the cooking applianceincludes one or more electrical or electronic components to controllably adjust an amount (e.g., a current) of electricity provided to the heating element. The heating elementis positioned to heat the cook surface. The heating elementmay be positioned below a bottom of the cook surfaceso that heat produced by the heating elementis imparted to the cook surface. In some embodiments, the heating elementis positioned in direct physical contact with the bottom of the cook surface. In some embodiments, the heating elementis integral to the cook surface such that the heating elementis partially or wholly encompassed by the cook surface.

The containeris a vessel configured and positioned within the cooking applianceto collect food byproduct that is passed through the aperturedefined by the cook surface. The containeris slidably removable from the cooking applianceso that food byproduct received therein may be disposed of. The cooking appliancedefines an opening(e.g., a cavity, a compartment, etc.) into which the container may be inserted into and removed from. In some embodiments, the openingis defined in a front of the cooking appliance. In other embodiments, the openingis defined in a side of the cooking appliance. The openingis positioned in the cooking appliance such that the containeris below the aperturedefined by the cook surfacewhen the containeris inserted into the opening. In some embodiments, the cooking applianceincludes a sensor (e.g., a level sensor, a volume sensor, a weight sensor, etc.) associated with the containerand configured to measure a level of food byproduct disposed within the container. The sensor may be configured to output a data signal indicative of the level of food byproduct disposed within the container. In some embodiments, the sensor is operatively coupled to a controller configured to take remedial action on a determination that the level of food byproduct within the containerexceeds a threshold or is at a maximum level.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cooking applianceincludes a second cook surfaceand a second heating element. The second cook surfaceprovides a cooking surface on which cookware (e.g., pots, pans, dishes, etc.) may be placed to prepare food therein or thereon. The second heating elementis a component positioned to heat the second cook surface, or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the cooking appliancealso includes a third heating elementpositioned to heat a portion of the second cook surfacesuch that a first portion of the second cook surfaceis heated by the second heating elementand a second portion of the second cook surfaceis heated by the third heating element. In some embodiments, and as shown in, the second cook surfaceis defined by a grate and the second heating elementand/or the third heating elementare gas burners. In other embodiments, and as shown in, the second cook surfaceis defined by a ceramic or glass cook top and the second heating elementand/or the third heating elementare electric heating elements. The second heating elementand/or the third heating elementmay be positioned below a bottom of the second cook surfaceso that heat produced by the second heating elementand/or the third heating elementis imparted to the second cook surface. The second heating elementand/or the third heating elementmay be positioned in direct contact with the second cook surface. The second cook surfacemay be positioned adjacent the cook surface(e.g., along a side of the cook surface).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cooking appliancefurther includes a main body. The main bodyis a component, or combination of components, configured to support various other components of the cooking appliance(e.g., the cook surface, the second cook surface, the heating element, the second heating element, the third heating element, etc.). The main bodymay include one or more walls that define a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a rear side extending perpendicularly between the first side and the second side. The cooking appliancemay include a doorhingedly coupled to the main bodyand movable between an opened position and a closed position. As shown in, the main bodyand the doordefine a volume(e.g., an oven volume, an oven chamber, a cooking volume, etc.) in which food may be prepared (e.g., baked, broiled, roasted, toasted, etc.). When the dooris in the opened position, the volumemay be accessed to insert food therein or remove food therefrom. The cooking appliancemay further include a fourth heating clementdisposed within the volumeto heat the volume. In some embodiments, the fourth heating elementis a gas burner. In other embodiments, the fourth heating clementis an electric heating element. The main bodymay be configured to receive one or more oven or baking racks on which food may be supported within the volumeas it is prepared. The cooking appliancemay include a fandisposed within the volumeto circulate air therein during food preparation.

Referring again to, the cooking applianceincludes a control panel, in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The control panel includes one or more user input devices (e.g., knobs, buttons, switches, etc.) to control various components of the cooking appliance. For example, the control panelmay include user input devices to control the heat produced by each of the heating elements (e.g., the heating element, the second heating element, the third heating element, the fourth heating element). The control panelmay be disposed on the main bodyof the cooking appliance. For example, the control panelmay be disposed on a front side of the main bodyso that the control panelmay be easily accessed and manipulated during food preparation. The cooking appliancemay further include a display. The displayis configured to display operating characteristics of the cooking appliance. For example, the displaymay display a current setting or temperature of the heating elements (e.g., the heating element, the second heating element, the third heating element, the fourth heating element). In some embodiments, the displayis a touchscreen display. In such embodiments, the displaymay be configured to receive user inputs to control the temperature of each of the heating elements (e.g., the heating element, the second heating element, the third heating element, the fourth heating element). As shown in, the displaymay be disposed on a portion of the main bodyextending upright and behind the cook surfaceand/or the second cook surface. In other embodiments, the displaymay be positioned proximate, or constitute a part of, the control panel.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in, the containerincludes or is coupled with a front panel. The front panelmay be a panel coupled to a front side of the container(e.g., a side of the containerfacing a user of the cooking appliancewhen the containeris inserted into the openingdefined in the cooking appliance). Alternatively, the front panelmay be integral to the front side of the container. The front panelmay define a handle portionby which the front panelcan be manipulated to slidably remove the containerfrom, or slidably insert the containerinto, the openingdefined in the cooking appliance.

In some embodiments, the cooking applianceincludes a rail and guide system to facilitate and guide the insertion of the containerinto, and the removal of the containerfrom, the openingdefined in the cooking appliance. The rail and guide system includes a first rail, a second rail, a first guide, and a second guide (not shown). The first railprojects from a first side of the containerand the second rail projects from a second side of the containeropposite the first side of the container. The first railextends longitudinally along a length of the first side of the container(e.g., parallel an axis extending between the front panelof the container and a side of the containeropposite the front panel). The second rail extends longitudinally along a length of the second side of the container(e.g., parallel an axis extending between the front panelof the container and a side of the containeropposite the front panel). In some embodiments, the first railand the second railmay be components coupled to the first side of the containerand the second side of the container, respectively. In other embodiments, the first railand the second railare formed integrally to the container. For example, the first railand the second railmay be lips bent from the container.

The first guideand the second guide are disposed opposite one another within the openingdefined in the cooking applianceand extend longitudinally along a depth of the opening(e.g., parallel an axis extending between a front of the cooking applianceand a rear of the cooking appliance). The first guideand the second guide may be components coupled to surfaces within the opening. Alternatively, the first guideand the second guide may be formed integrally to another component of the cooking appliance(e.g., the main body, the control panel, etc.). The first guidedefines a grooveconfigured and positioned to slidably receive the first railand the second guide defines a second groove (not shown) configured and positioned to slidably receive the second rail. The first guideand the second guide are positioned within the openingto support the containerin a position below the aperturedefined by the cook surfacewhen the containeris inserted into the opening.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in, the openingdefined in the cooking applianceis defined in the front side of the cooking appliance. In some such embodiments, the front panelof the containeris substantially coplanar with a portion of the front side of the cooking applianceproximate the openingwhen the containeris inserted into the opening(e.g., a front surface of the front paneland a front surface of the portion of the front side of the cooking applianceproximate the openinglie on the same plane). In some embodiments, the openingdefined in the cooking applianceis adjacent to the control panel. In some such embodiments, the front panelof the containeris substantially coplanar with the control panelwhen the containeris inserted into the opening. In some embodiments, the openingdefined in the cooking applianceis defined by the control panel. In some such embodiments, the front panelof the containeris substantially coplanar with a portion of the control panelproximate the openingwhen the containeris inserted into the opening.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in, the cooking applianceincludes a locking mechanism(e.g., a latch, a sliding latch, a lock, a catch, etc.) associated with the container. The locking mechanismis movable between a locked position (e.g., a latched position) and an unlocked position (e.g., an unlatched position). The locking mechanismis configured to releasably retain the containerwithin the openingdefined in the cooking appliance. When the locking mechanismis in the locked position, the locking mechanismmaintains the containerin a fixed position below the aperturedefined by the cook surface. When the locking mechanismis in the unlocked position, the containermay be manually removed from the position below the aperturedefined by the cook surfaceso that the containermay be emptied of food byproduct and replaced.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanismis a sliding lock mounted to one of the containeror the main bodyof the cooking applianceand having a bolt that, when the locking mechanismis in the locked position, engages the other of the containeror the main bodyof the cooking applianceto maintain the containerin a fixed position within the cooking applianceand below the aperturedefined by the cook surface. In some embodiments, the locking mechanismis manually operable (e.g., moved between the locked position and the unlocked position by a user of the cooking appliance). In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes an electric actuator (e.g., an electric motor, an electric solenoid, an electric linear actuator, etc.) to selectively operate the locking mechanism(e.g., to move the locking mechanismbetween the locked position and the unlocked position). In some such embodiments, the locking mechanismis operably coupled with a controller so that the locking mechanismmay be moved between the locked position and the unlocked position according to a method implemented by the controller. In some embodiments, the locking mechanismincludes a sensor configured to output data indicative of the position of the locking mechanism(e.g., data indicative of whether the locking mechanismis in the locked position or the unlocked position). In some embodiments, the control panelincludes a selective user input configured to move the locking mechanismbetween the unlocked position and the locked position. In some embodiments, the displayis configured to receive a user input to move the locking mechanismbetween the locked position and the unlocked position.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in, the cook surfacehas an upper surfaceand a lower surfaceopposite the upper surface. Heat applied to the lower surface(e.g., by the heating element) is conducted through the cook surfaceto the upper surface, where it may be imparted to food placed thereon for preparation. The upper surfaceis substantially flat (e.g., planar) so that food placed on the upper surfaceis evenly heated.

The cook surfacemay include or be coupled to a splash guard. The splash guardprovides a barrier to mitigate the introduction of food byproduct (e.g., grease, oil, drippings) to other components of the cooking appliance(e.g., the second heating element, the third heating element, the second cook surface, etc.) where it may create a hazard. The splash guardmay extend upward from the cook surfaceat an angle substantially perpendicular to the upper surfaceof the cook surface. In some embodiments, the splash guardextends entirely around a perimeter of the cook surface. In other embodiments, the splash guardextends around only a portion of the cook surface(e.g., a portion of the cook surfaceproximate the second cook surface).

The cook surface may include or be coupled to a support flange. The support flangemay be configured to rest on a portion of the main bodyor another component of the cooking applianceto removably support the cook surfacethereon. The support flangemay be configured to be received into a recess formed in the main bodyto guide the placement of the cook surfaceon, and removal of the cook surfacefrom, the cooking appliance. The support flangemay extend outward from the cook surfaceat an angle substantially parallel to the upper surfaceof the cook surface. The support flangemay extend from an upper edge of the splash guardat an angle substantially perpendicular to the splash guard. In some embodiments, the support flangeextends entirely around a perimeter of the cook surface. In other embodiments, the support flangeextends around only a portion of the cook surface.

In some embodiments, the aperturedefined through the cook surfaceis adjacent a front of the cook surface(e.g., the apertureis defined in a portion of the cook surfaceproximate a front side of the cooking appliance). The aperturemay be an elongated aperture (e.g., an aperture having a length in a first direction that is greater than a length in a second direction perpendicular the first direction). The aperture may extend longitudinally in a direction parallel the front of the cook surface. In some embodiments, the aperturemay be a trough extending through the cook surface. In some such embodiments, the trough extends parallel a front of the cook surface. The upper surfaceof the cook surfacemay slope towards the apertureto promote the flow of food byproduct from the cook surfacetoward the aperture. In some embodiments, a portion of the upper surfaceproximate the apertureis contoured to promote the flow of food byproduct from the cook surfacetoward the aperture. In some embodiments, the lower surfaceof the cook surfaceincludes a lip or a projection extending around the apertureto further promote the flow of food byproduct through the aperture and into the containerpositioned below the aperture.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in, the cooking applianceis configured as an indoor cooking range(e.g., a cooking applianceincluding one or more ovens and a stove top in a stand-alone type cooking device). It should be noted that any of the features or aspects of the embodiments described above in relation to, may be included in the embodiments described hereinafter in relation to. The indoor cooking rangemay be designed to be employed indoors and may also be referenced as a cooking device. In one embodiment, the indoor cooking rangemay be a counter-top range insert type cooking device. The one or more ovens may include an upper ovenand a lower oven, for example. Such upper ovenmay be smaller in size than the lower oven. In some embodiments, the upper ovenmay be sized and configured with a cooking surface (not shown) that may rotate. In any of the above noted embodiments, the indoor cooking rangemay include a stove topconfigured to manage food byproduct generated from cooking food on a griddlepositioned on the stove top. The stove topmay also include a grease containerpositioned below the griddlethat may include one or more safety features to assist in safely managing food byproduct, such as grease.

The stove topof the indoor cooking rangemay include a main bodywith the griddlepositioned on the main body. The main bodymay include wallsextending to define a rear side, a front side, a left side, a right side, a lower sideand an upper side. One of the wallsmay include a panelwith control knobsand a displayassociated therewith. The main bodymay be configured to support one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elementsmay each be associated with a corresponding one of the control knobs. The one or more heating elementsmay be gas type flame burnerssized and configured to be employed to burn natural gas or propane gas. In another embodiment, the one or more heating elementsmay be electric or induction type heating elements.

With reference to, the griddlemay be formed from cast or wrought iron, aluminum or carbon steel, or any other material or combination of materials, such as a composite or layered metallic material, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. The griddlemay be configured to be positioned along the upper sideof the main body. The griddlemay extend to define a flat cooking surfaceand an underside surface. The flat cooking surfacemay extend between a rear endand a front endas well as a left endand a right end. The griddlemay include a splash guardextending upward from the cooking surfacealong each of the rear endand the front endas well as the left endand the right endof the cooking surface. The griddlemay define a drain openingtherein. In one embodiment, the drain openingmay be defined in the cooking surface. In another embodiment, the drain openingmay be defined in the splash guardand/or the cooking surfaceof the griddle. The drain openingmay be configured to drain food byproduct toward the grease container.

Now referring to, the grease containermay be slidably removable from the front sideof the main bodyand from a position below the griddle. Further, the grease containermay be placed within a locked position and an unlocked position. In one embodiment, the grease containermay be associated with a sensorand a locking mechanism, the locking mechanismconfigured to move between a locked state and an un-locked state. Such locking mechanismmay include a leverpositioned adjacent the grease container, the levermovable to unlock the grease container, as shown by arrow. In the locked state, the locking mechanismmay be configured to maintain the grease containerat the position below the griddleso that the grease containeris in the locked position. The grease containermay be in the locked position while using the stove topand the griddle. Upon a user desiring to empty the grease container, the user would need to take a positive one or two steps in order to unlock the grease containerso that the grease containermay be slidably removed from the stove top. Such one or two steps may be two separate buttons on the displayand/or panelof the main body, and/or pulling the leveradjacent a front side of the grease container. Further, the sensormay be sized and configured to sense any given level or certain pre-determined levels of the food byproduct or when the grease containeris at a pre-determined maximum level or full level of the food byproduct.

Upon the sensorsensing grease at a pre-determined level within the grease container, the stove topof the indoor cooking rangemay be shut down such that the one or more heating elementsof the stove topmay automatically be turned off or disabled. The user would then need to implement the one or two positive steps for unlocking the grease containerfrom the stove topso that the grease containercan be emptied. The user may then re-insert the grease containerwithin the stove topand below the griddleso that the sensorcan sense the updated status of the grease containerand allow the one or more heating elementsto be useable or removed from the disabled state. The sensormay also sense when the food byproduct is getting close to the pre-determined level so that a user may empty the grease containerwithout the stove topgoing through a lock-out or disabled procedure. With this arrangement, grease or other food byproduct generated through cooking on the griddlemay be effectively managed so that the grease may be safely discarded from the grease containeras well as minimize the potential of the grease containerbeing unintentionally removed by a child, for example.

As previously set forth, upon the sensorsensing a maximum level of the food byproduct disposed in the grease container, the one or more heating elementsmay be turned-off or disabled. At such a stage, the locking mechanismof the indoor cooking rangemay need to be moved to the un-locked position. Such un-locked position may be implemented by a user by taking one or two positive steps on the displayor control panel. For example, there may be one or more buttons on the control panelthat should be activated or depressed and/or one or more displayactions to be implemented on the control panel. Further, upon moving the locking mechanismfrom the locked position to the unlocked position, the one or more heating elementsmay be automatically turned-off or disabled so as to minimize the potential of accidentally igniting grease in the grease containeror to minimize the potential of accidentally igniting grease that may spill from the grease container while the grease container is being removed.

With reference again to, as previously set forth, the griddlemay include a drain openingdefined therein. In one embodiment, the drain openingmay be positioned adjacent one of the left endand the right endof the flat cooking surface. In another embodiment, the drain openingmay be positioned adjacent one of the front endand the rear endof the flat cooking surface. The drain openingmay include a slopeextending from the flat cooking surfaceto drain grease toward the drain opening. The drain openingmay be an elongated shaped opening. In another embodiment, the drain openingmay be a circular shaped opening. In another embodiment, the drain openingmay be surrounded by the slope. In another embodiment, the slopemay extend toward the drain openingalong one side of the drain opening. With reference to, in still another embodiment, the drain openingmay include a removable catch. Such removable catchmay be sized and configured to be placed in the drain openingso as to be partially suspended below the drain opening. The removable catchmay include small openings sized to allow grease to drain therethrough, but to prevent larger pieces of debris to be held up in the catch.

As previously set forth, the griddle may include the splash guard. Such splash guardmay extend substantially perpendicular relative to the flat cooking surface. In another embodiment, the splash guardmay be upstanding from the cooking surfaceso as to extend upward and outward so that the splash guardextends at an angle other than perpendicular. In another embodiment, the splash guardalong the front endof the cooking surfaceextends at an outward angle so as to extend forward and upward from the cooking surface. In another embodiment, the splash guardextends upward from each of the left end, right end, front endand rear endat a heightsubstantially similar to each other. In another embodiment, the splash guardadjacent the front endmay be larger than the splash guardadjacent the rear endof the flat cooking surface. In this arrangement, a top edgeof the splash guardmay appear consistent in height relative to an upper surface() of the indoor cooking rangeor surfaces adjacent the stove top. Further, in this arrangement, the flat cooking surfacemay be slightly sloped forward so that food byproduct may flow toward the front endof the griddleso that a user may readily push the food byproduct toward the drain openingwhile cooking on the griddle. In another embodiment, the heightof the splash guardmay be at least about 1.5 inches. In another embodiment, the heightof the splash guardmay be at least about two inches. In another embodiment, the heightof the splash guardmay be at least about 1.9 inches. In another embodiment, the heightof the splash guardmay be at least about 1.5 inches along each of the rear, front, left and right ends,,,of the flat cooking surface. In another embodiment, the heightof the splash guardmay be in the range of about 1.5 inches and about 3.0 inches. In another embodiment, the heightof the splash guardmay extend upward from the flat cooking surfacealong the front endat least about two inches.

As previously set forth, the griddleincludes an underside surface. Such underside surfaceof the griddlemay include a barrierextending therefrom. The barriermay be sized and configured to extend a barrier heightso as to block the grease containerfrom the one or more heating elements. In this manner, the barriermay act as a safety feature to minimize the ability of heat or a flame to ignite grease or food byproduct disposed in the grease container. Such barriermay be implemented in any of the above-noted embodiments of the one or more heating elementsbeing any one of a gas flame burner(), an electrical heating element, and an induction heating element.

With reference to, the main bodyor stove topmay be sized and configured to support burner grates. Such burner gratesmay be positioned along one side of the griddle. Further, the stove topmay include air flow ducting. Such air flow ductingmay be employed to provide air flow below the griddleso that oxygen may be fed to gas flame burners, for example. In another embodiment, the air flow ductingmay be employed for funneling heat from below the griddleto exterior of the indoor cooking range. Further, as previously set forth, the main bodyof the indoor cooking rangemay include one or more baking chambers, such as the upper and lower ovens,. In one embodiment, one of the baking chambers may include a rotating cooking surface. Such rotating cooking surface may be employed for cooking pizza, for example. In another embodiment, the indoor cooking rangemay include a removable coverpositionable over the griddle.

With reference to, the indoor cooking rangemay include a display, as previously set forth. The displaymay be configured to include digital and analog functions. One of the analog functions may visually facilitate a determination of a level of heating with the one or more heating elements() by the visual representation of horizontally extending stacked spaces to indicate variations of low heat, medium heat and high heat, as depicted in. As such, a user may turn one of the burner knobsto a given level, which may be represented visually by filled-in horizontally extending stacked spacesthat corresponds to the level of the turned burner knob. In this manner, the user may readily recognize the level of heat that the burner knobmay be turned or the level that the burnerhas been activated.

Furthermore, with reference to, the displaymay include color indicators associated with a status of the grease containeror grease trap. For example, upon the grease containerbeing full at a maximum level, as sensed by the sensor, as previously set forth, the grease container indicatormay visually show a red color, for example. In one embodiment, upon the grease containerbeing full as sensed by the sensor, the burnersmay automatically be disabled or turned-off. In another embodiment, upon the grease containerbeing empty as sensed by the sensor, the grease container indicatormay visually show a green color so that a user can readily recognize the grease containeris empty or in a state with a minimal grease level. In another embodiment, upon the grease containerbeing partially full or close to being to the maximum level as sensed by the sensor, the grease container indicatormay visually show an orange color so that a user can readily recognize the grease containermay be getting close to needing to be emptied. In this manner, the displaymay include visual indicators for a user to readily recognize a status of grease in the grease containeras well as a level of heat of a given burner, visually represented with the horizontally filled stacked spaces. Further, such visual indicators provided in the displaymay also be associated with actual temperatures or desired temperatures or a combination of both. The actual temperatures may be obtained with one or more temperature sensors() positioned in or adjacent the griddle.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, and as shown in, the cooking applianceincludes a controllerto controllably operate various features of the cooking appliance. The controllerincludes one or more processorsoperatively connected and configured to execute instructions stored on a memory. The one or more processorscan be implemented as general-purpose processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components.

The memory(e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers, and modules described in the present application. The memorycan be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memorycan include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present application. According to some embodiments, the memoryis communicably connected to the one or more processorsand includes computer code for executing one or more processes described herein.

In some embodiments, the controlleris configured to receive a signal from a level sensor(e.g., an optical sensor, a float sensor, a weight sensor) associated with the container. The level sensoris configured to measure, and output a data signal indicative of, a level or an amount of food byproduct disposed within the container. The controllermay also be configured to receive signals from a control panel(e.g., control panel) including one or more user input devices (e.g., knobs, buttons, switches, etc.). The controllermay also be configured to receive signals from a display(e.g., display) implemented as a touchscreen display. The controllermay be configured to receive a signal from a temperature sensor(e.g., a thermistor, a thermocouple, an RTD, etc.). The temperature sensormay be associated with a cooking surface of the cooking appliance(e.g., the cook surfaceor the second cook surface). The temperature sensoris configured to output a data signal indicative of the temperature of the cook surface with which the temperature sensoris associated. In some embodiments, the temperature sensoris positioned proximate the cook surface (e.g., beneath the cook surface, in contact with the cook surface, etc.) so that the temperature sensoroutputs a data signal indicative of the temperature of the cook surface.

In some embodiments, the controlleris configured to receive user inputs by means of an application operating on a network connected device (e.g., a cell phone, smart phone, computer, laptop, etc.). In such embodiments, the controllerincludes a network component. The network component may include one or more wireless communication devices (e.g., a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi radio) configured to enable the controller to send and receive data (e.g., user inputs) from the network connected device. In some embodiments, the controllercommunicates directly with the network connected device. In other embodiments, the controller communicates with the network connected device through an internet or cloud-based service.

The controllermay additionally be configured to control one or more heating elements(e.g., by enabling, disabling, or varying a flow of gas or electrical current to the one or more heating elements). The controllermay include or be operatively coupled with one or more control components (e.g., relays, contactors, electrically controllable valves, etc.) to control the one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elementsmay include the heating element, the second heating element, the third heating element, and/or the fourth heating element. In some embodiments, the controlleris configured to actuate a locking mechanism (e.g., locking mechanism) between a locked position and an unlocked position. The controllermay include one or more control component (e.g., relays, contactors, switching devices, motor controllers, etc.) to actuate the locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the controlleris configured to actuate the locking mechanismbased on an input received from either the control panelor the display.

In some embodiments, the controlleris configured to implement a method of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementswhen a level of food byproduct within the containerexceeds a threshold or is at a maximum level. The method includes the step of receiving a data signal from the level sensorindicative of the level of food byproduct presently within the container. The method also includes determining whether the level of food byproduct within the containerexceeds a threshold or is at a maximum level based on the data signal received from the level sensor. The method also includes disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementsbased on the determination that the level of food byproduct within the containerexceeds a threshold or is at a maximum level.

In some embodiments, the step of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementsbased on the determination that the level of food byproduct within the containerexceeds a threshold or is at a maximum level includes disabling all of the one or more heating elements. In other embodiments, the step of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementsbased on the determination that the level of food byproduct within the containerexceeds a threshold or is at a maximum level includes disabling less than all of the one or more heating elements. For example, the controllermay be configured to disable only the heating element configured to heat the cook surface(e.g., the heating element). By way of another example, the controllermay be configured to disable the heating elements configured to heat the cook surfaceand the second cook surface(e.g., the heating element, the second heating element, and/or the third heating clement).

The method of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementswhen a level of food byproduct within the containerexceeds a threshold or is at a maximum level may also include moving the locking mechanismto the unlocked position after the one or more of the one or more heating elementshave been disabled. The method of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementswhen a level of food byproduct within the containerexceeds a threshold or is at a maximum level may also include outputting to the displayan indicator that the containerexceeds a threshold or is at a maximum level upon such a determination.

In some embodiments, the controlleris configured to implement a method of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementswhen the containeris removed from the cooking appliance. The method includes the step of receiving a user input indicative of a desire to remove the containerfrom the cooking appliance. In some embodiments, the step of receiving a user input indicative of a desire to remove the containerfrom the cooking applianceincludes receiving an input from one of the control panelor the display. In some embodiments, the step of receiving a user input indicative of a desire to remove the containerfrom the cooking applianceincludes receiving a signal from one of a presence sensor configured to output a data signal indicative of a presence of the containeror a position sensor configured to output a data signal indicative of the position of the locking mechanism(e.g., a signal that indicates whether the locking mechanismis in the locked position or the unlocked position). The method also includes disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementsupon receipt of a user input indicative of a desire to remove the containerfrom the cooking appliance.

In some embodiments, the step of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementsupon receipt of a user input indicative of a desire to remove the containerfrom the cooking applianceincludes disabling all of the one or more heating elements. In other embodiments, the step of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementsupon receipt of a user input indicative of a desire to remove the containerfrom the cooking applianceincludes disabling less than all of the one or more heating elements. For example, the controllermay be configured to disable only the heating element configured to heat the cook surface(e.g., the heating element). By way of another example, the controllermay be configured to disable the heating elements configured to heat the cook surfaceand the second cook surface(e.g., the heating element, the second heating element, and/or the third heating element).

The method of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementswhen the containeris removed from the cooking appliancemay further include moving the locking mechanismto the unlocked position upon receipt of a user input indicative of a desire to remove the containerfrom the cooking appliance. The method of disabling one or more of the one or more heating elementswhen the containeris removed from the cooking appliancemay further include outputting to the displayan indicator that one or more of the one or more heating elementshas been disabled.

In some embodiments, the controlleris configured to implement a method of moving the locking mechanismto the locked position when a temperature of a cook surface (e.g., cook surface) exceeds a threshold temperature. The method includes the step of receiving a data signal from the temperature sensorindicative of the temperature of the cook surface. The method also includes the step of determining whether the temperature of the cook surface exceeds the threshold temperature based on the data signal from the temperature sensor. The method also includes the step of moving the locking mechanismto the locked position upon a determination that the temperature of the cook surface exceeds the threshold temperature so that the containercannot be removed while the temperature of the cook surface exceeds the threshold temperature.