Portable Stove and Slow Cooker

Abstract

A multi-function, portable, electrically-heated appliance for use in vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, watercraft and aircraft. A unit with digital controls can be powered through connection to a vehicle DC power outlet such as a cigarette lighter, as well as other external power sources. A heating element transfers heat energy to a removable container housed within the base unit to heat foods or liquids. The removable container is sealed by a cover so the food or liquids may be cooked or kept warm.

1 . A portable stove comprising:
 a compact, lightweight, self-contained stove unit including a recessed area;   a stove cover that fits over an opening above the recessed area to seal in heat;   a heating element situated within the recessed area for providing heat;   a heating pan positioned in close proximity to the heating element that fits within the recessed area and conducts heat from the heating element to the recessed area;   a cooking pan removably fitted within the heating pan with an outside surface of the cooking pan contacting an inside surface of the heating pan;   a circuit for delivering power to the stove from a power source, the circuit including;   a control panel affixed to an outside surface of the stove unit for displaying current temperature, current temperature setting and power status; and   a switch for adjusting the temperature setting.   
     
     
         2 . The portable stove of  claim 1  wherein the power source may be either: (a) DC; or (b) AC. 
     
     
         3 . The portable stove of  claim 1  wherein the temperature may be incrementally adjusted upwards or downwards. 
     
     
         4 . The portable stove of  claim 1  wherein a top rim of the cooking pan is nested within with the top rim of the heating pan so that the stove cover seals over a top opening of the cooking pan 
     
     
         5 . The portable stove of  claim 3  wherein the cooking pan can be removed from the stove unit. 
     
     
         6 . The portable stove of  claim 5  wherein the cooking pan includes heat resistant handles integrated with the rim of the cooking pan. 
     
     
         7 . The portable stove of  claim 1  further comprising a tray that nests within the cooking pan. 
     
     
         8 . The stove of  claim 7  wherein the tray is made of solid material; 
     
     
         9 . The stove of  claim 7  wherein the tray includes holes in a base of the tray to permit steam to rise through the base. 
     
     
         10 . The stove of  claim 1  further comprising a heat conducting insert formed in a bottom of the cover that forms a lid over the heating pan when the cover is in a closed position. 
     
     
         11 . The stove of  claim 1  further comprising a seal in a bottom of the cover that fits around the periphery of an opening of the cooking pan. 
     
     
         12 . A portable stove comprising:
 a compact, lightweight, self-contained stove unit including a recessed area;   a stove cover that fits over the recessed area;   a heating element situated within the recessed area;   a cooking pan that fits in the recessed area and that is in conductive contact with the heating element;   a circuit for delivering power to the stove from a power source;   a display affixed to the stove unit for displaying temperature; and   a switch for adjusting temperature.   
     
     
         13 . The portable stove of  claim 12  wherein the power source may be either: (a) DC; or (b) AC. 
     
     
         14 . The portable stove of  claim 12  wherein the temperature may be incrementally adjusted upwards or downwards. 
     
     
         15 . The portable stove of  claim 12  wherein the cooking pan can be removed from the stove unit. 
     
     
         16 . The portable stove of  claim 12  wherein the cooking pan includes heat resistant handles. 
     
     
         17 . The portable stove of  claim 12  further comprising a tray that nests within the cooking pan. 
     
     
         18 . The stove of  claim 17  wherein the tray is made of solid material; 
     
     
         19 . The stove of  claim 17  wherein the tray includes holes in a base of the tray to permit steam to rise through the base. 
     
     
         20 . The stove of  claim 12  further comprising a heat conducting insert formed in a bottom of the cover that forms a lid over the cooking pan when the cover is in a closed position. 
     
     
         21 . The stove of  claim 12  further comprising a seal in a bottom of the cover that fits around the periphery of an opening of the cooking pan.