There is provided a heating device for heating a foodstuff in a container. The heating device comprises a chamber configured to contain a fluid and to receive the container. A heating unit is provided for heating the fluid. The device also includes a temperature sensing unit and a controller configured to control the heating unit. The temperature measuring unit is configured to measure a temperature of the fluid. The controller is configured to monitor the measured temperature of the fluid to determine a first measured temperature pattern for the fluid over a first predetermined period of time. The controller is configured to determine a first heating profile and control the heating unit so as to heat the fluid according to the first heating profile if the first measured temperature pattern corresponds to a first predetermined temperature pattern.