500-2D

Overview

The Alto-Shaam 500-2D is a commercial, two-drawer warmer for holding hot food within reach in a kitchen. Halo Heat® provides a controlled, uniform heat source that surrounds food. Alto-Shaam states that the technology retains product moisture without adding water and avoids harsh heating elements. The drawers can be used to keep separate pans of prepared food accessible during service.

The 500-2D has a digital temperature display, temperature adjustment controls and a heat indicator. It can be used as a freestanding unit or incorporated into a cabinet or counter with the appropriate built-in trim accessory and on-site venting. The spec sheet also describes a stackable cabinet design.

Key Features

• Two drawers: Each drawer holds one full-size 12" x 20" x 6" food pan as standard.
• Halo Heat®: Controlled, uniform heat surrounds food and retains product moisture without adding water.
• Digital temperature control: Up and down arrow keys set the warming temperature, and a display shows temperature information.
• Heat indicator: The indicator light shows when the warmer has reached its set temperature.
• Stainless steel construction: The spec sheet identifies a 20-gauge non-magnetic stainless steel exterior and removable 16-gauge stainless steel drawer rail supports.
• Flexible placement: The unit can be freestanding, built into a cabinet or counter with built-in trim, or stacked with compatible 500 Series units without additional stacking hardware.
• Drawer options: Non-vented drawers are standard; vented drawers are listed as optional.
• Pan options: A full-size pan is standard. An optional oversized pan configuration is also listed.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Alto-Shaam
• Model: 500-2D
• Product type: Heated holding drawer warmer
• Number of drawers: 2
• Overall dimensions: 24 5/8" W x 25 7/8" D x 18 15/16" H (624 x 657 x 481 mm)
• Standard pan capacity: Two 12" x 20" x 6" full-size pans, one per drawer
• Maximum load per drawer: 36 lb (16 kg) for a full-size pan
• Optional oversized pan: 15" x 20" x 5" (381 x 508 x 127 mm), maximum 41 lb (19 kg) per drawer
• Temperature range: 60°F to 200°F (16°C to 93°C)
• Electrical choices listed on the spec sheet: 120V, 208–240V or 230V. Confirm the appliance rating tag and electrical configuration for the unit being purchased.
• 120V electrical details: Single phase, 60 Hz, 5.3 amps, 0.64 kW; NEMA 5-15P, 15A, 125V plug
• 208–240V electrical details: Single phase, 60 Hz, 2.7 amps, 0.64 kW; NEMA 6-15P, 15A, 250V plug
• 230V electrical details: Single phase, 50 Hz, 2.6 amps, 0.59 kW; plugs listed are CH2-16P, BS 1363, AS/NZS 3112 and CEE 7/7
• 120V cord length: 5 ft (1524 mm)
• 208–240V and 230V cord length: 8 ft (2438 mm)
• Exterior: 20-gauge non-magnetic stainless steel
• Drawer rail supports: Removable 16-gauge stainless steel, one set per drawer
• Net weight: 115 lb (52 kg)
• Shipping weight: 125 lb (57 kg)
• Item number shown for the 120V listing: 1315002DA
• UPC shown for that listing: 400010017201

Installation & Requirements

The spec sheet gives minimum ventilation clearances of 3" (76 mm) at the back, 2" (51 mm) at the top and 1" (25 mm) at both sides. Built-in counter installations also require on-site venting for proper airflow. Do not install the warmer where it may be affected by steam, grease, dripping water, high temperatures or other severely adverse conditions.

For units with built-in trim, the cutout dimensions are calculated by adding 3/4" (19 mm) to the unit height and 1 1/2" (38 mm) to the unit width. Built-in trim kits and caster or leg stand assemblies are listed as accessories for the 500-2D. The manual specifies that where local codes and CE regulatory requirements apply, the appliance must be connected to an electrical circuit protected by an external GFCI outlet.

Operation

Switch the warmer on, then use the up or down arrow keys to select a set temperature within the 60°F to 200°F range. The heat indicator lights while the unit is heating; it turns off when the warmer reaches the set temperature. The temperature display control lets the operator view set and actual cavity temperature.

Before loading food, preheat the warmer for 30 minutes. The manual instructs operators to load hot food only, at 140°F to 160°F (60°C to 71°C). The warmer is for holding food, not for bringing food up to serving temperature.

If the drawers are fitted with adjustable vents, the vent position can help control humidity and airflow. The manual suggests closing the vents to retain moisture and opening them to remove excess moisture. Vented drawers are an optional configuration; non-vented drawers are standard on the spec sheet.

The manual also explains how to alter a drawer’s pan support for an oversized pan: turn the unit off and let it cool, remove the drawer, take out the four screws holding the pan support bracket, move the bracket to the back two holes, reinstall the screws and drawer, then insert the oversized pan.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before cleaning, turn the warmer off, disconnect it from power and allow it to cool. The manual specifies that the drawer should be below 140°F (60°C) before cleaning. Remove the pans and wash them separately. Remove the drawers and wipe them with a damp cloth. To remove the drawer rails, lift each rail off the bottom pins and bolt, then slide it off the top pin. Wipe the warmer’s interior and exterior with a damp cloth, and clean the control panel, vents and handles with a non-abrasive nylon scrub pad. Clean underneath with a coil brush, then wipe the exterior with stainless steel cleaner.

For daily care, remove spills with disposable paper wipes or a damp cloth and wipe the exterior. The manual’s weekly schedule calls for cleaning the entire warmer with a non-abrasive nylon scrub pad; do not spray cleaner into the rear fan openings. Monthly checks include inspecting drawers and rails, checking vent slides where applicable, calibrating the temperature sensor and checking handle screws. Yearly electrical and control inspections, including checking wire connections, measuring current draw and site voltage, inspecting the cord and plug, testing the heating elements for a short to ground, and checking control functions, are identified as work for a qualified professional.

For temperature calibration, the manual calls for a multimeter with a thermocouple attachment. Suspend the thermocouple in the centre of the drawer without touching a surface, close the drawer and set the warmer to 140°F (60°C). After 60 minutes, compare the measured temperature with the actual temperature displayed. The difference is the offset; use a positive or negative value depending on which reading is higher. The stated tolerance is ±8°F (±4°C) at 140°F (60°C) and ±10°F (±6°C) at 180°F (82°C).

Do not use steel pads, wire brushes or scrapers. The manual also warns against using a hose, water jet or steam cleaner. Wear eye and hand protection when using cleaning products, and do not clean the unit while it is connected to power.

Troubleshooting

The manual marks error-code troubleshooting as work for a qualified professional. The listed codes and descriptions are:

• E-10 — Cavity sensor shorted: The cavity air sensor reads below 5°F (-15°C); verify sensor integrity.
• E-11 — Cavity sensor open: The cavity air sensor reads above 517°F (269°C); verify sensor integrity.
• E-30 — Unit under temperature: The unit has been more than 25°F (14°C) below setpoint for longer than 90 minutes.
• E-31 — Unit over temperature: The unit has been more than 60°F (33°C) above the maximum setpoint for longer than 3 minutes. The manual notes that drawer warmers with this code are more than 145°F (81°C) above the maximum setpoint.
• E-38 — Internal software error: Contact the factory.
• E-39 — Sensor error: Contact the factory.
• E-70 — Configuration connector error (DIP switch): Check the DIP-switch settings against the electrical schematic; if they are correct, replace the control.
• E-83 — EEPROM not responding: Contact the factory.
• E-90 — Button stuck: A button has been held down for more than 60 seconds. The error resets once the problem is resolved.

Applications

The two drawers give kitchen teams separate, accessible holding spaces for prepared hot foods during service. The 500-2D can suit a freestanding kitchen layout or a cabinet or counter installation where the required trim and ventilation provisions are in place. Its full-size pan capacity is specified as one pan per drawer, making it possible to keep two pans of hot food close at hand.