This document is an installation and operation manual for electric counter convection steamers, specifically models SX-3 and SX-5.
Function Description
The SX-3 and SX-5 steamers are single-compartment electric pressureless steam cookers designed for commercial use. They feature an internal electric steam generator that maintains water temperature at approximately 205°F (just below boiling point) during the "READY" phase. These steamers efficiently cook vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, poultry, and other food items at atmospheric pressure. The steam cooking process is carefully time-controlled to produce appetizing results, and users are advised to prepare small batches to meet demand.
Important Technical Specifications
Models and Power Ratings
- SX-3: Standard 7.5 kW (optional 10 kW)
- SX-5: Standard 15 kW
Pan Capacities (12" x 20" pans)
| Model |
1" (25mm) Depth |
2.5" (64mm) Depth |
4" (102mm) Depth |
6" (152mm) Depth |
| SX-3 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
| SX-5 |
10 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
Electrical Connections
- Connection Hole: Ø1 1/8" for electrical connection. Rating as specified on the data plate.
- Wire Type: Copper wire suitable for at least 200°F (90°C).
- Grounding: Must be grounded in accordance with local codes (National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA70, or Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22-2).
- Wiring Diagram: Located on the right side panel.
kW Requirements and Amps/Phase
| Model |
kW (Standard/Optional) |
Single Phase (Amps) |
Three Phase (Amps) |
|
|
208V |
220V |
| SX-3 |
7.5 (Standard) |
36 |
34 |
| SX-3 |
10 (Optional) |
48 |
46 |
| SX-5 |
15 (Standard) |
72 |
69 |
Plumbing Connections
- Drain: 1" IPS piped to an open floor drain. Copper only, 24" length before open air gap. No bends or elbows.
- Generator Water: 3/8" O.D. tubing at 25-50 PSI (170-345 kPa).
- Condensing Water: 3/8" O.D. tubing at 25-50 PSI (170-345 kPa).
- Drain Connection (Figure 2): 1" IPS down, maximum 2 feet before open air gap, piped to an open air gap type drain. Copper pipe recommended; PVC pipe is not suitable.
- Water Supply: Connect to 3/8" NPT (internal thread) copper tube inlet. Manual shutoff valve required. Optional split water lines may be marked for condensate or boiler feed. Cold water for condensate feed, cold or hot water for boiler feed (hot water reduces recovery time).
Water Quality Guidelines
- Total Dissolved Solids: Less than 60 PPM
- Total Alkalinity: Less than 20 PPM
- Silica: Less than 13 PPM
- Chlorine: Less than 1.5 PPM
- pH Factor: 7.0-8.5
- Hardness: No more than 2.0 grains per gallon.
- Note: Water failing to meet these standards should be treated by a water conditioner. Failure or malfunction due to poor water quality is not covered under warranty.
Clearances
- Sides: Minimum 2"
- Back: Minimum 6" for proper air circulation.
- Front: 36" for operating and servicing.
- Above: 15" for operating and servicing.
Shipping Weight
- SX-3: 141 lbs. [64 kg]
- SX-5: 169 lbs. [77 kg]
Usage Features
Controls
- Main Power Switch:
- ON: Boiler automatically fills and heats to preset temperature.
- OFF: Boiler drains.
- DELIME: Closes the drain valve for pouring CLR liquid during deliming.
- Ready Light: Illuminates when the steam chamber reaches 205°F and is ready for cooking.
- Cooking Light: Illuminates when a cooking cycle is in progress.
- Timer: Sets cooking time (0 to 60 minutes). Steam cooking begins when the door is closed. Opening the door interrupts the cycle; closing it resumes cooking. A buzzer sounds at the end of the cycle; turn the timer to OFF to stop it.
- Constant Steam Feature (Optional): A switch below the timer, labeled "COOKING MODE."
- TIMED COOKING: Position to the right. Operator sets desired cooking time (0-60 minutes) on the timer. An audible buzzer sounds at the end of the cook time.
- CONTINUOUS COOKING: Position to the left. Provides continuous steam until the switch is moved to "TIMED COOKING" or the main power switch is turned OFF.
Operation Sequence
- Preheat: Turn main power switch ON. Once the "READY" light comes on, set the timer to 1 minute to preheat the compartment (with the door closed). This is recommended for the first use of the day or when the chamber is cold. The "COOKING" light will be lit. When the buzzer sounds, turn the timer to OFF. The steamer is now ready.
- Cook: After preheat, the "READY" light should be ON. Place food pans in the chamber, close the door, and set the timer. Steam flows, and the "COOKING" light illuminates.
- End of Cycle: The "COOKING" light turns off, the buzzer sounds, and steam supply stops. Turn the timer to OFF to silence the buzzer.
- Shutdown: Turn the main power switch OFF. The boiler will automatically blow down. Leave the compartment door open to allow drying. For extended shutdown, also turn off power and water supply.
Cooking Guidelines
- Food Preparation: Clean, separate, cut, and remove stems from vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, and poultry.
- Pan Usage:
- Perforated Pans: Used for root vegetables (unless juices are saved), frankfurters, wieners, and similar items where juice preservation is not needed.
- Solid Pans: Good for cooking puddings, rice, hot breakfast cereals, vegetables, fruits (to preserve juices), meats, and poultry (to preserve juices or retain broth). Canned foods can be heated in their opened cans (placed in solid pans) or by pouring contents into solid pans.
- Frozen Foods: Separate into smaller pieces for efficient cooking. Partially thaw overnight in a refrigerator if time permits to reduce cooking time.
- Pan Covers: Use for precooked frozen dishes requiring more than 15 minutes of cooking time if not cooked in their original covered containers. A cover requires approximately one-third additional cooking time.
Maintenance Features
Daily Cleaning
- Turn main power switch OFF.
- Remove and wash pans and racks.
- Wash compartment interior with clean water.
- Clean door gasket bead with warm soapy water, rinse, and wipe dry.
- Wipe surfaces touching the door gasket with warm soapy water, rinse, and wipe dry. Do not apply food oils, petroleum solvents, or lubricants to the door gasket or contact surfaces.
- Wipe solids away from the drain opening to prevent clogging.
- Ensure the cooking compartment drain works freely. After cooking greasy foods, operate steam with the compartment empty for 30 minutes, or pour 1.5 gallons of warm soapy water followed by 1.5 gallons of warm clear water down the drain.
- Leave the door slightly open when not in use.
Weekly Cleaning (or more often)
- Clean and polish the exterior with a damp cloth and a soft dry cloth. Use a non-abrasive cleaner for discolourations.
Drain Screen
- The compartment has a removable drain screen. Frequently check and clean it to prevent accumulation of food particles and obstruction of the drain.
Draining the Boiler
- The boiler automatically drains for 4 to 6 minutes after the main power switch is turned off, flushing out minerals and minimizing scale buildup.
Cold Water Condenser
- Located at the rear of the cooking chamber, it condenses steam before discharge into the drain. It creates negative pressure, preventing steam leakage around the door gasket and drawing steam through the compartment. Steam leakage may indicate a plugged or improperly installed drain.
Removal of Scale Deposits (Deliming)
- Frequency: Recommended monthly, or more often if necessary, using CLR.
- Procedure:
- Drain the steam generator by setting the main power switch to OFF and cooking time to "0".
- Set the main power switch to DELIME.
- Unscrew the hex plug from the delime port (A) on the left side at the rear.
- Pour 28 ounces of CLR solution slowly into the generator using a tube and funnel.
- Screw the hex plug back in to seal.
- Turn the main power switch to ON.
- Allow the steamer to remain in the "READY" cycle for 1.5 hours.
- Turn the main power switch OFF and allow the generator to drain.
- Flush Cycle: Turn the main power switch to ON. When the "READY" light comes on, turn the main power switch to OFF to flush the generator. Repeat this step three times.
- Clean the exterior and interior with a mild soap and water solution, rinse, and dry. Leave the compartment door open when not in use.
- Warning: Read and follow CLR bottle instructions. Use plastic or rubber gloves. Rinse skin with clean water if CLR contact occurs.
Generator Tank Cover
- The generator tank has a removable sealed cover for inspection and removal of large lime pieces. If removed, check the sealing gasket and tighten hold-down bolts to 160 inch-pounds each upon replacement.
High Altitude Adjustment
- For high altitude locations, a lower temperature is required for atmospheric steaming. An authorized service office must adjust the thermostat.
- Adjustment Procedure:
- Remove the side panel and turn the control panel power switch to ON.
- Open the compartment door. After about 15 minutes, steam will be visible entering the compartment.
- Turn the thermostat shaft counterclockwise to lower the temperature until steam just ceases to enter the compartment and the "READY" light comes on.
- Replace the side panel.
- Follow the "TESTING PROCEDURES" in the manual.
Troubleshooting
- Water Flows into Drain During Shutdown: Indicates solenoid valve(s) did not close. Disassemble, examine for scale/foreign particles, clean, or replace valve(s).
- Water Overflows into Cooking Compartment: If the "READY" light doesn't come on after 15 minutes, water overflows, and the water fill solenoid valve is open, it may indicate a short in the operating probe or excessive scale buildup on the probe.
- Temporary Solution: With power OFF, unscrew probes, visually check, clean off scalant, and replace.
- Note: This indicates severe water conditions requiring immediate correction to prevent damage.
- Heater Elements Do Not Come On: If the steamer is ON, heater elements don't activate, and the "READY" light doesn't come on, contactors may be burned out. If "chattering" was observed, the thermostat bulb might be coated with scalant.
- Solution: Replace contactors. Unscrew, clean, and re-screw the thermostat bulb.
- Note: This also indicates inadequate water quality.
- Unit Shuts Down While in Operation: Pressure switch activated due to 5 psi (34 kPa) pressure in the generator tank, caused by plugged steam jet tubes or steam diverters due to scale or poor water conditions.
- Solution: Clean or replace steam jet tubes/steam diverter.
Important Notices
- Safety Alert Symbol: Indicates potential personal injury hazards.
- WARNING: Improper installation, operation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause property damage, injury, or death. Read instructions thoroughly.
- WARNING: Disconnect electrical power supply and place a tag at the disconnect switch before working on the circuit or cleaning/servicing.
- CAUTION: Do not use corrosive cleaning agents.
- CAUTION: Appliance and parts are hot. Use care when operating, cleaning, and servicing.
- CAUTION: Live steam and accumulated hot water may be released when the door is opened.
- CAUTION: An obstructed drain can cause personal injury or property damage.
- NOTICE: Contact the factory, factory representative, or local service company for maintenance and repairs.
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