摘要 |
<p> An electric heater assembly (2) for a smooth top cooking appliance comprises first and second heating zones (16 and 18) provided with first and second heating elements (20 and 22), respectively, the second heating zone (18) at least partially surrounding the first heating zone (16). First and second energy controllers (26 and 32) energise the first and second heating elements (20 and 22), respectively, from a power supply (28). The first heating zone (16) is operable alone with the first cyclic energy controller (26) controlling power of the first heating element (20) at selected settings between a maximum duty cycle and a minimum duty cycle. The first and second heating zones (16, 18) are operable together such that, in a selected full power operating condition of the assembly, the second cyclic energy controller (32) energises the second heating element (22) at substantially maximum duty cycle to provide a substantially maximum power in the second heating zone (18), and the first cyclic energy controller (26) energises the first heating element (20) at less than maximum duty cycle to provide less than maximum power in the first heating zone (16).</p> |