Control process for at least one heating element of a cooking apparatus

The method involves acquiring a command for operating a heating unit (2) of a cooling appliance (1). An elapsed operating duration of the unit from the acquisition of the operating command and/or acquisition of a modification command of an operating parameter of the unit without regulating a timer of the appliance, is stored. A command for displaying the elapsed operating duration is acquired, and the elapsed operating duration is displayed on a display unit (10) e.g. LCD. Remaining operating duration of the heating unit is acquired and displayed. An independent claim is also included for a cooking appliance comprising a heating unit.