DH-20

Overview

The Groen DH-20 is a 20-gallon floor-mounted steam jacketed kettle for commercial foodservice and institutional kitchens. Its gas-heated steam source is contained within the unit, so no remote steam source is required. The kettle tilts by a manual crank for pouring and cleanup access. The kettle body sits in a stainless steel support and tilt trunnion, with a stainless steel enclosed base and tubular legs fitted with height-adjustable bullet feet.

The DH-20 has a one-piece welded type 316 stainless steel kettle interior, a reinforced rim and a welded butterfly-shaped pouring lip. The interior has a 180-emery-grit polish; exposed exterior surfaces have a bright high-buff finish. A faucet mounting bracket is standard. A 2-inch tangent draw-off valve is optional.

The DH-20 is available with Classic, Advanced or Cook2Temp control options in the product-family specification. The selected control configuration affects the controls supplied; confirm the exact configuration when ordering.

Key Features

• Self-contained gas-heated steam system: The kettle’s steam source is heated by gas and factory charged with chemically pure water and rust inhibitors. No direct water connection or remote steam source is required by the specification.
• Manual crank tilt: A smooth-operating, self-locking manual crank tilt mechanism supports controlled pouring. The gas supply shuts off automatically when the kettle is tilted.
• Stainless steel construction: The kettle interior is type 316 stainless steel in one-piece welded construction. The console and exposed surfaces are stainless steel.
• Reinforced pouring rim: A heavy reinforced bar rim and welded butterfly-shaped pouring lip support sanitation and durability.
• Water-resistant control enclosure: Controls are mounted in an IPX6-rated enclosure to the right of the kettle body.
• Electronic ignition: Electronic ignition to a standing pilot is standard.
• Safety equipment: The listed safety systems include a pressure-vacuum gauge, pressure relief valve, pressure limit control, water sight glass, low-water cutoff and gas regulator valve, as well as automatic gas shutoff when tilted.
• Optional draw-off: A 2-inch tangent draw-off valve can be specified with a removable perforated stainless steel strainer. The specification lists 1/4-inch perforated, 1/8-inch perforated and solid disk strainer options.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Groen
• Model: DH-20
• Equipment type: Gas-fired, self-contained steam jacketed floor kettle; manual tilt
• Capacity: 20 gallons (75 litres)
• Kettle body diameter: 20 inches (508 mm)
• Base width: 35 inches (889 mm)
• Base depth: 29 inches (736 mm)
• Firing rate: 72,000 BTU/hr
• Energy into product: 44,140 BTU/hr
• Kettle temperature range: 100°F to approximately 287°F, as stated in the product specification
• Maximum working pressure: 50 PSI; the kettle is ASME shop inspected, stamped and registered with the National Board for this working pressure
• Kettle interior: Type 316 stainless steel, one-piece welded construction, polished to a 180-emery-grit finish
• Exterior finish: Bright high-buff finish
• Gas: Specify natural gas, propane, butane, or a specific propane/butane mixture
• Gas connection: 1/2-inch IPS
• Electrical connection: 115 volts; the manual also identifies 115 VAC, 60 Hz, single-phase, 5 amp service and alternate 208–240 VAC service
• Ignition: Electronic ignition to standing pilot
• Controls: Classic, Advanced or Cook2Temp options are listed for the DH-20 family
• Certifications and listings stated in the specification: CSA International design certified; NSF listed; ASME shop inspected, stamped and registered with the National Board
• Manufacture: Designed and manufactured in the United States

Installation & Requirements

The installation information below is taken from the Groen DH/DHT manual. The manual requires installation by personnel qualified to work with gas and electricity and in accordance with applicable codes. The kettle may be installed on a combustible or noncombustible floor. Keep the clearances in the manual and allow space around the unit for cleaning, maintenance and service.

• Minimum clearance from combustible walls: 6 inches at the left side, 6 inches at the right side and 10 inches at the rear.
• Minimum clearance from non-combustible walls: 0 inches at the left side, 0 inches at the right side and 10 inches at the rear.
• Recommended clearances: 6 inches at the left side, 10 inches at the right side and 12 inches at the rear.

Install the kettle in a well-ventilated area with an adequate air supply. The manual calls for a vent hood and exhaust fan, with no direct connection between the vent duct and the kettle flue. Do not obstruct the flue or vent duct, and keep combustible materials away from the area directly around the appliance. Level the kettle using a spirit level on the bar rim and adjust the bullet or flange feet as needed.

Connect the gas service using a 1/2-inch line or approved equivalent, matching the gas type specified for the unit. For DH-20 natural gas models, the manual lists 3.5 inches water column; for propane models, it lists 10.0 inches water column. The specification calls for a 1/2-inch IPS gas connection. The manual specifies 115 VAC, 60 Hz, single-phase, 5 amp electrical service and notes that 208–240 VAC alternatives may be ordered. Bring electrical service through the rear of the support housing using a 1/2-inch conduit connector, make a watertight connection and ground the unit at the provided terminal.

After connecting the gas supply, check gas joints for leaks with a suitable leak detector or soap solution; do not use a flame. The manual also requires confirming that jacket water is between the sight-glass markers and that the safety-valve outlet faces downward. Gas installation and testing must follow applicable local requirements and the codes named in the manual, including the Canadian Electrical Code and the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code CSA 149.1 where applicable. The manual specifies that the appliance and its individual shutoff valve must be disconnected from the gas piping system during pressure testing above 1/2 PSI, and isolated by closing the individual manual shutoff valve during testing at or below 1/2 PSI.

Operation

The self-contained gas burner heats the water in the steam jacket, which transfers heat to the kettle contents. The product specification gives a DH-20 firing rate of 72,000 BTU/hr and 44,140 BTU/hr into the product. The stated product temperature range is 100°F to approximately 287°F. The kettle is factory charged with chemically pure water and rust inhibitors; the manual instructs operators to keep the jacket water level between the sight-glass markers.

The product-family specification describes three control choices. Classic controls include an on/off switch with indicator light, a temperature control knob with numbered increments, a heating indicator light and a low-water warning light. Advanced controls add temperature and time settings, an LED display, reset buttons for low- and high-temperature presets, a manual mode and a timer setting. Cook2Temp controls add Auto C2T and Manual C2T buttons, a core-probe connection port and manual controls for heat level. Confirm which control option is fitted to the unit in question.

Before operating the burners, the manual cautions that the kettle must contain liquid. The built-in safety systems include a low-water cutoff, pressure limit control, pressure relief valve and tilt-operated gas shutoff. Use the manual crank to tilt the kettle for pouring; the automatic gas shutoff operates when the kettle is tilted.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The product specification identifies the bright high-buff exterior finish as intended to support ease of cleaning. Tilting provides access for cleanup after pouring. The available manual text does not provide a complete cleaning procedure, cleaning chemical recommendations or a maintenance interval, so those details should be taken from the full manual for the installed unit.

For jacket-water checks, the manual says to confirm that the water level is between the sight-glass markers. If it is low, it directs the operator to the manual’s “Jacket Filling and Water Treatment” instructions. The kettle is factory charged with chemically pure water containing rust inhibitors. The manual also calls for checking that the safety-valve outlet faces downward during installation.

Troubleshooting

The DH/DHT manual’s troubleshooting material includes ignition checks for cases where the pilot lights but the main burner does not operate. The table assigns these checks to an authorized service representative; gas and electrical diagnosis should be handled by qualified service personnel.

• Pilot lights, main burner does not come on, and spark does not stay on: The troubleshooting table calls for checking for 24 volts between terminals MV and PV/MV while the pilot is burning. It also lists checking gas pressure against the DH-20 natural-gas value of 3.5 inches water column, checking the pilot gas line for kinks or obstructions, cleaning the orifice if needed, checking the pilot-valve magnetic operator, confirming that the spark gap is in the pilot gas stream, and checking for drafts.
• Pilot lights, main burner does not come on, and spark stays on: The table lists checking gas pressure and the electrical connections to the main valve, including its magnetic operator.
• Main burner comes on but will not stay on: The table lists checking the burner ground and high-temperature wire, checking for low gas supply pressure, tightening mechanical and electrical connections, inspecting the pilot burner insulator and cable for damage or grounding, cleaning or replacing the pilot assembly if necessary, and checking the ignition control module. These are service-level checks, not routine operator adjustments.

Applications

A 20-gallon tilting kettle is suited to commercial kitchens that prepare large batches and need to transfer cooked product from the kettle into another vessel or serving container. The steam-jacketed cooking format can support batch preparation in foodservice and institutional kitchens, while the manual tilt assists with pouring and cleanup. Confirm that the selected gas supply, controls and optional draw-off arrangement match the intended kitchen setup.