WO2008090491A1

WO2008090491A1 - Horizontal toasting device having a shutter plate for preventing radiated heat from reaching toasted foodstuff

Info

Publication number: WO2008090491A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/050141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timotheus J. M. Van Aken
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2007-01-22
Filing date: 2008-01-16
Publication date: 2008-07-31

Abstract

A toasting device (1) of the horizontal type comprises a bottom housing element (11) that accommodates bottom heating elements (20). Foodstuff to be toasted is arranged above the bottom housing element (11). In order to avoid a situation in which toasted foodstuff is still subjected to heat after the heating elements (20) have been shut off in order to terminate a toasting process, shutter means (50) are applied for shielding the toasted foodstuff from remaining heat. For example, the shutter means may comprise a shutter plate (50) for closing a space where heating elements (20) are located. In a preferred embodiment, the toasting device (1) according to the present invention comprises means for performing a cooling function. By applying the shutter means (50) and possibly cooling means, a situation in which toasted foodstuff is still heated after the heating elements (20) of the toasting device (1) have been shut off is avoided, which enhances controllability of a toasting process.

Description

Horizontal toasting device having a shutter plate for preventing radiated heat from reaching toasted foodstuff

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for toasting foodstuff such as slices of bread, comprising holding means for receiving and holding the foodstuff in a substantially horizontal orientation; and at least one heating element for generating heat during a toasting process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A toasting device as described in the opening paragraph is known. Usually, the toasting device comprises a grid or another suitable element for supporting foodstuff to be toasted in a substantially horizontal orientation, at least one heating element which is located at a position above the grid, and at least one heating element which is located at a position below the grid. During operation of the toasting device, both sides of foodstuff which is located on the supporting element are heated by means of the heating elements.

On the basis of the fact that the toasting device is adapted to receive and hold foodstuff in a substantially horizontal orientation, the toasting device is also referred to as horizontal toasting device. A horizontal toasting device is particularly suitable for use for the purpose of toasting foodstuff having a meltable topping, for example a slice of bread having a topping containing cheese. In such a case, a common toaster, which is only suitable to accommodate foodstuff in a vertical position, cannot be used, as the topping would sag under the influence of gravity as soon as it would reach a molten state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A disadvantage of the known horizontal toaster is that after a toasting process has been performed and completed, foodstuff continues to be heated when it is not immediately removed from the device. This is caused by the fact that it takes some time for the heating elements to cool down after their operation has terminated and the power has been shut off. This undesirable effect is largest at a side of the foodstuff facing the at least one lower heating element, due to the natural rising of hot air. As a result of this phenomenon, excessive browning of the foodstuff at the lower side and/or an uneven browning of both sides of the foodstuff is obtained when the foodstuff is not immediately taken away from the supporting element at the end of a toasting process.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a solution to the above- sketched problem, which does not involve removal of toasted foodstuff from the toasting device, as performed in well-known pop-up toasters in which foodstuff is positioned in a vertical orientation. The objective of the present invention is achieved by a horizontal toasting device comprising shutter means which are movable between at least two different positions, wherein, in one of these positions, the shutter means are located in a heat path from at least one heating element to the holding means, and wherein, in another of these positions, the shutter means are out of this heat path.

In the following, the position of the shutter means in which these means are located in the heat path from at least one heating element to the holding means is also referred to as the blocking position of the shutter means, whereas the position of the shutter means in which these means are out of this heat path is also referred to as unblocking position of the shutter means.

When the toasting device according to the present invention is applied, a heat path from at least one heating element to the holding means is interrupted by the shutter means as soon as the toasting process has ended. When the shutter means have been put to the blocking position, the shutter means function as a shield for blocking any supply of heat from the heating element to the holding means. An important advantageous effect of the application of the shutter means is that when toasted foodstuff is present on the holding means, the toasting process is surely terminated when the shutter means are put to the blocking position. Another advantageous effect of the application of the shutter means is that a user of the toasting device does not feel uncomfortable to take toasted foodstuff out of the device. In practice, it is important that features of the shutter means such as thickness, shape and material be chosen such that the shutter means are actually capable of blocking the heat supply for a sufficient period of time.

In a preferred embodiment of the toasting device according to the present invention, at least one heating element is arranged in a casing having an open side, wherein the shutter means are adapted to close this open side of the casing in the blocking position. In this way it is achieved that when the shutter means are put to the blocking position, it is no longer possible for the heat to escape through the open side of the casing, which contributes to the safety of the toasting device. It is very well possible to realize the shutter means in a relatively simple manner, so that the application of the shutter means does not significantly contribute to the cost price of the toasting device. For example, the shutter means may comprise a movably arranged plate, wherein the plate may be hingeably arranged. The toasting device may be designed to heat foodstuff directly, but it is also possible for the toasting device to comprise reflecting means wherein heat that is generated by at least one heating element is indirectly supplied to the foodstuff. For example, the heat reflecting means may comprise two reflector plates extending at an angle with respect to each other, wherein the angle is between 0° and 180°, and wherein at least one heating element is arranged such as to emit heat in the direction of the sloping reflector plates.

Preferably, in case the toasting device comprises heat reflecting means, the device is also equipped with cooling means such as a cooling fan for cooling the heat reflecting means. In this way, it is prevented that a toasting process is continued in a situation in which the operation of the at least one heating element is terminated and the shutter means are in the blocking position, as the cold heat reflecting means are not capable of emitting any heat.

In an advantageous embodiment of a toasting device having heat reflecting means, the shutter means comprise a movably arranged plate having a heat reflecting side, which is capable of interrupting a heat path between at least one heating element and the heat reflecting means in the blocking position, and which is capable of covering at least a portion of the heat reflecting means, with the heat reflecting side up, in the unblocking position. In this way, it is achieved that the application of the shutter means hardly requires additional space, as the plate is simply placed on the reflecting means during a toasting process.

Additionally, it is possible that the toasting device is equipped with a cooling fan, wherein the cooling fan is adapted to generate an airflow for cooling the heat reflecting means and the plate having the heat reflecting side when the plate is in the position for interrupting the heat path between the at least one heating element and the heat reflecting means, i.e. the blocking position, and wherein the heat reflecting means are provided with at least one hole for letting through the airflow to the plate. In this way it is achieved that when a toasting process is terminated and the plate is put in the blocking position in order to ensure that remaining heat from the at least one heating element cannot reach the toasted foodstuff, the plate is in a cooled condition, so that heat emission from the plate is avoided.

The heating capacity of the cooling fan may even be such that the plate having the heat reflecting side is cooled in all possible positions, including the unblocking position. Besides the advantage of avoiding heat emission from the reflecting means and the plate, cooling the reflecting means and the plate has the advantage of avoiding situations in which (portions of) toppings of foodstuff which accidentally fall down get burned or scorched. The cooling effect of the airflow generated by the cooling fan may also be used for the purpose of cooling the at least one heating element. In view of this, in a practical embodiment, the toasting device may comprise means for conducting the airflow to the at least one heating element. Furthermore, the cooling fan may also have a function in cooling down electronics of the toasting device.

In particular, the toasting device according to the present invention may be a toasting device which comprises at least one top heating element and at least one bottom heating element, wherein, in an operative orientation of the device, the top heating element is positioned at a higher level than the bottom heating element, wherein the top heating element mainly serves for heating a top portion of the foodstuff during a toasting process, while the bottom heating element mainly serves for heating a bottom portion of the foodstuff during a toasting process. Preferably, in that case, the shutter means are adapted to interrupt a heat path from at least one bottom heating element to the holding means, as the effect of remaining heat of a bottom heating element is larger than the effect of remaining heat of a top heating element, due to the natural rising of hot air. This does not alter the fact that the shutter means may also be adapted to interrupt heat paths from both types of heating elements to the holding means. For example, the shutter means may comprise two plates, wherein one plate is arranged for shielding the at least one bottom element, and wherein another plate is arranged for shielding the at least one top element.

In view of cleanability of the toasting device, it is advantageous if, when the toasting device is in a normal operative orientation, the at least one bottom heating element is located outside an area which is present underneath the holding means. For example, bottom heating elements may be placed aside as seen in a vertical direction, in order to achieve that these elements are not located in an area where crumbs and other elements of foodstuff to be toasted may fall. In that case, effective heating of the foodstuff may still be achieved, for example by means of heat reflecting means as described in the foregoing. In order to avoid excessive heating of sides of foodstuff, it is advantageous if measures are taken to ensure that hot air cannot reach the foodstuff, so that the toasting process of foodstuff practically only takes place under the influence of radiated heat. For example, when the bottom elements are arranged in casings having an open side, holes for letting out hot air from the casings may be arranged in a top element of the casings, such that hot air rises at a distance from sides of the foodstuff and the holding means.

The above-described and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following description of an embodiment of the toasting device according to the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be explained in greater detail with reference to the figures, in which equal or similar parts are indicated by the same reference signs, and in which:

Fig. 1 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of a toasting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 2 diagrammatically shows a side view of components of the toasting device shown in figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 shows a toasting device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and figure 2 diagrammatically shows components of the toasting device 1. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the toasting device 1 will be referred to as toaster 1. The orientation in which the toaster 1 is shown in figure 1 is a normal operative orientation.

The toaster 1 comprises a bottom housing element 11 , which is generally shaped like a shallow tray having an open side. In the operative orientation of the toaster 1, the open side is at the top of the bottom housing element 11. The bottom housing element 11 comprises two side portions 12 which are open to the open space of the bottom housing element 11, and which are covered by a strip 13 having holes 14. Inside these side portions 12 of the bottom housing element 11, bottom heating elements 20 are arranged, which serve for generating and emitting heat during operation of the toaster 1. In the example shown, back reflectors 21 having a curved reflecting surface 22 are associated with the bottom heating elements 20, and serve for ensuring that the heat emitted by the bottom heating elements 20 is directed out of the side portions 12 of the bottom housing element 11. As an alternative, it is possible that inner surfaces of the side portions 12 of the bottom housing element 11 have heat reflecting properties. For example, the side portions 12 may be made of aluminum, or aluminum sheets or thin plates may be arranged in the interior of the side portions 12.

At a bottom side of the bottom housing element 11, supports 15 are arranged. These supports 15 are preferably made of a heat-insulating material, so that transmittal of heat that is generated during operation of the toaster 1 to a surface on which the toaster 1 is resting is prevented.

The toaster 1 comprises a grid 30, which serves for supporting foodstuff to be toasted, baked or grilled by means of the toaster 1 in a substantially horizontal orientation. The grid 30 is shown in an operative position in the toaster 1, i.e. in a position in which the grid 30 is orientated according to a substantially horizontal plane. The grid 30 is made of a heat-resistant material, for example metal, and may be of any suitable design. In the example shown, the grid 30 comprises a number of parallel supporting bars 31, which are interconnected by means of a connecting bar 32 extending perpendicular to the supporting bars 31. Furthermore, in the example shown, in order to facilitate placement of the grid 30 in the toaster 1 and removal of the grid 30 from the toaster 1, end portions 33 of two outer supporting bars 31a are shaped like a hook.

The grid 30 may be connectable to the bottom housing element 11, but may also be freely placeable and removable. According to another possibility, the grid 30 may be pivotably connected to the bottom housing element 11. In the example shown, the grid 30 is in a proper position in the toaster 1 when ends 34 of both hook-shaped end portions 33 of the outer supporting bars 31a are in contact with the outside of the bottom housing element 11.

Besides the bottom housing element 11 , the toaster 1 comprises a top housing element 16, which is connected to the bottom housing element 11 through a connecting element 17. Like the bottom housing element 11, the top housing element 16 is shaped like a shallow tray having an open side. In the operative orientation of the toaster 1, the open side is at the bottom of the top housing element 16. The tray- shaped bottom housing element 11 and the tray-shaped top housing element 16 are extending substantially parallel with respect to each other. Preferably, the connecting element 17 is connected to the outside of both housing elements 11, 16, as shown in figure 1, so that the connecting element 17 is not present in a space between the housing elements 11, 16.

Inside the top housing element 16, top heating elements 25 are arranged, which, like the bottom heating elements 20 arranged in the bottom housing element 11 , serve for generating and emitting heat during operation of the toaster 1. Both the bottom heating elements 20 and the top heating elements 25 may comprise any suitable known heaters, and may have any suitable shape. As the present invention does not relate to the heating elements 20, 25 as such, the heating elements 20, 25 and their operation will not be further elucidated here. In the bottom housing element 11 , for the purpose of reflecting heat emitted by the bottom heating elements 20 and reflected by the back reflectors 21 associated with these heating elements 20 towards the grid 30, a reflector 40 comprising two reflector plates 41 is arranged. In particular, the reflector plates 41 are extending at an angle α with respect to each other, wherein, in principle, the angle α is between 0° and 180°. The back reflectors 21 are orientated such that a central axis of the curved reflecting surface 22 is directed downwardly, at an angle β with respect to a horizontal. In the example shown, a total of this angle β and an angle γ of a reflector plate 41 with respect to the horizontal is 45°, in order to achieve that foodstuff to be toasted is evenly radiated. Nevertheless, within the scope of the present invention, it is possible to have another reflector 40 having another shape.

Preferably, the operation of the toaster 1 is controlled by means of a microcontroller (not shown), which is part of the toaster 1. For the purpose of allowing a user to communicate with the microcontroller, the toaster 1 may comprise suitable means such as a push button, a turning knob or the like. For example, the user may be enabled to set a desired degree of browning. Furthermore, it is preferred that the toaster 1 comprises means (not shown) for indicating the end of a toasting process. Such means may comprise a buzzer, a light, or any other suitable means for conveying a signal to a user.

It is noted that the toaster 1 may be adapted to perform various operations, wherein the microcontroller is capable of controlling these operations. For example, the toaster 1 may be used to heat only one side of foodstuff. The toaster 1 may even be controlled such as to simulate oven conditions.

In the following, a way of operating the toaster 1 for the purpose of toasting a slice of bread having melt cheese on top will be described.

First of all, the user places the slice of bread on the grid 30, while taking care that the side having the melt cheese is up. It is assumed that the user communicates to the microcontroller a desired degree of browning of the slice of bread, and also indicates the presence of a meltable topping. After the user has indicated that the toasting process may be started, which may simply be done by setting the desired degree of browning, for example, the microcontroller operates the heating elements 20, 25 to generate heat, so that the slice of bread is heated. The heating process is performed during a period of time that is associated with the desired degree of browning as communicated to the microcontroller by the user. After that period of time, the microcontroller switches off the heating means 20, 25.

In the toaster 1 as shown, a distance between the grid 30 for supporting foodstuff and the top housing element 16 having the top heating elements 25 is large enough for the toaster 1 to be able to receive and toast rolls, hot dogs, etc. In principle, it is possible that this distance is adjustable, for example in case at least either of the top housing element 16 and the grid 30 is movably arranged, or in case the grid 30 can be positioned at various height levels in the toaster 1. In order to ensure that a toasting process of foodstuff is terminated as soon as the heating elements 20, 25 are shut off, shutter plates 50 for closing the side portions 12 of the bottom housing element 11 are provided, wherein the shutter plates 50 are hingeably arranged in the bottom housing element 11. When a toasting process has been performed, and the heating elements 20, 25 have just been shut off, there is still remaining heat, under the influence of which the toasting process may be continued. This is especially true at the bottom side of the toaster 1, due to the natural rising of hot air. An uncontrolled continuation of the toasting process is prevented when the shutter plates 50 are put to their positions for closing the portions 12 where the bottom heating elements 20 are present. In that case, the remaining heat is trapped inside the portions 12, and it is not possible for the heat to reach the reflector 40.

Advantageously, the position of each shutter plate 50 is controlled by the microcontroller. The position in which the shutter plate 50 closes the portion 12 where the bottom heating elements 20 are present is also referred to as blocking position, whereas a position in which the shutter plate 50 allows a free emission of heat from this portion 12 is also referred to as unblocking position. A hinge which is arranged between the shutter plate 50 and the bottom housing element 11 is positioned at a side of the reflector 40. In the unblocking position, the shutter plate 50 rests on the reflector 40, thereby covering a portion of the reflector 40. In order not to hinder the process of reflecting heat during a toasting process, at least one main surface 51 of the shutter plate 50 has heat reflecting properties. The toaster 1 shown comprises a cooling fan 60, which is arranged in the bottom housing element 11, underneath the reflector 40. During a toasting process, this fan 60 is operated in order to generate a cooling airflow, under the influence of which the reflector 40 is kept cool. Preferably, a portion of the reflector 40 which is covered by the shutter plate 50 in the unblocking position is provided with holes (not shown), so that the shutter plate 50 may be cooled as well when it is in the blocking position, namely under the influence of air which passes through the holes. Furthermore, it is possible that airducts or the like (not shown) are provided for supplying a cooling airflow to the bottom heating elements 20 when these heating elements 20 have been shut off. During a toasting process, the shutter plates 50 are in the unblocking position, and, like the reflector 40, serve for reflecting heat emitted by the bottom heating elements 20 towards the grid 30 and foodstuff located thereon. Furthermore, the cooling fan 60 is operated, so that the reflector 40 is cooled. As soon as the toasting process needs to be terminated, the heating elements 20, 25 are shut off. In order to avoid a continuation of the toasting process under the influence of remaining heat at the bottom side of the toaster 1, the shutter plates 50 are put to the blocking position, in which the shutter plates 50 close the side portions 12 of the bottom housing element 11, i.e. the spaces where the bottom heating elements 20 are present. As a result, the remaining heat is kept inside the side portions 12 and cannot reach the toasted foodstuff, so that there is no risk of additional browning of a lower side of the foodstuff. In the process, the shutter plates 50 are cooled under the influence of the airflow generated by the cooling fan 60, wherein the air passes through the holes in the reflector 40. When airducts or like elements are present for supplying cool air to the bottom heating elements 20, a passage through these elements is opened, so that the air may reach the heating elements 20, and the heating elements 20 may be cooled. Due to the application of the shutter plates 50, continuation of the toasting process after termination of the operation of the heating elements 20, 25 is avoided. When the reflector 40 is cooled, as is the case in the embodiment shown of the toaster 1 according to the present invention, and when the reflector 40 has holes for letting through a cooling airflow, a situation in which remaining heat is present in the open space of the bottom housing element 11 is avoided. Furthermore, due to the cooling effect of the airflow on the shutter plates 50 in the blocking position, it is ensured that the heat which is trapped inside the side portions 12 of the bottom housing element 11 is not transferred to the open space of the bottom housing element 11, through the shutter plates 50. When the bottom heating elements 20 are cooled as well, it is ensured that a temperature prevailing inside the side portions 12 is quickly reduced. An uncontrolled continuation of a toasting process is avoided on the basis of the application of the shutter plates 50, wherein the effect of interrupting a heat path from the bottom heating elements 20 to the reflector 40 may be enhanced by various cooling actions as described. Nevertheless, embodiments of the toaster 1 according to the present invention without a cooling fan 60 or other cooling means are feasible. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing, but that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined in the attached claims. While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the description, such an illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment.

In the embodiment shown of the toasting device according to the present invention, a reflector 40 is applied for directing heat emitted by the bottom heating elements 20 towards foodstuff to be toasted. That does not alter the fact that toasting devices which do not comprise such a reflector 40, for example toasting devices in which the bottom heating elements 20 are positioned underneath the grid 30, are feasible within the scope of the present invention.

Within the scope of the present invention, other suitable means for interrupting a heat path from at least one heating element 20, 25 to toasted foodstuff than the shutter plates 50 as shown may be applied. Such shutter means may be applied for shielding the foodstuff from heat emitted by any type of heating element, wherein the heating element may be arranged at any place in the toasting device, including at a place above the grid 30 or, in general, the means for supporting foodstuff. The toaster 1 as shown in the figures has an open structure. Due to this, the toasting process of foodstuff is highly visible and users of the toaster 1 are allowed to interact directly with the process. However, within the scope of the present invention, it is also possible to provide a toasting device having a partially or completely closed housing.

The toasting device according to the present invention may comprise more than one top housing element 16 having top heating elements 25.

The side portions 12 of the bottom housing element 11 of the toaster 1 as shown in the figures comprise a top strip 13 having holes 14. Within the scope of the present invention, a top side of the side portions 12 may be fully closed, but it is advantageous to have the holes 14, as in this way, a situation in which sides of foodstuff to be toasted gets burned by hot air coming from the open sides of the side portions 12 is avoided. Instead, the holes 14 allow hot air to escape without reaching and heating the foodstuff.

It is noted that the heating elements 20, 25 of the toasting device according to the present invention may be of any suitable type and shape. For example, the heating elements 20, 25 may be U-shaped or bar-shaped electrical heating elements, wherein the heating elements 20, 25 may be quartz heaters.

Variations to the disclosed embodiment can be understood and effected by a person skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the description and the attached claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. In the foregoing, a toasting device 1 of the horizontal type is described, which comprises a bottom housing element 11 accommodating bottom heating elements 20 and a top housing element 16 accommodating top heating elements 25. The top housing element 16 is arranged at a higher level than the bottom housing element 11 , in a normal operative orientation of the toasting device 1. Foodstuff to be toasted is arranged between the housing elements 11, 16.

In order to avoid a situation in which toasted foodstuff, especially a lower side of the foodstuff, is still subjected to heat, after the heating elements 20, 25 have been shut off in order to terminate a toasting process, shutter means 50 are applied for shielding the toasted foodstuff from remaining heat. For example, the shutter means may comprise a shutter plate 50 for closing a space where heating elements 20 are located. The shutter means 50 are movably arranged, so that these means do not hinder a toasting process, and only perform a heat blocking function when this is desired, namely when the foodstuff is ready.

In a preferred embodiment, the toasting device 1 according to the present invention comprises means for performing a cooling function. By applying such means, it is possible to ensure that an area underneath toasted foodstuff is kept cool. By applying the shutter means 50 and possibly cooling means, a situation in which toasted foodstuff is still heated after the heating elements 20, 25 of the toasting device 1 have been shut off is avoided. As an advantageous consequence, when the toasting device 1 according to the present invention is applied, a process of toasting foodstuff is well controllable.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Device (1) for toasting foodstuff such as slices of bread, the device comprising: holding means (30) for receiving and holding the foodstuff in a substantially horizontal orientation; - at least one heating element (20, 25) for generating heat during a toasting process; and shutter means (50) which are movable between at least two different positions, wherein, in one of these positions, the shutter means (50) are located in a heat path from at least one heating element (20, 25) to the holding means (30), and wherein, in another of these positions, the shutter means (50) are out of this heat path.

2. Toasting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one heating element (20, 25) is arranged in a casing (12) having an open side, and wherein the shutter means (50) are adapted to close this open side of the casing (12) in one position.

3. Toasting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shutter means comprise a movably arranged plate (50).

4. Toasting device according to claim 3, wherein the plate (50) is hingeably arranged.

5. Toasting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, in a normal operative orientation of the toasting device (1), at least one heating element (20) is positioned at a lower level than the holding means (30), and wherein this heating element (20) is located outside an area which is present underneath the holding means (30).

6. Toasting device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising means (40) for reflecting heat emitted by at least one heating element (20, 25) towards the holding means (30).

7. Toasting device (1) according to claim 6, further comprising cooling means such as a cooling fan (60) for cooling the heat reflecting means (40).

8. Toasting device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the shutter means comprise a movably arranged plate (50) having a heat reflecting side (51), which is capable of interrupting a heat path between at least one heating element (20, 25) and the heat reflecting means (40) in one position, and which is capable of covering at least a portion of the heat reflecting means (40), with the heat reflecting side (51) up, in another position.

9. Toasting device (1) according to claim 8, further comprising a cooling fan (60) which is adapted to generate an airflow for cooling the heat reflecting means (40) and the plate (50) having the heat reflecting side (51) when the plate (50) is in the position for interrupting the heat path between the at least one heating element (20, 25) and the heat reflecting means (40), wherein the heat reflecting means (40) are provided with at least one hole for letting through the airflow to the plate (50).

10. Toasting device (1) according to claim 9, further comprising means for conducting the airflow to the at least one heating element (20, 25).