XR8E

Overview

The Blodgett XR8E is an electric mini rotating rack convection oven for commercial baking. Its rotating rack holds up to eight standard 18” x 26” pans at 4” slide spacing. The rack can be removed without tools, and the slide spacing can be rearranged without tools in 1” increments. Blodgett’s airflow system moves large volumes of air at low velocity to support an even bake. The oven also has an internal steamer system, separate bake and steam times, digital programmable controls, cool-down mode and blower delay.

The oven has a 304 stainless steel interior, a fully welded angle iron frame and four side-mounted halogen lights. Its independent double-pane tempered glass doors provide a view of the cabinet, and the control panel rotates out for access. The XR8E is supplied with a 12-pan stand with adjustable spacing, removable crumb trays and low-profile casters, as stated in the product specification.

Key Features

• Eight-pan rotating rack: Holds eight 18” x 26” pans at 4” slide spacing.
• Flexible pan slides: Adjust the slide spacing without tools in 1” increments.
• Removable rack: The rotating rack can be removed without tools.
• Convection baking: A two-speed convection motor and airflow system support baking throughout the rack.
• Internal steamer: The oven has an internal steam system and separate bake and steam times. The manual notes that the Mini-Rack can produce large volumes of steam for bagels and similar products.
• Programmable operation: Digital controls include cool-down mode and blower delay. MenuSelect is an optional control; the specification sheet says it supports multi-stage programming for up to 99 products. Manufacturer information also lists Cook & Hold, core probe cooking and a USB port with MenuSelect.
• Lighting and visibility: Four side-mounted halogen lights illuminate the oven interior. The doors have double-pane tempered glass.
• Stand: The standard stand has adjustable pan spacing, removable crumb trays and low-profile casters.

Specifications

• Model: Blodgett XR8E / XR8-E electric mini rotating rack oven.
• Oven type: Electric rotating rack convection oven.
• Capacity: Eight 18” x 26” pans at 4” spacing.
• Interior dimensions: 32” wide x 32” deep.
• Floor-space dimensions: 48.23” wide x 40.27” deep.
• Height: 75.03”. Add 2” to height dimensions when adjustable feet are used in place of casters.
• Minimum entry clearance: 45” uncrated; 49.25” crated. The unit measures 34” deep with the doors, control panel and back panel removed.
• Weight, approximate: Oven, 916 lb; stand, 169 lb.
• Frame and interior: Fully welded angle iron frame; 304 stainless steel interior.
• Doors: Independent removable doors with double-pane tempered glass.
• Lighting: Four side-mounted halogen lights.
• Rack slides: Tool-free adjustment in 1” increments; 4” spacing for the stated eight-pan capacity.
• Convection motor: Two speed, 3/4 HP, with automatic thermal overload protection.
• Maximum input: 18 kW.
• Electrical supply: The specification sheet lists a 120 VAC, 60 Hz, single-phase, 15 A maximum dedicated circuit, plus one of these oven power configurations: 208 V, 60 Hz, three phase, 18 kW, 52/52/50 A, 15-60P / 4 AWG; 240 V, 60 Hz, three phase, 18 kW, 45/45/43 A, 15-60P / 4 AWG; or 480 V, 60 Hz, three phase, 18 kW, 23/23/23 A, L16-30P / 8 AWG. For Canada, the XR8E must be permanently connected per CSA C22.2#109.
• Water connection: 3/4” GHT; supply pressure 40–75 psi; flow rate 27 GPH (102 LPH).
• Water-quality guidance in the specification sheet: TDS 40–125 ppm; chlorides below 25 ppm; pH 7.0–8.5; silica below 13 ppm; chloramine below 0.2 ppm; hardness 35–180 ppm; chlorine below 0.2 ppm.
• Drain: 3/4” NPT rear drain connection.
• Clearance: 0” from combustible and non-combustible construction; 12” from the back, sides and top is recommended for service.
• Warranty stated on the specification sheet: Two years on oven parts, one year on labour and five years limited on the oven door.
• Use: For commercial use only.

Installation & Requirements

Electrical connection

Check the oven rating plate against the available electrical supply before making connections. The manual says electrical connections must be performed by a qualified installer and that the appliance must be installed in accordance with applicable local or national electrical codes. It also states that the XR8E must be permanently connected in Canada per CSA C22.2#109. The specification sheet lists the voltage, phase, amperage and cord-set details for the 208 V, 240 V and 480 V configurations above; confirm the exact rating plate and configuration for the unit being installed.

Water and drainage

The oven uses a cold-water supply connected to the 3/4” MGHT connection at the rear. The manual instructs that supply pressure should be 40–75 psi when the steam solenoid is open and identifies a target flow of 27 GPH. It calls for backflow prevention in accordance with applicable codes. The manual specifies a rear drain routed to an air-gap drain; the specification sheet identifies the XR8E drain connection as 3/4” NPT. The manual says drain piping must withstand steam temperature, maintain a constant gradient of at least 5% or 3°, remain at least 3/4” in diameter and provide at least 1” of free-air clearance between the drain end and the floor.

Blodgett’s specification sheet gives water-quality guidance for the oven and notes that water treatment systems are available from the manufacturer. The listed limits are included under Specifications above.

Clearance and access

The specification sheet lists 0” clearance from combustible and non-combustible construction, with 12” from the back, sides and top recommended for service. The uncrated minimum entry clearance is 45”. With the doors, control panel and back panel removed, the unit measures 34” deep. The stand assembly instructions say to centre the oven frame on the stand so the oven overhangs at the front and back, align the stand and oven bolt holes, secure the bolts, then reinstall the side panels.

Operation

The XR8E uses digital programmable controls. Operators can set bake and steam times separately and use the cool-down and blower-delay functions. With the optional MenuSelect control, the specification sheet lists multi-stage programming for up to 99 products. Manufacturer information identifies Cook & Hold, core probe cooking and a USB port as MenuSelect features.

The rack rotates during baking, and the adjustable slides allow pan spacing to be configured in 1” increments. To load or unload pans, follow the operating instructions for the oven and rack. The manual’s safety guidance says that after a shutdown of any kind, allow a five-minute shut-off period before attempting to restart. In the event of a power failure, turn all switches off and do not operate the oven until power is restored.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Clean the oven when it is cold. For stainless steel, the manual recommends light oil to maintain the surface; baked-on splatter, heat tint and heavy discolouration may be removed with a non-toxic industrial stainless steel cleaner. Apply cleaners to a cold oven, rub with the grain of the metal and dry with a clean cloth.

To clean the interior parts, pull up the spring-loaded pin at the bottom of the oven rack, slide the rack out and wash it in a dishwasher. Clean the oven cavity, then reinstall the rack. Ensure the alignment plate at the top of the rack slides into the bracket at the top of the oven, and realign the spring-loaded pin.

The manual calls for weekly cleaning of the air intakes, which provide cooling air to internal components and are generally located at the rear and sides. It identifies proper installation and routine cleaning as preventative maintenance measures. The oven requires no lubrication; maintenance is to be based on hours of usage. Before servicing, disconnect the appliance from the power supply. The manual says service functions can be reached from the top of the oven or by removing the right-side body panel.

Troubleshooting

Oven will not fire

For the XR8E, the manual’s listed checks include confirming that the oven is plugged in, the control-panel power switch is on, the control is set above ambient temperature and the doors are closed. The manual’s gas-supply checks apply to the XR8G gas model, not this electric oven.

Oven does not come to ready

The manual lists waiting for the oven to reach preheat temperature and contacting service for an internal main-temperature-control problem. Gas valve and quick-disconnect checks in the same troubleshooting table apply to the gas model.

Convection fan does not run

Check that the oven is connected to power, the circuit breaker has not tripped and the doors are closed. If blower delay was set, reset the delay time as directed by the manual.

General baking problems

The manual lists thermostat calibration and improper oven venting as possible causes of general baking problems. If maintenance or repairs are required, it advises contacting a local Blodgett service company, a factory representative or Blodgett Oven Company.

Applications

The XR8E is suited to commercial bakery production where batches need to move through an eight-pan rotating rack. Its internal steamer supports products such as bagels and similar baked goods, while the adjustable slides allow operators to set pan spacing for their production needs. The specification sheet identifies the oven for commercial use only.