The Groen NFPC is a stainless steel, electrically heated braising pan designed for commercial use. It functions as a versatile cooking appliance, capable of braising, griddling, frying, baking (as an oven), simmering (as a kettle or bain-marie), and serving as a food warmer. It can also be adapted for use as a non-pressure steamer.
Function Description:
The NFPC braising pan features integrated heating elements, a power tilting mechanism, and electrical controls. The pan body is constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel, welded into a solid piece, with a polished interior and a semi-deluxe exterior finish. A pouring lip is welded to the top of the front wall for easy pouring. The cooking surface is a stainless steel clad plate with clamped-on electrical heating elements, strategically positioned to ensure uniform heat transfer across the entire surface. The pan is mounted on an open-leg frame made of tubular stainless steel.
An electrically powered mechanism allows the pan to tilt forward, controlled by a three-position switch on the front of the control console. This switch provides positive, smooth-acting control of the tilt, enabling the pan to move from horizontal to vertical. In case of power tilt mechanism failure, the pan can be tilted manually using a provided hand crank on the slotted shaft of the actuator motor. This manual operation can be sped up with a reversible electric drill.
The unit includes a thermostat for automatic control of cooking temperature, ranging from 100°F to 400°F. Turning the thermostat dial starts and stops heating, and sets the pan temperature. A glowing Heat Indicator Light indicates when the pan is heating, cycling on and off to show when the set temperature is maintained. A high-limit thermostat is included for safety, shutting off power if the pan temperature exceeds 425°F and automatically resetting once the pan cools.
A vented, heavy-gauge, one-piece, stainless steel cover with a rear condensate drip shield is standard. The cover is counterbalanced by a fully enclosed spring-type actuator, allowing it to remain in either the opened or closed position. It is hinged to the frame, moving independently from the pan body. The cover vent can be left open to allow excess steam to escape or closed for longer simmering.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Construction: Heavy-duty stainless steel pan body and tubular stainless steel open-leg frame.
- Heating: Electrically heated with clamped-on heating elements for uniform heat distribution.
- Temperature Range: 100°F to 400°F, with a high-limit safety thermostat at 425°F.
- Tilting Mechanism: Electrically powered with a three-position switch, capable of manual override.
- Cover: Vented, heavy-gauge, one-piece stainless steel with condensate drip shield and spring-type actuator.
- Electrical Data (60 Hz):
- NFPC-3 Models:
- 208V, 1PH: 11.4 KW - 54.8 AMP
- 208V, 3PH: 11.4 KW - 31.6 AMP
- 240V, 1PH: 12 KW - 50 AMP
- 240V, 3PH: 12 KW - 28.9 AMP
- 380V, 3PH: 12 KW - 18.2 AMP
- 480V, 1PH: 12 KW - 25 AMP
- 480V, 3PH: 12 KW - 14.5 AMP
- NFPC-4 Models:
- 208V, 1PH: 14.25 KW - 68.5 AMP
- 208V, 3PH: 14.25 KW - 39.6 AMP
- 240V, 1PH: 15 KW - 62.5 AMP
- 240V, 3PH: 15 KW - 36.1 AMP
- 380V, 3PH: 15 KW - 22.8 AMP
- 480V, 1PH: 15 KW - 31.25 AMP
- 480V, 3PH: 15 KW - 18 AMP
- Power Tilt Motor: 6 AMP at 120 Volts, Single Phase.
- Pan Dimensions (Left to Right x Depth x Front to Back):
- NFPC-3: 31" x 7" or 9" x 25¼"
- NFPC-4: 41" x 7" or 9" x 25¼"
- Optional Equipment: Fill faucet with swing spout and water hose, Model REJ Steamer Insert, Casters.
Usage Features:
- Preheating: For best results in braising or frying, preheat the pan before adding food. Reheating at 300°F or less for 15 minutes, or through several on/off cycles of the thermostat, ensures even temperature.
- Simmering/Slow Heating: Set the thermostat to 210°F or lower. The cover can be down to minimize moisture loss or up to dry the product.
- Steam Management: The cover vent can be opened to release excess steam or closed for longer simmering. When checking cooking progress with the cover closed, lift the plastic handle slightly and move it quickly to either side, standing at one side of the pan to avoid steam.
- Tilting for Pouring/Cleaning: The power tilt switch allows for easy pouring or dumping of product and assists in cleaning. The pan body holds its position when the switch is released.
- Safety Warnings:
- Avoid heating an empty pan for more than five minutes at settings above 300°F to prevent damage.
- Stand away from hot water when tilting the pan to empty it.
- Avoid exposure to steam escaping from the cover vent to prevent severe burns.
- Avoid direct contact with hot equipment surfaces, hot food, or water in the braising pan.
- Be cautious when tilting pans containing sauce or melted fat, as contents can slide forward suddenly and splash out.
Maintenance Features:
- Routine Clean Up: After each use, turn the thermostat to "OFF" and clean all food contact surfaces. Daily or every 12 hours, turn off heat and disconnect electrical power at the circuit breaker or fuse box before cleaning the interior and exterior.
- Cleaning Tools: Suggested tools include a cleaner (e.g., Klenzade HC-10), brushes, cloth for controls, chlorine sanitizer (e.g., Klenzade XY-12), and heavy-duty cleaner (e.g., Klenzade LC-30).
- Cleaning Procedure:
- Remove large food amounts by tilting the pan and flushing with lukewarm water. Avoid metal tools that could scratch the surface.
- Use a warm solution of cleaner to wash inside and outside surfaces.
- Clean controls, the control console, and electric conduit with a moistened cloth.
- Rinse the pan thoroughly with lukewarm water and drain completely.
- Clean all inside and outside surfaces that may have been soiled, including undersides of the cover, electrical console, and remote spots, using a brush (P/N 058705) for areas between the pan body and control console.
- For stuck materials, use a brush, sponge, cloth, plastic or rubber scraper, or plastic wool with cleaning solution. Soaking or briefly heating the solution can help. Avoid gritty cleaners or metal tools to prevent scratches and pitting.
- Polish the exterior with a recognized stainless steel cleaner (e.g., Zepper).
- Sanitize the equipment with a solution providing 100 parts per million available chlorine, following supplier instructions. Drain thoroughly after sanitizing.
- Allow surfaces to air dry unless immediate reuse is necessary. Sanitizing just before use is recommended.
- Weekly (or more often with hard water), use a heavy-duty cleaner to remove mineral deposits or film.
- Corrosion Prevention: Never leave a chlorine sanitizer in contact with stainless steel for longer than 30 minutes to prevent corrosion.
- Electrical Safety: Always turn off electric power before working on internal components. Disconnect electrical supply at the circuit breaker or fuse box before cleaning any part other than the inside of the pan.
- Professional Service: The braising pan requires minimum maintenance, but certain parts may need replacement after prolonged use. Only authorized personnel should perform service work. Annual checks by service personnel should include inspecting electrical wires, connections, and cleaning inside the control console. A Maintenance and Service Log is provided in the manual to record work performed.
- Warranty: Use of replacement parts other than those supplied by Groen or its authorized distributors voids all warranties and may cause injury or equipment damage. Service performed by non-factory-authorized personnel also voids all warranties.