Convection Based Cooking Apparatus Having Enhanced Heat Retention

Abstract

An invention is afforded for a convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention. The convention based cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber configured to holding food to be processed. An air inlet is situated in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for receiving air into the cooking chamber, and an air outlet is provided in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for venting the cooking chamber. In addition, a heating source is included that is configured to switch between an ON state and an OFF state, whereby a temperature of air located within the cooking chamber is regulated. Further, a drafting means is provided that is configured to circulate air present within the cooking chamber. In communication with the air outlet is a vent prevention apparatus. The vent prevention apparatus allows air to escape the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the ON state, and prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the OFF state.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to ovens and more particularly to a convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Today, modern ovens are used throughout the world for heating, roasting, baking, and other food preparation purposes. Most conventional ovens typically use a gas burner or electrical heating element to heat air inside a thermally insulated chamber. The heated air then transfers heat to food product placed inside the chamber, resulting in the desired baking, roasting, or other desired cooking functionality.

[0005] Conventional ovens are generally of two types: a standard oven and a convection oven. Standard ovens utilize a gas burner or electrical heating element to heat air inside the thermally insulated chamber. The heated air is then exhausted from the chamber via gravity. In this manner, heat is transferred to food product located within the chamber.

[0006] To improve overall cooking efficiency and uniform heat transfer, convection ovens have been developed. Convection ovens circulate the heated air within the thermally insulated chamber to enhance overall cooking efficiency. More particularly, when using a gas burner as a heating element, a convection oven draws air into the oven via a vent and over the gas burner. The resulting products of combustion are then drawn into the thermally insulated chamber via a blower or fan, and circulated within the chamber. As more products of combustion are drawn into the cooking chamber, the pressure within the chamber increases. At a certain point, a portion of the hot air is released via an exhaust opening.

[0007] When the temperature in the oven chamber is satisfied, the gas burner turns off, while the blower continues to run and circulate the air within the chamber. However, as the blower continues to run, it draws in colder air via the vent into the oven chamber since the gas burner is off and no longer heating the drawn in air. This cooler air mixes with the hotter air and drops the temperature in the oven chamber from the dilution of the heat. However, the pressure is still present within the oven chamber resulting in air escaping from the exhaust. Once the temperature drops to a predefined level, the thermostat senses the drop and turns the gas burner back on, resulting in hot air being pulled back into the oven chamber.

[0008] A similar process occurs in convection ovens utilizing electric heating elements. When using electric heating elements, the air is passed over the electric heating elements and circulated within the thermally insulated chamber via the blower or fan. As the food product is heated, it creates emissions that are released via the exhaust. When the temperature in the oven chamber is satisfied, the electric heating elements are turned off, while the blower continues to run and circulate the air within the chamber. As the blower continues to run, the temperature in the oven chamber drops because there is a dilution of the heat. However, as when using a gas burner as a heating element, the air within the chamber continues to escape from the exhaust. Once the temperature drops to a predefined level, the thermostat senses the drop and turns the electric heating elements back on, resulting in an increase in the temperature of the air within the oven chamber.

[0009] Thus, convection ovens operate in cycles, turning on and off. That is, the oven heating elements are turned on to allow the heat within the oven chamber to increase to a predefined level. Then, once the predefined temperature is achieved, the heating elements are turned off, allowing the air within the oven chamber to cool until the temperature within the oven chamber drops below the predefined level, at which point the heating elements are turned on again. This cycle continues as the food product is cooked to maintain the oven temperature at approximately the desired cooking temperature. Unfortunately, the cooling of the oven temperature as a result of a combination of the heating elements being turned off and the chamber air being exhausted, causes undesirable energy consumption as the heating elements are frequently cycled on to increase the oven chamber temperature back to the desired level.

[0010] In view of the forgoing, there is a need for an oven capable of reducing the amount of cycling required to maintain desired cooking temperatures within the oven chamber. The oven should be capable of maintaining heat levels within the oven chamber for increased time periods. In addition, the oven should be capable of achieving these increased heat maintenance levels for both gas burner based heating elements and electrical heating elements, as well as when utilizing combi oven configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present invention address these needs by providing a convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention. In one embodiment, the convention based cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber configured to holding food to be processed. An air inlet is situated in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for receiving air into the cooking chamber, and an air outlet is provided in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for venting the cooking chamber. In addition, a heating source is included that is configured to switch between an ON state and an OFF state, whereby a temperature of air located within the cooking chamber is regulated. Further, a drafting means is provided that is configured to circulate air present within the cooking chamber. In one aspect, the heating source can comprise at least one gas burner, and the drafting means can be a blower. In communication with the air outlet is a vent prevention apparatus. The vent prevention apparatus allows air to escape the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the ON state. In addition, the vent prevention apparatus prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the OFF state. In one aspect, the vent prevention apparatus can comprise a shutter in communication with a linear solenoid. In this aspect, the shutter can prevent air from escaping the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the OFF state, and allow air to escape the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the ON state.

[0012] In additional embodiment, a method is disclosed for providing enhanced heat retention in a convection based cooking apparatus. The method includes setting a heating source to an ON state and allowing air to escape a cooking chamber via an air outlet. Next, a determination is made as to whether the temperature within the cooking chamber has reached a predetermined level. Then, when the temperature within the cooking chamber has reached the desired level, the heating source is set to an OFF state and air is prevented from escaping a cooking chamber via the air outlet. During this process the air present within the cooking chamber is circulated. Similar to above, the drafting means can be a blower and the heating source can comprises at least one gas burner. Alternatively, the heating source can comprise at least one electric heating element. A vent prevention apparatus prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the OFF state, and allows air to escape the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the ON state.

[0013] A further convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention is disclosed in an additional embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a cooking chamber is included that is configured to holding food to be processed. In addition, an air outlet is in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for venting the cooking chamber. Also, a heating source is included that is configured to switch between an ON state that provides heat and an OFF state that does not provide heat, whereby a temperature of air located within the cooking chamber is regulated. Further, a drafting means is provided that is configured to circulate air present within the cooking chamber. Similar to above, a vent prevention apparatus is in communication with the air outlet. The vent prevention apparatus allows air to escape the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the ON state, and prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the OFF state. In this aspect, the heating source can comprise at least one electric heating element and the drafting means can be a blower. As above, the vent prevention apparatus can comprise a shutter in communication with a linear solenoid. In this aspect, the shutter prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the OFF state, and allows air to escape the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the ON state.

[0014] In this manner, embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced heat retention in the cooking chamber, allowing the heating source to remain cycled OFF for longer periods of time. This provides significant energy savings, both in terms of lower gas usage for the gas burner elements and in terms of overall heat output from the oven, resulting in lower kitchen air-conditioning requirements. Moreover, because of the reduced need for cycling the heating source, embodiments of the present invention provide increased cooking efficiency, and better finished food products, as well as increased production capability. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing front view of an exemplary convection based cooking apparatus utilizing gas burner heating elements and having enhanced heat retention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a side view of an exemplary convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention when the gas burning heating elements are in an ON state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a side view of an exemplary convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention when the gas burning heating elements are in an OFF state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for providing enhanced heat retention in a convection based cooking apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustration showing front view of an exemplary convection based cooking apparatus utilizing electric heating elements and having enhanced heat retention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] An invention is disclosed for a convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention. In general, embodiments of the present invention prevent venting of the oven cooking chamber when the heating elements are off and allow venting of the oven cooking chamber when the heating elements are on. By preventing venting of the oven cooking chamber when the heating elements are off, embodiments of the present invention maintain heat levels within the oven cooking chamber at desired levels much longer than is possible using conventional convection ovens.

[0022] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing front view of an exemplary convection based cooking apparatus 100 utilizing gas burner heating elements and having enhanced heat retention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The convection based cooking apparatus 100 includes a cooking chamber 102 defined by a plurality of sidewalls 104. A heating source 106 is disposed below the cooking chamber 102. In the example of FIG. 1 the heating source 106 is gas burner heating elements, which can switch between an ON state and an OFF state to regulate the temperature of air located within the cooking chamber 102.

[0024] In addition, a drafting means, such a blower 108 is disposed in a back wall of the cooking chamber 102. Although the blower 108 is shown as being disposed in a back wall of the cooking chamber 102, it should be noted that the blower 108 can be situated in any area from which it can operate as a drafting and/or circulating mechanism. As will be discussed in greater detail subsequently, the drafting means is configured to circulate air present within the cooking chamber 102 to provide enhancing cooking functionality. Situated near the blower 108 is a snorkel 110, which facilitates providing air to the cooking chamber 102 via an air inlet 200, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a side view of an exemplary convection based cooking apparatus 100 having enhanced heat retention when the gas burner heating elements are in an ON state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In operation, the blower 108 draws in air via the air inlet 200 and across the heating source 106 (i.e., the gas burner heating elements), which heats the air. The resulting products of combustion are then drawn around the side walls 104 and into the cooking chamber 102 via the snorkel 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0026] Turning back to FIG. 2, the blower 108 continues to circulate the air present in the cooking chamber 102 to facilitate cooking the food product. As more products of combustion are drawn into the cooking chamber 102, the pressure within the cooking chamber 102 increases. The pressure is alleviated by allowing the hot air to escape the cooking chamber 102 via an air outlet 202. To enhance heat retention, embodiments of the present invention include a vent prevention apparatus 204 in communication with the air outlet 202. As will be described in greater detail subsequently, the vent prevention apparatus 204 of the embodiments of the present invention is configured to allow air to escape the cooking chamber 102 via the air outlet 202 when the heating source 106 (i.e., gas burners) is in the ON state, and thus providing heat to the cooking chamber 102. However, when the heating source 106 is in the OFF state, and not providing heat to the cooking chamber 102, the vent prevention apparatus 204 prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber 102 via the air outlet 202.

[0027] Although FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a snorkel based design for direct heating, it should be noted that embodiments of the present invention can also be embodied in an indirect heating design wherein the snorkel 110 is not present. In such an embodiment, the resulting products of combustion are drawn around the side walls 104 as described above. However, in indirect heating embodiments, the products of combustion are not drawn into the cooking chamber 102. Instead, the cooking chamber 102 is separately enclosed and heating indirectly via the sidewalls of the cooking chamber. Both the heated area outside the cooking chamber 102, which is directly heated by the heating source 106, and the cooking chamber 102 are vented via the air outlet 202 when the heating source 106 is in the ON state. In addition, the heated air present in both the heated area outside the cooking chamber 102, and within the cooking chamber 102, is prevented from escaping via the air outlet 202 when the heating source 106 is in the OFF state.

[0028] In one embodiment, the vent prevention apparatus 204 comprises a shutter 206 coupled to a linear solenoid 208. For example, the linear solenoid can be an electrical coil wound around a cylindrical tube with a ferro-magnetic actuator that is free to move in and out of the coils body. In this manner, the linear solenoid 208 can be actuated to control when the shutter 206 closes the air outlet 202, thus preventing air from escaping the cooking chamber 102, or when the shutter 206 opens the air outlet 202, thus allowing air to escape the cooking chamber 102. Although FIG. 2 illustrates the usage of a linear solenoid as an element of the vent prevention apparatus 204, it should be noted that any apparatus, for example a rotary solenoid, or any other apparatus capable of operating the shutter 206 and/or opening and closing the air outlet can be utilized in the embodiments of the present invention as a vent prevention apparatus 204 or part thereof.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a side view of an exemplary convection based cooking apparatus 100 having enhanced heat retention when the gas burning heating elements are in an OFF state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When the gas burner heating elements 106 are in the OFF state, the blower 108 continues to circulate the air within the cooking chamber 102. However, as described previously, when the heating source 106 is in the OFF state, and not providing heat to the cooking chamber 102, the vent prevention apparatus 204 prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber 102 via the air outlet 202. For example, in FIG. 3 the shutter 206 is pushed forward via the linear solenoid 208, thus closing the air outlet 202 and preventing air from escaping the cooking chamber 102 via the air outlet 202.

[0030] As can be appreciated, closing the air outlet 202 via the vent prevention apparatus 204 also prevents air from being drawn into the cooking chamber 102 via the air inlet 200. Thus, embodiments of the present invention eliminate heat dilution caused by cooler air being drawn into the cooking chamber 102 via the air inlet 200 when the heating source 106 is in the OFF state. In this manner, embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced heat retention in the cooking chamber 102, allowing the heating source 106 to remain cycled OFF for longer periods of time. This provides significant energy savings, both in terms of lower gas usage for the gas burner elements and in terms of overall heat output from the oven, resulting in lower kitchen air-conditioning requirements. Moreover, because of the reduced need for cycling the heating source, embodiments of the present invention provide increased cooking efficiency, and better finished food products, as well as increased production capability.

[0031] Eventually, the temperature of the air present within the cooking chamber 102 may fall below a desired level, at which point the heating source 106 is set back to the ON state. In addition to setting the heating source 106 back to the ON state, embodiments of the present invention also open the shutter 206 of the vent prevention apparatus 204, thus allowing air to vent and escape from the cooking chamber 102 as the pressure within the cooking chamber 102 rises due to the rising temperature within the chamber. This cycling process is further illustrated next with reference to FIG. 4.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method 400 for providing enhanced heat retention in a convection based cooking apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an initial operation 402, preprocess operations are performed. Preprocess operations can include, for example, setting a thermostat to a desired temperature, placing food product within the cooking chamber of the oven, and other preprocess operations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the hindsight provided by a careful examination of the present disclosure.

[0033] In a heating operation 404, the heating source is set to an ON state that provides heat and the air outlet is opened, allowing air to escape the cooking chamber via the air outlet. For example, during operation the blower draws in air via the air inlet and across the heating source, which heats the air. The resulting products of combustion are then drawn around the side walls and into the cooking chamber via the snorkel. The blower also circulates the air present in the cooking chamber to facilitate cooking the food product. As more products of combustion are drawn into the cooking chamber, the pressure within the cooking chamber increases. The pressure is alleviated by the vent prevention apparatus, which allows the hot air to escape the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is set to the ON state.

[0034] A decision is then made as to whether the temperature within the cooking chamber is equal to or greater than a desired cooking temperature, in operation 406. If the temperature within the cooking chamber is equal to or greater than the desired cooking temperature, the method continues to an off cycle operation 410. Otherwise, the method branches to operation 408.

[0035] In operation 408, the heating source continues to heat the air drawn into the cooking chamber. For example, in one embodiment a thermostat is used to set and detect a desired temperature within the cooking chamber of the oven. When the thermostat determines that the temperature in the cooking chamber has not yet reached the desired temperature, the heating source continues to provide heat to the oven. However, when the thermostat determines that the temperature in the cooking chamber has reached the desired temperature, the heating source cycles to an OFF state in operation 410.

[0036] In operation 410, the heating source is set to an OFF state and the air outlet is closed, preventing air from escaping the cooking chamber via the air outlet. When the gas burner heating elements are in the OFF state, the blower continues to circulate the air within the cooking chamber. However, the vent prevention apparatus prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is set to the OFF state and no longer provides heat.

[0037] A decision is then made as to whether the temperature within the cooking chamber is less than the desired cooking temperature, in operation 412. If the temperature within the cooking chamber is equal to or greater than a desired cooking temperature, the method branches to circulation operation 414. Otherwise, the method returns to heating operation 404.

[0038] In circulation operation 414, the blower continues to circulate the air present in cooking chamber. For example, when the thermostat determines that the temperature in the cooking chamber has reached the desired temperature, the heat source is set to the OFF state, the air outlet is closed, and the blower continues to circulate the air present in the cooking chamber. As described previously, closing the air outlet also prevents air from being drawn into the cooking chamber via the air inlet and thus reduces or eliminates heat dilution caused by cooler air being drawn into the cooking chamber via the air inlet when the heating source is in the OFF state. Eventually, the temperature of the air present within the cooking chamber may fall below a desired level. At that point the heating source is set back to the ON state and the air outlet is opened again, thus allowing air to vent and escape from the cooking chamber as the pressure rises due to the rising temperature, in heating operation 404.

[0039] In this manner, embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced heat retention in the cooking chamber, allowing the heating source to remain cycled OFF for longer periods of time. This provides significant energy savings, both in terms of lower gas usage for the gas burner elements and in terms of overall heat output from the oven, resulting in lower kitchen air-conditioning requirements.

[0040] FIG. 5 is an illustration showing front view of an exemplary convection based cooking apparatus 100' utilizing electric heating elements and having enhanced heat retention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The convection based cooking apparatus 100' includes a cooking chamber 102 defined by a plurality of sidewalls 104. A heating source 106 is disposed within the cooking chamber 102. In the example of FIG. 5 the heating source 106 comprises electric heating elements, which can switch between an ON state and an OFF state to regulate the temperature of air located within the cooking chamber 102.

[0041] In addition, a drafting means, such a blower 108 is disposed in a back wall of the cooking chamber 102. As described previously, the drafting means 108 is configured to circulate air present within the cooking chamber 102 to provide enhancing cooking functionality. In operation, the blower 108 circulates the air present in the cooking chamber 102 to facilitate cooking the food product. While the electric heating elements are in the ON state, the hot air is allowed to escape the cooking chamber 102 via an air outlet 202.

[0042] Similar to FIG. 1, the cooking apparatus 100' includes a vent prevention apparatus 204 in communication with the air outlet 202. The vent prevention apparatus 204 is configured to allow air to escape the cooking chamber 102 via the air outlet 202 when the heating source 106 (i.e., electric heating element) is in the ON state, and thus providing heat to the cooking chamber 102. However, when the heating source 106 is in the OFF state, and not providing heat to the cooking chamber 102, the vent prevention apparatus 204 prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber 102 via the air outlet 202. As above, the vent prevention apparatus 204 can comprise a shutter 206 coupled to a linear solenoid 208, which can be actuated to control when the shutter 206 closes the air outlet 202, thus preventing air from escaping the cooking chamber 102, or when the shutter 206 opens the air outlet 202, thus allowing air to escape the cooking chamber 102.

[0043] When the electric heating elements 106 are in the OFF state, the blower 108 continues to circulate the air within the cooking chamber 102. However, as described previously, when the heating source 106 is in the OFF state, and not providing heat to the cooking chamber 102, the vent prevention apparatus 204 prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber 102 via the air outlet 202. In this manner, embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced heat retention in the cooking chamber 102, allowing the heating source 106 to remain cycled OFF for longer periods of time. This provides significant energy savings, both in terms of lower energy usage for the electric heating elements and in terms of overall heat output from the oven, resulting in lower kitchen air-conditioning requirements.

[0044] Eventually, the temperature of the air present within the cooking chamber 102 may fall below a desired level, at which point the heating source 106 is set back to the ON state. In addition to setting the heating source 106 back to the ON state, embodiments of the present invention also open the shutter 206 of the vent prevention apparatus 204, thus allowing air to vent and escape from the cooking chamber 102 as the pressure within the cooking chamber 102 rises due to the rising temperature within the chamber.

[0045] It should be noted that the described embodiments of the present invention also apply to combi ovens. A combi oven combines the abilities of a convection oven and a steam cooker, thus allowing the user to regulate the humidity within the cooking chamber as well as the temperature. In such embodiments, similar to above, the cooking chamber is allowed to vent via the air outlet when the heating source is in the ON state, heating the air within the cooking chamber. When the heating source is cycled to the OFF state, the vent prevention apparatus prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber via the air outlet.

[0046] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention, comprising: a cooking chamber configured to holding food to be processed; an air inlet in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for receiving air into the cooking chamber; an air outlet in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for venting the cooking chamber; a heating source configured to switch between an ON state that provides heat and an OFF state that does not provide heat, whereby a temperature of air located within the cooking chamber is regulated; a drafting means configured to circulate air present within the cooking chamber; and a vent prevention apparatus in communication with the air outlet, wherein the vent prevention apparatus allows air to escape the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the ON state, and wherein the vent prevention apparatus prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the OFF state.

2. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the heating source comprises at least one gas burner.

3. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the drafting means is a blower.

4. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the vent prevention apparatus comprises a shutter in communication with a linear solenoid.

5. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the shutter prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the OFF state.

6. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the shutter allows air to escape the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the ON state.

7. A method for providing enhanced heat retention in a convection based cooking apparatus, comprising: setting a heating source to an ON state and allowing air to escape a cooking chamber via an air outlet, wherein the heating source provides heat when set to the ON state; determining whether a temperature within the cooking chamber has reached a predetermined level; and setting the heating source to an OFF state and preventing air from escaping a cooking chamber via the air outlet when the temperature within the cooking chamber has reached a desired level, wherein the heating source does not provide heat when set to the OFF state.

8. A method as recited claim 7, further comprising the operation of circulating the air present within the cooking chamber.

9. A method as recited in claim 7, further comprising the operation of drawing air across the heating source and into the cooking chamber via a drafting means.

10. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein the drafting means is a blower.

11. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein the heating source comprises at least one gas burner.

12. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein the heating source comprises at least one electric heating element.

13. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein the vent prevention apparatus prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the OFF state.

14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein the vent prevention apparatus allows air to escape the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the ON state.

15. A convection based cooking apparatus having enhanced heat retention, comprising: a cooking chamber configured to holding food to be processed; an air outlet in fluid communication with the cooking chamber for venting the cooking chamber; a heating source configured to switch between an ON state that provides heat and an OFF state that does not provide heat, whereby a temperature of air located within the cooking chamber is regulated; a drafting means configured to circulate air present within the cooking chamber; and a vent prevention apparatus in communication with the air outlet, wherein the vent prevention apparatus allows air to escape the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the ON state, and wherein the vent prevention apparatus prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber via the air outlet when the heating source is in the OFF state.

16. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the heating source comprises at least one electric heating element.

17. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the drafting means is a blower.

18. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the vent prevention apparatus comprises a shutter in communication with a linear solenoid.

19. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the shutter prevents air from escaping the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the OFF state.

20. A convection based cooking apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the shutter allows air to escape the cooking chamber when the heating source is in the ON state.