Module for producing hot humid air for a proofing or holding operation

Abstract

A module adapted to generate a stream of hot and humid air, operating in conjunction either with a proofing chamber in which dough pieces are raised prior to baking or in conjunction with a holding chamber in which cooked food is maintained in a hot, moist state. The module is provided with a replenishable water reservoir from which water is fed into a steam generator in which the water is boiled to generate steam. Included in the module is a duct through which air is forced by a blower and an air heater disposed in the duct is used to heat the air. A conduit connects the steam generator to the duct and allows exhaust of steam into a positive-pressure zone (high pressure, after the blower) to effect a proofing action when the module is operated in proofing mode. Steam can also be fed into a low-pressure zone in the duct (at the blower inlet) to produce a stream of hot and humid air at a higher temperature whereby the module is operated in a food holding mode. Steam can also be exhausted in to both section (high pressure and low pressure) simultaneously. A water tank with an associated heater is used to generate the steam, and has an electrical connector so that tanks can be replaced or removed without opening or accessing the food holding compartment (whether such is used for holding or proofing). The configuration of the tank can be altered to provide less steam for proofing and more steam for holding food, by either a movable barrier in the tank separating a reservoir section from a steam generating section, or by providing a top to the tank having molded thereinto a barrier in a fixed position. A desired control scheme for controlling the temperature, humidity, and/or water level is provided based on the temperature, humidity, barrier position, and/or water level.