DEE/4-60

Overview

The Groen DEE/4-60 is a floor-mounted, tilting steam jacketed kettle for commercial heating, cooking and holding of water and food products. It has a 60-gallon (225-liter) capacity and a self-contained, electrically heated steam supply. A built-in steam generator delivers steam into the kettle jacket, and the kettle tilts by hand crank to transfer its contents.

The kettle body is formed from stainless steel welded into one solid piece. It has a reinforced rim and a butterfly-shaped pouring lip. Stainless steel panels enclose the controls and base, and four stainless steel tubular legs support the unit. Adjustable bullet feet allow leveling.

Key Features

• Steam-jacket heating: The built-in electric steam generator is sized for the kettle capacity. The airless jacket operation provides uniform heating.
• Tilting kettle: A hand crank tilts the kettle for pouring. A tilt cut-off switch is among the listed safety features.
• Temperature control and monitoring: Electronic temperature control is accompanied by a heating indicator light, pressure gauge and sight glass.
• Safety devices: The manual lists a low-water cut-off, safety valve and high-limit pressure switch, in addition to the tilt cut-off switch.
• Available accessories and options: The manuals list a factory-installed 2-inch tangent draw-off, 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 standard features confirmed for every unit.

Specifications

• Brand: Groen
• Model: DEE/4-60
• Equipment type: Floor-mounted, tilting steam jacketed kettle
• Kettle capacity: 60 gallons (225 liters)
• Inside diameter: 30 inches (762 mm)
• Rim height: 44 inches (1118 mm)
• Total width: 47 inches (1194 mm)
• Front to back: 35 inches (889 mm)
• Kettle construction: Stainless steel, welded into one solid piece
• Interior finish: 180 emery grit
• Exterior finish: Bright semi-deluxe
• Steam jacket working pressure rating: Up to 50 PSI (345 kPa, 3.45 bar)
• Heating system: Self-contained, electrically heated steam generator supplying the jacket
• Tilting mechanism: Hand crank
• Legs and leveling: Four stainless steel tubular legs with adjustable bullet feet
• Electrical specifications in the domestic manual: 208 V, single phase: 21 kW, 100 A; 208 V, three phase: 21 kW, 58 A; 240 V, single phase: 24 kW, 100 A; 240 V, three phase: 24 kW, 58 A; 480 V, three phase: 24 kW, 29 A.
• Electrical configurations in the international manual: 230 V, single phase: 21 kW, 96 A; 400 V, three phase: 24 kW, 96 A. Check the specific unit’s information plate, as electrical configurations differ by market.
• Domestic single-phase wiring note: The manual specifies kit 170960 for the larger terminal block when operating on 208 or 240 V single phase.

Installation & Requirements

The manual states that installation must be performed by a certified electrician or an authorized representative qualified to work with electricity. It warns that improper installation can cause injury or equipment damage. The kettle must be electrically grounded at the provided terminal.

Set the kettle in place and level it by adjusting the bullet feet. Allow room around the unit for cleaning, maintenance and service. Before operation, check that the jacket water level is at the midpoint of the sight glass; follow the manual’s jacket-filling instructions if it is low. The open end of the pressure-relief-valve elbow must point downward. Do not connect piping to the pressure relief valve; it must remain free to vent steam.

Provide the electrical supply shown on the equipment information plate. The domestic manual describes the unit as shipped ready for three-phase operation and gives instructions for single-phase wiring; for 208 V or 240 V single-phase operation, it specifies kit 170960. The manual calls for electrical service through the rear entrance of the support housing using 1-inch conduit and a watertight connection. Follow applicable electrical codes and have the installation completed by qualified personnel. The kettle is electrically heated; the supplied material gives no gas connection or ventilation requirement.

Operation

The kettle is intended for commercial heating, cooking and holding of water and food products. Do not use it for other purposes, according to the manual. The electronic temperature control operates the heating system, and the indicator light shows when the controller energizes the heating elements. The pressure gauge and sight glass provide operating checks.

At initial start-up, remove packing materials and confirm the jacket water level and pressure-relief-valve elbow position. If fitted with a draw-off valve, check that material is not obstructing it. Test the tilting mechanism through its full range, then return the kettle upright. The manual’s start-up check uses 1–2 quarts of water in the kettle and calls for heating it at the highest thermostat setting until it boils. The heating indicator should come on as heating begins. If the kettle does not operate as described, the manual advises rechecking power-supply connections and contacting a local Certified Service Agency if needed.

When tilting to transfer hot product, wear protective oven mitts and an apron, and use a deep receiving container to limit splashing. Place the container on a stable, flat surface close to the kettle and do not overfill it. Keep liquids at least 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) below the rim to leave room for stirring, boiling and transfer. Do not stand on or apply unnecessary weight to the front or pouring lip. The manual also warns not to tilt the kettle with a cover or basket insert in place, and not to empty contents until pressure has reduced to approximately atmospheric pressure.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before cleaning, turn the 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 kettle 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 out food residues carefully; do not scratch the kettle with metal implements. Prepare detergent or cleaning solution according to its supplier’s instructions, clean the unit inside and out, rinse the kettle thoroughly with hot water and drain it completely.

Use a brush, sponge, cloth, plastic or rubber scraper, or plastic wool. Do not use metal implements, steel wool or other abrasives. The manual cautions against cleaners containing sulfamic acid, chloride, hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, and against alkaline cleaners. Never spray the support housing or electrical connections. Sanitizer must not remain in contact with stainless steel surfaces for longer than 30 minutes, as longer contact can cause corrosion. Follow cleaner-label precautions and wear the protective equipment specified by the product label.

For operator checks, the manual calls for checking the pressure/vacuum gauge and jacket water level daily. The cold-kettle gauge should show a vacuum of -20 to -30 inches of mercury (Hg), or -0.7 to -1.0 bar; water should be between the sight-glass marks. Test the pressure relief valve at least twice a month while the kettle is operating at 15 PSI. The manual describes holding the test ring for at least five seconds and letting it snap shut. Stop using the kettle and contact an authorized service representative if the ring does not activate, there is no discharge, or the valve leaks.

Service-technician maintenance in the manual includes keeping wiring and connections secure and in good condition, keeping the support housing and control console clean and dry, and lubricating the gear housing. The gear housing has fittings for moving parts; the gears do not run in oil. At least every six months, the manual calls for adding #2 grade LGI lithium grease through the Zerk fittings until it flows from the bearings around the trunnion shaft, and applying grease to the portion of the gear that contacts the worm gear.

Troubleshooting

Air in the steam jacket acts as an insulator and slows heating. The manual identifies a positive pressure reading or a reading near 0 PSI on the gauge when the kettle is cold as an indication that air may be present. To remove air, start the unit with water or product in the kettle. When the gauge reaches 5 PSI, briefly lift the safety-valve ring for about five seconds, then repeat three or four times. Allow the valve to snap closed. After venting, remove the hot water from the kettle and replace it with cold water to condense steam in the jacket. The gauge should then show a vacuum of -20 to -30 inches of mercury (Hg). If it does not, or if the vacuum leaks down, contact an authorized service agency.

If the kettle fails the initial operating check, first recheck the power-supply connections. For a pressure-relief valve that fails to activate, has no discharge or leaks, stop using the kettle and contact an authorized service representative, as directed in the manual.

Applications

The DEE/4-60’s 60-gallon capacity and tilting body suit commercial kitchens preparing or holding large batches of food and water-based products. Typical kitchen uses include soups, sauces, stocks and other batch-cooked foods. The hand-crank tilt supports transfer from the kettle into a receiving container; an optional tangent draw-off provides another product-transfer arrangement when specified with the unit.