Southbend SX-55GC - User Manual

Questions and Answers

A
Amy MillerAug 5, 2025
What to do if the Southbend SX-55GC Kitchen Appliances burner does not come on?
- M
  Madeline SmithAug 6, 2025
  If the burner on your Southbend Kitchen Appliance isn't coming on, there are several potential causes: * The gas supply to the unit might be off. Ensure the gas supply is turned on. * The manual shut-off valve could be off. Turn the manual shut-off valve on. * The power switch might not be on. Turn the power switch on. * The probe may not be sensing the water level. Check and repair the probe. * The ignitor or ignition module may not be functioning. Check and replace if necessary.
M
michelle42Aug 10, 2025
What to do if water is not being supplied to the generator in Southbend SX-55GC Kitchen Appliances?
- T
  tmendozaAug 10, 2025
  If water isn't being supplied to the generator in your Southbend Kitchen Appliance, consider these possibilities: 1. The water supply might be off. Turn the water supply on. 2. The supply water pressure could be too low. Increase the supply water pressure. 3. The water fill solenoid valve may be defective. Replace the water fill solenoid valve. 4. The probes might not be sensing water. Check and repair the probes. 5. The drain solenoid may not be closed. Ensure the drain solenoid is closed.
D
Darlene WilsonAug 14, 2025
How to fix a leaking door on Southbend SX-55GC?
- S
  Shelly RitterAug 14, 2025
  If the door on your Southbend Kitchen Appliance is leaking, check for damage to the door gasket and repair or replace it if damaged. Also, ensure that the compartment drain or plumbing is not clogged; clear any blockages.
J
janet99Aug 18, 2025
Why is the burner producing carbon deposits in my Southbend SX-55GC Kitchen Appliances?
- C
  cassidyandersonAug 19, 2025
  If the burner in your Southbend Kitchen Appliance is producing carbon deposits, it could be due to several reasons: * The orifice size might be wrong. Replace it with the correct size. * The gas supply may be incorrect. Switch to the correct gas supply. * The pressure at the supply could be incorrect. Adjust to the correct pressure. * The primary air openings might be dirty. Clean the primary air openings. * There might not be enough primary air. Ensure there is enough primary air.
A
Anna HamiltonAug 23, 2025
What to do if water flows into the cooking compartment of Southbend SX-55GC?
- D
  Daniel BrownAug 23, 2025
  If water is flowing into the cooking compartment of your Southbend Kitchen Appliance, check for the following: * A shortage of circuit at operating probe and body. Check and rectify the circuit shortage. * Scale build-up on the operating probe inside the generator. Clean the scale build-up on the operating probe. * The water fill solenoid valve being open, plugged, or defective. Inspect and repair or replace the water fill solenoid valve.
S
steve35Aug 27, 2025
Why does water accumulate in the compartment of Southbend SX-55GC?
- B
  Brian MuellerAug 27, 2025
  If water is accumulating in the compartment of your Southbend Kitchen Appliance, it's likely that the compartment drain is clogged. Clear the clogged compartment drain.
S
Sherry HarperAug 31, 2025
What causes water to flow into the drain during shut down in Southbend SX-55GC Kitchen Appliances?
- B
  Benjamin BakerAug 31, 2025
  If water flows into the drain during shutdown of your Southbend Kitchen Appliance, the condensate solenoid valve is likely not closed. Inspect the valve and remove any scale or foreign particles lodged in the diaphragm or core tube of the valve, then close the valve.

Summary

Important Notes for Installation and Operation

General Safety and Operation Warnings

Covers critical warnings about improper installation, flammable vapors, and safe operating practices.

2.0 Installation

Electrical Grounding Safety

Emphasizes proper electrical grounding for safety, particularly for 120V units.

Installation by Qualified Personnel

Warning that installation must be performed by qualified personnel to maintain warranty.

Gas Connection and Supply

Instructions for connecting the gas supply, including pressure, purging, and line sizing recommendations.

Gas Leak Detection Warning

Crucial safety warning advising against using open flames for leak detection and recommending soapy water.

Electrical Connection Details

Specifics on connecting the 120V, 60Hz, single-phase power supply and associated warnings.

Plumbing and Drain Connections

Covers water supply lines, drain connections, and crucial cautions regarding back pressure.

Water Conditioning Importance

Stresses the necessity of specific water hardness and pH levels to prevent scale and component damage.

4.0 Operation Instructions

Understanding Steamer Controls

Critical Ignition and Gas Odor Warnings

Alerts users to critical safety procedures for burner ignition failure and gas odor detection.

Effective Steam Cooking Techniques

5.0 Periodic Maintenance

Daily Cleaning and Safety Precautions

Corrosion Prevention and Electrical Safety

Warnings against corrosive cleaners and critical advice on protecting electrical components from water.

7.0 Troubleshooting and Adjustments

Service Recommendations and Warnings

Water-Related Compartment Issues

Water Supply and Shutdown Drainage

Overview

Important Technical Specifications
Water Quality Statement
Model-Specific Gas Supply and Shipping Weight
Minimum Clearances
Usage Features
Maintenance Features
Safety Warnings

This document is an Operator's Manual for Southbend Gas Fired Steamers, specifically models RG24-5, SX-34GC, and SX-55GC. It provides comprehensive instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance, emphasizing safety and proper usage for commercial applications.

The primary function of these devices is to cook food using steam. They are designed for heavy-duty commercial use, efficiently cooking vegetables, meats, seafood, poultry, and other foods. The steamers are equipped with a cooking compartment that accepts various combinations of 12" x 20" solid or perforated pans, allowing for versatile cooking methods. Steam cooking is carefully time-controlled, and the manual recommends preparing small batches to ensure the most appetizing results. For frozen foods, partial thawing overnight in a refrigerator is suggested to reduce cooking time. Pan covers can be used for pre-cooked frozen dishes requiring more than 15 minutes of cooking, though this adds approximately one-third to the cooking time.

Important Technical Specifications:

The manual provides detailed service connection requirements and gas supply specifications for the different models:

Electrical Connection: All models require a 120 Volts, 60 Hertz single phase electrical connection with a grounding wire. They are furnished with a 6-foot cord and a 3-prong plug. Maximum amperage is 2.0 for the RG24-5 and 4.0 for the SX-34GC and SX-55GC. Each unit requires a separate 15 amp supply.
Drain: A 1" IPS pipe is required for the drain, piped to an open floor drain. It must be copper only, with a maximum length of 24" before the open air gap opening (no bends or elbows). The drain connection must be vertically down, preferably with one elbow only, and a maximum length of 6 feet, piped to an open air gap type drain.
Gas Connection: A 3/4" IPS supply line is required, and a gas shut-off valve must be installed in the supply piping, convenient and adjacent to the appliance. The units are equipped with internal pressure regulators set at 3.5" W.C. manifold pressure for natural gas and 10" W.C. for propane gas. A 3/4" pipe tap on the burner manifold is provided for checking pressure. An adequate gas supply is crucial, with recommended steady supply pressures between 6" W.C. and 14" W.C. for natural gas, and between 11" W.C. and 14" W.C. for propane gas. Fluctuations exceeding 25% for natural gas or 10% for propane can cause burner operation problems.
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).
Delime Port: 3/4" IPS (if so equipped).

Water Quality Statement:

Water quality is a critical factor affecting appliance performance. The water supply must meet specific guidelines to prevent scale buildup and component failure, which are not covered under warranty.

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 Water failing to meet these standards requires treatment with a water conditioner. Strainers and filters will not remove minerals.

Model-Specific Gas Supply and Shipping Weight:

RG24-5: Shipping Weight: 250 lbs. [113 kg]. BTU/HR: 42,000. kW/HR: 12.3. Supply Pipe Pressure (W.C.): Natural 6"-14" (152-356mm), Propane 11"-14" (279-356mm).
SX-34GC: Shipping Weight: 625 lbs. [285 kg]. BTU/HR: 84,000. kW/HR: 24.6. Supply Pipe Pressure (W.C.): Natural 6"-14" (152-356mm), Propane 11"-14" (279-356mm).
SX-55GC: Shipping Weight: 675 lbs. [305 kg]. BTU/HR: 84,000. kW/HR: 24.6. Supply Pipe Pressure (W.C.): Natural 6"-14" (152-356mm), Propane 11"-14" (279-356mm).

Minimum Clearances:

For all models, minimum clearances are: LH 3" [76], RH 8" [203], BACK 6" [152].

Usage Features:

Controls:
- Ready Pilot Light: Illuminates when the steam chamber reaches 205°F (97°C), indicating readiness for the cooking cycle.
- Cooking Pilot Light: Illuminates when a cooking cycle is in progress.
- Timer: Sets cooking time from 0 to 60 minutes. Steam cooking begins when the door is closed and pauses if the door is opened.
- Main Power Switch (On/Off): "On" automatically fills the boiler and begins heating. "Off" drains the boiler.
- Delime (if so equipped): Closes the drain valve during the deliming procedure.
- Delime Generator Light (if so equipped): Indicates accumulated lime scale and the need for a deliming procedure.
- Ignition Light: Illuminates when burners are ignited and heating the generator tank.
Operation:
- Lighting: Ensure power, gas, and water supply are on. Turn the power switch "ON." The generator tank fills, and once the water level is reached, the ignition light comes on until the ready light illuminates. The steamer is then ready for use.
- Shutdown: For standby, set the timer to "OFF" and leave the door slightly open. For complete shutdown, set the timer to "OFF," turn the power switch "OFF" (generator drains automatically), turn off water and gas supplies, and disconnect power.
- Independent Operation: Cooking compartments operate independently, each with its own gas and water supply and generator tank.
Water Condenser: The steamer includes a cold water condenser in the rear of the cooking chamber to condense steam before discharge into the drain, preventing steam leakage and drawing steam through the compartment.

Maintenance Features:

Daily/Between Cooking Cycles Cleaning:
- Turn off the main power switch.
- Remove and wash pans and racks.
- Wash the compartment interior with clean water.
- Clean the door gasket and surrounding surfaces with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry. Avoid food oils, petroleum solvents, or lubricants on the gasket.
- Remove and clean drain screens from inside compartment drains using a plastic bottle brush and mild detergent.
- Leave the compartment door slightly open when not in use.
Weekly Cleaning:
- Clean the exterior with a damp cloth and polish with a soft dry cloth.
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner for discolorations.
- Clean around the burner air mixer and orifice to remove lint (requires side cover removal).
Monthly Cleaning:
- Clean around burner air mixers and louvered panels if grease or lint has accumulated.
Stainless Steel Maintenance:
- For normal dirt/grease, use soap and water.
- For baked-on grease/food splatters, use cleanser with a damp cloth, rubbing in the direction of polishing lines. NEVER rub with a circular motion.
- For soil/burnt deposits, use SCOTCH-BRITE or STAINLESS scouring pads. DO NOT use ordinary steel wool, wire brushes, scrapers, files, or other steel tools.
- To remove heat tint, use vigorous scouring with SCOTCH-BRITE or STAINLESS scouring pads and powdered cleanser, rubbing in the direction of polish lines.
Deliming Procedure (Recommended Monthly or More Often):
- Drain the steam generator by setting the power switch to "OFF" and the cooking timer to 0.
- Turn the power switch to "DELIME."
- Unscrew the brass deliming plug (if present) on the right side. Insert a hose and slowly pour 20 ounces of CLR solution into the generator. Replace the plug.
- Turn the power switch to "ON."
- Allow the steamer to remain in the ready cycle for 1.5 hours, then turn the power switch "OFF" to drain the generator.
- Perform a flush cycle: Turn the power switch to "ON," wait for the ready light, then switch to "OFF" to drain. Repeat this three times.
- Clean the exterior and interior with a mild soap solution, rinse, and dry.
- LEAVE COMPARTMENT DOOR OPEN WHEN NOT IN USE.
General Maintenance:
- Avoid corrosive cleaning agents.
- NEVER SPRAY WATER INTO ELECTRIC CONTROLS.
- Contact the factory, representative, or local service company for maintenance and repairs if the appliance malfunctions.
- At least twice a year, have an authorized service person clean and adjust the unit for maximum performance.

Safety Warnings:

The manual includes several critical safety warnings:

Safety alert symbol: Indicates potential personal injury hazards.
Improper installation, operation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause property damage, injury, or death.
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors/liquids near the appliance.
Purchasers must post instructions for gas odor detection in a prominent location.
Keep the appliance area free from combustibles and do not obstruct airflow.
Adequate clearances must be maintained for servicing and operation.
Do not operate the unit during a power failure.
Electrical grounding instructions: Units with a three-prong plug must be plugged into a properly grounded three-prong receptacle. Do not cut or remove the grounding prong.
Plumbing connections must comply with applicable sanitary, safety, and plumbing codes.
The steamer and its parts are hot; use care when operating, cleaning, or servicing. The cooking compartment contains live steam; stay clear when opening the door.
In case of main burner ignition failure, observe a 5-minute purge period before re-attempting ignition.
If a gas odor is detected, shut down equipment at the main shut-off valve and contact the local gas company or supplier.
Never use an open flame to check for gas leaks; use soapy water.
Deliming: Read and follow instructions on the CLR bottle. Use plastic or rubber gloves to avoid skin contact. Rinse with clean water if CLR contacts skin.
Maintenance and adjustments should only be performed by qualified, experienced technicians.