The FETCO CBS-52H Coffee Brewer is a fully automatic, electronically controlled coffee brewing system designed for commercial use. It is available in two main models, the CBS-52H15 and CBS-52H20, with a Maritime Version also available, rated IP44 for enhanced ingress protection.
Function Description
The CBS-52H coffee brewer is engineered to produce gourmet-sized batches of coffee with precision and consistency. Its core function involves heating water to an optimal brewing temperature and then dispensing it over coffee grounds in a controlled manner. The system incorporates a liquid level control board, a water level probe, a fill valve, and a fill tube to manage the water supply. When the brewer is turned on, the hot water tank automatically fills until the water level probe detects sufficient water, at which point the heaters are enabled. The temperature system, comprising an electronic thermostat, a temperature probe, solid state relays (SSR), and heating elements, maintains the water at a consistent temperature, typically 205°F (at sea level).
The brewing process is initiated by rotating a brew lever, which starts a timed cycle. During this cycle, hot water flows from the tank, through a dispense tube, and into a sprayhead assembly, which evenly distributes water over the coffee grounds in a brew basket. A unique dispense system, which is largely mechanical, ensures that the dispense tube is submerged in the hot water tank during brewing and then pops back above the water level once the cycle is complete, allowing remaining brew water to drain and inhibiting lime formation. The brewer also features a bypass valve that allows a portion of the brewing water to bypass the coffee grounds, directly entering the server. This bypass can be adjusted to fine-tune the coffee flavor.
Usage Features
The CBS-52H is designed for ease of use and consistent performance. Before the first use of each day, it is recommended to pre-heat the thermal dispensers by filling them halfway with hot water and letting them stand for at least 15 minutes. This ensures that the initial brew remains hot and flavorful. The brewer includes a full/half batch switch, allowing operators to select the desired brew volume.
To start a brew cycle, an empty brew basket is slid into its rails, and an empty dispenser is placed underneath. A paper filter is then inserted into the basket, followed by the appropriate amount of pre-measured, ground coffee. The brew lever is rotated to the brew position, initiating the flow of hot water. The brew light illuminates during the cycle, and the brewer automatically returns to a stopped and ready status once the brewing is complete. A safety bar in front of the brew basket helps ensure a two-handed operation for removal, drawing attention to any residual hot water or coffee.
The brewer's design emphasizes total serviceability from the front, simplifying maintenance and troubleshooting. It features brew basket double safety locks for secure operation and a two-level tank drain system. The maritime version is built with IP44 ingress protection, making it suitable for environments where protection against splashing water is necessary.
Maintenance Features
Maintenance of the CBS-52H is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. The dispense system, being largely mechanical, is designed to be clean and semi-dry, which helps prevent lime build-up. However, regular cleaning is still important. The dispense tube seals can be dislodged during servicing, so careful re-insertion and securing with the locknut are necessary.
The brewer's power switch has a built-in circuit breaker for protection, which can be reset by turning the switch off and then back on. The electrical drawing for the brewer is conveniently located inside the lower cover. For plumbing, the water line must be flushed thoroughly before connecting to prevent debris from contaminating the machine. A water shut-off valve should be installed near the brewer to facilitate service, and if an in-line water filter is used, it should be placed after the shut-off valve for easy replacement.
Adjustments to the thermostat and timer are straightforward, requiring a small flat-head screwdriver. The digital readout on the thermostat displays the water temperature and flashes the set point during adjustment. The timer has independent settings for full and half batches, each with three dials for 100-second, 10-second, and 1-second increments. The bypass valve, located above the brew basket, can be adjusted to control the amount of water bypassing the coffee grounds, allowing for flavor customization. This adjustment requires removing the brewer's upper cover and brew basket.
The water level control board features a jumper to adjust its sensitivity for different water types, such as reverse osmosis or ultra-pure water, to prevent tank overfilling. Regular inspection for leaks in all fittings and tubes is recommended, especially after installation or re-attaching covers. Troubleshooting guidance is provided for common issues such as brew handle problems, short brew levels, temperature issues, and weak coffee, offering solutions ranging from simple resets to part replacements.
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