Thin film cooking and food transfer devices and methods

Improved cooking devices and methods of achieving good adherence contact between a low-friction, non-stick release sheet material and a heated food-supporting platen or cooking surface are provided. The adherence of the release sheet to the lower platen is sufficiently good to permit removal of cooked items such as hamburger patties with a spatula without significantly adversely disturbing the release sheet. In addition, good heat transfer is achieved to permit good sear (good carmelization and good browning) on the bottom surface of foods, including hamburger patties. In addition, inventive cooking utensils and methods are provided that incorporate or use release sheets in the utensils themselves, so that the benefits of a release sheet on the food-supporting platen or cooking surface are achieved.