This document describes the Star 3 1/2 Quart Warmers, Model 3W Series, which are designed for commercial use in food service locations. These warmers are intended to keep food products at desired serving temperatures.
Function Description
The Star 3 1/2 Quart Warmers are designed to heat and hold various food products, such as fudge, cheese sauce, nacho cheese, chili, butter, and soup, at optimal serving temperatures. The units are equipped with a heating element and a thermostat to control the temperature. Some models include a pump for dispensing thicker food products, while others are designed for use with an inset and ladle. Lighted models feature interchangeable signs to indicate the product being served.
Important Technical Specifications
The 3W Series warmers are available in both 120V and 240V electrical configurations, with varying wattages and amperages depending on the specific model.
Capacity:
- Most models have a capacity of 3-1/2 quarts.
- Some models, like the 3WSA-4H and 3WLA-4H, have a larger capacity of 4-1/8 quarts.
Electrical Specifications (120V Models):
- MODEL 3WSA-HS 120V (Stainless Steel with Pump and Heated Spout): 515W, 4.3A.
- MODEL 3WSA-P 120V (Stainless Steel with Pump): 500W, 4.2A.
- MODEL 3WLA-W 120V (Lighted, includes signs, Inset with Cover and Ladle - Optional): 530W, 4.4A.
- MODEL 3WLA-NP, -FP 120V (Lighted with Pump and Sign): 530W, 4.4A.
- MODEL 3WLA-B 120V (Lighted with Butter Pump and Golden Flavor Popcorn Sign): 530W, 4.4A.
- MODEL 3WSA-W 120V (Stainless Steel, Inset with Cover and Ladle - Optional): 500W, 4.2A.
- MODEL 3WLA-NHS, -CDHS 120V (Lighted with Nacho or Chili Sign with Pump and Heated Spout): 545W, 4.5A.
- MODEL 3WSA-4H 120V (Stainless Steel with Inset and Cover): 500W, 4.2A.
- MODEL 3WLA-4H 120V (Lighted with Inset and Cover and 6 Signs):* 530W, 4.4A.
- MODEL 3WLA-BQR 120V (Lighted, No Signs): 530W, 4.4A.
- MODEL 3WLA-BQ, -C, -CD*, -F*, -N* -120V (Lighted with Sign):** 530W, 4.4A.
Electrical Specifications (240V Models):
- MODEL 3WSA-HS 240V (Stainless Steel with Pump and Heated Spout): 473W, 2.1A.
- MODEL 3WSA-P 240V (Stainless Steel with Pump): 460W, 2A.
- MODEL 3WSA-B 240V (Stainless Steel with Butter Pump): 460W, 2A.
- MODEL 3WLA-P 240V (Lighted with Pump and N and F Signs):** 487W, 2.1A.
- MODEL 3WLA-B 240V (Lighted with Butter Pump and Golden Flavor Popcorn Sign): 487W, 2.1A.
- MODEL 3WLA-HS-240V (Lighted with Pump and Heated Spout and N and CD Signs):** 501W, 2.2A.
- MODEL 3WSA-4H 240V (Stainless Steel with Inset and Cover): 460W, 2A.
- MODEL 3WLA-4H 240V (Lighted with Inset and Cover and 6 Signs):* 487W, 2.1A.
- MODEL 3WLA-W 240V (Lighted, includes signs, Inset with Cover and Ladle - Optional): 487W, 2.1A.
- MODEL 3WSA-W 240V (Stainless Steel, Inset with Cover and Ladle - Optional): 460W, 2A.
Dimensions (approximate):
- For 3-1/2 quart models: 10-1/2" D x 9" W x 15-1/2" H (some lighted models are 12-3/4" H).
- For 4-1/8 quart models: 11" D x 9" W x 11 3/4" H.
Net Weight:
- Most models weigh between 10.5 lbs and 11 lbs.
Certifications:
- NSF, UL, CE, SP (indicating compliance with various safety and sanitation standards).
Usage Features
The warmers are designed for ease of use and consistent performance.
- Setup: The warmer bowl should be filled with 1-1/3 quarts of hot water, and a spacer (specific to the model and inset type) placed inside. The food product, in a bowl or #10 can, is then placed into the water bath.
- Temperature Control: A thermostat control knob allows adjustment of the holding temperature. The document suggests approximate settings: between "3" and "4" for 145°F (fudge), and "5" for 170°F (cheese sauce).
- Pre-heating: For pump models, fudge or cheese should be pre-heated before inserting the pump to ensure proper dispensing.
- Dispensing: Pump models require three strokes to initially prime and vend thick food products.
- Signs (Lighted Models): Lighted models come with interchangeable signs (e.g., Nacho, Fudge, Chili Dog, BBQ, Chili, Soup) to clearly identify the product. Signs can be replaced by pushing up the front plastic panel, pulling it forward, replacing the sign, and re-inserting the panel.
- Light Bulb Replacement: For lighted models, bulbs can be replaced by removing the front panels and using a 10 or 15 watt candelabra base for 120V units, or a 10 watt medium base for 240V units.
- Safety: Users are warned not to touch the heated spout without heat-insulating mittens and to check the water level frequently. The unit should not be operated without water. It is designed for AC current only.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and hygiene of the warmer.
- Daily Cleaning: The heated bowl inside the warmer should be cleaned and dried every night. Exterior surfaces can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. Steel wool pads can be used for the inside surface of the bowl, but strong abrasives or metal scouring pads should be avoided on the exterior.
- Pump Cleaning: The pump assembly must be disassembled and washed daily. This involves unscrewing the nut-cylinder, knob, cap-tube, nut-sleeve-tube, removing the cover, pin "U", and balls. All parts should be thoroughly washed in hot soapy water, rinsed, and the dispensing tube cleaned with an 18" long brush. When reassembling, the O-ring should be wetted with edible vegetable oil.
- Pump Sanitization: After routine cleaning, the pump assembly should be sanitized. This involves immersing all pump parts in a 200 ppm four-part solution (e.g., Pro-Quat 103) for at least 60 seconds, then removing and air drying before reassembly.
- O-Ring Maintenance: If the pump does not dispense properly, the plunger O-ring should be checked for proper placement. Failure to ensure the O-ring is correctly seated can lead to it being pumped out with the food product.
- General Maintenance: For any service or required maintenance, users should contact the local authorized service agent or the manufacturer's service department, providing the model number, serial number, voltage, and purchase date.
The manufacturer emphasizes that using non-genuine Star factory-supplied parts voids all liability and reserves the right to change specifications and designs without prior notice.