Combination oven fully utilizing the capability of a limited power source

摘要

A cooking oven having both microwave and electrical resistance heating means and which fully utilize the capabilities of a limited- capability power source to achieve the shortest possible cooking time. The oven has a microwave energy generating system which requires less than all of the available current when operated at its full rated power level, and an electrical resistance heating element which requires substantially all of the available current when operated at its full rated power level. The oven also has a means for at least successively energizing the microwave energy generating system and the electrical resistance heating element at their respective full rated power levels. Additionally, there is a means for energizing the electrical resistance heating element from the power source at a reduced power level when the microwave energy generating system is energized at its full rated power level. The reduced power level is selected such that the total of the currents required to operate the microwave energy generating system at its full rated power level and to operate the electrical resistance heating element at the reduced power level is no greater than and, preferably substantially equal to, the power source capability.