Device and method for thermally processing food products, comprising a receptacle which is intended to receive food products, a thermal processing bath downstream of the receptacle, the receptacle having a cross-section in the form of a chute, a supply of thermal processing water with the food products being moved into the receptacle by the water, and a sluice arranged downstream of the receptacle, the sluice having at least one open position which allows the thermal processing water and the food products moved by the thermal processing water to pass, and a closed position which retains the food products in thermal processing water, the thermal processing bath comprising a thermal processing water vessel which is arranged downstream of the sluice, and a member for timing the duration of the thermal processing operation, the timing member being provided with vanes, the sluice being synchronised with the timing member in the closed position when a vane is opposite the sluice and in an open position when the access to the thermal processing water vessel is free.
