Patent Publication Number: US-11649969-B2

Title: Control systems and methods for cooktop appliances

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to cooktop appliances, and more particularly to gas cooktop appliances. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Temperature control in stove tops was traditionally done by an operator adjusting a relative position of a knob associated with the stove top. Over time, more precision temperature control was introduced whereby the stove top actively regulated temperature using precision flow control valves. However, these systems often suffer from long term drift and limited accuracy at the lowest as flow rates which are used for simmering functions. Moreover, these systems are expensive and require highly precise metering devices which limit general applicability. 
     Accordingly, improved cooking appliances are desired in the art. In particular, cooking appliances which provide relatively inexpensive solutions to temperature control without suffering from long term drift and limited accuracy would be advantageous. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention in accordance with the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a cooktop appliance is provided. The cooktop appliance includes a gas burner; a manifold having a gas input; a primary line extending between the manifold and the gas burner, wherein the primary line operates as a non-modulated minimum gas flow line when the cooktop appliance is in an automatic mode; a secondary line extending between the manifold and the gas burner, wherein a gas flow rate of the secondary line is controllable by a flow control valve; a valve in fluid communication with at least the primary line; and a control system comprising: a sensor configured to detect a temperature corresponding to the gas burner; and a controller regulating: (i) the flow control valve in response to the detected temperature to achieve a desired temperature, and (ii) the valve when the flow control valve is closed and the detected temperature still exceeds the desired temperature. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a cooktop appliance is provided. The cooktop appliance includes a gas burner having a minimum operational BTU output, as measured when the gas burner operates in a lowest setting; a control system comprising: a sensor configured to detect a temperature corresponding to the gas burner; and a controller modulating a gas flow to the gas burner to maintain an average operational BTU output below the minimum operational BTU output. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a method of using a gas burner of a cooktop appliance to heat a cooking implement at an average operational BTU output below a minimum operational BTU output of the gas burner is provided. The method includes selecting an automatic operating mode of the cooktop appliance; and a controller of the cooktop appliance modulating gas flow to the gas burner between an on-state and an off-state to maintain the average operational BTU output below the minimum operational BTU output of the gas burner. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode of making and using the present systems and methods, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a partially transparent perspective rear view of a portion of a control assembly for regulating gas flow in a cooktop appliance in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view of the control assembly of  FIG.  1    in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective front view of a portion of a control assembly for regulating gas flow in a cooktop appliance in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic view of the control assembly of  FIG.  3    in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic view of a control assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a knob for controlling the control assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as seen in a first position associated with a manual operating mode; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the knob for controlling the control assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as seen in a second position associated with the manual operating mode; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the knob for controlling the control assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as seen in a position associated with an automatic operating mode; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the knob for controlling the control assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as seen in a position associated with the automatic operating mode; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic view of a cooktop appliance in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic view of a cooktop appliance in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic view of a cooktop appliance in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic view of a cooktop appliance in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a flow chart of a method of using a gas burner of a cooktop appliance to heat a cooking implement at an average operational temperature below a minimum operational power output of the gas burner in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  15    is a flow chart of a method of using a cooktop appliance in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the terms “first”, “second”, and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For exam*, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features hut may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
     Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. 
     In general, cooktop appliances described herein may be gas cooktop appliances which can be switchable between automatic and manual operating modes. In manual operating mode, the operator can manually adjust flame height at a gas burner of the cooktop appliance. In automatic operating mode, the cooktop appliance, and more particularly a control system of the cooktop appliance, can control temperature at the gas burner. More particularly, the cooktop appliance can control temperature at cooking hardware being heated by the cooktop appliance when in automatic operating mode. In this regard, the cooktop appliance can control and maintain precise temperature at the cooking hardware. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates a partially transparent perspective rear view of a portion of a control assembly  100  for regulating gas flow in a cooktop appliance (not illustrated).  FIG.  2    illustrates a schematic view of the control assembly  100 . The cooktop appliance can include a gas stovetop having one or more gas burners  200  ( FIG.  2   ) that receive and selectively heat cooking hardware  202 , such as pots and pans. Each gas burner  200  may be controlled by a separate control assembly  100 , allowing an operator to selectively control the temperature of each gas burner  200  individually. 
     In accordance with embodiments described herein, at least one of the gas burners  200  may be selectively adjustable between various modes. For instance, the at least one gas burner  200  may be selectively adjustable between a manual operating mode and an automatic operating mode. In the manual operating mode, the operator can adjust a heat level supplied to the cooking hardware  202  by manually changing a characteristic of the control assembly  100 . In the automatic operating mode, the control assembly  100  can automatically maintain the temperature at the cooking hardware  202  at a desired temperature. 
     The control assembly  100  can include a knob  102 . The knob  102  may be rotatable about an axis. As the knob  102  is rotated through a rotational range corresponding to the manual operating mode, the gas burner  200  associated with the knob  102  changes between a low setting and a high setting. For instance, as the knob  102  is rotated clockwise, the flame increases. Conversely, as the knob  102  is rotated counterclockwise, the flame decreases. The inverse arrangement is also possible. The operator can set the desired temperature (or at least a flame size at the gas burner  200 ) by turning the knob  102  to a desired rotational position. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the knob  102  may include a different user interface, such as a digital display, a switch, dial, slider, or the like. The operator can affect temperature at the gas burner  200  by manually adjusting the user interface. 
     In an embodiment, automatic operating mode can be selected at the knob  102 . For instance, the knob can have a range of rotational positions associated with the manual operating mode and at least one position associated with the automatic operating mode. By rotating the knob  102  to the position(s) associated with the automatic operating mode, the control assembly  100  may automatically control the gas burner  200 , e.g., a flame thereof, and thus the temperature at the cooking hardware  202 . It is noted that in accordance with one or more embodiments, the automatic operating mode does not require the knob  102  be set such that a gas flow path to the gas burner  200  is at a maximum open position. That is, as described in greater detail below, use of the automatic operating mode does not require the knob  102  be opened to a maximum open position. 
     In an embodiment, automatic operating mode may be selectable through a secondary interface (not illustrated) other than the knob  102 . For instance, the operator may initiate automatic operating mode through use of a secondary switch, dial, button, or the like. 
     The knob  102  may be coupled to a valve (e.g., primary valve  104 ) which can control gas flow from a manifold  106  receiving gas from a gas input  204 . The valve  104  may be a manual valve controlled by a relative angular position of the knob  102 . With the valve  104  in the fully open position and the control assembly  100  in manual operating mode, gas can flow at a maximum flow rate to the gas burner  200 . With the valve  104  in the closed position in manual operating mode, gas may not flow to the gas burner  200 . In certain instances, the manifold  106  may supply gas flow to one or more other control assemblies  100  which may be tapped into or connected with the manifold  106 . These one or more other control assemblies  100  may supply gas to other gas burner(s) that are not shown. 
     In manual operating mode, the valve  104  may be selectively adjusted between the fully open and fully closed positions, or between any two or more locations therebetween, to modulate gas flow to the gas burner  200 . In a particular embodiment, the valve  104  may be infinitely adjustable between the fully open and fully closed positions. That is, the valve  104  may not include discrete stop locations but rather be openable to any relative angular position between the fully open and fully closed positions. By rotating the knob  102 , the operator can effectively control the valve  104  so as to modulate gas flow to the gas burner  200 . 
     Gas flowing to the gas burner  200  can pass from the manifold  106  through the valve  104  into a primary line  108  of a gas burner supply line  110  supplying the gas burner  200 . As the gas flow is modulated by the operator at the knob  102 , a volumetric flow rate of gas through the primary line  108  to the gas burner  200  changes, thus allowing the operator to modulate the heat supplied at the gas burner  200 . When operating in manual operating mode, the gas burner  200  may be controlled only by gas flowing through the primary line  108 . 
     The gas burner supply line  110  can further include a secondary line  112 . Use of terms primary and secondary as reference to the primary and secondary lines  108  and  112  is done for purpose of clarity and does not represent any associated criticality or order of function. The secondary line  112  may operate in parallel with the primary line  108 . In manual operating mode, the secondary line  112  of the gas burner supply line  110  is closed to prevent gas from passing through the secondary line  112 . In this regard, manual operating mode may use only the primary line  108 . 
     The secondary line  112  is in fluid communication with a valve  114  (which can be referred to as a flow control valve) which controls gas flow through the secondary line  112 . The valve  114  may be an electronic valve (also referred to as an e-valve) or include one or more non-manually controlled features. When the control assembly  100  is operating in manual operating mode, the valve  114  may be closed such that all gas flow to the gas burner  200  passes through the primary line  108 . When the control assembly  100  is operating in the automatic operating mode, the valve  114  may be selectively adjusted to modulate gas flow to the gas burner  200 . 
     The primary and secondary lines  108  and  112  may be joined together at a junction  116 . The junction  116  may be located downstream of the primary and secondary lines  108  and  112 . The junction  116  may be in fluid communication with a sum line  118  which can extend from the junction  116  to the gas burner  200  in the direction shown by arrow  120 . It should be understood that in certain instances the sum line  118  may be the part of the primary line  108  or the secondary line  112  with the other of the primary line  108  or secondary line  112  tapped thereinto. That is, in certain embodiments the sum line  118  does not need to be separate, discrete line different from both of the primary and secondary lines  108  and  112 . 
     In certain instances, the sum line  118  may extend an entire distance between the junction  116  and the gas burner  200 . That is, the sum line  118  may be coupled directly with the gas burner  200 . In other instances, one or more secondary gas lines (not illustrated) may be disposed between the sum line  118  and the gas burner  200 . In manual operating mode, gas flow through the sum line  118  may originate from the primary line  108  and be controlled by the valve  104  through use of the knob  102 . In automatic operating mode, gas flow through the sum line  118  may originate from both the primary line  108  and the secondary line  112  and be controlled by at least the valve  114  in a manner as described in greater detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , cooking hardware  202  may be selectively disposed at the gas burner  200  during cooking operations. For instance, the cooking hardware  202  may be selectively disposed on a grate or other similar support surface such that the cooking hardware  202  is above, or generally above, a flame  206  emitted from the gas burner  200 . In this regard, the cooking hardware  202  may be heated by the gas burner  200 . 
     The control assembly  100  can include a control system  208  for automatically controlling temperature at the cooking hardware  202  through regulating the gas flow rate to the gas burner  200 . In an embodiment, the control system  208  can be at least partially integrated into the control assembly  100 , the cooking hardware  202 , or both. In an embodiment, the cooking hardware  202  may include one or more sensors  210  (e.g., temperature sensors) that sense a temperature corresponding to the gas burner  200 . For instance, sensors  210  may be configured to sense or detect a temperature of the cooking hardware  202 , a substance (e.g., food) disposed in the cooking hardware  202 , or the gas burner  200  itself, as would be understood. In certain instances, the sensor(s)  210  may be integrated into the cooking hardware  202 , such as at least partially embedded therein. In the depicted embodiment, the sensor  210  is removably disposed within a fluid  212  being heated by the gas burner  200 . For instance, the sensor  210  may include a removable sensor that can be selectively disposed in, or at, the cooking hardware  202 . In certain embodiments, the sensor(s)  210  may sense a temperature emitted by the gas burner  200 . 
     Generally, the sensor(s)  210  may or be provided as any suitable temperature-detecting sensor configured to transmit a signal or voltage corresponding to a detected temperature, such as a thermistor, thermocouple, optical sensor, etc. The sensor(s)  210  may be coupled with a controller  214  of the control system  208 . In an embodiment, the controller  214  can include a logic device (i.e., processor) and a memory device. In certain instances, the controller  214  can be part of the cooktop appliance. In other instances, the controller  214  can be a remote device, such as a smart device (e.g., a smart phone or tablet). The sensor(s)  210  may be coupled with the controller  214  through a wired interface, a wireless interface, or a combination thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the sensor  210  is coupled with the controller  214  through a wired interface. 
     In certain instances, the sensor(s)  210  may communicate with the controller  214  to inform the controller  214  whether the cooking hardware  202  is present at the gas burner  200 . Use of the controller  214  to control the gas burner  200  may change based on whether cooking hardware  202  is detected. For instance, the controller  214  may not allow for use of automatic operating mode when the cooking hardware  202  is not present. Conversely, the controller  214  may allow for use of the automatic operating mode when the cooking hardware  202  is detected as being present. Thus, the controller  214  may be configured to detect or confirm the presence of cooking hardware  202 , as would be understood. 
     In certain instances, the closed loop temperature control provided by the controller  214  may only be used when certain, prescribed cooking hardware  202  is present. That is, the cooking appliance may only allow for use of the automatic operating mode when approved cooking hardware  202  is present. Approved cooking hardware  202  may have integrated sensor(s)  210  that are configured to operate with the controller  214 . In certain instances, cooking hardware lacking integrated sensor(s)  210  may not be used with the cooking appliance in automatic operating mode. 
     In certain cooking applications, such as for example during sous vide cooking, precise temperature control is required over prolonged durations of time. By way of example, sous vide cooking requires the application of low levels of heat (e.g., 130 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit) over the course of several hours (e.g., one or more hours, such as two or more hours, such as three or more hours, etc.). Even small temperature variations over the duration of the cooking operation can result in drastically different cooking outcomes. In sous vide, food being cooked is typically sealed in a liquid-proof bag and submerged in liquid. The liquid is maintained at a desired temperature, allowing the food to cook at that temperature. Thus, it is necessary to maintain the liquid at a precise temperature to achieve a desired result. 
     To provide such precision, the control assembly  100  may utilize the control system  208  which can operate in closed loop. By way of example, the sensor(s)  210  can detect the actual temperature of the liquid, the cooking hardware  202 , the substance being cooked, the like, or any combination thereof. The sensed temperature can be communicated to the controller  214  which can adjust the valve  114  in response thereto. By modulating the valve  114 , the secondary line  112  can have variable gas flow to the junction  116  and sum line  118 . As a result, the height of the flame at the gas burner  200  can be controlled and modulated to maintain the actual temperature within an acceptable tolerance. 
     An input  216  may correspond to a desired temperature and can allow the operator to communicate the desired temperature to the controller  214 . By way of example, the input  216  can include a rotatable dial, a knob, a digital interface, or the like. In a particular embodiment, the input  216  can include a dial that is coaxially rotatable with the knob  102 . By adjusting the input  216 , the operator can effectively set the temperature for the cooking operation without requiring the operator to manually modulate the gas flow using the knob  102 . In this regard, gas flow to the gas burner  200  may be controlled to achieve a precise temperature. 
     When operating in automatic operating mode, the primary line  108  may operate as a non-modulated, minimum gas flow line. That is, the primary line  108  may not be modulated in automatic operating mode and may be set to a minimum gas flow rate. The gas flow rate at the minimum gas flow rate may be controlled by adjusting the valve  104 . More particularly, the minimum gas flow rate may be controlled by adjusting an adjustment point (not illustrated) of the valve  104 . By way of non-limiting example, the adjustment point may include an orifice (jet), adjustable screw, or the like. Prior to use, the operator (or an installation technician) can adjust the adjustment point of the valve  104  so that the primary line  108  (in a lowest setting) provides a desired minimum gas flow rate. By adjusting open a screw, the minimum gas flow rate may be increased. Conversely, by adjusting down a screw, the minimum gas flow rate may be decreased. Similarly, the installation technician may exchange an orifice to limit the minimum gas flow rate. 
     When operating in automatic operating mode, the secondary line  112  may operate as a modulated gas flow line. That is, gas flow rate supplied to the gas burner  200  may be controlled by modulating gas flow through the valve  114 . The valve  114  can modulate gas flow through the secondary line  112 . Thus, gas flow through the sum line  118  may vary between the minimum gas flow rate provided by the primary line  108  (i.e., when the valve  114  is closed) and a maximum gas flow rate provided by the minimum gas flow rate through primary line  108  in combination with the maximum gas flow rate through the secondary line  112  when the valve  114  is fully open. Since the valve  114  is controlled by the controller  214  (i.e., the relative position of the valve  114  is adjusted by the controller  214 ), the controller  214  can modulate the gas flow to any flow rate between the minimum and maximum gas flow rates. Thus, the controller  214  can affect temperature at the cooking hardware  202  between a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature. Since the controller  214  can operate in closed loop (i.e., receive temperature information from the sensor(s)  210  and adjust the valve  114  in response thereto), the controller  214  can effectively adjust the gas flow rate to maintain the temperature at the cooking hardware  202  at the desired temperature provided at the input  216 . 
     Cooking appliances may be used with different fuel types. For example, the cooking appliance may be compatible with both propane (LP) and natural gas (NG). When using multiple gas flow lines to supply a gas burner of a traditional cooking appliance, it is necessary to adjust multiple adjustment points to correspond with the selected fuel type. That is, each gas flow line often has its own adjustment point. To switch between fuel types, adjustment points for each gas flow line must be adjusted. This is the result of the fuel types requiring different volumetric flow rates to achieve similar heating characteristics. To accommodate these different flow rates, valves contained in traditional cooking appliances need to be set or jets/orifices must be changed. This conversion between fuel types thus requires additional operator time and if left undone can result in, for example, improper operation of to the appliance. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, the cooktop appliance can advantageously be reconfigurable between different fuel types (i.e., different gas types) by adjusting only a single adjustment point. The single adjustment point may include a single adjustment screw. The screw may be adjusted in a first direction to restrict gas flow and adjusted in a second direction to increase gas flow. The single adjustment screw can be disposed at the valve  104  and control gas flow rate through the primary line  108 . In this regard, the secondary line  112  does not need an adjustment point as the valve  114  operates in response to the closed loop temperature control provided by the control system  208 . 
     It is noted that using systems and methods described herein, the operator can access the automatic operating mode without requiring the operator to set the knob  102  (and thus the valve  104 ) to a fully open position. That is, since the primary line  108  operates at a minimum gas flow rate when the automatic operating mode is selected, the knob  102  does not need to be set to its highest setting. To the contrary, any traditional method of controlling temperature necessarily requires any primary line to be fully open and modulated from a fully open position as any modulation occurs within the primary line (i.e., in series) and thus to achieve a maximum gas flow rate during automatic operations, the valve must be fully open from the start. Consequently, use of a fully open valve requires a difficult method of automatically modulating a minimum flow. Furthermore, initiating an automatic mode with a fully open valve can incur excessive and unnecessary heating of a cooking utensil or the surrounding environment. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective front view of a portion of a control assembly  300  for regulating gas flow in a cooktop appliance (not illustrated).  FIG.  4    illustrates a schematic view of the control assembly  300 . Unlike the control assembly  100  depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  2    which is for a single gas burner  200 , the control assembly  300  depicted in  FIGS.  3  and  4    is for a multi-burner gas burner  302  ( FIG.  4   ) including a first gas burner  304  and a second gas burner  306 . In an embodiment, the first gas burner  304  is a central burner and the second gas burner  306  is an outer burner that extends around at least a portion of a circumference of the first gas burner  304 . In some such embodiments, second gas burner  306  may be arranged coaxially with respect to first gas burner  304 . In further embodiments, second gas burner  306  is concentric with first gas burner  304 . The first and second gas burners  304  and  306  can be in proximity to one another such that the flame from either of the first or second gas burners  304  or  306  can ignite gas passing through the other of the first or second gas burner  304  or  306  when the other of the first or second gas burner  304  or  306  is not actively ignited. In this regard, it may be possible to light the other of the first or second gas burner  304  or  306  without use of a spark generator. 
     The control assembly  300  may include any one or more of the features as described above with respect to the control assembly  100 . The control assembly  300  may also differ from the control assembly  100  in one or more ways. It should be understood that features of the control assembly  100  described herein may be applicable to the control assembly  300  without being explicitly described with respect to the control assembly  300 , and vice versa. 
     Referring initially to  FIG.  3   , the control assembly  300  can include a knob  308 . The knob  308  may be rotatable about an axis. As the knob  308  is rotated through the manual operating mode, the gas burner  302  associated with the knob  308  changes between a low setting and a high setting. For instance, as the knob  308  is rotated clockwise, the flame increases. Conversely, as the knob  308  is rotated counterclockwise, the flame decreases. The inverse arrangement is also possible, as would be understood in light of the present disclosure. The operator can set the desired temperature (or at least a flame size at the gas burner  302 ) by turning the knob  308  to a desired rotational position. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the knob  308  may include a different user interface, such as a digital display, a switch, dial, slider, or the like. The operator can affect temperature at the gas burner  302  by adjusting the user interface. 
     In an embodiment, automatic operating mode can be selected at the knob  308 . For instance, the knob can have a range of rotational positions associated with the manual operating mode and at least one position associated with the automatic operating mode. Within the rotational positions associated with the manual mode, there may be a first range of rotational positions associated with single burner use and a second range of rotational positions associated with multi-burner use. In the first range of rotational positions, temperature control may occur through modulation of the first gas burner  304 . In the second range of rotational positions, temperature control may occur through modulation of the second gas burner  306  alone or in combination with the first gas burner  304 . By rotating the knob  308  to the position(s) associated with the automatic operating mode, the control assembly  300  may automatically control the gas burner  302 , e.g., a flame thereof, and thus the temperature at a cooking hardware  310  disposed thereon. 
     In another embodiment, automatic operating mode may be selectable through a secondary interface (not illustrated) other than the knob  308 . For instance, the operator may initiate automatic operating mode through use of a secondary switch, dial, button, or the like. 
     The knob  308  may be coupled to a valve (e.g., primary valve  312 ) which controls gas flow from a manifold  314  receiving gas from a gas input  316 . The valve  312  may be a manual valve controlled by a relative angular position of the knob  308 . The knob  308  may also be coupled to a valve (e.g., primary valve  318 ) which controls gas flow from the manifold  314 . The valve  318  may be a manual valve controlled by the relative angular position of the knob  308 . The valves  312  and  318  can be in fluid communication with the first and second gas burners  304  and  306 . In the depicted embodiment, the valve  312  supplies gas to the first gas burner  304  and the valve  318  supplies gas to the second gas burner  306 . As previously described, the rotational position of the knob  308  can determine whether each of the valves  312  and  318  is open or closed and, if open, to what extent the valve  312  or  318  is open. When the knob  308  is in certain rotational positions the valve  312  is open and the valve  318  is closed. In other rotational positions, both of the valves  312  and  318  may be open. 
     With both of the valves  312  and  318  in the open position (e.g., a maximum open position), gas can flow to the gas burner  302  at a maximum flow rate. With both of the valves  312  and  318  in the closed position, gas may not flow to the gas burners  302 . While not wishing to be bound to any particular mode of operation, in certain embodiments, the valve  318  is only opened when the valve  312  is already open. That is, use of the second gas burner  306  only occurs when the first gas burner  304  is already in use. 
     In an embodiment, the manifold  314  may supply gas flow to one or more other control assemblies  300  which may be tapped into the manifold  314 . These one or more other control assemblies  300  may supply gas to other gas burner(s) that are not shown. 
     In manual operating mode, the valves  312  and  318  may be selectively adjusted between the fully open and fully closed positions, or between any two or more locations therebetween, to modulate gas flow to the gas burners  302 . By rotating the knob  308 , the operator can effectively control the valves  312  and  318  so as to modulate gas flow. 
     Gas flowing to the first gas burner  304  can pass from the manifold  314  through the valve  312  into a primary line  320  of a first gas burner supply line  322  supplying the first gas burner  304 . As the gas flow is modulated by the operator at the knob  308 , a volumetric flow rate of gas through the primary line  320  to the first gas burner  304  changes, thus allowing the operator to modulate the heat supplied at the first gas burner  304 . 
     Similarly, gas flowing to the second gas burner  306  can pass from the manifold  314  through the valve  318  into a primary line  324  of a second gas burner supply line  326  supplying the second gas burner  306 . As the gas flow is modulated by the operator at the knob  308 , a volumetric flow rate of gas through the primary line  324  to the second gas burner  306  changes, thus allowing the operator to modulate the heat supplied at the second gas burner  306 . 
     The second gas burner supply line  326  is illustrated as including a secondary line  328 . Use of terms primary and secondary as reference to the primary and secondary lines  324  and  328  is done for purpose of clarity and does not represent any associated criticality or order of function. The secondary line  328  may operate in parallel with the primary line  324 . In manual operating mode, the secondary line  328  of the second gas burner supply line  326  is closed to prevent gas from passing through the secondary line  328 . The secondary line  328  is in fluid communication with a valve  330  (which can be referred to as a flow control valve) which controls gas flow through the secondary line  328 . When the control assembly  300  is operating in manual mode, the valve  330  may be closed such that all gas flow to the second gas burner  306  passes through the primary line  324 . The valve  330  may be an electronic valve (also referred to as an e-valve), or include one or more non-manually controlled features. 
     The primary and secondary lines  324  and  326  of the second gas burner supply line  326  may be joined together at a junction  332 . The junction  332  may be located downstream of the primary and secondary lines  324  and  326 . The junction  332  may be in fluid communication with a sum line  334  which can extend from the junction  332  to the second gas burner  306  in the direction shown by arrow  336 . In certain instances, the sum line  334  may extend an entire distance between the junction  332  and the second gas burner  306 . That is, the sum line  334  may be coupled directly with the second gas burner  306 . In other instances, one or more secondary gas lines (not illustrated) may be disposed between the sum line  334  and the second gas burner  306 . In manual operating mode, gas flow through the sum line  334  may originate from the primary line  324  and be controlled by the valve  318  through the knob  308 . In automatic operating mode, gas flow through the sum line  334  may originate from both the primary line  324  and the secondary line  328  and be controlled by at least the valve  330  as described in greater detail below. 
     Similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the cooking hardware  310  may be selectively disposed at the gas burner  302 . For instance, the cooking hardware  310  may be selectively disposed on a grate or other similar support surface such that the cooking hardware  310  is above, or generally above, a flame  338  emitted from the gas burner  302 . In this regard, the cooking hardware  310  may be heated by the gas burner  302 . 
     The control assembly  300  can include a control system  340  for automatically controlling a temperature of the cooking hardware  310  through regulating the gas flow rate to the gas burners  302 . The control system  340  can be at least partially integrated into the control assembly  300 , the cooking hardware  310 , or both. In an embodiment, the cooking hardware  310  may include one or more sensors  342  configured to sense a temperature of the cooking hardware  310 , a substance (e.g., food) disposed in the cooking hardware  310 , or the gas burners  302 , as would be understood. In certain instances, the sensor(s)  342  may be integrated into the cooking hardware  310 , such as at least partially embedded therein. In the depicted embodiment, the sensor  342  is removably disposed within a fluid  344  being heated by the gas burners  302 . 
     The sensor(s)  342  may be coupled with a controller  346 . For example, the sensor(s)  342  may be coupled with the controller  346  through a wired interface, a wireless interface, or a combination thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the sensor  342  is coupled with the controller  346  through a wired interface. 
     In certain instances, the sensor(s)  342  may communicate to the controller  346  to inform the controller  246  whether the cooking hardware  310  is present at the gas burners  302 . Use of the controller  346  to control the gas burners  302  may change based on whether cooking hardware  310  is detected. For instance, the controller  346  may not allow for use of the automatic operating mode when the cooking hardware  310  is not present. Conversely, the controller  346  may allow for use of the automatic operating mode when the cooking hardware  310  is detected as being present. 
     The closed loop temperature control provided by the controller  346  may only be used when certain cooking hardware  310  is present. That is, the cooking appliance may only allow for use of the automatic operating mode when approved cooking hardware  310  is present. Approved cooking hardware  310  may generally correspond with cooking hardware  310  having integrated sensor(s)  342 . Other cooking hardware  310  (i.e., cooking hardware  310  lacking integrated sensor(s)  342 ) may not be used with the automatic operating mode. 
     To provide precise temperature control, the control assembly  300  may utilize the control system  340  which can operate in closed loop. The sensor(s)  342  can detect the temperature of the liquid, the cooking hardware  310 , the substance being cooked, the like, or any combination thereof. The sensed temperature can be communicated to the controller  346  which can adjust the valve  330  in response thereto. By modulating the valve  330 , the secondary line  328  can have variable gas flow to the junction  332  and sum line  334 . An input  348  may correspond to a desired temperature and can allow the operator to communicate the desired temperature to the controller  346 . By way of example, the input  348  can include a rotatable dial, a knob, a digital interface, or the like. In a particular embodiment, the input  348  can include a dial that is coaxially rotatable with the knob  308 . By adjusting the input  348 , the operator can effectively set the temperature at the gas burners  302  without requiring the operator to manually modulate the gas flow using the knob  308 . In this regard, gas flow to the gas burners  302  may be controlled to achieve a precise temperature. 
     In certain instances, when operating in automatic operating mode, the primary line  324  of the secondary gas burner line  326  may be closed. For instance, the primary line  324  can be closed by the valve  318 . 
     When operating in automatic operating mode, the secondary line  328  may operate as a modulated gas flow line. That is, gas flow rate supplied to the second gas burner  306  may be controlled by modulating gas flow through the valve  330 . The valve  330  can modulate gas flow through the secondary line  328 . Thus, gas flow through the sum line  334  may vary between no gas flow (e.g., when the valve  330  is closed) and a maximum gas flow rate provided by the maximum gas flow rate through the secondary line  328  when the valve  330  is fully open. Since the valve  330  is controlled by the controller  346  (i.e., the relative position of the valve  330  is adjusted by the controller  346 ), the controller  346  can modulate the gas flow to a flow rate between the off and a maximum gas flow rate. Thus, the controller  346  can affect temperature at the cooking hardware  310  between a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature. Since the controller  346  can operate in closed loop (i.e., receive temperature information from the sensor(s)  342  and adjust in response thereto), the controller  346  can effectively adjust the gas flow rate to maintain the temperature at the cooking hardware  310  at the desired temperature provided at the input  348 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the first gas burner  304  operates at a fixed gas flow rate and the second gas burner  306  operates at a variable gas flow rate when the cooking appliance is in automatic operating mode. Referring now to  FIG.  5   , in accordance with an embodiment, the control assembly  300  may permit selective control of both the first and second gas burners  304  and  306 . The embodiment depicted in  FIG.  5    is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS.  3  and  4   . However, instead of only including primary line  320 , the first gas burner supply line  322  also includes a secondary line  350  which extends from the manifold  314  to a junction  352 . A valve  354  (which can be referred to as a flow control valve) is disposed along the secondary line  350 . The valve  354  is an electronically controllable valve. In an embodiment, the valve  354  may be controlled by the controller  346 . In another embodiment, the valve  354  can be controlled by a separate controller (not illustrated). A sum line  356  may be disposed between the junction  352  and the first gas burner  304 . 
     The first gas burner supply line  322  may operate similar to the second gas burner supply line  326  described in detail above. Use of an adjustable gas flow rate for the first gas burner supply line  322  may allow for further temperature control at the gas burners  302 . 
     In a non-illustrated embodiment, the first gas burner supply line  322  can include primary and secondary supply lines  320  and  350  and the second gas burner supply line  322  can include only a primary line  324 . This configuration is generally opposite to the one depicted in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . 
       FIGS.  6  to  9    illustrate an exemplary view of the knob  102 ,  308  in accordance with an embodiment. The knob  102 ,  308  may be generally rotatable about an axis  600 . The input  216 ,  348  may also be rotatable about an axis. The axis of the input  216 ,  348  may be coaxial with the axis  600  of the knob  102 ,  308 . 
     The knob  102 ,  308  can include indicia  602  which corresponds with a relative operating condition of the cooking appliance. For instance, the indicia  602  may correspond with a low temperature, marked as “LO”, a high temperature, marked as “HI”, a simmer temperature, marked as “SIM”, and an automatic operating mode, marked as “AUTO GRIDDLE”. The knob  102 ,  308  illustrated in  FIG.  6    is disposed in the OFF position whereby the gas burners  200 ,  302  receive no gas flow. The knob  102 ,  308  illustrated in  FIG.  7    is in a simmer mode whereby the cooktop appliance is operating in a manual mode at a simmer setting. The knob  102 ,  308  illustrated in FIG.  8  is in the automatic operating mode with the input  216 ,  348  set for approximately 465 degrees Fahrenheit. The knob  102 ,  308  illustrated in  FIG.  9    is in the automatic operating mode with the input  216 ,  348  set for approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The knob  102 ,  308  may be infinitely adjustable. That is, the knob  102 ,  308  may be adjustable to any location between rotational end points or stops. It should be understood that rotating the knob  102 ,  308  between the HI and SIM settings may allow for the operator to adjust the flame to any desired flame height. In certain instances, the cooktop appliance may include a tactile feedback when the knob  102 ,  308  is rotated from the manual operating mode to the automatic operating mode. The tactile feedback may include, for example, a detent or the like which causes a tactile indication when rotated past. It should be understood that the input  216 ,  348  may be set before or after the knob  102 ,  308  is set to the automatic operating mode. Moreover, the operator may adjust the input  216 ,  348  after the knob  102 ,  308  is in the automatic operating mode position, thereby allowing the operator to change the temperature at the gas burner. 
       FIGS.  10  to  13    illustrate schematic views of exemplary cooktop appliances in accordance with embodiments described herein. More particularly,  FIGS.  10  to  13    illustrate control assemblies used to control gas flow to one or more gas burners. 
     As previously described, certain cooking operations, such as sous vide cooking, require application of precise temperature over long durations of time. Typically, the temperatures required to perform these cooking operations are below the threshold capability of gas stovetops. For instance, traditional stove tops (e.g., gas stove tops) are generally capable of producing a minimum of 600 BTU/hour of heat. This is well above the temperatures required to perform sous vide cooking at low temperatures (e.g., 130-160 degrees Fahrenheit). Thus, gas stove tops have traditionally not be utilized for these cooking operations. Instead, kitchens often have additional equipment exclusively utilized for sous vide. Systems and methods described herein may advantageously be capable of operating at low temperatures (i.e., below the minimum 600 BTU/hour threshold of traditional stovetop appliances). Thus, the systems and methods described herein can replace unnecessary kitchen equipment. 
     Referring initially to  FIG.  10   , a control assembly  1000  is depicted including a valve  1002  in fluid communication with a gas burner  1004  through a gas burner supply line  1006 . The valve  1002  may be in fluid communication with a manifold, such as the exemplary manifolds  106 ,  314  described herein to receive gas. The valve  1002  can be a manually operated valve. The gas burner supply line  1006  can include a primary line  1008 , a secondary line  1010 , and a sum line  1012 . A valve  1014  may be disposed along the secondary line  1010  to modulate gas flow through the secondary line  1010  when the control assembly  1000  is used in automatic operating mode. When the control assembly  1000  is operated in manual operating mode, the valve  1014  may be closed and the valve  1002  may be adjusted to modulate gas flow through the primary line  1008 . A valve  1016  may be disposed on the sum line  1012  to regulate gas flow therethrough. A spark generator  1018  is disposed at the gas burner  1004 . While not depicted, the control assembly  1000  can further include a control system which can monitor the temperature of the cooking hardware (not illustrated) at the gas burner  1004  and regulate the control assembly  1000  according to a desired temperature. 
     To maintain the temperature at the gas burner  1004  at the desired temperature it may be necessary periodically to terminate the flame at the gas burner  1004 . Since the primary line  1008  is a non-modulated, minimum gas flow supply line in automatic operating mode, use of the valve  1016  may terminate gas flow to the gas burner  1004 . The valve  1016  may be controlled by the control system. When the temperature at the cooking hardware exceeds a maximum threshold temperature, the control system can close the valve  1016  to stop the flame at the gas burner  1004 . In certain instances, the valve  1016  can be modulated to positions between the open and closed positions. In other instances, the valve  1016  can operate as an on/off valve. When the temperature at the cooking hardware exceeds a minimum threshold temperature, the control system can open the valve  1016  to create gas flow to the gas burner  1004 . The control system can further initiate the spark generator  1018  to generate a spark and ignite the flowing gas. This process can repeat successively over the duration of the cooking operation so as to maintain the temperature of the cooking hardware at a desired temperature (or at least within a range of acceptable tolerance). 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a control assembly  1100  in accordance with another embodiment including a valve  1102  in fluid communication with a multi-burner gas burner  1104  through a gas burner supply line including a first gas burner supply line  1104 A and a second gas burner supply line  1104 B. The multi-burner gas burner  1104  includes a first gas burner  1104 A and a second gas burner  1104 B. The second gas burner  1104 B extends around at least a portion of the circumference of the first gas burner  1104 A. The first gas burner supply line  1104 A can be in fluid communication with the first gas burner  1104 A. The second gas burner supply line  1104 B can be in fluid communication with the second gas burner  1104 B. 
     In manual operating mode, the operator can control use of the first and second gas burners  1104 A and  1104 B using the valve  1102  which can be coupled with the aforementioned knob  102 ,  308  or a similar user interface. The valve  1102  may be in fluid communication with a manifold, such as the exemplary manifolds  106 ,  314  described herein to receive gas. The valve  1102  can be a manually operated valve. The first gas burner supply line  1106 A can include a primary line  1108 , a secondary line  1110 , and a sum line  1112 . A valve  1114  may be disposed along the secondary line  1110  to modulate gas flow through the secondary line  1110  when the control assembly  1100  is used in automatic operating mode. When the control assembly  1100  is operated in manual operating mode, the valve  1114  may be closed and the valve  1102  may be adjusted to modulate gas flow through the primary line  1108 . The second gas burner supply line  1106 B can include a primary line  1116 , a secondary line  1118 , and a sum line  1120 . A valve  1122  may be disposed along the secondary line  1118  to modulate gas flow through the secondary line  1118  when the control assembly  1100  is used in automatic operating mode. When the control assembly  1100  is operated in manual operating mode, the valve  1122  may be closed and the valve  1102  may be adjusted to modulate gas flow through the primary line  1116 . 
     A valve  1124  may be disposed on the sum line  1112  of the first gas burner supply line  1106 A to regulate gas flow therethrough. A spark generator  1126  is disposed at the multi-burner gas burner  1104 . The spark generator  1126  can include a single spark generator or a multi-spark generator with each spark generator of the multi-spark generator corresponding with a different one of the first and second gas burners  1104 A or  1104 B. While not depicted, the control assembly  1100  can further include a control system which can monitor the temperature of the cooking hardware (not illustrated) at the multi-burner gas burner  1104  and regulate the control assembly  1100  according to a desired temperature. 
     The control assembly  1100  depicted in  FIG.  11    includes a valve  1124  only along the sum line  1112  and not the sum line  1120 . To maintain the temperature at the multi-burner gas burner  1104  at the desired temperature it may be necessary periodically to terminate the flame at the multi-burner gas burner  1204 . Since the primary line  1108  of the first gas burner supply line  1106 A is a non-modulated, minimum gas flow supply line in automatic operating mode, use of the valve  1124  may terminate gas flow to the first gas burner  1104 A. The valve  1124  may be controlled by the control system. When the temperature at the cooking hardware exceeds a maximum threshold temperature, the control system can close the valve  1124  to stop the flame at the first gas burner  1104 A. In certain instances, the valve  1124  can be modulated to positions between the open and closed positions. In other instances, the valve  1124  can operate as an on/off valve. When the temperature at the cooking hardware exceeds a minimum threshold temperature, the control system can open the valve  1124  to create gas flow to the first gas burner  1104 A. The control system can further initiate the spark generator  1126  to generate a spark and ignite the flowing gas. This process can repeat successively over the duration of the cooking operation so as to maintain the temperature of the cooking hardware at a desired temperature (or at least within a range of acceptable tolerance). 
     While not depicted, the second gas burner supply line  1106 B may also, or alternatively, include a valve along the sum line  1120  to control the flow of gas to the multi-burner gas burner  1104 . However, low temperature cooking is generally performed by only the first gas burner  1104 A. That is, when low temperature output is required of the multi-burner gas burner  1104  (e.g., less than 500 BTU, such as less than 400 BTU, such as less than 300 BTU, such as less than 200 BTU, such as less than 100 BTU, such as less than 50 BTU, such as less than 25 BTU), it is typically only the first gas burner  1104 A that has an active flame. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a control assembly  1200  in accordance with another embodiment including a valve  1202  in fluid communication with a gas burner  1204  through a gas burner supply line  1206 . The control assembly  1200  is similar to the control assembly  1000  depicted in the embodiment of  FIG.  10   , however, rather than include the spark generator  1018  ( FIG.  10   ) the control assembly  1200  includes a pilot supply line  1208  which provides a pilot flame at the gas burner  1204  to reignite the gas burner  1204  when gas flow is restored following termination. 
     In certain instances, the pilot supply line  1208  depicted in  FIG.  12    may be utilized during cooking operations. That is, as previously described, certain cooking operations require the use of low temperatures. When the gas burner supply line  1206  is off (i.e., no gas flows through the gas burner supply line  1206  to the gas burner  1204 ) the pilot supply line  1208  may be utilized to supply heat to the cooking hardware. In some instances, the pilot supply line  1208  can have a fixed (i.e., unmodulated) gas flow. In other instances, the pilot supply line  1208  can have a modulated gas flow. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a control assembly  1300  in accordance with another embodiment including a valve  1302  in fluid communication with a multi-burner gas burner  1304  through a gas burner supply line including a first gas burner supply line  1306 A and a second gas burner supply line  1306 B. The multi-burner gas burner  1304  includes a first gas burner  1304 A and a second gas burner  1304 B. The second gas burner  1304 B extends around at least a portion of the circumference of the first gas burner  1304 A. The first gas burner supply line  1306 A can be in fluid communication with the first gas burner  1304 A. The second gas burner supply line  1306 B can be in fluid communication with the second gas burner  1304 B. 
     The control assembly  1300  is similar to the control assembly  1100  depicted in the embodiment of  FIG.  11   , however, rather than relay on a spark generator  1126  ( FIG.  11   ) the control assembly  1300  includes a pilot supply line  1308  which provides a flame at the multi-burner gas burner  1304  to reignite the multi-burner gas burner  1304  when gas flow is restored following termination. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a flow chart of a method  1400  of using a gas burner of a cooktop appliance to heat a cooking implement at an average operational temperature below a minimum operational power output of the gas burner. The method  1400  includes a step  1402  of selecting an automatic operating mode of the cooktop appliance. The step  1402  of selecting the automatic operating mode may be performed at a user selectable interface, such as a knob, used to adjust the cooktop appliance. The method  1400  further includes a step  1404  of a controller of the cooktop appliance modulating gas flow to the gas burner between an on-state and an off-state to maintain the average operational power output below the minimum operational power output of the gas burner. As used herein, average operational power output is a measure of total BTU output over a duration of time divided by the duration of time. Thus, for example, if the gas burner has an ON BTU output of 300 BTU/hour and is ON for half of the time, the average operational power output is approximately 150 BTU/hour. By modulating gas flow between the on-state and off-state (i.e., pulsing the gas burner), the actual temperature achievable at the gas burner can be less than the temperature which can be achieved when the gas burner is operated at a lowest ON state. 
     In certain instances, the method  1400  can further include a step of detecting a temperature corresponding to the gas burner (e.g., at the gas burner or a cooking implement thereon) and modulating gas flow. Modulating the gas flow can include modulating the gas flow to the on-state when the detected temperature is below a desired temperature and modulating the gas flow to the off-state when the detected temperature is above the desired temperature. The step  1404  of modulating the gas flow can be performed in view of the detected temperature. 
     In an embodiment, the cooktop appliance includes a pilot light. The pilot light can remain on at least when the cooktop appliance is being used. The step  1404  of modulating the gas burner to the on-state can be performed such that when gas flow to the gas burner resumes it is ignited by the pilot light. In another embodiment the cooktop appliance can include a spark generator configured to ignite the gas when the gas burner is modulated between an off-state and the on-state. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a flow chart of a method  1500  of using a cooktop appliance in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The method  1500  can include a step  1502  of operating the cooktop appliance in a manual mode. In the manual mode a gas is supplied to the gas burner of the cooktop appliance through a primary line. The method  1500  can further include a step  1504  of adjusting the cooktop appliance to an automatic mode. The step  1504  can be performed, for example, by rotating a user interface (e.g., a knob) from a range of manual operating mode positions to one or more automatic operating mode positions. The method  1500  can further include a step  1506  of in response to being adjusted to the automatic operating mode, the cooktop appliance adjusting the primary line to be a non-modulated, minimum gas flow line, and actively modulating a flow control valve on a secondary line in communication with the gas burner. 
     Systems and methods described herein can allow an operator to use a cooktop appliance in manual operating mode and automatic operating mode. The system can utilize closed loop feedback to maintain actual temperature at cooking hardware within a prescribed tolerance of a desired temperature (e.g., within +/−2 degrees Fahrenheit, such as within +/−1 degrees Fahrenheit, such as within +/−0.5 degrees Fahrenheit, such as within +/−0.25 degrees Fahrenheit, such as within +/−0.1 degrees Fahrenheit). In certain instances, the cooktop appliance can pulse the flame generated at the cooktop to maintain temperatures below minimum operating temperatures of the cooktop appliance. The cooktop appliance can utilize a spark generator or a gas supply pilot line to reignite the flame when flame is required and the gas burner does not have an active flame. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the cooktop appliance does not require incremental adjustments (e.g., compared to typical manually operated appliances) when converting the appliance between different fuel types, e.g., NG and LP, thus minimizing operator error during installation and setup and reducing operator time. These and other advantages of the systems and methods described herein are not found in traditional cooktop appliances. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.