44 PRO-VHR

Overview

The Champion 44 PRO-VHR is a high-temperature rack conveyor dishwasher for commercial kitchens with sustained warewashing demand. A progressive drive system advances racks through the machine, while the Prodigy HMI controller provides the operator interface. Its ventless heat recovery configuration uses an integrated air-cooled heat recovery system and does not require external venting, according to the installation manual.

The machine is listed at approximately 209 racks per hour and 100 gallons of water per hour. It can accommodate 18-inch by 26-inch sheet pans and multiple rack types. These features make it relevant to institutional kitchens, school foodservice operations, cafeterias and other facilities managing recurring rack and pan loads.

Key Features

• Progressive drive system: Advances ware through the conveyor dishwasher during continuous operation.
• Prodigy HMI controller: Provides the operator interface and simplifies operation and programming.
• Ventless heat recovery: The heat recovery system is integrated into the machine; the manual identifies VHR models as not requiring venting.
• High-throughput washing: Product information lists approximately 209 racks per hour and 100 gallons per hour.
• Proportional rinse system: Supports consistent rinse delivery at high throughput.
• Built-in booster and automatic fill: The product information identifies both features. The manual also notes that VHR machines have an internal booster.
• Flexible warehandling: Accommodates 18-inch by 26-inch sheet pans and multiple rack types.
• Service access: Hinged access doors and removable panels facilitate cleaning and repairs.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Champion
• Model: 44 PRO-VHR
• Equipment type: High-temperature rack conveyor dishwasher with ventless heat recovery
• Drive system: Progressive drive system
• Controller: Prodigy HMI
• Production capacity: Approximately 209 racks per hour
• Water use: 100 gallons per hour
• Warehandling: Accommodates 18-inch by 26-inch sheet pans and multiple rack types
• Electrical requirements: 208–240 V, three-phase, 60 Hz; approximately 30 kW power draw. Confirm the machine rating plate and site requirements before connection.
• Heat recovery: Air-cooled, integrated ventless heat recovery system
• Listings and marks stated in the product information: ENERGY STAR, NSF and cULus
• Country of manufacture stated in the product information: USA

Installation & Requirements

Installation must follow the machine’s rating plate, wiring information and applicable local codes. The manual warns that utility connections should be checked against the site before wiring. Electrical work should be performed with power disconnected at the main breaker or service disconnect; the manual cautions that more than one power source may be connected to the machine. A dedicated electrical circuit is required by the product information. The manual describes a single-point electrical connection when the supplied jumpers are installed, and shows that connection configuration can vary. Keep the machine’s wiring schematic, which is stored inside the main control cabinet, with the machine.

The VHR heat pump assembly must be installed before the machine is permanently placed. The manual states that the assembly weighs 300 lb and must be installed by a Champion-authorized service agent to maintain warranty protection. It also warns not to lift the assembly by its rear copper piping, as this can cause permanent damage.

For water service, the manual calls for water hardness of 3 grains per U.S. gallon or less and a shut-off valve of at least 1/2-inch in the supply line. Flush debris from the water supply line before connecting it to the dishwasher. The VHR model has an internal booster. The product information identifies hot- and cold-water supply and proper drainage as site requirements; use the connection details marked on the machine and in its manual for the installed configuration.

The manual lists a 1-1/4-inch NPT gravity drain connection for the single-tank configuration, with an electric drain valve and a maximum flow of 15 U.S. gallons per minute. Drain connections must follow local plumbing, safety and sanitary codes. The drain outlet can be configured at either end of the machine by positioning the end plug fitting.

The VHR configuration does not require external venting, according to the manual. Use commercial-grade, non-chlorinated detergent. The manual cautions against powering detergent or rinse-aid pumps directly from the machine’s signal connection, and against powering a vent fan motor from the vent-fan signal connection. It also notes that VHR models do not have a VF fuse block or fan signal connection.

Operation

Operators load racks onto the conveyor and use the Prodigy HMI to operate and program the machine. The progressive drive moves ware through the wash process. Product information identifies a proportional rinse system, automatic fill and high-temperature wash operation. The listed throughput is approximately 209 racks per hour; actual site results depend on the ware and operating conditions.

Use commercial-grade, non-chlorinated detergent, as specified in the installation manual. The machine’s utility supply must match its rating plate. The manual advises checking the electrical specifications against the site before making connections and warns that the machine may have more than one power source.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The manual identifies regular cleaning and maintenance as operator responsibilities and notes that failure to follow the operator’s cleaning and maintenance procedures can affect warranty coverage. Hinged access doors and removable panels provide access for cleaning and service. Follow the operator’s guide for routine dishwasher cleaning; the available manual text does not provide a complete daily or end-of-shift cleaning sequence.

The machine is supplied with an ION water conditioner stowed inside the unit and shipped uninstalled. The manual says the conditioner removes mineral deposits from incoming water to reduce scale buildup in the dishwasher. Its installation and cleaning instructions call for a qualified technician or plumber familiar with commercial dishwashers, and require the supply plumbing to be flushed before connection. The conditioner must be accessible for removal and cleaning.

For ION core cleaning, the manual says to disassemble the conditioner and handle the core carefully because it is brittle. Soak it in nickel-safe ice machine cleaner, CLR, Lime-A-Way or an equivalent cleaner, following the chemical maker’s safety instructions. The manual specifies approximately 15 minutes of soaking to loosen deposits; repeat if needed, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water. A nylon-bristle brush may be used for remaining deposits. Never use a metallic-bristle brush on the core. Reassemble the unit with its O-rings and spacers seated, reinstall it in the water line and slowly reopen the shut-off valves. The manual gives once a year as the minimum cleaning interval for the ION core.

Troubleshooting

The troubleshooting entries provided in the manual address the ION water conditioner:

• Low or no water flow: Check whether the water valves are closed, incoming pressure is low, the line strainer is clogged, the ION core is restricted or the wrong ION unit is installed. The manual’s remedies are to open the valve, increase flowing pressure to 20–22 PSI, clean or replace the strainer, clean the core, or contact a service agent if the wrong unit is installed.
• Cloudy water entering the machine: The manual identifies a water softening system, including one that was previously installed and disconnected, as a possible cause. It advises disconnecting the softener and notes that deposits left in the line may take time to clear while the ION operates.
• Scale deposits after ION installation: The manual explains that the conditioner may be removing deposits from earlier dishwasher operation. Clean the dishwasher and increase scheduled cleaning while the deposits decrease.
• Deposits appear on ware or previously clean surfaces: The manual says deposits may not be calcium carbonate and lists a dirty or improperly assembled ION core as possible causes. Clean the core, check assembly and spacers, and contact a service agent if necessary.
• Broken ION core: The manual says the core can shatter if dropped. Replace the ION assembly and handle the replacement carefully.

Applications

The Champion 44 PRO-VHR suits commercial and institutional kitchens that need conveyor-style, high-temperature dishwashing, including school foodservice, cafeterias and other busy meal-service operations. Its stated sheet-pan capacity and rack handling support kitchens processing a mix of dishes and pans. Verify electrical and plumbing compatibility, dimensions and utility connections for the specific installation before ordering.