AM16X

Overview

The Hobart AM16X is a commercial door-type dishwasher series for warewashing in commercial kitchens. Its 2022 parts manual identifies six configurations: AM16-BASX, AM16T-BASX, AM16VL-BASX, AM16VLT-BASX, AM16SCBX and AM16VLSCBX. These suffixes indicate related configurations within the AM16X series, so water connections and sanitizing requirements are not identical across every unit.

The AM16X operating guide describes a control display that shows the wash-water temperature during washing and the rinse-water temperature during rinsing. The installation and operation manual also describes a pumped rinse system, automatic filling to the appropriate wash-tank level and automatic draining.

Key Features

• Multiple configurations: The AM16X series includes standard-height, tall and ventless models, as well as chemical-sanitizing models.
• Displayed operating temperatures: During a cycle, the control displays wash temperature and then rinse temperature.
• Selectable wash cycles: The AM16X operating guide identifies cycle 1 for normal serving ware and cycles 2, 4 or 6 for more heavily soiled items.
• Pumped rinse and automatic functions: The installation manual states that all AM16X models use a pumped rinse system. The machine fills to the appropriate wash-tank level and drains when the power-off process is initiated.
• Serviceable components: The AM16X parts manual includes sections for controls, electrical components, door assemblies, pumps, wash and rinse arms, water fill, heaters and sensors, chemical pumps, strainers and racks.

Specifications

• Product type: Commercial door-type dishwasher series.
• Series configurations listed in the parts manual: AM16-BASX, AM16T-BASX, AM16VL-BASX, AM16VLT-BASX, AM16SCBX and AM16VLSCBX.
• Flowing water pressure: 15–65 PSIG. The manual says water pressure below 15 PSIG may result in improper operation. If pressure is above 65 PSIG, a pressure-regulating valve must be installed in the water line; the manual specifies that the regulator must have a relief bypass.
• AM16-BASX and AM16T-BASX water supply: Hot-water sanitizing; minimum supply temperature 110°F (43°C), with 140°F (60°C) recommended.
• AM16VL-BASX and AM16VLT-BASX water supply: Hot-water sanitizing with a cold-water connection; minimum 55°F (13°C), maximum 90°F (32°C), with 65°F (18°C) recommended.
• AM16SCBX water supply: Chemical sanitizing with hot water; minimum 90°F (32°C), with 120°F (49°C) recommended.
• AM16VLSCBX water supply: Chemical sanitizing with hot and cold water. Hot water must be at least 90°F (32°C), with 120°F (49°C) recommended. Cold water must be at least 55°F (13°C), no warmer than 90°F (32°C), with 65°F (18°C) recommended.
• Cold-water temperature for ventless models: The manual specifies that the cold-water supply for AM16VL-BASX, AM16VLT-BASX and AM16VLSCBX must not exceed 90°F (32°C) for proper operation; results are described as optimal below 65°F (18°C).
• Sanitizer test range in the AM16X operation guide: For the guide’s chemical-sanitizing test, adjust dosing if the measured sanitizer level is below 50 ppm or above 100 ppm.

Installation & Requirements

Installation must comply with applicable local requirements. The AM16X manual specifies ANSI/NFPA 70 for the United States and CSA 22.1 for Canada. Before installation, verify that the electrical service agrees with the specifications on the dishwasher data plate, located at the lower right-hand corner of the machine. The manual does not give one universal incoming electrical specification for every AM16X configuration.

Plan the location around the electrical conduit, water supply, drain connection, venting if applicable, dish tables if needed, chemical replenishment if applicable and room to open the door. The machine must be level before connections are made. For a straight-through installation, the manual calls for 30 inches of clearance at the front, 20 inches at the right side and 29½ inches above the finished floor for service. For 480-volt units, it specifies 20 inches of clearance at the left side.

Where a dish table overhangs the wash tank, the table edge must be turned down and fitted over the tank. The manual calls for NSF-approved sealant between the table overhang and the inner wall of the wash tank, and fastening the tables to the tank with non-rusting truss-head screws or rivets. A manual shutoff valve is required upstream of the fill hose to allow machine servicing. Water-line flushing is also addressed in the installation manual: foreign matter from pipework can lodge in plumbing components and make them inoperative.

Water connections depend on the configuration. The AM16VLSCBX requires both cold and hot water; the manual also identifies the hot-water supply required for the other listed configurations. Do not assume one model’s supply temperatures apply to another. For ventless models, the manual notes that consistently warm cold-water supply or excessive vapor after the condensing cycle may require attention from Hobart Service. Venting requirements are referenced in the manual, but the supplied material does not specify a universal hood arrangement.

Operation

1. Check that the strainer screen, scrap basket and rack track are in place in the dishwasher tank.
2. Close the door and press the POWER button. The display shows FILL while the machine fills; when filling is complete, it displays ready and the wash-water temperature.
3. Press CYCLE to choose cycle 1 for normal serving ware or cycle 2, 4 or 6 for more heavily soiled items, as described in the AM16X operating guide.
4. Open the door, slide in the rack and close the door. During washing, the display shows the wash-water temperature and WASH. During rinsing, it shows the rinse-water temperature and RINSE.
5. When the rinse symbol disappears, remove the rack of clean dishes.

The AM16X guide recommends checking sanitizer concentration for chemical-sanitizing machines by running an upside-down serving or mixing bowl through a cycle, dipping a sanitizer test strip into the water collected on its surface and comparing the result with the test scale. If the result is below 50 ppm or above 100 ppm, the guide directs the operator to adjust dosing using the AM16SCB manual or contact the chemical provider. The supplied guide also notes that, on machines with Hobart chemical pumps, an empty sanitizer supply can trigger an alarm and pause operation; replace the chemical to continue.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The AM16X manual says to clean the machine thoroughly at the end of each working shift or at least daily. Use only commercial detergents and sanitizers with the AM16X. Do not use detergent formulated for residential dishwashers, steel wool, scouring pads or other abrasive materials; do not spray the exterior with a hose.

1. Press POWER to drain the machine and switch off the display. Once the display is off, open the door.
2. Remove the rack track, strainer, scrap basket and standpipe. Wash and rinse the removable parts thoroughly.
3. Clean and flush the interior, removing remaining food soil. The manual recommends a soft cloth or brush and a mild cleanser for interior soil, followed by rinsing.
4. Clean the tank bottom and do not allow food soil to collect there or enter the drain.
5. Check that the wash and rinse arms rotate freely and have no obstructions. If necessary, remove the arms and clear the obstruction. Do not bang the arms to clean them; check that clean-out plugs are in place and secure.
6. Reinstall the standpipe, strainer, scrap basket, arms and rack track. Wipe the exterior with a clean, wet dishcloth. Leave the door open after cleaning so the interior can air-dry.

The manual recommends water hardness of 3 grains per gallon or less, thorough pre-scraping and following the chemical professional’s deliming schedule. It also cautions against exceeding the chemical manufacturer’s recommended concentrations for detergent, sanitizer, rinse aid or lime-scale remover. Foreign objects, especially metallic contaminants such as paper clips or retainers, should not enter the machine. The manual warns that failure to follow use, care and maintenance instructions may void the Hobart warewasher warranty.

Troubleshooting

Before troubleshooting, follow the manual’s electrical-safety direction to disconnect power before checking a pump obstruction. For a machine that will not operate, the manual lists a switched-off machine, a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker as possible causes. Turn the machine on or check the power supply protection as appropriate.

If dishes are not clean, the AM16X manual identifies possible causes including an obstructed pump or drain intake, incorrect water temperature, mineral deposits, blocked wash or rinse arms, clogged strainers, a chemical dispenser that is not operating properly, excessive soil on dishes and improper rack loading. The manual directs operators to check that the arms rotate freely, clear obstructions, clean the machine and pre-scrape dishes. Contact Hobart Service for temperature adjustment or repair when needed.

Spotting on silverware, glasses or dishes may be associated with improper rack loading, incorrect rinse-water temperature, an obstructed pump intake, excessively hard water or detergent that is unsuitable for the water type. Check loading and water conditions, and contact a service professional if the problem persists. The manual also identifies an incorrectly positioned strainer basket as a cause of a strainer-basket error; ensure the basket is inserted and locked in place.

Applications

The AM16X is intended for commercial warewashing. The operating guide’s examples include serving ware and more heavily soiled items, with rack loading and pre-scraping identified as part of the wash process. Its range of water and sanitizing configurations lets a buyer compare the requirements of the intended installation with the particular model suffix before specifying the machine.