Patent Description:
Various different types of cooking appliances are known, such as table-top cooking appliances that are positionable by the consumer on a table-top or kitchen work-top.

Examples of table-top cooking appliances include air cookers, food steamers and air fryers. Air cookers may be regarded, for instance, as mini convection ovens, owing to having a fan for circulating hot gas in the cooking appliance's cooking chamber across and through the food received therein. The architectures of such table-top cooking appliances may be illustrated as <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and/or <CIT>.

Cooking appliances tend to include sensitive components, such as electrical components, that can be damaged by heat emanating from the cooking chamber unless suitable precautions are taken, for example spacing the sensitive components sufficiently far away from the cooking chamber and/or arranging heat isolating material, such as fiberglass lagging, between the cooking chamber and such sensitive components.

Such measures may, however, compromise the compactness of the cooking appliance's design, and this can be particularly problematic in the case of table-top cooking appliances. Moreover, when measures for thermally isolating the cooking chamber are insufficient or inadequate, efficient operation of the cooking appliance risks being compromised.

According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cooking appliance comprising: a non-metallic structural wall that at least partly delimits a cooking chamber in which food is receivable; and a heating module that comprises a heater and a fan arranged to circulate gas in the cooking chamber; wherein the heating module is arranged in the cooking chamber that is at least partly delimited by the structural wall, and a fan motor is arranged outside the cooking chamber.

This may assist to provide a more compact cooking appliance design, and can also assist to improve efficiency of heating of the cooking chamber.

In at least some embodiments, the heating module is configured to heat the cooking chamber to a cooking temperature above <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the fan may circulate gas across the heater, and back towards the food received in the cooking chamber. Thus, the heating module can be regarded as a gas heating module.

The fan, together with the heater, is arranged in the cooking chamber at least partly delimited by the structural wall. Arranging, e.g. mounting, the fan and the heater in the cooking chamber in this manner has been found to improve heating of the cooking chamber, and generally assist to ensure effective heat transmission and distribution to the food received in the cooking chamber.

It is desirable to protect sensitive parts, e.g. a fan motor and/or an electronic control unit, arranged outside the cooking chamber from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber. In this aspect, this problem is at least partly addressed by the structural wall being non-metallic, in other words being formed from a non-metallic material.

Such a non-metallic structural wall may inhibit heat transfer through the structural wall.

Thus, such a non-metallic structural wall may assist to protect such sensitive parts, e.g. the fan motor and/or the electronic control unit, arranged outside the cooking chamber from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber.

Moreover, such a non-metallic structural wall can, in certain embodiments, assist to improve efficiency of heating the cooking chamber. This is because of the non-metallic structural wall's capability of retaining heat generated within the cooking chamber.

In this manner, the non-metallic structural wall may assist to shorten heat-up times, in other words the time required for the cooking chamber to reach a desired temperature, e.g. a user-entered set temperature.

The non-metallic material forming the structural wall may accordingly be a heat-insulating material.

Such a heat-insulating material may be regarded as having low heat transmission properties, e.g. lower thermal conductivity than steel and aluminium.

Heat isolation material, e.g. fiberglass lagging or aluminium foil, may be advantageously obviated due to the non-metallic structural wall itself providing sufficient heat insulation.

In some embodiments, the cooking appliance does not include a heat isolation material, e.g. fiberglass lagging, outside the cooking chamber.

Alternatively, only limited heat isolation material, e.g. fiberglass lagging and/or aluminium foil, may be included in the cooking appliance, e.g. wrapped around the structural wall.

The non-metallic structural wall can be formed from any suitable non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the non-metallic structural wall comprises, e.g. is formed from, a plastic material.

Such a plastic material may have suitable heat insulating properties.

In some embodiments, the plastic material is a non-stick plastic material, such as fluoropolymer-comprising material.

Such a plastic material can obviate the need for a non-stick coating to be applied to the structural wall.

Such a non-stick coating, e.g. a fluoropolymer coating, tends to be applied to metallic structural walls to make such structural walls easier to clean after cooking and/or to facilitate removal of cooked food from the cooking chamber.

The non-metallic structural wall may mean that, in at least some embodiments, the cooking appliance does not include a non-stick coating, e.g. a fluoropolymer coating, applied to a surface of the structural wall exposed to the cooking chamber.

Any suitable type of plastic material can be contemplated for the structural wall. The plastic material may, for example, comprise or be a thermoplastic material.

In some embodiments, the plastic material is a thermoplastic fluoropolymer.

Thermoplastic fluoropolymers may, owing to their thermal stability, be particularly well-suited for inclusion in, e.g. forming of, the structural wall. Moreover, thermoplastic fluoropolymers may be sufficiently straightforward to process in order to form the shape of the structural wall that defines the cooking chamber, e.g. via a molding technique, such as injection molding.

In embodiments in which the structural wall comprises, e.g. is formed from, a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, a surface of the thermoplastic fluoropolymer is preferably exposed to the cooking chamber.

This may obviate the requirement for a non-stick coating to be applied to the surface of the structural wall.

More generally, a thermoplastic material may enable the structural wall to be straightforwardly formed, e.g. via a molding technique, such as injection molding.

In some embodiments, the structural wall is formed as a single piece, for instance by being molded, e.g. injection molded, as a single piece. This may assist to minimize gas leakage from the cooking chamber.

Molding, e.g. injection molding, the structural wall as a single piece may also mean that the structural wall can be fabricated in a simple and cost-effective manner.

In some embodiments, the cooking appliance comprises a heat shield, with the heat shield being arranged between the heating module's heater and the structural wall.

The heat shield may assist to enhance distribution of heat across the structural wall, and to damp local temperature peaks on the structural wall.

The heat shield may have enhanced thermal conductivity properties compared to the non-metallic material forming the structural wall.

Moreover, the heat shield may assist to improve efficiency of operation of the cooking appliance by enhancing heat transfer to gas in the cooking chamber, e.g. gas circulated in the cooking chamber by a fan.

In embodiments in which the structural wall comprises, e.g. is formed from, a plastic material, the heat shield may assist to ensure the cooking appliance is operable in a safe operating condition. For example, the heat shield may assist to lessen risk of melting and/or thermal decomposition of such a plastic material.

The heat shield may be formed from any suitable material. Particular mention is made of a metallic material, in other words a metal, such as aluminium, and/or a metal alloy, such as steel.

In some embodiments, the heat shield is formed from stainless steel.

Forming the heat shield from stainless steel may mean that the heat shield is robust and resistant to corrosion, particularly in view of the humidity inside the cooking chamber, e.g. when steam cooking is taking place therein.

In at least some embodiments, the cooking appliance comprises a thermal fuse assembly.

In such embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly may be in thermal communication with the cooking chamber, e.g. via a thermal guide to the cooking chamber.

This may assist to minimize delay in triggering the thermal fuse assembly to interrupt powering of the cooking appliance.

Alternatively or additionally, the thermal fuse assembly may be mounted proximal to the top of the cooking chamber.

In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly is arranged at a region of the structural wall behind and aligned with the top of the heater, which top of the heater is proximal to the top of the cooking chamber.

Thus, the thermal fuse assembly may be arranged at a position identified as a hot spot.

In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly is arranged, e.g. mounted, outside the cooking chamber.

As well as assisting to protect the thermal fuse assembly from humidity arranging the thermal fuse assembly outside the cooking chamber may avoid electrical wires or connectors for connecting to the thermal fuse assembly being required to extend through the structural wall.

In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly is mounted between the heater and the structural wall.

In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly is mounted to the heat shield.

More generally, the cooking appliance may comprise a fuse housing for receiving the thermal fuse assembly. In such embodiments, the fuse housing comprises a thermally conductive portion arranged to thermally couple the thermal fuse assembly to the cooking chamber.

The thermally conductive portion may have enhanced heat conduction properties relative to the structural wall, e.g. plastic structural wall, and therefore assist to shorten any delay in triggering the thermal fuse assembly to interrupt powering of the cooking appliance.

The fuse housing may also include a thermally isolating part, e.g. opposing the thermally conductive portion. Such a thermally isolating part may, for instance, be formed from a non-metallic, e.g. plastic, material.

The thermally isolating part may assist to thermally isolate the thermal fuse assembly from a cooling air flow provided by a cooling fan included in the cooking appliance.

In some embodiments, the cooking appliance comprises a fuse sealing, such as a silicone rubber gasket, arranged between the thermally isolating part and the thermally conductive portion to seal the thermal fuse assembly between the thermally isolating part and the thermally conductive portion.

The thermally conductive portion can be defined by a fuse cover portion of the heat shield.

Alternatively or additionally, the thermally isolating part may be defined by a fuse cover part of the structural wall, e.g. plastic structural wall.

In some embodiments, the cooking appliance includes a partition wall arranged in the cooking chamber to partition the cooking chamber into a food receiving zone for receiving the food and a heating module zone in which the heating module is arranged.

The partition wall can be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal or metal alloy, e.g. steel.

By the partition wall being formed from a metal or metal alloy, the partition wall may assist to ensure effective heat transfer from the heating module zone to the food receiving zone. The metallic partition wall may thus contribute to the cooking appliance's cooking performance.

In some embodiments, the partition wall delimits gas delivery vents through which heated gas from the heating module zone is deliverable into the food receiving zone, and a gas inlet through which gas from the food receiving zone is deliverable into the heating module zone.

The partition wall may, owing to its function in such embodiments of delivering gas between the food receiving zone and the heating module zone, be regarded as a gas guiding member.

In some embodiments, the gas inlet is centrally arranged in the partition wall with the gas delivery vents being peripherally arranged in the partition wall. Thus, gas from the food receiving zone may be supplied into a central portion of the heating module, (re-)heated, and the (re-)heated gas delivered back into a peripheral portion, or peripheral portions, of the food receiving zone. This may assist to provide a desirable cooking result.

In some embodiments, the cooking appliance comprises an outer housing and an air cooling channel arranged between the outer housing and the structural wall.

The cooling provided by the air cooling channel may assist to protect such sensitive parts from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber.

In such embodiments, the cooking appliance may include a cooling fan arranged to displace air in the air cooling channel.

The cooling fan may enhance the cooling provided by the air cooling channel.

Rotation of the cooling fan may be driven in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the motor that drives rotation of the fan is arranged to rotate the cooling fan.

For example, both the fan and the cooling fan may be mounted to a spindle, in other words shaft, of a single motor.

This may provide an advantageously simple, compact, and cost-effective design.

In some embodiments, the cooking appliance comprises an electronic control unit adjacent a portion of the air cooling channel.

Thus, the air cooling channel may assist to protect the electronic control unit from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber.

The cooking appliance may comprise a bottom and a top when orientated for use, a front side extending between the bottom and the top, and a rear side extending between the bottom and the top, with the rear side opposing the front side across the cooking chamber.

In such embodiments, the outer housing may delimit at least one ambient air inlet through which ambient air is deliverable into the air cooling channel, and at least one outlet for expelling the air.

The at least one ambient air inlet and the at least one outlet may be arranged to define a cooling flow path between the front side and the rear side, for example from the front side towards the rear side (or from the rear side towards the front side).

For example, the at least one ambient air inlet may be arranged at the front side, with the at least one outlet being arranged at the rear side.

In such embodiments, the cooling fan may be arranged to draw air into the air cooling channel via the at least one ambient air inlet and cause the air to be expelled via the at least one outlet.

In some embodiments, the electronic control unit may be arranged at or proximal to the front side and distal with respect to the rear side.

Alternatively or additionally, the fan may be arranged proximal to the front side and distal with respect to the rear side.

Thus, the electronic control unit and/or motor may be arranged at or proximal to the side, in other words the front side, of the cooking appliance that receives the fresh ambient air initially introduced into the air cooling channel. The concomitant enhanced cooling of the electronic control unit may assist to protect the electronic control unit from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber.

According to another aspect not forming part of the invention there is provided a cooking appliance comprising:
a structural wall that at least partly delimits a cooking chamber in which food is receivable, wherein the cooking appliance has a bottom and a top when orientated for use, a front side extending between the bottom and the top, and a rear side extending between the bottom and the top, the rear side opposing the front side across the cooking chamber; a heating module for heating the cooking chamber, the heating module being arranged closer to the front side than to the rear side; an outer housing; and an air cooling channel arranged between the outer housing and the structural wall, wherein the outer housing delimits at least one ambient air inlet through which ambient air is deliverable into the air cooling channel, and wherein the outer housing delimits at least one outlet for expelling the air, the at least one ambient air inlet and the at least one outlet being arranged to define a cooling flow path between the front side and the rear side, for example from the front side towards the rear side (or from the rear side towards the front side).

The air cooling channel may assist to protect parts, e.g. electrical components, from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber, particularly when such parts are arranged at or proximal to the front side of the cooking appliance. Thus, the air cooling channel can be regarded as providing an alternative solution to the above-described problem addressed by the structural wall being a non-metallic structural wall.

In this aspect not according to the invention, the structural wall can be metallic or non-metallic.

For example, the structural wall can be made of a metal or metal alloy, e.g. to which a non-stick coating is applied.

The cooking appliance may include a cooling fan arranged to displace air in the air cooling channel, for example with the cooling fan being arranged to draw air into the air cooling channel via the at least one ambient air inlet and cause the air to be expelled via the at least one outlet.

Alternatively or additionally, the heating module may be arranged in the cooking chamber that is at least partly delimited by the structural wall.

Alternatively or additionally, the heating module may comprise a heater arranged in the cooking chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance may comprise a heat shield, with the heat shield being arranged between the heating module's heater and the structural wall.

Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance comprises a thermal fuse assembly, for example with the thermal fuse assembly being in thermal communication with the cooking chamber. Such a thermal fuse assembly may, for instance, be mounted to the heat shield.

Alternatively or additionally, the heating module comprises a fan arranged to circulate gas in the cooking chamber, for example with the fan and the heater being arranged in the cooking chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, a motor that drives rotation of the fan may be arranged to rotate the cooling fan.

Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance comprises an electronic control unit arranged at or proximal to the front side, and distal with respect to the rear side, for example with the electronic control unit being adjacent a portion of the air cooling channel.

More generally, other than the material for the structural wall, the embodiments described herein in relation to the first aspect are applicable to this second aspect.

It is also noted, in a general sense, that the cooking appliance according to aspects of the present disclosure may be a table-top cooking appliance, e.g. a top-loaded table-top cooking appliance.

Such a table-top cooking appliance is positionable by the consumer on a table-top or kitchen work-top.

The table-top cooking appliance may be, for example, a so-called air cooker, a food steamer and/or an air fryer.

The cooking chamber has, when orientated for use, a top and a bottom.

When the table-top cooking appliance is an air fryer, the fan may be arranged to circulate gas upwardly through food received in the cooking chamber, e.g. in the food receiving zone, in the direction of the top and/or downwardly through food received in the cooking chamber in the direction of the bottom.

When the table-top cooking appliance is an air cooker, the fan may be arranged to circulate gas laterally across and through food received in the cooking chamber, e.g. in the food receiving zone, with the gas being laterally directed towards side portion(s) of the structural wall extending between the top and bottom of the cooking chamber.

Such lateral directing of the gas can be implemented, for instance, by the gas delivery vent(s) delimited by the partition wall being proximal to the top of the cooking chamber, e.g. above the gas inlet. In such embodiments, the gas inlet can, for example, be centrally arranged in the partition wall.

In such a design, the gas delivered into the cooking chamber via the gas delivery vent(s) proximal to the top of the cooking chamber can be directed over the food received in the cooking chamber and return towards the lower gas inlet through and/or underneath the food.

Provided is a cooking appliance comprising a non-metallic structural wall that at least partly delimits a cooking chamber in which food is receivable. The cooking appliance also includes a heating module for heating the cooking chamber. The non-metallic structural wall that at least partly defines the cooking chamber assists to protect parts, e.g. electrical components, from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber. As an alternative solution to the same problem, the present disclosure also provides a cooking appliance comprising a structural wall that at least partly delimits a cooking chamber in which food is receivable, with the cooking appliance having a bottom and a top when orientated for use, and a front side and a rear side that each extend between the bottom and the top. The rear side opposes the front side across the cooking chamber. The cooking appliance also includes a heating module for heating the cooking chamber, with the heating module being arranged proximal to the front side and distal with respect to the rear side, in other words closer to the front side than the rear side. The cooking appliance further comprises an outer housing. An air cooling channel is arranged between the outer housing and the structural wall. The outer housing delimits at least one ambient air inlet through which ambient air is deliverable into the air cooling channel, and at least one outlet for expelling the air. The at least one ambient air inlet and the at least one outlet are arranged so that a cooling flow path is defined between the front side and the rear side, for example from the front side towards the rear side. This arrangement assist to protect parts, e.g. electrical components, from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber, particularly when such parts are arranged at or proximal to the front side of the cooking appliance.

In some embodiments, the cooking appliance also includes a steam heater module in addition to the heating module.

Such a steam heater module can include a dedicated heater arranged to heat a water evaporation portion so as to promote vaporization of water received in the water evaporation area. The water evaporation portion can, for instance, be arranged in the cooking chamber.

<FIG> provides an exploded view of a cooking appliance <NUM> according to an example. <FIG> provides a view of such a cooking appliance <NUM> when assembled.

Evident in <FIG> and <FIG> is a structural wall <NUM> that at least partly delimits a cooking chamber <NUM> in which food (not visible) is receivable. The cooking appliance <NUM> also comprises a heating module <NUM> for heating the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The term "structural wall" refers to the structural wall's <NUM> function of structurally defining the shape of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The term "structural wall" thus excludes, for example, a coating per se, since such a coating cannot by itself structurally define the shape of the cooking chamber <NUM>. Rather, it is the structural wall <NUM> to which such a coating may be applied that structurally defines the shape of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The structural wall <NUM> may have a surface exposed to the cooking chamber <NUM>, which surface at least partly delimits the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the surface may be a continuous surface, in other words a surface without sharp edges and dislocations.

Such a continuous surface may be relatively easy to clean and may also assist to minimize accumulation of food debris, grease, etc. that may otherwise collect at sharp edges dislocations of the structural wall's <NUM> surface.

In some embodiments, the heating module <NUM> is arranged in the cooking chamber <NUM> that is at least partly delimited by the structural wall <NUM>.

Placing the heating module <NUM> within the cooking chamber <NUM> may assist to provide a more compact cooking appliance <NUM> design, and can also assist to improve efficiency of heating of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In at least some embodiments, the heating module <NUM> is configured to heat the cooking chamber <NUM> to a cooking temperature above <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the heating module <NUM> comprises a heater <NUM> arranged in the cooking chamber <NUM>. In other words, the heater <NUM> is arranged in the cooking chamber <NUM> at least partly delimited by the structural wall <NUM>.

Arrangement of the heater <NUM> in the cooking chamber <NUM> can assist to ensure effective heat transmission and distribution to the food received in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In such embodiments, heater connectors (not visible in <FIG> and <FIG>) may extend through the structural wall <NUM> in order to reach, and connect to, the heater <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, such as those depicted in <FIG>, the heater <NUM> comprises, or is in the form of, a resistive heating element.

Such a resistive heating element may, for example, comprise coils spaced apart from each other to enable heating of gas passing across and between the coils. Examples of this are shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, and as best shown in the examples depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> includes a partition wall <NUM> arranged in the cooking chamber <NUM> to partition the cooking chamber <NUM> into a food receiving zone 104A for receiving the food and a heating module zone 104B in which the heater <NUM> is arranged.

The partition wall <NUM> can be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal or metal alloy, e.g. steel.

By the partition wall <NUM> being formed from a metal or metal alloy, the partition wall <NUM> may assist to ensure effective heat transfer from the heating module zone 104B to the food receiving zone 104A. The metallic partition wall <NUM> may thus contribute to the cooking appliance's <NUM> cooking performance.

In some embodiments, and referring to the non-limiting examples depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the partition wall <NUM> delimits gas delivery vents <NUM> through which heated gas from the heating module zone 104B is deliverable into the food receiving zone 104A, and a gas inlet <NUM> through which gas from the food receiving zone 104A is deliverable into the heating module zone 104B.

The partition wall <NUM> may, owing to its function in such embodiments of delivering gas between the food receiving zone 104A and the heating module zone 104B, be regarded as a gas guiding member.

The gas delivery vents <NUM> and the gas inlet <NUM> can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, and as best shown in <FIG>, the gas inlet <NUM> is defined by gaps in a grille, in this non-limiting example a circular grille.

Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises shelf portions <NUM>, with each shelf portion <NUM> extending in the heating module zone 104B to each of the gas delivery vents <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>, and/or extending from each of the gas delivery vents <NUM> into the food receiving zone 104A (not visible).

Such shelf portions <NUM> may assist to guide delivery of gas from the heating module zone 104B into the food receiving zone 104A.

At this point it is noted that the gas can comprise or be air, steam, and/or smoke. The composition of the gas may depend on, for instance, the food being cooked and the conditions within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the gas inlet <NUM> is centrally arranged in the partition wall <NUM> with the gas delivery vents <NUM> being peripherally arranged in the partition wall <NUM>. Thus, gas from the food receiving zone 104A may be supplied into a central portion of the heating module <NUM>, (re-)heated, and the (re-)heated gas delivered back into a peripheral portion, or peripheral portions, of the food receiving zone 104A. This may assist to provide a desirable cooking result.

The gas delivery vents <NUM> may, for example, be arranged along a first lateral side of the partition wall <NUM>, and along a second lateral side of the partition wall <NUM> that opposes the first lateral side.

The gas delivery vents <NUM> can, more generally, be regarded as being "lateral gas delivery vents <NUM>" through which gas is delivered from the heating module zone 104B into the food receiving zone 104A at one or both lateral sides of the food receiving zone 104A. Such lateral sides may each extend from a bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM> towards a top of the cooking chamber <NUM> when the cooking appliance is orientated for use.

In at least some embodiments, the heating module <NUM> comprises a fan <NUM> arranged to circulate gas in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the fan <NUM> may circulate gas across the heater <NUM>, and back towards the food received in the cooking chamber <NUM>. Thus, the heating module <NUM> can be regarded as a gas heating module <NUM>.

The fan <NUM>, together with the heater <NUM>, may be arranged in the cooking chamber <NUM> at least partly delimited by the structural wall <NUM>. Examples of this are depicted in <FIG>.

Arranging, e.g. mounting, the fan <NUM> and the heater <NUM> in the cooking chamber <NUM> in this manner has been found to improve heating of the cooking chamber <NUM>, and generally the energy efficiency of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

In embodiments in which the cooking chamber <NUM> is partitioned by the partition wall <NUM> into the food receiving zone 104A and the heating module zone 104B, the fan <NUM>, together with the heater <NUM>, may be arranged in the heating module zone 104B.

Alternatively or additionally, the fan <NUM> may be arranged to draw gas from the food receiving zone 104A into the heating module zone 104B, across the heater <NUM>, and expel the gas from the heating module zone 104B back into the food receiving zone 104A.

In embodiments, such as those shown in <FIG>, in which the partition wall <NUM> is delimited by the centrally arranged gas inlet <NUM> and the peripherally arranged gas delivery vents <NUM>, the fan <NUM> may be arranged to draw gas from the food receiving zone 104A axially through the gas inlet <NUM> and divert the gas radially across the heater <NUM> in the direction of the gas delivery vents <NUM>.

Thus, the arrangement of the fan <NUM>, in combination with the configuration of the gas delivery vents <NUM> and the gas inlet <NUM>, may assist to provide the desired gas circulation in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Rotation of the fan <NUM> may be driven in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as those shown in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a motor <NUM> arranged to rotate the fan <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the motor <NUM> is preferably arranged outside the cooking chamber <NUM>. In other words, the structural wall <NUM> may be arranged between the cooking chamber <NUM> and the motor <NUM>.

Thus, the motor <NUM> may be protected from cooking conditions, in particular the heat and humidity conditions, inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

To this end, and referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a spindle <NUM>, in other words fan shaft, may extend from the fan <NUM> inside the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. in the heating module zone 104B, to the outside of the cooking chamber <NUM> in the direction of the motor <NUM>.

The fan <NUM> may thus be driven to rotate by the motor <NUM> via the spindle <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the structural wall <NUM> may correspondingly delimit an aperture <NUM> through which the spindle <NUM> can extend into the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as those depicted in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises an electronic control unit <NUM> arranged outside the cooking chamber <NUM>. In other words, the structural wall <NUM> may be arranged between the cooking chamber <NUM> and the electronic control unit <NUM>.

Such an electronic control unit <NUM> may be configured to control the heating module <NUM>, e.g. configured to control the heater <NUM> and/or rotation of the fan <NUM>.

In such embodiments, and referring to <FIG>, the electronic control unit <NUM> may include a user interface <NUM>. In such embodiments, the electronic control unit <NUM> may be configured to control the heating module <NUM>, e.g. the heater <NUM> and/or rotation of the fan <NUM>, based on one or more user entry made via the user interface <NUM>.

The user interface <NUM> may, for example, be configured to enable user entry of a set temperature of the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or a duration of heating the cooking chamber <NUM> at a set temperature, e.g. before an alarm signal is activated and/or the heating module <NUM> is controlled to stop heating or at least lower the temperature of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the user interface <NUM> may be configured to communicate information, e.g. cooking parameter information, to the user. To this end, the user interface <NUM> may include a display for displaying information.

The electronic control unit <NUM> may include processor(s), e.g. microcontroller(s), configured to control the cooking appliance <NUM>, e.g. the heating module <NUM> included in the cooking appliance <NUM>.

The processor(s) may, for instance, be configured to receive data from the user interface <NUM> and/or from an external device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer, and control the cooking appliance <NUM>, e.g. the heating module <NUM>, based on the data.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the electronic control unit <NUM> includes a printed circuit board assembly 124A.

The processor(s) may be mounted via the printed circuit board assembly 124A. Alternatively or additionally, the above-described user interface <NUM> may be connected to the printed circuit board assembly 124A.

More generally, it is desirable to protect sensitive parts, e.g. the motor <NUM> and/or the electronic control unit <NUM>, arranged outside the cooking chamber <NUM> from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber <NUM>. One way of addressing this issue is by the structural wall <NUM> being non-metallic, in other words being formed from a non-metallic material.

Such a non-metallic structural wall <NUM> may inhibit heat transfer through the structural wall <NUM>.

Thus, such a non-metallic structural wall <NUM> may assist to protect sensitive parts, e.g. the motor <NUM> and/or the electronic control unit <NUM>, arranged outside the cooking chamber <NUM> from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Moreover, such a non-metallic structural wall <NUM>, particularly when at least part of the heating module <NUM>, e.g. the heater <NUM>, is received in the cooking chamber <NUM>, can assist to improve efficiency of heating the cooking chamber <NUM>. This is because of the non-metallic structural wall's capability of retaining the heat generated by the heating module <NUM> within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In this manner, the non-metallic structural wall <NUM> may assist to shorten heat-up times, in other words the time required for the cooking chamber <NUM> to reach a desired temperature, e.g. the above-mentioned user-entered set temperature.

Thus, the non-metallic structural wall <NUM> may assist to improve the cooking chamber's <NUM> primary function, with concomitant benefit to cooking/food results.

The non-metallic material forming the structural wall <NUM> may accordingly be a heat-insulating material.

Heat isolation material, e.g. fiberglass lagging or aluminium foil, may be advantageously obviated due to the non-metallic structural wall <NUM> itself providing sufficient heat insulation.

In some embodiments, the cooking appliance <NUM> does not include a heat isolation material, e.g. fiberglass lagging, outside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Alternatively, only limited heat isolation material, e.g. fiberglass lagging and/or aluminium foil, may be included in the cooking appliance <NUM>, e.g. wrapped around the structural wall <NUM>.

The non-metallic structural wall <NUM> can be formed from any suitable non-metallic material. In some embodiments, the non-metallic structural wall comprises, e.g. is formed from, a plastic material.

Such a plastic material can obviate the need for a non-stick coating to be applied to the structural wall <NUM>.

Such a non-stick coating, e.g. a fluoropolymer coating, tends to be applied to metallic structural walls <NUM> to make such structural walls <NUM> easier to clean after cooking and/or to facilitate removal of cooked food from the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The non-metallic structural wall <NUM> may mean that, in at least some embodiments, the cooking appliance <NUM> does not include a non-stick coating, e.g. a fluoropolymer coating, applied to a surface of the structural wall <NUM> exposed to the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Any suitable type of plastic material can be contemplated for the structural wall <NUM>. The plastic material may, for example, comprise or be a thermoplastic material.

Thermoplastic fluoropolymers may, owing to their thermal stability, be particularly well-suited for inclusion in, e.g. forming of, the structural wall <NUM>. Moreover, thermoplastic fluoropolymers may be sufficiently straightforward to process in order to form the shape of the structural wall <NUM> that defines the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. via a molding technique, such as injection molding.

It is further noted that a thermoplastic fluoropolymer can provide non-stick properties to the structural wall <NUM>.

Thus, in embodiments in which the structural wall <NUM> comprises, e.g. is formed from, a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, a surface of the thermoplastic fluoropolymer is preferably exposed to the cooking chamber <NUM>.

More generally, a thermoplastic material may enable the structural wall <NUM> to be straightforwardly formed, e.g. via a molding technique, such as injection molding.

Injection molding of the structural wall <NUM> may enable mounting of interface parts directly to the structural wall <NUM>, e.g. without protrusions requiring sealing to prevent unintentional leaking of fluid, e.g. gas, from the cooking chamber <NUM> where such interface parts are mounted.

Openings of and interfaces with the structural wall <NUM> may generally be reduced to a minimum.

In some embodiments, such as depicted in <FIG>, the structural wall <NUM> is formed as a single piece, for instance by being molded, e.g. injection molded, as a single piece. This may assist to minimize gas leakage from the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Molding, e.g. injection molding, the structural wall as a single piece may also mean that the structural wall <NUM> can be fabricated in a simple and cost-effective manner.

At this point it is noted that the measures, such as the non-metallic structural wall <NUM>, described herein for assisting to protect parts, e.g. electrical components, from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber <NUM>, may be applicable to any type of cooking appliance <NUM>. However, particular mention is made of the cooking appliance <NUM> being a table-top cooking appliance <NUM>, e.g. a top-loaded table-top cooking appliance <NUM>.

Such a table-top cooking appliance <NUM> is positionable by the consumer on a table-top or kitchen work-top.

The table-top cooking appliance <NUM> may be, for example, a so-called air cooker, food steamer and/or an air fryer.

The compact design necessitated by such a table-top cooking appliance <NUM> may mean that sensitive parts, e.g. electrical components, may be arranged more closely to the cooking chamber <NUM> than in other cooking appliance <NUM> designs, such as built-in ovens. Accordingly, the measures, such as the non-metallic structural wall <NUM>, described herein for assisting to protect parts, e.g. electrical components, from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber <NUM> may be particularly advantageous in such table-top cooking appliances <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the heat transfer/energy efficiency benefits derived from features included in at least some of the embodiments described herein may be particularly advantageous in such table-top cooking appliances <NUM> owing to the table-top cooking appliances <NUM> being configured to consume less power than, for instance, built-in ovens.

The cooking appliance <NUM>, e.g. table-top cooking appliance <NUM>, can be powered in any suitable manner, such as by one or more batteries and/or via a mains source of power. In embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, in which the cooking appliance <NUM> is powerable by a mains source of power, the cooking appliance <NUM> can include a plug <NUM> for connecting to a mains power socket (not visible).

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a lid <NUM> for closing and accessing the cooking chamber <NUM>.

When the cooking chamber <NUM> is closed by the lid <NUM>, the cooking chamber <NUM> is at least partly, and in some embodiments fully, delimited by the lid <NUM> together with the structural wall <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> may oppose the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM> when the cooking appliance <NUM> is orientated for use.

In such embodiments, the cooking appliance <NUM> may be regarded as a top-loaded cooking appliance <NUM>, since moving the lid <NUM> to access the cooking chamber <NUM> enables loading of the cooking chamber <NUM> from above, when the cooking appliance <NUM> is orientated for use, e.g. by being placed on a table-top or kitchen counter-top with the bottom of the cooking appliance <NUM> proximal to the table-top or kitchen counter-top and the lid <NUM> distal with respect to the table-top or kitchen counter-top supporting the cooking appliance <NUM> in use.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM> for assisting a user to move the lid <NUM> in order to close or access the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> may be movable to close or access the cooking chamber <NUM> in any suitable manner, for example by being mounted via a hinge such that pivoting of the lid <NUM> enables closing and accessing of the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or being detachably mounted such that detaching the lid <NUM> enables accessing of the cooking chamber <NUM> and replacement of the lid <NUM> enables closing of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> comprises an outer lid part 128A and an inner lid part 128B spaced apart from the outer lid part 128A.

In such embodiments, the spatial separation of the outer lid part 128A and the inner lid part 128B may assist to insulate the outer lid part 128A from the heat of the cooking chamber <NUM>, thereby lessening the risk of discomfort or injury to the user resulting from contacting an exterior surface of the lid <NUM>. Moreover, this design may assist to retain heat within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Such an exterior surface of the lid <NUM> may, for example, be an exterior surface of the outer lid part 128A and/or an exterior surface of the handle <NUM>.

In the case of the above-described top-loaded cooking appliance <NUM>, the outer lid part 128A may be an upper lid part 128A, with the inner lid part 128B being a lower lid part 128B. Examples of this are shown in <FIG>.

The outer lid part 128A may be coupled to the inner lid part 128B such that movement of the lid <NUM> entails movement of the outer lid part 128A together with the inner lid part 128B.

To this end, the lid <NUM> may include one or more lid connectors <NUM> configured to connect the outer lid part 128A and the inner lid part 128B to each other.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lid <NUM> comprises a sealing member <NUM>, e.g. a sealing ring or gasket, configured to seal the space between the outer lid part 128A and the inner lid part 128B.

This may assist to lessen thermal conduction between the cooking chamber <NUM> and the outer lid part 128A since, for example, hot gas from the cooking chamber <NUM> may be restricted or prevented by the sealing member <NUM> from accessing the space between the outer lid part 128A and the inner lid part 128B.

The sealing member <NUM>, e.g. sealing ring or gasket, can be formed from any suitable material, such as an elastomeric material, e.g. silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, the lid <NUM> is made at least partly from a transparent material to provide a view into the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lid <NUM>, e.g. the at least partly transparent lid <NUM>, is mounted to the cooking appliance <NUM> with one or more hinges.

In at least some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises an outer housing <NUM> in which the structural wall <NUM> is housed.

The outer housing <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal, metal alloy and/or plastic material. A plastic material may be preferred for the outer housing <NUM> for weight-saving reasons.

Any suitable design for the outer housing <NUM> can be contemplated. In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the outer housing <NUM> comprises a top outer housing part 136A, a bottom outer housing part 136B, and a middle outer housing part 136C arranged between the top outer housing part 136A and the bottom outer housing part 136B. It is noted that the terms "top outer housing part 136A" and "bottom outer housing part <NUM>" may refer to the positioning of the respective outer housing part 136A, 136B when the cooking appliance <NUM> is orientated for use.

In embodiments in which the cooking appliance <NUM> includes the lid <NUM>, the top outer housing part 136A may be proximal to, e.g. detachably coupled to, the lid <NUM>, with the bottom outer housing part 136B being distal with respect to the lid <NUM>. The bottom outer housing part 136B may also, for instance, be proximal to a table-top and/or a kitchen counter-top supporting the cooking appliance <NUM> in use.

In embodiments in which the cooking appliance <NUM> includes the user interface <NUM>, the outer housing <NUM> may delimit, as best shown in <FIG>, one or more openings <NUM> in which the user interface <NUM> is arrangeable. For instance, the opening(s) <NUM> may be delimited by the top outer housing part 136A.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a food support <NUM>, such as a food basket, receivable in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The food support <NUM>, e.g. food basket, may be made from any suitable material. For example, the food support <NUM>, e.g. food basket, comprises a structure formed from a metal, e.g. aluminium, or metal alloy, e.g. steel.

The food support <NUM>, e.g. food basket, may comprise a coating, such as a non-stick, e.g. fluoropolymer, coating applied to such a structure formed from a metal or metal alloy.

In some embodiments, the food support <NUM> is a food basket having a steel mesh structure. In a non-limiting example, the food support <NUM> is a food basket having a steel mesh structure coated with a non-stick, e.g. fluoropolymer, coating.

In embodiments in which the cooking chamber <NUM> is partitioned into the food receiving zone 104A and the heating module zone 104B, the food support <NUM>, e.g. food basket, may be receivable in the food receiving zone 104A.

Such a food support <NUM> may be removable from the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. removable from the food receiving zone 104A, for instance by lifting the food support <NUM> out of the cooking chamber <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is moved to provide access to the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Thus, the food support <NUM> may be removed from the cooking chamber <NUM> for cleaning. Alternatively or additionally, food may be straightforwardly removed from the food support <NUM> or placed upon the food support <NUM> while the food support <NUM> is removed from the cooking chamber <NUM>. Once the food has been placed upon the food support <NUM>, the food support <NUM> together with the food may be received in the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. followed by movement of the lid <NUM> to close the cooking chamber <NUM>.

To this end, the food support <NUM>, e.g. food basket, may include a handle <NUM> for assisting placement of the food support <NUM> in, and removal of the food support <NUM> from, the cooking chamber <NUM>.

As an alternative or in addition to the food support <NUM>, and as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> may include a drip tray <NUM> receivable in the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. receivable in the food receiving zone 104A of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The drip tray <NUM> may catch oil and grease from the food, so as to minimize pollution of the surface of the structural wall <NUM> by such oil and grease.

Such a drip tray <NUM> may, similarly to the food support <NUM>, be removable from the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. removable from the food receiving zone 104A, for instance by lifting the drip tray <NUM> out of the cooking chamber <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is moved to provide access to the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Thus, the drip tray <NUM> may be removed from the cooking chamber <NUM> for straightforward disposal of the oil and grease, and for cleaning.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a water evaporation portion <NUM> arranged at the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the structural wall <NUM> may delimit a gap for receiving the water evaporation portion <NUM>, for instance in the form of a plate member made from a metal, e.g. aluminium, or metal alloy, e.g. steel.

In such embodiments, the cooking appliance <NUM> may include a further heater <NUM>, e.g. a flat heater <NUM>, arranged to heat the water evaporation portion <NUM> so as to promote vaporization of water received in the water evaporation area <NUM>.

The water evaporation portion <NUM> may have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the water evaporation portion <NUM> is circular when viewed in plan from above the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

To operate the cooking appliance <NUM> for steam cooking, the user may fill the water evaporation portion <NUM> by supplying water into the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM>. The heater <NUM> and/or the further heater <NUM> may evaporate the water to generate steam.

In embodiments in which the heating module <NUM> includes the fan <NUM>, the cooking appliance <NUM> may be operated in an air/steam circulation mode in which air and the thus generated steam are circulated in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

As an alternative or in addition to the user manually supplying water into the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM>, the cooking appliance <NUM> may include a water dosing system (not visible) arranged to dose water into the cooking chamber <NUM> to generate steam.

Such a water dosing system may, for instance, include a water pipe and a pump configured to pump water, e.g. from a reservoir included in the cooking appliance <NUM>, into the cooking chamber <NUM>.

As an alternative, the steam could be generated outside the cooking chamber <NUM> and supplied into the cooking chamber <NUM> by injection.

In still other embodiments, the cooking appliance <NUM> does not include dedicated steam cooking components. In other words, the present disclosure should not be regarded as being limited to cooking appliances <NUM> with steam cooking capability, and is correspondingly applicable to all kinds of cooking appliances <NUM>, and in particular table-top cooking appliances <NUM>, such as table-top, top-loaded cooking appliances <NUM> having a fan <NUM> for gas circulation in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

More generally, and referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a top and a bottom, with a front side <NUM> and a rear side <NUM> each extending from the bottom to the top. The rear side <NUM> opposes the front side <NUM> across the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In such embodiments, and as best shown in <FIG>, the heating module <NUM> may be arranged proximal to the front side <NUM>, with the heating module <NUM> being correspondingly arranged distal with respect to the rear side <NUM>.

It is noted, in a general sense, that as an alternative or in addition to the structural wall <NUM> being non-metallic in order to assist to protect sensitive parts, e.g. the motor <NUM> and/or the electronic control unit <NUM>, arranged outside the cooking chamber <NUM> from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber <NUM>, an air cooling channel <NUM> is arrangeable between the outer housing <NUM> and the structural wall <NUM>, with the outer housing <NUM> delimiting, e.g. at the front side <NUM>, at least one ambient air inlet <NUM> through which ambient air is deliverable into the air cooling channel <NUM>, and with the outer housing <NUM> delimiting, e.g. at the rear side <NUM>, at least one outlet <NUM> for expelling the air. In other words, the ambient air inlet(s) <NUM> and the outlet(s) <NUM> are arranged to define a cooling flow path between the front side <NUM> and the rear side <NUM>, e.g. from the front side <NUM> towards the rear side <NUM>.

The cooling provided by the air cooling channel <NUM> may assist to protect such sensitive parts from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber <NUM>, particularly when such parts are arranged at or proximal to the front side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

In some embodiments, this may be due, at least in part, to the at least one ambient air inlet <NUM> being at the front side <NUM>, and the heating module <NUM> being proximal to the front side <NUM>.

Thus, the fresh ambient air is initially introduced into the air cooling channel <NUM> at the side, in other words the front side <NUM>, of the cooking appliance <NUM> requiring more cooling in view of the positioning of the heating module <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the at least one ambient air inlet <NUM> comprises, or is in the form of, inlet slots formed between the top outer housing part 136A and the middle outer housing part 136C, at the front side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

The inlet slots between the top outer housing part 136A and the middle outer housing part 136C may be at least partially hidden from the user, for example by the top outer housing part 136A, e.g. by a lip portion of the top outer housing part 136A extending in the direction of the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The middle outer housing part 136C may, for instance, extend as a ring around a periphery of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the at least one outlet <NUM> comprises, or is in the form of outlet slots, distributed along the rear side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM> and formed between the top outer housing part 136A and the middle outer housing part 136C.

In some embodiments, the outer housing <NUM> delimits a further outlet for expelling the air. In such embodiments, the further outlet may comprise, or be in the form of, side outlet slots distributed along at least one side, e.g. along both sides, extending between the front side <NUM> and the rear side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

The outlet slots and/or the side outlet slots between the top outer housing part 136A and the middle outer housing part 136C may be at least partially hidden from the user, for example by the top outer housing part 136A, e.g. by the lip portion of the top outer housing part 136A extending in the direction of the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the electronic control unit <NUM> is arranged adjacent the air cooling channel <NUM>. Thus, the air cooling channel <NUM> may assist to protect the electronic control unit <NUM> from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The electronic control unit <NUM> may be arranged at or proximal to the front side <NUM>, and correspondingly distal with respect to the rear side <NUM>. Thus, the electronic control unit <NUM> may be arranged at or proximal to the side, in other words the front side <NUM>, of the cooking appliance <NUM> that receives the fresh ambient air initially introduced into the air cooling channel <NUM>. The concomitant enhanced cooling of the electronic control unit <NUM> may assist to protect the electronic control unit <NUM> from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the printed circuit board assembly 124A is arranged adjacent the at least one ambient air inlet <NUM> such that air entering the outer housing <NUM> initially passes over the printed circuit board assembly 124A.

This may assist cooling of electrical components, e.g. processor(s), mounted via the printed circuit board assembly 124A.

The cooling air may then, for instance, be passed over the cooking chamber <NUM> and expelled via the at least one outlet <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the motor <NUM> may be arranged proximal to the front side <NUM>, e.g. with the spindle <NUM> extending towards the rear side <NUM>. Thus, the motor <NUM> may be arranged at or proximal to the side, in other words the front side <NUM>, of the cooking appliance <NUM> that receives the fresh ambient air initially introduced into the air cooling channel <NUM>. The concomitant enhanced cooling of the motor <NUM> may assist to protect the motor <NUM> from being damaged by heat emanating from inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

For example, the electronic control unit <NUM> and the motor <NUM> are each located adjacent to inlet slot(s) defining the at least one ambient air inlet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the user interface <NUM> is arranged at or proximal to the front side <NUM>, and correspondingly distal with respect to the rear side <NUM>.

Thus, the front side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM> may be the one at which the user receives, e.g. is displayed, information via the user interface <NUM> and/or the user entry is made via the user interface <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, a power cord connecting to the plug <NUM> may extend from the rear side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the electronic control unit <NUM> and the user interface <NUM> are arranged at or proximal to the front side <NUM>, with the heating module <NUM> and the motor <NUM> being also arranged proximal to the front side <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a cooling fan <NUM> arranged to displace air in the air cooling channel <NUM>.

Rotation of the cooling fan <NUM> may be driven in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as those shown in <FIG>, the motor <NUM> that drives rotation of the fan <NUM> is further arranged to rotate the cooling fan <NUM>. For example, both the fan <NUM> and the cooling fan <NUM> may be mounted to the spindle <NUM>, in other words shaft, of a single motor <NUM>.

This may provide an advantageously simple and cost-effective design. This design may also enable a compact design of the air cooling and gas circulation systems at the front side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

The cooling fan <NUM> is, in at least some embodiments, arranged to draw air into the air cooling channel <NUM> via the at least one ambient air inlet <NUM> and cause the air to be expelled via the at least one outlet <NUM>.

Thus, humidity in the cooking chamber <NUM>, and potentially humidity leaked from the cooking chamber <NUM> via insufficiently sealed interfaces, may be pushed by the flow generated, at least in part, by the cooling fan <NUM> in the direction of the rear side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>. This can assist to keep such humidity away from the ambient air inlet(s) <NUM> and, for example, sensitive component(s), e.g. electronic components, arranged at or proximal to the front side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

The electronic control unit <NUM>, the motor <NUM>, and the cooling fan <NUM> may, for example, be arranged next to each other at the front side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises an air cooling channel housing portion <NUM> arranged between the cooling fan <NUM> and the motor <NUM>.

The air cooling channel housing portion <NUM> may assist to guide and/or retain air in the air cooling channel <NUM>.

The non-metallic, e.g. plastic, structural wall <NUM> separates the heating module <NUM>, e.g. the heater <NUM> and the fan <NUM>, from the motor <NUM> and cooling fan <NUM> arranged outside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

This may assist to improve cooking and cooling efficiency, as well as assisting to provide a simplified cooking appliance <NUM> design. Regarding the latter, the cooking appliance <NUM> may not include a heat isolation material, e.g. fiberglass lagging or aluminium foil, outside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict fluid flow and circulation in the cooking appliance <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The ambient air, in other words cooling air, enters, at A, the cooking appliance <NUM> via the ambient air inlet(s) <NUM>, e.g. via the ambient air inlets <NUM> in the form of inlet slots formed between the top outer housing part 136A and the middle outer housing part 136C, at the front side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

Immediately following entering the cooking appliance <NUM>, the flow passes, at B, the electronic control unit <NUM>, e.g. to which the user interface <NUM> is connected, and passes, at C, the motor <NUM>, e.g. which drives rotation of both the cooling fan <NUM> and the fan <NUM>.

The cooling fan <NUM>, at D, draws the air through the air cooling channel housing portion <NUM> and the airflow is directed, at E, towards the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Guiding elements (not visible) may, for example, distribute the flow across the surface of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The dotted lines <NUM> in <FIG> denote gas circulation in the cooking chamber <NUM> due, in such embodiments, to the fan <NUM> rotating as well as the cooling fan <NUM> rotating.

The air finally exits the cooking appliance <NUM>, at F, via the at least one outlet <NUM>, e.g. via the at least one outlet <NUM> in the form of outlet slots distributed along the rear side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM> and formed between the top outer housing part 136A and the middle outer housing part 136C.

The air may also exit the cooking appliance <NUM>, at F, via side outlet slots <NUM> distributed along at least one side extending between the front side <NUM> and the rear side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

It is noted that the cooling flow path may be a relatively short flow path without heavy redirection of the flow. This may assist to provide efficient cooling.

Cold flow investigations were performed to evaluate the air cooling design according to embodiments described herein. Thermal imaging measurements clearly indicated advantageous cooling, in particular at the front side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>. Thus, sensitive parts, such as the electronic control <NUM> and the motor <NUM> can be protected from heat emanating from the cooking chamber <NUM>, particularly when arranged at or proximal to the cooled front side <NUM> of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

Experiments were also undertaken to determine heating behavior of the structural wall <NUM> adjacent the heater <NUM>.

Temperature measurements were made at four different positions on the structural wall <NUM> of the exemplary cooking appliance <NUM> depicted in <FIG>: heater <NUM> top back; heater <NUM> connection point; heater <NUM> bottom back; and heater bottom bottom.

The heater <NUM> top back position is a region of the structural wall <NUM> behind and aligned with the top of the heater <NUM>, which top of the heater <NUM> is proximal to the lid <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> connection point position is a region of the structural wall <NUM> at which the heater <NUM> is connected, in other words mounted, to the structural wall <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> bottom back position is a region of the structural wall <NUM> behind and aligned with the bottom of the heater <NUM>, which bottom of the heater <NUM> is proximal to the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM>, and distal with respect to the lid <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> bottom bottom position is a region of the structural wall <NUM> at the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM> underneath the heater <NUM>.

In test run <NUM>, the motor <NUM> was switched off to simulate a fault or failure condition of the cooking appliance <NUM>, and the cooking appliance <NUM> was heated up according to a set temperature of <NUM>. In this case, the set temperature is an air temperature in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

After <NUM> seconds, the temperature measured at the heater <NUM> bottom bottom position reached approximately <NUM>, and the temperature measured at the heater <NUM> top back position reached approx. As shown in <FIG>, this difference increased with time.

In test run <NUM>, the motor <NUM> was switched on to rotate the fan <NUM> and the cooling fan <NUM>. The cooking appliance <NUM> was heated up to a set temperature of ><NUM> to simulate another fault or failure condition of the cooking appliance <NUM>. In this case, the set temperature is an air temperature in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Although the temperature differences between the temperature measurement positions are smaller than observed in test run <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> the heater <NUM> top back position still represented a hot spot on the structural wall <NUM>. After approximately <NUM> seconds, the temperature difference between the temperature measured at the heater <NUM> top back position exceeded that of each of the other three positions by around <NUM>.

Thus, an uneven temperature distribution was observed across the structural wall <NUM>. Such an uneven temperature distribution can lead to the occurrence of local hot spots.

During normal cooking operation, higher temperatures at local spots can lead to an uneven temperature load on the material, e.g. the above-described non-metallic material, forming the cooking chamber <NUM>. This can result in long-term deformations of the material, and other signs of aging, such as cracks, can arise more easily.

When the cooking appliance <NUM> is in a fault condition, e.g. with the cooking appliance <NUM> being operated without the fan(s) <NUM>, <NUM> being rotated and/or at higher than normal set temperatures, such as ><NUM>, the temperature at the hot spots could even exceed the melting temperature of the material, e.g. the above-described non-metallic material, forming the cooking chamber <NUM>, before the power of the cooking appliance <NUM> is interrupted by a thermal fuse assembly.

Various factors may contribute to an uneven temperature distribution across the structural wall <NUM>, for example uneven heat transmission from the heater <NUM> and interacting components such as mounting element(s) for mounting the heater <NUM> to the structural wall <NUM>. Whilst such potential contributors to an uneven temperature distribution across the structural wall <NUM> may be compensated, in other words balanced, to some extent by the material forming the structural wall <NUM>, such compensation may be limited in the scenario in which the material has relatively poor heat conduction properties.

In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a heat shield <NUM> arranged between the heater <NUM> and the structural wall <NUM>, e.g. the non-metallic structural wall <NUM>.

The heat shield <NUM> may assist to enhance distribution of heat across the structural wall <NUM>, and to damp local temperature peaks on the structural wall <NUM>.

The heat shield <NUM> may have enhanced thermal conductivity properties compared to the material, e.g. the non-metallic material, forming the structural wall <NUM>.

The heat shield <NUM> may also, in some embodiments, assist to shield the above-described cooling system from the heating module <NUM>, thereby helping to keep each of these functional units in its desired/intended operating state.

Moreover, the heat shield <NUM> may assist to improve efficiency of operation of the cooking appliance <NUM> by enhancing heat transfer to gas in the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. gas circulated in the cooking chamber <NUM> by the fan <NUM>.

In embodiments in which the structural wall <NUM> comprises, e.g. is formed from, a plastic material, the heat shield <NUM> may assist to ensure the cooking appliance <NUM> is operable in a safe operating condition. For example, the heat shield <NUM> may assist to lessen risk of melting and/or thermal decomposition of such a plastic material.

The heat shield <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material. Particular mention is made of a metallic material, in other words a metal, such as aluminium, and/or a metal alloy, such as steel.

In alternative embodiments, the heat shield <NUM> is non-metallic.

Such a non-metallic heat shield <NUM> can be used, for instance, in embodiments in which the heat shield <NUM> itself is not being used to transfer energy to a thermal fuse assembly.

In some embodiments, the heat shield <NUM> is formed from stainless steel.

Forming the heat shield <NUM> from stainless steel may mean that the heat shield <NUM> is robust and resistant to corrosion, particularly in view of the humidity inside the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. when steam cooking is taking place therein.

In a non-limiting example, the structural wall <NUM> is a plastic structural wall <NUM>, and the heat shield <NUM> is formed from steel, e.g. stainless steel.

The heat shield <NUM> can have any suitable shape provided that the heat shield <NUM> can be arranged between the heater <NUM> and the structural wall <NUM>, and thereby assist to enhance distribution of heat across the structural wall <NUM>.

In some embodiments, and as best shown in <FIG>, the heat shield <NUM> comprises a main portion 166A and a further portion 166B extending from the main portion 166A. In such embodiments, the main portion 166A is for arranging between the heater <NUM> and a side portion of the structural wall <NUM> behind the heater <NUM>, and the further portion 166B is for arranging between the heater <NUM> and a bottom portion of the structural wall <NUM> underneath the heater <NUM>.

Thus, the heat shield <NUM> may be arranged adjacent the heater <NUM> and on both the side portion and the bottom portion of the structural wall <NUM> that at least partly delimits the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the further portion 166B may curvedly extend from the main portion 166A, e.g. so as to follow a curvature of the surface of the structural wall <NUM> between the side portion and the bottom portion.

The heat shield <NUM> may be mounted such that a gap is provided between at least part of the heat shield <NUM> and the structural wall <NUM>.

Such a gap may provide some tolerance, e.g. to accommodate the structural wall <NUM> and the heat shield <NUM> having different coefficients of thermal expansion relative to each other.

The gap may nonetheless be selected to be as small as possible so as to minimize the risk of food debris, grease, etc. collecting in the gap.

The heat shield <NUM> may be mounted in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, the heat shield <NUM> comprises, e.g. delimits, one or more fastening points <NUM> by which the heat shield <NUM> may be secured to the structural wall <NUM>.

The heat shield <NUM> may be secured to the structural wall <NUM> at each of the one or more fastening points <NUM> via one or more fasteners <NUM>, e.g. screws.

The one or more fasteners <NUM> may, for example, also assist to secure the heater <NUM> to the structural wall <NUM>. For instance, the fastener(s) <NUM> may, as well as securing the heat shield <NUM> to the structural wall <NUM>, secure a mounting element <NUM> for mounting the heater <NUM> to the structural wall <NUM>. An example of this is best shown in <FIG>.

In embodiments, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in which the fan <NUM> is arranged, together with the heater <NUM>, in the cooking chamber <NUM>, the heat shield <NUM>, e.g. the main portion 166A thereof, may delimit a hole <NUM> through which the spindle <NUM> of the motor <NUM> can extend in order to enable the motor <NUM> to drive rotation of the fan <NUM>. An example in which such a hole <NUM> is provided in the heat shield <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>.

Experiments were undertaken to verify improvement provided by the heat shield. Measurement of the temperature at the heater <NUM> top back position previously identified as a hot spot was carried out during normal operation of a cooking appliance <NUM> having such a heat shield <NUM>, graph <NUM> in <FIG>, and for a comparable cooking appliance <NUM> without such a heat shield <NUM>, graph <NUM> in <FIG>. These graphs <NUM>, <NUM> illustrate that during normal operation of the cooking appliance <NUM>, the heat shield <NUM> assists to damp temperature peaks by <NUM> to <NUM>.

Similar measurements were made during failure mode operation of a cooking appliance <NUM> having such a heat shield <NUM>, graph <NUM> in <FIG>, and for a comparable cooking appliance <NUM> without such a heat shield <NUM>, graph <NUM> in <FIG>. The failure mode operation was with the cooking appliance <NUM> being operated without the fan(s) <NUM>, <NUM> being rotated or operated at higher than normal set temperatures, such as ><NUM>. These graphs <NUM>, <NUM> illustrate a significant enhancement in safety resulting from inclusion of the heat shield <NUM>.

In at least some embodiments, such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a thermal fuse assembly <NUM>.

Such a thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may be configured to interrupt powering of the cooking appliance <NUM> in response to a temperature exceeding a threshold.

In other words, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may, at detection of an unusually high temperature, immediately interrupt the cooking appliance's <NUM> power supply.

Thus, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may prevent damage to the cooking appliance <NUM> caused by a fault condition.

The thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may be configured, e.g. selected, such that the threshold at which the powering of the cooking appliance <NUM> is interrupted is under a temperature at which critical components become overheated.

However, for cost-related and technical reasons, such as avoiding exposure of the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> to a humid/moist environment, it may not be possible to place a thermal fuse assembly <NUM> directly at the location of each critical component. Hence a thermal fuse assembly <NUM> or fuse assemblies <NUM> may be positioned at (an)other location(s) with derived threshold temperature(s). Since such locations may be spatially removed from the location of critical component(s), there may be some delay before the threshold temperature for the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> at its location is exceeded. The further away the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> is from the location of the critical component(s), the lower the thermal fuse assembly's <NUM> threshold temperature.

Some locations spatially removed from the location of critical component(s) may not exceed a certain steady state temperature also as a result of a fault. The threshold temperature of the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may therefore be selected to interrupt powering of the cooking appliance <NUM> at a temperature below such a steady state temperature.

As a consequence of these factors, the accuracy and timing for triggering the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> to interrupt powering of the cooking appliance <NUM> to avoid overheating at the location of critical component(s) deteriorates the further away the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> is located from the location of the critical component(s).

In general, the thermal fuse assembly's <NUM> threshold temperature may be lower but as close as possible to the temperature at which the critical component(s) become(s) overheated. In the event of overheating, it may be required to expose the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> as quickly as possible to its threshold temperature to prevent fault switching and to improve accuracy and reliability.

In cooking appliances <NUM>, such as air cookers, in which the heating module <NUM> comprises the heater <NUM> and the fan <NUM> arranged to circulate gas heated by the heater <NUM> in the cooking chamber <NUM>, one critical fault condition may be defective temperature regulation causing overheating of the heater <NUM>. Another may be defective motor <NUM> operation causing no or inadequate rotation of the fan <NUM> and thus compromised transport of heat from the heater <NUM>. Defective motor <NUM> operation may also, in certain embodiments, cause no or inadequate rotation of the cooling fan <NUM> and thus compromised cooling. Both defects may lead to overheating of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In at least some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> is in thermal communication with the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. via a thermal guide to the cooking chamber <NUM>.

This may assist to minimize delay in triggering the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> to interrupt powering of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may be mounted proximal to the top of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> is arranged at a region of the structural wall <NUM> behind and aligned with the top of the heater <NUM>, which top of the heater <NUM> is proximal to the lid <NUM>.

In other words, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may be arranged at the above-mentioned heater <NUM> top back position identified as a hot spot.

It may not be recommended to arrange the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> adjacent the heater <NUM> when the heater <NUM> is located in the cooking chamber <NUM>. Arranging the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> in the cooking chamber <NUM> may risk exposing the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> to humidity and it may also be undesirable for wiring for connecting to the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> being required to extend through the structural wall <NUM>.

Hence, in at least some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> is arranged, e.g. mounted, outside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

As well as assisting to protect the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> from humidity arranging the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> outside the cooking chamber <NUM> may avoid electrical wires or connectors for connecting to the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> being required to extend through the structural wall <NUM>.

One solution may be to arrange the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> at the structural wall <NUM> but outside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

However, because the structural wall <NUM> is a non-metallic structural wall <NUM>, there may be an undesirably long delay for triggering the thermal fuse assembly <NUM>, due to the relatively low thermal conductivity of the non-metallic material, e.g. plastic material. Moreover, when a plastic material forms the structural wall <NUM>, such a plastic material may itself be sensitive to elevated temperatures, such as temperatures above <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> is mounted between the heater <NUM> and the structural wall <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> is mounted to the heat shield <NUM>.

In such embodiments, such as shown in <FIG>, a fuse cover portion 166C of the heat shield <NUM> may be arranged between the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> and the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Thus, the fuse cover portion 166C of the heat shield <NUM> may assist to protect the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> from conditions, in particular humidity, inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may be covered on a side opposing the fuse cover portion 166C of the heat shield <NUM>.

This covering may assist to minimize cooling of the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> by the above-described cooling system.

More generally, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may be thermally isolated from the cooling airflow provided by the cooling fan <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> is covered on the side opposing the fuse cover portion 166C of the heat shield <NUM> by a fuse cover part 102A of the structural wall <NUM>, e.g. the non-metallic, such as plastic, structural wall <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the cooking appliance <NUM> may include a fuse sealing <NUM>, such as a silicone rubber gasket, arranged between the fuse cover part 102A and the fuse cover portion 166C so as to seal the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> between the fuse cover part 102A and the fuse cover portion 166C.

This fuse sealing <NUM> may assist to protect the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> and connectors <NUM> connecting to the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> from humidity.

It is noted that the heat shield <NUM> may itself be positioned relatively close to, in other words with only a small gap between the heat shield <NUM> and, the structural wall <NUM>, as previously described. This gap may accommodate the fuse sealing <NUM>.

More generally, the cooking appliance <NUM> may comprise a fuse housing 102A, 166C for receiving the thermal fuse assembly <NUM>. In such embodiments, the fuse housing 102A, 166C comprises a thermally conductive portion 166C arranged to thermally couple the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> to the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The thermally conductive portion 166C may have enhanced heat conduction properties relative to the structural wall <NUM>, for instance the non-metallic structural wall <NUM>, e.g. plastic structural wall <NUM>, and therefore assist to shorten any delay in triggering the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> to interrupt powering of the cooking appliance <NUM>.

The fuse housing 102A, 166C may also include a thermally isolating part 102A, e.g. opposing the thermally conductive portion 166C. Such a thermally isolating part 102A may, for instance, be formed from a non-metallic, e.g. plastic, material.

The thermally isolating part may assist to thermally isolate the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> from the cooling airflow provided by the cooling fan <NUM>.

A fuse sealing <NUM>, such as a silicone rubber gasket, arranged between the thermally isolating part 102A and the thermally conductive portion 166C may seal the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> between the thermally isolating part 102A and the thermally conductive portion 166C.

The thermal fuse assembly <NUM> can include any number of thermal fuses 184A, 184B, for example one, two, three, and so on. Including a plurality of thermal fuses 184A, 184B in the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> may assist to mitigate the risk associated with malfunction of a single thermal fuse.

For verification, the embodiment shown in <FIG> was compared to a thermal fuse assembly <NUM> arranged in a metal box attached to the structural wall <NUM> and arranged inside the cooking chamber <NUM> to the top left of the heater <NUM> when the heater <NUM> is viewed from within the cooking chamber <NUM> along the axis of the spindle <NUM> of the motor <NUM>.

When the cooking appliance <NUM> was operated in a way that simulates failure: lid <NUM> on and motor <NUM> off, the temperature measured at the above-mentioned heater <NUM> top back position was <NUM> after <NUM> seconds while the temperature at the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> in the metal box was only <NUM>. By contrast, in the case of the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the temperature measured at the heater <NUM> top back position was <NUM> while the temperature at the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> was <NUM>.

As an illustrative non-limiting example, the following table provides temperature values indicative of deviation, e.g. an optimized deviation, between thermal fuse assembly <NUM> temperature and cooking chamber <NUM> temperature.

The thermal fuse assembly <NUM> being in thermal communication with the cooking chamber <NUM> can be implemented in any suitable manner. <FIG> show various thermal fuse assembly <NUM> mounting concepts that can be employed as an alternative to that shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a heat pipe <NUM> between the heater <NUM> and a metal housing in which the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> is arranged.

Such a heat pipe <NUM> may assist to improve heat transmission from the heater <NUM> to the metal housing.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a thermal guide <NUM> arranged to protrude from the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> outside the cooking chamber <NUM> into the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the thermal guide <NUM> may protrude into the cooking chamber <NUM> to a position identified as a hot spot, such as the region of the structural wall <NUM> behind and aligned with the top of the heater <NUM>, which top of the heater <NUM> is proximal to the lid <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the thermal guide <NUM> may comprise, or be in the form of, a heat conducting aluminium part.

Thus, the heat transmission to the thermal fuse assembly <NUM>, mounted at the outside of the cooking chamber <NUM>, is provided via the heat conducting aluminium part.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, a mounting element <NUM> that mounts the heater <NUM> to the structural wall <NUM> is configured to transfer heat to the thermal fuse assembly <NUM>.

Thus, the mounting element <NUM> which fixes the heater <NUM> to the structural wall <NUM> can additionally act as a heat transmission part for transferring heat from the heater <NUM> to the thermal fuse assembly <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the cooking appliance <NUM> comprises a metal tube <NUM> in which a thermal fuse 184A, 184B of the thermal fuse assembly <NUM> can be arranged. In such embodiments, the metal tube <NUM> may protrude into the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cooking appliance (<NUM>) comprising:
a structural wall (<NUM>) that at least partly delimits a cooking chamber (<NUM>) in which food is receivable; and
a heating module (<NUM>) that comprises a heater (<NUM>) and a fan (<NUM>) arranged to circulate gas in the cooking chamber (<NUM>); wherein
the heating module (<NUM>) is arranged in the cooking chamber (<NUM>), and a fan motor (<NUM>) is arranged outside the cooking chamber (<NUM>),
characterized in that the structural wall (<NUM>) is a non-metallic structural wall (<NUM>).