The Henny Penny Open Fryer, models OFE-141 and OFE-142, is a fundamental piece of food service equipment designed to enhance the cooking process in institutional and commercial foodservice operations. It is engineered for ease of use and durability, ensuring efficient and consistent food preparation.
Function Description
The primary function of the Henny Penny Open Fryer is to cook a variety of food products by submerging them in hot shortening. The unit is equipped with advanced controls to maintain precise temperature, ensuring optimal cooking results. The Computron 1500 controls, available on both split and full frypot fryers, manage the cooking cycles and various operational parameters.
Upon powering on, the digital display shows "OFF" until the main power switch is turned to the ON position. The unit then automatically initiates a Melt Cycle, heating the shortening to 250°F (121°C). This cycle is crucial for safely melting solid shortening and can be bypassed if liquid shortening is used or if the shortening level covers all heating elements. Bypassing the Melt Cycle without sufficient shortening can lead to excessive smoking or fire.
The controls allow operators to select specific product settings, each associated with a timer button and a menu card strip. Once a product is selected, the unit heats the shortening to the set-point temperature, indicated by an LED that lights up when the temperature is within 5° of the target. Timer buttons are used to start and stop Cook Cycles, exit the Melt Cycle, and re-initialize controls in a special program mode. The display shows the shortening temperature, the timer countdown during a Cook Cycle, and selections in Program Mode. If the shortening temperature exceeds 425°F (218°C), an "E-5, FRYER TOO HOT" error message is displayed.
The fryer incorporates a gravity drain filter system, which is an optional feature designed to extend the life of the shortening by removing crumbs and debris. This system allows for filtering shortening at normal frying temperatures, ensuring best results. The filter pump motor is equipped with a manual reset protector that activates if the motor overheats, preventing damage.
Usage Features
The Henny Penny Open Fryer is designed for user-friendly operation with several features that simplify cooking and maintenance tasks.
- Shortening Capacity: The unit has a substantial shortening capacity of 55-65 lbs (24.94-29.47 kg), allowing for continuous cooking without frequent refills.
- Basket Options: It can accommodate two half-size baskets per well, providing flexibility for cooking different products simultaneously or managing batch sizes.
- Product Selection: The Computron 1500 controls feature product select buttons, each linked to a specific food product and its cooking parameters via a menu card. An LED above the selected product button illuminates to indicate the active selection.
- Temperature Control: The digital display shows the current shortening temperature, and operators can view the set-point temperature by pressing the program button once or twice. Adjustment buttons allow for fine-tuning of settings in Program Mode.
- Cook Cycle Management: Timer buttons initiate and conclude cook cycles. If an alarm sounds during a cook cycle, pressing the timer button stops it. At the end of a cycle, a tone sounds, and the display flashes "DONE," prompting the operator to lift the basket.
- Safety Features: The fryer includes safety devices that shut down the electricity supply if activated. These procedures must be followed to restart the fryer, and repeated shutdowns require professional technician intervention. A manual reset high-limit control is also integrated for safety.
- Special Programming: The unit offers special programming modes to set various parameters such as Fahrenheit or Celsius temperature display, system initialization, control locking/unlocking, fryer type (open or pressure), heat source (electric, gas with standing pilot, electronic ignition, induced draft), vat type (split or full), and oil type (solid or liquid). These settings are crucial for optimizing fryer performance based on specific operational needs.
Maintenance Features
Proper care and maintenance are essential for the longevity and safe operation of the Henny Penny Open Fryer. The manual outlines a regular maintenance schedule to be followed by the operator.
- Filtering Shortening: Shortening should be filtered daily (after 3-4 loads) to maintain quality. The process involves turning off the main switch, removing and cleaning the fry basket, and using a metal spatula to remove buildup from the frypot sides. The filter drain pan must be correctly positioned and the dairy union connected to prevent splashing during draining.
- Changing Shortening: Shortening should be changed when it smokes excessively, foams violently, or develops a bad taste. This is a critical step to prevent fire hazards and ensure food quality.
- Changing Filter Envelope: The filter paper envelope should be changed after 10-12 filterings or when it becomes clogged with crumbs. This involves disconnecting the filter union, removing the filter drain pan and screen assembly, cleaning all components, and installing a new envelope. Protective gloves are recommended due to hot surfaces.
- Cleaning the Frypot: The frypot should be thoroughly cleaned before every shortening change and after initial installation. This involves draining hot shortening, cleaning the frypot with a specialized cleaner and hot water, and rinsing with distilled vinegar to neutralize alkaline residues. Chemical splash goggles and protective rubber gloves are mandatory during cleaning due to the highly alkaline nature of cleaning solutions. Steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or water jets should not be used to avoid damage.
- Filter Pump Problem Prevention: To prevent issues with the filter pump, the paper envelope must be properly installed over the filter screens, with the open end folded and clamped to prevent crumbs from entering. Pumping shortening until bubbles appear in the frypot ensures proper function.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues such as the fryer being inoperative, shortening not heating, foaming or boiling shortening, and drainage problems. It also lists error codes displayed on the digital panel, such as "E-4" (control board overheating), "E-5" (shortening overheating), "E-6A/B" (temperature probe issues), "E-10" (high limit tripped), "E-15" (drain switch failure), "E-41/E-46" (programming failure), "E-31" (fan switch jumper wire missing), "E-54" (faulty PC board component), and "E-70" (faulty power switch/I/O board). Each error code is accompanied by a recommended correction, often involving turning the power switch off and on, checking connections, or replacing components.
- Electrical Safety: When performing preventive maintenance or moving the fryer, the electrical supply must be unplugged or the wall circuit breaker turned off to prevent electrical shock. The unit must be adequately grounded (earthed) to avoid electrical shock, and an external circuit breaker is required for CE-marked equipment.
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