DEE/4-20

Overview

The Groen DEE/4-20 is a floor-mounted, tilting steam-jacketed kettle for commercial heating, cooking and holding of water and food products. It has a 20-gallon (75-litre) capacity and a self-contained steam supply heated by electricity. Steam in the jacket transfers heat to the kettle contents without direct contact between the heating elements and food.

The kettle body is stainless steel, welded into one piece, with a reinforced rim and butterfly-shaped pouring lip. The inside has a 180-emery-grit finish; the outside has a bright semi-deluxe finish. A hand crank tilts the kettle to pour. The unit has stainless-steel panels around the controls and base, and four stainless-steel tubular legs with adjustable bullet feet for levelling.

The steam jacket is rated for working pressures up to 50 psi. The equipment manual describes airless jacket operation for uniform heating. The temperature range differs between supplied manual text, so confirm the applicable manual and the unit’s controls rather than relying on a single range figure.

Key Features

• Self-contained electric steam source: An electrically heated steam generator supplies steam to the jacket.
• Manual tilt: The kettle tilts by hand crank to transfer contents.
• Electronic temperature control: The manual identifies electronic temperature control as a standard control function.
• Operating safeguards: The unit includes a tilt cut-off switch, low-water cut-off, safety valve and high-limit pressure switch.
• Monitoring indicators: A heating indicator light, pressure gauge and sight glass let operators monitor heating and jacket conditions.
• Single electrical connection: The manual describes one electrical connection for installation.
• Options: Available options listed in the manual include a factory-installed 2-inch tangent draw-off valve, lift-off, hinged or power-assist covers, water-fill faucets, a basket cooking system, a kettle brush kit and factory-installed gallon etch marks. These are options, not assumed standard equipment.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Groen.
• Model: DEE/4-20.
• Equipment type: Floor-mounted electric steam-jacketed tilting kettle.
• Capacity: 20 gallons / 75 litres.
• Kettle inside diameter: 20 inches.
• Manual performance dimensions: 39-inch rim height, 38-inch total width and 28-inch front-to-back measurement.
• Steam jacket working-pressure rating: Up to 50 psi (345 kPa, 3.45 bar).
• Manual electrical ratings for DEE/4-20: 208V, single phase: 11 kW, 52A; 208V, three phase: 11 kW, 30A; 240V, single phase: 14.4 kW, 60A; 240V, three phase: 14.4 kW, 35A; 480V, three phase: 12 kW, 15A.
• Electrical data reported for one specific listed unit: 208V, three phase, 10.8 kW. This differs from the manual chart; verify the actual unit’s electrical information plate before connection.
• Dimensions reported for one specific listed unit: 48 inches high × 39 inches wide × 30 inches deep overall. This differs from the manual performance dimensions above and should be treated as unit-specific.
• Construction and finish: Stainless-steel kettle body; 180-emery-grit interior finish and bright semi-deluxe exterior finish.
• Certifications stated in a listing for a specific unit: UL and NSF.

Installation & Requirements

Installation must be performed by personnel qualified to work with electricity; the manual also states that the kettle must be installed by personnel qualified to work with electricity and plumbing. Follow the electrical information plate on the actual unit and applicable local codes. The equipment is described as ready for three-phase operation; the domestic manual also lists single-phase ratings and identifies a conversion kit for single-phase wiring. A single electrical connection is required, and the manual specifies a watertight electrical connection and protective grounding at the provided terminal.

For the domestic manual’s electrical specifications, copper wire rated at least 75°C is specified. Minimum wire gauges in that manual are 8 AWG for 230V single-phase DEE/4-20 and 4 AWG for 400V three-phase DEE/4-20. Those values are from the international manual table and do not replace the different domestic voltage chart above. Confirm the applicable manual, unit nameplate, supply phase and amperage before installation.

The manual instructs the installer to level the kettle using its adjustable feet, check that the jacket water is at the midpoint of the sight glass, and ensure the pressure-relief-valve elbow points downward. The relief valve must remain free to vent; do not connect piping to it. The domestic manual specifies bringing electrical service through the rear of the support housing using 1-inch conduit and making a watertight connection. No gas connection or ventilation requirement is specified in the supplied model information.

Operation

Before using the kettle, operators should read and follow the instructions and safety warnings in the manual. For initial testing, the manual directs the operator to remove packing materials, check and operate the tilt mechanism through its full range, add 1–2 quarts of water, and heat it at the highest thermostat setting. The heating indicator should illuminate and heating should continue until the water boils. If the kettle does not operate as described, the manual says to recheck the power-supply connections and, if needed, contact a certified service agency.

On Classic Control models, a lighted power switch controls main power and a temperature knob sets heat on a scale from 1 to 10. The heating indicator illuminates when the controller energizes the heating elements and cycles as heat is controlled. Control details may depend on the control configuration fitted to the particular kettle.

When transferring hot product by tilting, wear protective oven mitts and an apron, and use a deep container to contain splashes. Place the receiving container on a stable, flat surface close to the kettle, and do not overfill it. Do not stand on or apply unnecessary weight or pressure to the front or pouring lip. Do not tilt the kettle with a cover or basket insert in place. The manual warns operators to avoid contact with hot surfaces and hot contents, and to keep the floor in front of the kettle clean and dry.

Do not overfill: keep liquid at least 2–3 inches below the rim to allow room for stirring, boiling and safe transfer. The manual also cautions against heating an empty kettle. Before emptying, allow pressure to reduce to approximately atmospheric pressure. If fitted with a tangent draw-off valve, opening it can release hot contents.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before cleaning, turn the kettle’s main power switch off and shut off electrical power at a remote switch such as the circuit breaker. Clean food-contact surfaces as soon as possible after use. If the unit is in continuous use, the manual calls for thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the interior and exterior at least once every 12 hours. Scrape and flush away food residue carefully; avoid scratching the kettle with metal implements. Use a hot detergent or cleaning-compound solution prepared according to its supplier’s directions, clean the unit inside and out, rinse thoroughly with hot water and drain completely.

The manual recommends a brush, sponge, cloth, plastic or rubber scraper, or plastic wool. Do not use metal implements or steel wool. Never spray the support housing or electrical connections. Wear protective gloves, eye protection and clothing when handling cleaners, and follow the cleaner label. Do not leave sanitizer on stainless-steel surfaces for longer than 30 minutes. The supplied manual warns against cleaning, de-liming or degreasing agents containing sulfamic acid, chloride, hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, or agents that are alkaline; consult the product manufacturer if ingredients are unclear.

For operator checks, the manual says to check the pressure/vacuum gauge daily; when cold, the expected jacket vacuum is -20 to -30 inches of mercury. Check the jacket water level daily and keep it between the sight-glass marks. Test the pressure-relief valve at least twice a month while the kettle is operating at 15 psi: pull the test lever for at least five seconds, then release it. If the valve does not activate, has no discharge or leaks, stop using the kettle and contact an authorized service representative.

The service instructions call for keeping wiring and connections in good condition and the inside of the control console clean and dry. The gear housing requires periodic lubrication, at least every six months, using #2 grade LGI lithium grease through the Zerk fittings until grease flows from the bearings around the trunnion shaft. Apply grease to the gear where it contacts the worm gear.

Troubleshooting

Slow heating or jacket pressure/vacuum reading near zero

The manual explains that a positive pressure reading when the kettle is cold, or a reading near 0 psi, indicates air in the jacket. Air can insulate the jacket and slow heating. The manual’s air-removal procedure is to start the unit with water or product in the kettle, allow the gauge to reach 5 psi, and briefly lift the safety-valve ring to release trapped air and steam. Repeat the venting as directed in the manual. After venting, replace hot kettle water with cold water so steam in the jacket condenses; the gauge should then show a vacuum of -20 to -30 inches of mercury. If the vacuum does not appear or will not hold, contact an authorized service agency.

Kettle does not heat during initial start-up

Check the power-supply connections as directed in the manual. If the kettle still does not function as intended, contact a certified service agency. The manual also instructs operators to stop using the kettle and contact an authorized service representative if the pressure-relief valve fails to activate, has no discharge or leaks.

Applications

The 20-gallon capacity and tilting kettle format suit batch preparation and holding of foods such as soups, stocks, sauces, gravies and other liquid or semi-liquid menu items. The jacketed heat source supports controlled heating, while the hand-crank tilt helps transfer batches into a receiving container. Actual use must remain within the manual’s stated purpose of commercial heating, cooking and holding of water and food products.