8BC

Overview

The Frymaster 8BC is an electric Pasta Magic cooker for commercial pasta preparation. It combines an 8 kW Incoloy heating element with an 8-3/4-gallon (33.1-litre) water capacity and a cooking area measuring 18 x 16 x 8 inches (45.7 x 40.6 x 20.3 cm). The 8BC includes a cooker, automatic timed basket lift, timer/controller and auto-fill with starch skimmer. Its programmable controls let operators set cook times, while the basket-lift feature raises baskets automatically when the timed cook is complete.

The manufacturer describes the 8 kW element as supporting fast preheat and recovery. The cooker’s large overflow drain carries away excess water and starch that can build up with repeated cooking. The auto-fill and starch-skimming system maintains the water level and removes excess starch residue from the water’s surface, reducing the need for manual refills. The 8BC is one of the electric Pasta Magic models; related models include the 8SMS and 8C.

Key Features

• Programmable timer/controller: Smooth-surfaced, touch-pad controls allow operators to program cook times.
• Automatic timed basket lift: Raises baskets at the end of a timed cook, helping provide consistent cooking without constant monitoring.
• Auto-fill and starch skimmer: Maintains the water level and skims excess starch residue from the surface.
• Large overflow drain: Carries off excess water and starch, helps reduce draining time and is intended to reduce the chance of clogs.
• 8 kW Incoloy heating element: The manufacturer specifies fast preheat and recovery performance for the 8 kW models.
• Stainless steel construction: The cookpot, door and cabinet are stainless steel.
• Electric installation: Frymaster notes that electric cookers can be installed without hood venting in many markets; applicable local requirements still determine the installation.

Specifications

• Model: Frymaster 8BC Pasta Magic electric cooker.
• Power: 8 kW.
• Heating element: Incoloy.
• Water capacity: 8-3/4 gallons (33.1 litres).
• Cooking area: 18 x 16 x 8 inches (45.7 x 40.6 x 20.3 cm).
• Manufacturer-listed overall dimensions: 49 inches high x 18 inches wide x 32-3/4 inches long (124.5 x 45.7 x 83.2 cm).
• Manufacturer-listed net weight: 160 lb (73 kg).
• Manufacturer-listed shipping weight: 194 lb (88 kg).
• Additional retailer-listed dimensions: 18 x 32-3/4 x 43 inches; the retailer page does not label the order of those measurements.
• Construction: Stainless steel cookpot, door and cabinet.
• Drain: 1-1/4-inch NPT male-thread drain; the spec sheet also identifies a 1-1/4-inch drain valve.
• Standard configuration: Cooker, automatic timed basket lift, timer/controller and auto-fill/starch skimmer.
• Incoming water limits: Maximum 80 PSI pressure and 180°F (82°C) temperature.
• Domestic electrical options listed for the 8SMS/8BC/8C group: 220 V, single-phase, 31 A; 208 V, single-phase, 39 A; 208 V, three-phase, 23 A; 240 V, single-phase, 34 A; 240 V, three-phase, 20 A; 220/230 V, three-phase, 13 A; and 240/415 V, three-phase, 12 A. Confirm the unit’s electrical configuration before connection.
• Controller and basket-lift option loads listed for the 8SMS/8BC/8C group: Controller: 208 V, 1 A; 240 V, 1 A; or 120 V, 1 A. Basket lift: 208 V, 2 A; 240 V, 2 A; or 120 V, 3 A.
• Water connections shown on the spec sheet: 1/4-inch NPT solenoid valve inlet and 3/8-inch NPT male-thread drains are also identified in the dimensional drawing.
• Approval note: The spec sheet states CE approval for the 8SMS, 8BC and 8C models.

Installation & Requirements

The 8BC must be field wired. The manufacturer states that no cord or plug is provided and advises checking electrical codes for proper supply-line sizing. For the electrical connection, the spec sheet calls for an approved flexible metallic or rubber-covered electrical cable and plug, using copper wire only. The electrical options listed for the 8SMS/8BC/8C group vary by voltage and phase, so verify the particular unit’s configuration and supply requirements rather than assuming one connection applies to every 8BC.

The manufacturer specifies a minimum of 24 inches (61.0 cm) at the front for servicing and proper operation, and 6 inches (15.2 cm) between the sides and rear of the unit and any combustible material. The incoming water supply must not exceed 80 PSI or 180°F (82°C). Frymaster states that electric cookers can be installed without hood venting in many markets; the source does not establish that this applies in every location.

Operation

Use the timer/controller to set the required cooking time, then load pasta into a compatible basket and start the timed cycle. The automatic basket lift raises the basket when the timed cook ends, supporting consistent timing without an operator needing to watch every cycle. The programmable controls are intended to make pasta cooking repeatable and automatic.

The auto-fill/starch skimmer keeps water at the correct height and removes excess starch from the surface. The manufacturer says this means the operator does not need to refill the cookpot manually as part of the described automatic water-level operation. During repeated cooking, the overflow drain carries away excess water and starch; its larger opening is intended to help limit clogging and reduce the time needed to drain the system.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The manufacturer describes the touch-pad timer/controller as smooth-surfaced and easy to clean. The cookpot, door and cabinet are stainless steel. The available source material does not provide a step-by-step cleaning procedure, cleaning chemicals or a maintenance interval for the 8BC, so follow the instructions supplied with the specific unit for those tasks.

Applications

The 8BC is intended for commercial pasta cooking in food-service kitchens where timed, repeatable basket cooking is useful. Its 8-3/4-gallon water capacity, automatic basket lift, auto-fill and starch skimmer suit service involving repeated pasta orders, such as restaurant or institutional food-service operations. The source also identifies restaurants and casinos among the types of food-service businesses served by commercial kitchen equipment, but does not prescribe a particular menu or production volume for the 8BC.

Optional accessories

Accessories listed for the Pasta Magic cooker family include a bulk pasta basket, a portion-cup rack with 24 portion cups, or three round pasta baskets. Casters, a swing-away hot/cold rinse faucet, a rinse-tank screen and a rack support are also shown as options or accessories. Confirm compatibility and configuration when selecting accessories for an 8BC.