Patent Publication Number: US-2019195505-A1

Title: Cooking range

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/610,644 filed on Dec. 27, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to the field of cooking and more specifically to a cooking range. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditionally, a cooking range includes two or more heat sources (e.g., gas burners) positioned adjacent to each other. These heat sources may be utilized to cook food on the cooking range. Such traditional cooking ranges, however, may be deficient. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first example, a cooking range comprises: a frame having an upper rim surrounding an upper opening of a cavity; a pan coupled to the frame, the pan extending downward into the upper opening of the cavity, the pan having an upper level and a lower level, the lower level being positioned vertically lower than the upper level, the pan further having one or more upward extending ridges that separate the upper level from the lower level, wherein the top-most portion of each of the ridges is positioned vertically higher than the upper level; and a plurality of heat sources, wherein a first heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the lower level, wherein a second heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level, wherein a third heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level, wherein a fourth heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level, wherein the first heat source is positioned vertically lower than each of the second, third, and fourth heat sources, wherein the first heat source is configured to provide a higher maximum thermal output than each of the second, third, and fourth heat sources, wherein the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about 26,000 British thermal units (BTUs), and wherein the maximum thermal output of each of the second, third, and fourth heat sources is at least about 18,000 BTUs. 
     In a second example, a cooking range comprises a frame having an upper rim surrounding an upper opening of a cavity; a pan coupled to the frame, the pan extending downward into the upper opening of the cavity, the pan having an upper level and a lower level, the lower level being positioned vertically lower than the upper level; and a plurality of heat sources, wherein a first heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the lower level, wherein a second heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level, wherein the first heat source is positioned vertically lower than the second heat source, wherein the first heat source is configured to provide a higher maximum thermal output than the second heat source. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the first and second heat sources are gas burners; and gas outlet orifices of the first heat source are positioned vertically lower than gas outlet orifices of the second heat source. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the upper level comprises two upper level portions; and the two upper level portions are positioned on opposing sides of the lower level. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the upper level surrounds the lower level. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the pan further comprises one or more upward extending ridges that separate the upper level from the lower level, wherein the top-most portion of each of the ridges is positioned vertically higher than the upper level. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about 30,000 British thermal units (BTUs). 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about 28,000 British thermal units (BTUs). 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about 26,000 British thermal units (BTUs). 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of the second heat source is at least about 18,000 British thermal units (BTUs). 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is greater than the maximum thermal output of the second heat source by at least about 5,000 British thermal units (BTUs)-7,000 BTUs. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein at least two additional heat sources of the plurality of heat sources are positioned within the upper level; and the first heat source is further configured to provide a higher maximum thermal output than each of the at least two additional heat sources. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the second heat source and the at least two additional heat sources surround the first heat source. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the top-most portion of the first heat source is positioned vertically lower than the upper level. 
     In a third example, a cooking range pan comprises an upper flange configured to be coupled to a frame of a cooking range; an upper level coupled to the upper flange and comprising one or more heat source holes that extend through a depth of the upper level; and a lower level coupled to the upper level and comprising one or more additional heat source holes that extend through a depth of the lower level, wherein the lower level is positioned vertically lower than the upper level, wherein each of the heat source holes and the additional heat source holes are configured to surround a portion of a respective heat source of the cooking range. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein the upper level comprises two upper level portions; and the two upper level portions are positioned on opposing sides of the lower level. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein the upper level surrounds the lower level. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein the pan further comprises one or more upward extending ridges that separate the upper level from the lower level, wherein the top-most portion of each of the ridges is positioned vertically higher than the upper level. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein the one or more additional heat source holes of the lower level comprises a single additional heat source hole. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range pan, wherein the one or more heat source holes of the upper level comprise at least three heat source holes that surround the one or more additional heat source holes of the lower level. 
     In a fourth example, a cooking range comprises: a frame; a cooking vessel support grate coupled to the frame to provide an upper surface to support a plurality of cooking vessels; a pan coupled to one of the cooking vessel support grate and the frame to have an upper surface disposed below the cooking vessel support grate and projected laterally under the area of the cooking vessel support grate, the pan comprising: an upper level comprising one or more heat source holes that extend through a depth of the upper level; and a lower level coupled to the upper level and comprising one or more additional heat source holes that extend through a depth of the lower level, wherein the lower level is positioned vertically lower than the upper level, wherein each of the heat source holes and the additional heat source holes are configured to accommodate a conduit to a respective heat source of the cooking range; a plurality of heat sources, each heat source having a burner with a plurality of orifices for providing a flame, wherein a first heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the lower level, wherein a second heat source of the plurality of heat sources is positioned within the upper level; a source of fuel in fluid communication with each of the burners of the respective heat sources via the associated conduit thereof, in which each of the burners is configured with a control of the fuel to the heat source to provide a flame having a maximum upper height when the control is providing a maximum quantity of fuel to each burner to provide a maximum thermal output of the burner; and wherein the first heat source is configured to provide a higher maximum thermal output than the second heat source. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the first heat source is configured to have at least one of the orifices of the burner and the flame maximum upper height disposed more distal from the upper surface of the cooking vessel support grate than a corresponding one of the orifices of the burner and flame maximum upper height of the second heat source is distal from the upper surface of the food support grate. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about 25,000 British thermal units (BTUs). 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of the second heat source is at least about 18,000 British thermal units (BTUs), and wherein the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is greater than the maximum thermal output of the second heat source by at least about 5,000 BTUs. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of the second heat source is at least about 18,000 British thermal units (BTUs) and the first heat source has a maximum thermal output of 5,000 BTU more than the second heat source. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, further comprising a third, a fourth, and a fifth heat source of the plurality of heat sources, wherein each of the second, third, fourth, and fifth heat sources surround the first heat source. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the third, fourth, and fifth heat sources are each positioned within the upper level. 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of at least one of the third and fourth heat sources is at least about 18,000 British thermal units (BTUs). 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of each of the third and fourth heat sources is at least about 18,000 British thermal units (BTUs). 
     Another example includes any such cooking range, wherein the maximum thermal output of each of the second, third, and fourth heat sources is at least about 23,000 British thermal units (BTUs), and the maximum thermal output of the first heat source is at least about 30,000 BTUs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view illustration of an example cooking range having an example pan, where components of the cooking range are shown partially in a section view; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a kitchen appliance having the example cooking range and the example pan of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is a top view of the range portion of the kitchen appliance of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the example pan of  FIGS. 1A-1C ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of the example pan of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a front view of the example pan of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2D  is a side view of the example pan of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2E  is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 2B , taken along section line E-E of  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of a portion of an example cooking range having another example pan; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 3A , taken along section line B-B of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is another cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 3A , taken along section line C-C of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top view of a portion of an example cooking range having another example pan; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 4A , taken along section line B-B of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is another cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 4A , taken along section line C-C of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view of a portion of an example cooking range having another example pan; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 5A , taken along section line B-B of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is another cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 5A , taken along section line C-C of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top view of a portion of an example cooking range having another example pan; 
         FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 6A , taken along section line B-B of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6C  is another cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 6A , taken along section line C-C of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a top view of a portion of an example cooking range having another example pan; 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 7A , taken along section line B-B of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 7C  is another cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 7A , taken along section line C-C of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a top view of a portion of an example cooking range having another example pan; 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 8A , taken along section line B-B of  FIG. 8A ; and 
         FIG. 8C  is another cross-sectional view of the example pan of  FIG. 8A , taken along section line C-C of  FIG. 8A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are best understood by referring to  FIGS. 1A-8C  of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. 
     Traditionally, a cooking range includes two or more heat sources (e.g., gas burners) positioned adjacent to each other. These heat sources may be utilized to cook food on the cooking range. Such traditional cooking ranges, however, may be deficient. For example, a user may desire to have a cooking range with a heat source that has high maximum thermal output, such as a maximum thermal output of at least 20,000 British thermal units (BTUs) in order to more quickly boil water, more quickly heat liquids in cooking, or for providing a very hot cooking vessel (e.g., pot, pan, griddle, skillet, wok) to rapidly sear food or stir fry meals. Such heat sources, however, may run the risk of overheating other components, may interfere with the functioning of other heat sources (e.g., may restrict the air flow to another gas burner), or may increase the risk of starting a fire in the kitchen (e.g., rising hot air from the heat sources may overheat surrounding surfaces to dangerous levels). Additionally, the ability to utilize a heat source that has high maximum thermal output may be limited by how much air might be needed by adjacent and surrounding heat sources to also achieve complete combustion. In residential kitchens, users may need to compromise between excessive clearances from potentially flammable materials (e.g., such as walls and cabinets) and a desired high maximum thermal output. As such, typical cooking ranges do not include a heat source having a high maximum thermal output. 
     Furthermore, the few cooking ranges that do include a heat source having a high maximum thermal output tend to require a large footprint (and/or heat resistant upper panels) so that the heat sources can be positioned further way from each other, and so that the heat sources can also be positioned further away from surrounding walls or cabinets. Such a large footprint may not be desirable, especially in residential settings where kitchen space may be at a premium. Additionally, even with the large footprint, typical cooking ranges may have been prevented from having a heat source with a high maximum thermal output because the heat source would need to be positioned too close to a support grate in the vertical direction. This lack of distance in the vertical direction tends to restrict the flow of air reaching the cooking gases of a gas burner, preventing the cooking gas from being combusted completely. Complete combustion of cooking gas is required to avoid health hazards (such as from carbon monoxide, or from the soot created by partially combusted fuel), and is further required to meet health and safety standards. 
     Contrary to these traditional cooking ranges, the cooking range  1000  and/or pan  200  of  FIGS. 1A-8C  may address one or more of these deficiencies. For example, the cooking range  1000  may include a pan  200  that has an upper level  205  and a lower level  210 , both of which may include one or more heat sources  300  (e.g.,  300 ′,  300 ″). The lower level  210  may be positioned vertically lower than the upper level  205 . Also, the heat source(s)  300 ″ within the lower level  210  may be positioned vertically lower than the heat source(s)  300 ′ within the upper level  205 . In some examples, the vertical distance between the lower level  210  and the upper level  205  (and/or between the heat source(s)  300 ″ and the heat source(s)  300 ′) may allow the heat source  300 ″ to be a heat source having a high maximum thermal output (e.g., a maximum thermal output of at least 20,000 BTUs), without overheating components that would be placed in a cavity below the cooking range and/or without interfering with the operation of the other heat sources  300 , in some examples. Also, the vertical distance may allow the heat source  300 ″ to have a higher maximum thermal output than that of the heat sources  300 ′. In such examples, the vertical distance may provide an air gap between the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ that allows a sufficient amount of air to reach the heat source(s)  300 ″, even when, for example, the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ are all emitting their maximum thermal output, in some examples. Furthermore, in such examples, the vertical distance may prevent cooking range  1000  from requiring an undue amount of spacing between the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ and/or between adjacent surfaces (e.g., cabinetry) and the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″. 
     It should be understood that the vertical distance (e.g., the vertical distance between the lower level  210  and the upper level  205  and/or between the heat source(s)  300 ″ and the heat source(s)  300 ′) is generally referred to as relative distance from the ground, or a relative distance from a top surface of a cooking vessel support grate (discussed below). An example function of the lower level  210  of the pan  200  is to provide more air flow to the heat sources  300 ″ (e.g., burners) therein and enable high thermal output when adjacent or surrounding heat sources  300 ′ (e.g., burners) in the upper level  205  also operate at a relatively high output, such as 1, 2, or 4 adjacent heat sources  300 ′ having a thermal output of at least 5,000 BTUs less than the heat source(s)  300 ″ in the lower level  210 . 
     To achieve this and other beneficial functions, the heat source(s)  300 ″ in the lower level  210  may be configured in several ways relative to the heat sources  300 ′ in the upper level  205  of the pan  200 . For example, the top most portion of the gas orifice(s) of the heat sources  300 ″ within the lower level  210  may be vertically lower (e.g., vertically offset) than the top most portion of the gas orifice(s) of the heat sources  300 ′ within the upper level  205 . As another example, the maximum upper height of a flame emitted by the heat source(s)  300 ″ (when emitting the flame at the maximum thermal output) within the lower level  210  may be vertically lower (e.g., vertically offset) than the maximum upper height of a flame emitted by the heat source(s)  300 ′ (when emitting the flame at the maximum thermal output) within the upper level  205 . Generally, the benefits are achieved when the heat source(s)  300 ″ within the lower level  210  are configured to either have at least one (i.e., one, the other, or both) of: (1) its gas orifices disposed more vertically distal from the upper surface of the cooking vessel support grate (or disposed more vertically closer to the ground) than the gas orifices of the heat source(s)  300 ′ within the upper level  205 ; and (2) its flame having a maximum upper height that is disposed more vertically distal from the upper surface of the cooking vessel support grate (or disposed more vertically closer to the ground) than the maximum upper height of the flame emitted by the heat source(s)  300 ′ within the upper level  205 . 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate an example cooking range  1000  having an example pan  200 . The cooking range  1000  may be any range used for cooking. As an example, the cooking range  1000  may be a gas cooking range, an electric cooking range, any other cooking range, or any combination of the preceding. The cooking range  1000  may be integrated with an oven, a kitchen appliance that sits on the floor, any other kitchen appliance (e.g., a warming drawer, microwave oven, etc.), any similar cooking equipment, or any combination of the preceding. An example of such an integrated cooking range  1000  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1B-1C , which illustrates the cooking range  1000  being integrated with an appliance having an oven  1001 . Alternatively, the cooking range  1000  may be a self-contained unit that fits inside of (and is supported by) an upper rim surrounding an opening or cavity (e.g., a rectangular hole) in a counter, counter top, cabinet unit, or cabinet top. The oven, appliance, counter, counter top, cabinet unit, or cabinet top of the cooking range  1000  (e.g., an integrated or self-contained cooking range  1000 ) may be referred to as a frame  100  for the cooking range  1000 . 
     As is illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the frame  100  for the cooking range  1000  may have an upper rim  110  that surrounds an upper opening  122  of a cavity  120  within the frame  100 . The cavity  120  may contain other components of the cooking range  1000  (or of the integrated appliance), such as gas valves, gas lines, supply tubes, and/or venturi devices to control the flow and pressure of the gas to heat sources  300 . The cavity  120  may also contain electronic devices, such as digital or analog controls for an oven  1001  below the cooking range  1000 , or transceivers used to communicate with external controllers (e.g., wireless devices like Smart Phones and Tablet computers with Wi Fi or near field communication hardware). 
     The cooking range  1000  may include one or more heat sources  300  (e.g.,  300 ′ and  300 ″) that generate heat for cooking. The heat sources  300  may be any type of heat sources for use in a cooking range. For example, the heat sources  300  may be gas burners that emit a flame when turned on. Such gas burners may include gas orifices  310  that release combustion gas, emanating flames from the gas burners. As another example, the heat sources  300  may be electric resistance heating coils. Each of the heat sources  300  may have a maximum thermal output, which refers to the maximum amount of thermal energy that can be provided by the heat source. The maximum thermal output of a heat source  300  may be the maximum thermal output advertised by the manufacturer/seller/installer of the heat source  300 . In other examples, the maximum thermal output of a heat source  300  may be the maximum thermal output that is actually output by the heat source  300  when in operation in the cooking range  1000 . In further examples, the maximum thermal output of a heat source  300  may be the maximum thermal output that is advertised or actually output by the heat source  300  when the heat source  300  is provided with the maximum quantity of fuel by a controller (e.g., the gas line or gas knob is fully turned on). This maximum thermal output may emit a flame having a maximum upper height (e.g., the top-most portion of the flame). In some examples, this maximum thermal output may correspond to the number of orifices  310  in the heat source  300  that provide flames. The heat sources  300  may increase in diameter to provide more orifices  310  and/or use an inner and outer gas manifold to provide concentric rings of small adjacent flames from adjacent orifices  310  in each ring of the heat source  300 . Further details regarding the maximum thermal output of example heat sources  300  are discussed below. 
     The cooking range  1000  may include any number of heat sources  300 . For example, the cooking range  1000  may include 1 heat source  300 , 2 heat sources  300 , 3 heat sources  300 , 4 heat sources  300 , 5 heat sources  300 , 6 heat sources  300 , or any other number of heat sources  300 . As is seen in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the illustrated cooking range  1000  includes 5 gas burners  300  (e.g., gas burners  300 ′ and  300 ″). As is further illustrated, the gas burners  300  are spaced apart from each other, so as to provide a hot flame under the desired portions of the cooking vessel support grate  600 . This causes the flame regions to not overlap. Additionally, as is seen in  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the gas burners  300 ′ surround the centralized gas burner  300 ″. To control the cooking range  1000  (or other aspects of the appliance, such as the oven  1001 ), the cooking range  1000  may include a control panel  130  and/and or heat source control knobs  140 , as is illustrated in  FIGS. 1B and 1C . Further details regarding examples of the heat sources  300  are discussed in detail below. 
     The cooking range  1000  may further include a pan  200  coupled to the frame  100  (and/or the cooking vessel support grate  600 ). The pan  200  may provide a cleanable surface to catch and contain food drippings, food splatters, accidental spills, fluid boiling over from a pot, spilt food, or any combination of the preceding. The pan  200  may be coupled to the frame  100 , and may extend downward into the upper opening  122  of the cavity  120 . To couple the pan  200  to the frame  100 , the pan  200  may include an upper flange  202  that is positioned on (e.g., rested on) the upper rim  110  of the frame  100 . This may cause the pan  200  to be suspended from the upper rim  100  of the frame  100 . The pan  200  may be made of stainless steel (e.g., highly polished stainless steel), porcelain, any other cooking material, or any combination of the preceding. 
     The upper flange  202  of the pan  200  may surround a pan body  204 . The pan body  204  may include an upper level  205  and a lower level  210 . One or more heat sources  300 ′ may be positioned within the upper level  205  (as is illustrated in  FIG. 1C ) and one or more heat sources  300 ″ may be positioned within the lower level  210  (as is illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C ). The upper level  205  may include any number of heat source  300  positioned within the upper level  205  (where heat sources  300  positioned within the upper level  205  are referred to as heat sources  300 ′). For example, the upper level  205  may include one heat source  300 ′, two heat sources  300 ′, three heat sources  300 ′, four heat sources  300 ′, five heat sources  300 ′, six heat sources  300 ′, or any other number of heat sources  300 ′. The lower level  210  may also include any number of heat source  300  positioned within the lower level  210  (where heat sources  300  positioned within the lower level  210  are referred to as heat sources  300 ″). For example, the lower level  210  may include one heat source  300 ″, two heat sources  300 ″, three heat sources  300 ″, four heat sources  300 ″, five heat sources  300 ″, six heat sources  300 ″, or any other number of heat sources  300 ″. As is illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the upper level  205  includes four heat source  300 ′ and the lower level  210  includes one heat source  300 ″. 
     In order for the heat sources  300  to be positioned within the upper level  205  and lower level  210 , the levels  205  and  210  may include heat source holes  211  that extend entirely through the corresponding depth of the pan body  204 . The heat source holes  211  may allow the heat source  300  to extend upward from the cavity  120  and into the pan  200 , causing the pan  200  to surround the heat sources  300 . In some examples, the pan  200  may surround the sides and bottom of the heat source  300 , causing the heat source  300  to be disposed proximal to a bottom of the pan  200 . In such examples, the heat sources  300  (or the orifices  310  of the heat sources  300 ) may be positioned upward from the bottom surface of levels  205 ,  210  to allow for the flow of air to react with combustibles gas (e.g., propane or natural gas). In some examples, each of the heat source holes  211  may accommodate a conduit of a respective heat source  300 . This conduit may deliver a source of fuel to the heat source  300  (e.g., it may deliver gas to a gas burner), thereby allowing a source of the fuel (e.g., a gas line) to be in fluid communication with the heat source  300  through the depth of the pan  200 . 
     As is illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the lower level  210  of the pan  200  may be positioned vertically lower than the upper level  205  of the pan  200  (e.g., in relation to the cooking vessel support grate  600 , in relation to the upper flange  202  of the pan  200 , etc.). In  FIG. 1A , this difference in vertical height between the lower level  210  and the upper level  205  is illustrated by arrow  212 . The difference in vertical height between the lower level  210  and the upper level  205  (i.e., arrow  212 ) may be any amount. For example, the difference in vertical height may be, or may be about (i.e., where “about” refers to +/−10 percent), 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, any other amount, a range of (or a range of about) 0.5 inches-6 inches, 0.5 inches-5 inches, 0.5 inches-3 inches, 0.5 inches-2 inches, at least 0.5 inches, at least 1 inch, at least 1.5 inches, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, or any other range. 
     In some examples, the difference in vertical height between the lower level  210  and the upper level  205  may cause the top-most portion of the heat source(s)  300 ″ positioned within the lower level  210  to be positioned vertically lower than the upper level  205 , as is seen in  FIGS. 1A and 3B . In some examples, the difference in vertical height between the lower level  210  and the upper level  205  may cause the heat source(s)  300 ″ positioned within the lower level  210  to be positioned vertically lower than one or more (or all) of the heat source(s)  300 ′ positioned within the upper level  205 . This difference in vertical height is illustrated by arrow  213  (an example of which is shown in  FIG. 3B , which shows the vertical height difference between a top-most portion of a heat source  300 ″ and a top-most portion of a heat source  300 ′). The difference in vertical height between the heat source(s)  300 ″ positioned within the lower level  210  and the heat source(s)  300 ′ positioned within the upper level  205  (e.g., between the top most portions of the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″, between the orifices  310  of the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″, between a maximum upper height of flames emitted by heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″) may be any amount. For example, the difference in vertical height may be, or may be about, 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, any other amount, a range of (or range of about) 0.5 inches-6 inches, 0.5 inches-5 inches, 0.5 inches-3 inches, 0.5 inches-2 inches, at least 0.5 inches, at least 1 inch, at least 1.5 inches, at least 2 inches, at least 3 inches, or any other range. In a preferable example, the difference in vertical height may be any height difference that causes the orifices  310  of the heat source(s)  300 ″ to be positioned vertically lower than the orifices  310  of the heat source(s)  300 ′. In another preferable example, the difference in vertical height may be any height difference that causes the top-most portion of the heat source(s)  300 ″ to be positioned vertically lower than the top-most portion of the heat source(s)  300 ′ (e.g., when considered relative to the top  601  of the grate  600 ). 
     The lower vertical positioning of the heat source(s)  300 ″ within the lower level  210  may allow these heat sources  300 ″ to be heat sources having a high maximum thermal output, in some examples. As such, each of the heat sources  300 ″ may have a high maximum thermal output of, or about, 20,000 BTUs, 26,000 BTUs, 28,000 BTUs, 30,000 BTUs, 35,000 BTUs, any other amount over 20,000 BTUs, a range of (or a range of about) 20,000-35,000 BTUs, 20,000-30,000 BTUs, 20,000-28,000 BTUs, 20,000-26,000 BTUs, at least 20,000 BTUs, at least 26,000 BTUs, at least 28,000 BTUs, at least 35,000 BTUs, or any other range above 20,000 BTUs. The cooking range  1000  may include one or more of these heat sources  300 ″ having a high maximum thermal output because the lower vertical positioning of the heat source(s)  300 ″ (in relation to the heat source  300 ′) may create an air gap between the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ that allows a sufficient amount of air to reach the heat source(s)  300 ″. This sufficient amount of air may allow a heat source  300 ″ having a high maximum thermal output to be positioned in the cooking range  1000  (in the lower level  210 ) without unduly affecting the other heat sources  300 , and without being unduly affected by the other heat source  300 . As such, the air gap may prevent the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ from competing with each other for sufficient oxygen, and may thereby allow the heat source  300 ″ to emit its high maximum thermal output, even when the other heat sources  300  are also emitting their maximum thermal output. Instead, the air gap between the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ may help create a wide vertical annulus surrounding the heat source  300 ″ which may provide more opportunity for air to flow to the orifices  310  of the heat source  300 ″. 
     The cooking range  1000  may also include one or more of these heat source  300 ″ having a high maximum thermal output because the lower vertical positioning of the heat source(s)  300 ″ (in relation to the heat sources  300 ′) may create a larger vertical air gap between the heat sources  300 ″ and an upper surface  601  of a cooking vessel support grate  600  (discussed further below). This vertical air gap between the heat source(s)  300 ″ and the cooling vessel support grate  600  may also help create a wide vertical annulus surrounding the heat source  300 ″ which may provide more opportunity for air to flow to the orifices  310  of the heat source  300 ″. Also, because the heat source  300 ″ has a high maximum thermal output, it may emit a larger diameter flame “crown” (e.g., from a ring of orifices  310 ), which may reduce one or more disadvantages caused by the larger vertical air gap between the heat source  300 ″ and the cooling vessel support grate  600 . For example, typically it is desirable to space the flames of a heat source closer to a cooking vessel support grate, so as to increase the transfer efficiency from the flames. However, in some examples, the heat source  300 ″ may emit larger flames because the heat source  300 ″ may generally have a larger diameter gas ring and wider and/or more numerous orifices  310  to accommodate a larger gas flow. These larger flames emitted by the heat source  300 ″ may allow for sufficient transfer efficiency despite the larger vertical air gap. 
     The lower vertical positioning of the heat source(s)  300 ″ within the lower level  210  (in comparison to the higher vertical positioning of the heat source(s)  300 ′ within the upper level  205 ) may allow the heat source(s)  300 ′,  300 ″ to be positioned closer together in the horizontal direction (saving kitchen counter space, for example), while still allowing the heat source(s)  300 ′,  300 ″ to each provide their maximum thermal output, in some examples. This spacing between adjacent heat source(s)  300 ′,  300 ″ is illustrated by arrow  214  (an example of which is shown in  FIG. 3B , which shows the horizontal distance between the center-point of a heat source  300 ″ and the center-point of an adjacent heat source  300 ′). This horizontal distance between adjacent heat source(s)  300 ′,  300 ″ may be (or may be about) 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches, any other amount greater than 8 inches, a range of (or a range of about) 8 inches-20 inches, 10 inches-20 inches, 8 inches-10 inches, at least 8 inches, at least 10 inches, at least 20 inches, less than 20 inches, less than 15 inches, or any other range greater than 8 inches. In some examples, the smaller spacing between adjacent heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ may be able to accommodate typical size cooking vessels (e.g., pots, pans, and griddles) used in either industrial, commercial, or consumer kitchens. 
     The lower vertical positioning of the heat source(s)  300 ″ within the lower level  210  (in comparison to the higher vertical positioning of the heat source(s)  300 ′ within the upper level  205 ) may allow these heat sources  300 ″ to have a higher maximum thermal output than that of the heat source(s)  300 ′ positioned within the upper level  205 , in some examples. The maximum thermal output of the heat source(s)  300 ″ positioned within the lower level  210  may be higher than that of the heat source(s)  300 ′ positioned within the upper level  205  by any amount. For example, one or more (or all) of the heat source(s)  300 ″ may each have a maximum thermal output that is higher than that of each of one or more (or all) of the heat source(s)  300 ′ by (or by about) 500 BTUs, 1,000 BTUs, 2,000 BTUs, 5,000 BTUs, 7,500 BTUs, 10,000 BTUs, any other amount, by a range of (or by a range of about) 500-10,000 BTUs, 1,000-10,000 BTUs, 5,000-10,000 BTUs, 5,000-7,000 BTUs, or any other range. 
     As a preferable example of this, each of the heat sources  300 ″ (e.g., a single centralized heat source  300 ″) positioned within the lower level  210  may have a maximum thermal output of at least about 25,000 BTUs (and more preferably at least about 28,000 BTUs), while each of the heat sources  300 ′ (e.g., two or more heat sources  300 ′) positioned within the upper level  205  may have a maximum thermal output of at least about 18,000 BTUs (but less than that of the heat sources  300 ″). As another preferable example of this, each of the heat sources  300 ″ (e.g., a single centralized heat source  300 ″) positioned within the lower level  210  may have a maximum thermal output of at least 28,000 BTUs or at least about 28,000 BTUs, while each of the heat sources  300 ′ (e.g., four adjacent heat sources  300 ′, as is seen in  FIG. 1B ) positioned within the upper level  205  may have a maximum thermal output of at least 15,000 BTUs or at least about 15,000 BTUs (but less than that of the heat sources  300 ″). 
     As a further preferable example, each of the heat sources  300 ″ (e.g., a single centralized heat source  300 ″) positioned within the lower level  210  may have a maximum thermal output of at least 26,000 BTUs or at least about 26,000 BTUs, while each of the heat sources  300 ′ (e.g., three or more heat sources  300 ′, or three or more adjacent heat source  300 ′) positioned within the upper level  205  may have a maximum thermal output of at least 18,000 BTUs or at least about 18,000 BTUs (but less than that of the heat sources  300 ″). As another preferable example, each of the heat sources  300 ″ (e.g., a single centralized heat source  300 ″) positioned within the lower level  210  may have a maximum thermal output of about 30,000 BTUs (or at least about 30,000 BTUs), while each of the heat sources  300 ′ (e.g., three or more heat sources  300 ′, or three or more adjacent heat source  300 ′) positioned within the upper level  205  may have a maximum thermal output of about 23,000 BTUs (or at least about 23,000 BTUs, but less than that of the heat sources  300 ″). 
     Although heat source(s)  300 ″ positioned within the lower level  210  of the pan  200  have been described above as having a maximum thermal output that is higher than the maximum thermal output of the heat source(s)  300 ′ positioned within the upper level  205 , in some examples, the heat source(s)  300 ″ may have a maximum thermal output that is not higher than the maximum thermal output of the heat source(s)  300 ′. For example, the heat source(s)  300 ′,  300 ″ may have the same maximum thermal output, or the heat source(s)  300 ″ may have a maximum thermal output that is lower than that of one or more (or all) of the heat sources  300 ′. 
     As is illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the cooking range  1000  may also include one or more cooking vessel support grates  600  disposed over and resting on the pan  200 . The cooking vessel support grate  600  may be a support structure that supports a cooking vessel (e.g., a cooking pan, a cooking pot, etc.) over one or more of the heat sources  300  (e.g., gas burners), allowing the cooking vessel to be heated by the heat emitted by the heat sources  300 . The cooking vessel support grate  600  may expand over an entire width of the pan  200 , allowing it to support cooking vessels over the entire width of the pan  200 . An upper surface (e.g., the upper surface of the upper level  205 ) of the pan  200  may be disposed below the cooking vessel support grate  600 , and the pan  200  may project laterally underneath the area of the cooking vessel support grate  600 . 
     The cooking range  1000  may include any number of cooking vessel support grates  600 . For example, the cooking range  1000  may include 1 cooking vessel support grate  600 , 2 cooking vessel support grates  600 , 3 cooking vessel support grates  600 , 4 cooking vessel support grates  600 , or any other number of cooking vessel support grates  600 . In examples where the cooking range  1000  includes multiple cooking vessel support grates  600 , the cooking vessel support grates  600  may be positioned adjacent to each other on the pan  200 . As is illustrated in  FIGS. 1B-1C , the cooking range  1000  includes 3 cooking vessel support grates  600  (e.g.,  600   a - 600   c ). 
     The cooking vessel support grate  600  may include an upper surface (or plane)  601  that supports the cooking vessel over one or more of the heat source  300 . The upper surface  601  may be defined by an expanse of interconnected support members. The interconnected support members may be shaped in any manner, and connected in any configuration that allows the support members to support one or more cooking vessels. In addition to supporting the cooking vessel above the heat sources  300 , the interconnected support members of the upper surface  601  may also provide for the flow of air to react with the combustible gas of the heat source  300  (if any), and may allow various elements of the cooking process (e.g., hot combustion gas products, heated air, water vapor and carbon dioxide) to escape upward out of the cooking range  1000 . 
     The cooking vessel support grate  600  may further include two or more legs  602  that extend downward from the upper surface  601  (e.g., extend downward from the interconnected support members that define the upper surface  601 ). When the cooking vessel support grate  600  is positioned on the cooking range  1000 , the downward extending legs  602  may rest on the pan  200 , holding the upper surface  601  a desired distance above pan  200  and/or the heat sources  300 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2E  illustrate various views of the example pan  200  of  FIGS. 1A-1C . As is seen in  FIGS. 2A-2E , the pan  200  may include an upper level  205  (which may be shallow and planar), and may further include a lower level  210 . The upper level  205  may include two (or more) upper level portions  205 ′,  205 ″. In  FIGS. 2A-2E , the upper level  205  includes two upper level portions (i.e., a first upper level portion  205 ′ and a second upper level portion  205 ″) that are positioned on opposing sides of the lower level  210 . 
     The upper level  205  may include 4 heat sources  300 ′ (not illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2E ), with 2 of these heat sources  300 ′ being positioned in the first upper level portion  205 ′ and the other 2 heat sources  300 ′ being positioned in the second upper level portion  205 ″. These heat sources  300 ′ may extend into the pan  200  through the heat source holes  211 . The lower level  210  may include a single centralized heat source  300 ″, which may extend into the pan  200  through the respective heat source hole  211 . The heat source  300 ″ in the lower level  210  may be the highest output heat source. That is, it may have a higher maximum thermal output than any of the other heat sources  300 . As an example of this, the heat source  300 ″ positioned in the lower level  210  may have a maximum thermal output of at least about 26,000 BTUs, while the four heat sources  300 ′ positioned in the upper level  205  may each have a maximum thermal output of at least about 18,000 BTUs (but also less than the maximum thermal output of heat source  300 ″). As a result of being positioned in the lower level  210  of the otherwise planar pan  200 , the heat source  300 ″ may have orifices  310  that are positioned vertically lower (e.g., disposed below) the orifices  310  of the other heat sources  300 ′. Such positioning may avoid competition for oxygen to support combustion when it is desirable to energize each of the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ at the maximum thermal output. 
     The pan  200  may also include one or more upward extending ridges  220  (e.g.,  220 ′,  220 ″) that separate the upper level  205  from the lower level  210 . As is seen in  FIGS. 2A-2E , the pan  200  may include two upward extending ridges  220 ′,  220 ″, where the upward extending ridge  220 ′ separates the first upper level portion  205 ′ from the lower level  210 , and the upward extending ridge  220 ″ separates the second upper level portion  205 ″ from the lower level  210 . The upward extending ridges  200  may prevent fluid spilled in the upper level  205  from flowing into the lower level  210  and the heat source  300 ″. The upward extending ridges  200  may also facilitate cleaning of the upper level  205  and lower level  210  with cleaning fluids (e.g., soap or detergent, and water), as this fluid can be retained in each level  205 ,  210  as it is cleaned or soaked separately from other levels  205 ,  210 . The upward extending ridges  220  may each include a top-most portion that is positioned vertically higher than the upper level  205 , so as to prevent fluid from flowing into lower level  210 . This difference in vertical height between the top-most portion of the upward extending ridge  220  and the upper level  205  is illustrated as arrow  215 . The difference in vertical height may be any amount. For example, the difference in vertical height may be (or may be about) 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 1.5 inches, a range of (or a range of about) 0.1-1 inch, 0.2-1 inch, 0.4-1 inch, or any other range greater than 0.1 inches. 
     The pan  200  may also include one or more raised rims  230  that each pass through a heat source hole  211  and surround a portion of a heat source  300 ′,  300 ″ (e.g., surround a gas flow tube  320  of the heat source  300 ). The gap or margin between each heat source  300  (or a portion of the heat source  300 ) and the inner periphery of each heat source hole  211  may be sealed with a gasket or compression type fitting to prevent the flow of liquid into the cavity  120  below the pan  200 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate various views of a portion of an example cooking range  1000  having another example pan  200 . The cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 3A-3C  may be substantially similar to the cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 1A-2E . However, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 3A-3C  may include only a single upper level  205  (as opposed to an upper level  205  having multiple upper level portions  205 ′,  205 ″), and the upper level  205  may surround the lower level  210 . Additionally, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 3A-3C  may include a lower level  210  having a different shape than that in  FIGS. 1A-2E . Also, while not illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the pan  200  of  FIGS. 3A-3C  may include one or more upward extending ridges  220  and/or raised rims  230 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate various views of a portion of another example cooking range  1000  having a further example pan  200 . The cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 4A-4C  may be substantially similar to the cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 1A-2E . However, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 4A-4C  may include only a single upper level  205  (as opposed to an upper level  205  having multiple upper level portions  205 ′,  205 ″), and the upper level  205  may surround the lower level  210 . Additionally, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 4A-4C  may include a lower level  210  having a different shape than that in  FIGS. 1A-2E . Also, while not illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4C , the pan  200  of  FIGS. 4A-4C  may include one or more upward extending ridges  220  and/or raised rims  230 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate various views of a portion of another example cooking range  1000  having a further example pan  200 . The cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 5A-5C  may be substantially similar to the cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 1A-2E . However, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 5A-5C  may include only a single upper level  205  (as opposed to an upper level  205  having multiple upper level portions  205 ′,  205 ″), and the upper level  205  may surround the lower level  210 . Additionally, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 5A-5C  may include a lower level  210  having a different shape than that in  FIGS. 1A-2E . Also, while not illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the pan  200  of  FIGS. 5A-5C  may include one or more upward extending ridges  220  and/or raised rims  230 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate various views of a portion of another example cooking range  1000  having a further example pan  200 . The cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 6A-6C  may be substantially similar to the cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 1A-2E . However, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 6A-6C  may include only a single upper level  205  (as opposed to an upper level  205  having multiple upper level portions  205 ′,  205 ″), and the upper level  205  may surround the lower level  210 . Additionally, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 6A-6C  may include a lower level  210  having a different shape than that in  FIGS. 1A-2E . Also, while not illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6C , the pan  200  of  FIGS. 6A-6C  may include one or more upward extending ridges  220  and/or raised rims  230 . 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate various views of a portion of another example cooking range  1000  having a further example pan  200 . The cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 7A-7C  may be substantially similar to the cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 1A-2E . However, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 7A-7C  may include only a single upper level  205  (as opposed to an upper level  205  having multiple upper level portions  205 ′,  205 ″), and the upper level  205  may surround the lower level  210 . Additionally, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 7A-7C  may include a lower level  210  having a different shape than that in  FIGS. 1A-2E . Also, while not illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C , the pan  200  of  FIGS. 7A-7C  may include one or more upward extending ridges  220  and/or raised rims  230 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate various views of a portion of another example cooking range  1000  having a further example pan  200 . The cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 8A-8C  may be substantially similar to the cooking range  1000  and pan  200  of  FIGS. 1A-2E . However, the lower level  210  (and heat source  300 ″, such as a heat source  300 ″ having a high maximum thermal output) may be positioned in the front right corner of the pan  200  (as opposed to being positioned in the center, as is illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-2E ). Furthermore, while  FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate the lower level  210  (and heat source  300 ″) being positioned in the front right corner of the pan  200 , the lower level  210  (and heat source  300 ″) may be positioned in back right corner of the pan  200 , the front left corner of the pan  200 , the front right corner of the pan  200 , or any other location on the pan  200 . Additionally, the pan  200  may include multiple separate lower levels  210 , such as a first lower level  210  (and heat source  300 ″) positioned in the front right corner of the pan  200  and a second lower level  210  (and heat source  300 ″) positioned in the front left corner of the pan  200 . 
     Also, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 8A-8C  may include only a single upper level  205  (as opposed to an upper level  205  having multiple upper level portions  205 ′,  205 ″), and the upper level  205  may surround the lower level  210 . Additionally, the pan  200  of  FIGS. 8A-8C  may include a lower level  210  having a different shape than that in  FIGS. 1A-2E . Also, while not illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8C , the pan  200  of  FIGS. 8A-8C  may include one or more upward extending ridges  220  and/or raised rims  230 . 
     Modifications, additions, and/or substitutions may be made to the cooking range  1000 , the components of the cooking range  1000 , the functions of the cooking range  1000 , the pan  200 , the components of the pan  200 , and/or the functions of the pan  200  without departing from the scope of the specification. For example, the cooking range  1000  and/or the pan  200  may have any dimensions, may include additional components, and/or may not include one or more of the components discussed above. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ may have multiple concentric manifolds or singular circular manifolds, may have any shape manifold, and may have any placement or combination of heat source  300 ′,  300 ″. As such, the heat sources  300 ′,  300 ″ are not limited to the size, shape, placement, or combination that may be inferred from the drawings and description of the various examples. 
     This specification has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples. However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the disclosed embodiments or examples (or portions thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports additional embodiments or examples not expressly set forth in this specification. Such embodiments or examples may be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, reorganizing, or removing any of the disclosed components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments or examples described in this specification.