An apparatus for cooking a food item therein is disclosed. The apparatus
has a housing defining an interior and includes at least first and second
opposed walls. A rotating member is positioned between the first and
second walls of the housing, and the rotating member is capable of
engaging and rotating the food item. A drive mechanism is mounted on the
apparatus for rotating the rotating member. A heating element is
positioned adjacent the second wall of the housing, and a blackbody
radiator is positioned between the rotating member and the heating
element. The heating element heats a first side of the blackbody radiator
and a second side of the blackbody radiator emits radiation in a highly
effective wavelength spectrum toward the food item. The apparatus also
includes a self cleaning system for cleaning the interior.