CU60

Overview

The Hobart CU60 is a compact undercounter food storage cabinet for commercial kitchens. The replacement parts catalog identifies the CU60 as a refrigerator, model ML-111188. The installation and operation manual covers CU-series cabinets and describes the CU60 as a self-contained unit supplied with a cord and plug. A thermometer is provided on CU-series refrigerators.

The CU60 is intended for refrigerated storage of assorted food items. The manual advises allowing the cabinet to reach normal operating temperature before loading, leaving space between stored items for air circulation, and not expecting immediate cooling after loading a large amount of warm product.

Key Features

• Adjustable shelving: Wire shelves rest on clips fitted into the cabinet’s pilasters, allowing shelf positions to be set at the required height.
• Door details: The manual describes spring-loaded hinges that hold the door open at 105° and self-close below 90°. The door can be reverse-hinged at the installation site.
• Magnetic-seal gasket: The vinyl door gasket has a magnetic seal and is described in the manual as easy to clean.
• Self-contained refrigeration: The cabinet uses a cord and plug. Condensate is removed by evaporation at the lower rear of the cabinet, so a drain is not needed.
• Options and accessories: The CU-series manual lists optional legs, casters, additional shelves, overshelves, a stainless steel clad back and field-installed stainless steel worktops with a backsplash. A worktop option with a removable polyethylene worktop is also listed. The manual notes that some options are not available on every model; confirm CU60 compatibility when selecting an accessory.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hobart.
• Model: CU60.
• Product type: Compact undercounter food storage cabinet; refrigerator.
• Model number: ML-111188 in the CU48 and CU60 replacement parts catalog. The installation and operation manual also lists CU60 as ML-111178 and ML-111188.
• Electrical service cord: 115 V, 15 A service cord listed in the replacement parts catalog.
• Electrical connection: The manual specifies a three-prong grounding plug and a properly grounded receptacle.
• Door hinge action: Holds open at 105° and self-closes below 90°.
• Interior shelving: Wire shelves supported by adjustable clips and pilasters.
• Door gasket: Vinyl gasket with magnetic seal.
• Temperature indication: A thermometer is provided on CU-series refrigerators.
• Condensate removal: Evaporation at the lower rear of the cabinet; no drain is needed.

Installation & Requirements

Electrical service and positioning

Before installation, the manual instructs operators to check that the electrical service agrees with the specifications on the machine data plate, located on the upper left wall inside the cabinet. The supplied plug is a three-prong grounding plug and must connect to a properly grounded outlet. If the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, the manual says to contact an electrician.

Condenser performance depends on adequate ventilation. The manual requires clearance at the ventilator locations underneath the cabinet and states that there are no clearance requirements for the sides, rear or top. Do not install the cabinet without legs, casters or the front-ventilated utility base specified in the manual. The utility base is listed only for 27-inch-wide models, not the CU60.

Unpacking, stability and leveling

Check the cabinet for shipping damage immediately after unpacking. If damage is found, the manual says to keep the packaging and contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery. Do not lay the refrigerator on its back, front or sides.

For installing legs or casters, block and stabilize the cabinet at least 7 inches above the floor, then thread the legs or casters into the holes on the cabinet’s underside and tighten securely using the bolt’s octagon-shaped head. Install casters with brakes at the front. With legs, use the adjustable feet to level the cabinet side to side and front to back. Casters should be used on a level floor.

Pre-start checks

Before connecting electrical power, check that the compressor can move freely on its rubber vibration-isolator mounts; the manual says no bolts need to be loosened. Check exposed refrigeration lines for dents or kinks and look for tubing that may have shifted in transit and could cause noise, wear or leaks. Confirm that the condenser fan rotates freely.

Operation

The temperature control is factory set, though local conditions may require a small adjustment. On current models, the control is on the right side of the evaporator housing. Use a screwdriver to make small adjustments; turning clockwise lowers the temperature. The current control’s fully counterclockwise position is OFF. The manual notes that this interrupts power to the compressor and condenser fan only, not the entire refrigerator.

On earlier 48-inch and 60-inch-wide models, the temperature control was mounted inside the cabinet. On those earlier models, turning the adjustment screw counterclockwise lowers the temperature, and there is no OFF position. The manual describes the earlier models’ thermostat dial as having Celsius and Fahrenheit graduations and markings from −30°F to 90°F.

Allow the cabinet to reach normal operating temperature before putting food inside. The CU series can refrigerate an assorted load of food items. Leave room between items so air can circulate, and avoid loading a large amount of warm product at once and expecting immediate cooling. Check the cabinet thermometer as part of normal operation.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Interior, gasket and shelves

The cabinet interior has a clear protective coating. Clean it with a soft cloth moistened with warm water, then wipe it thoroughly dry. Do not use abrasive or gritty materials, bleach or harsh chemicals. The manual advises testing new or improved cleaning formulas carefully before use, rinsing thoroughly and drying with a clean, soft cloth.

Clean the door gasket and the plastic breaker strip around the door opening with mild household liquid dishwashing detergent. Do not let the gasket contact concentrated cleaners or disinfectants, which the manual says can cause premature gasket failure. Clean stainless steel portions with a recognized stainless steel cleaner. Remove shelves and wash them in a sink.

Condenser coil and condensate components

Check the condenser coil weekly. Air must circulate freely through it, and the surface must be kept free of dirt and grease for proper system operation. Before cleaning any unit parts, disconnect electrical power. Remove the lower rear panel and carefully remove dirt and lint from the condenser coil with a vacuum cleaner, whisk broom or soft brush. Do not use a wire brush or damage the coil fins. Replace the panel before reconnecting power.

When needed, the evaporator coil, condensate loop and condensate removal pan can be flushed with fresh water by a qualified service technician. The manual recommends including this in a routine maintenance program. Condensate evaporates at the lower rear of the cabinet, so no drain is needed. The condensate removal box may need periodic cleaning: disconnect power, remove the lower rear panel and wipe the box with a clean damp cloth, taking care around the condensate loop. Replace the panel before restoring power.

Troubleshooting

If the condensing unit does not operate, the manual lists a power failure, a loose plug, a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker as possible causes. Check the power supply and plug, then check the fuse or circuit breaker. Check the temperature control to make sure it is not in the OFF position. The manual’s instruction to wait 30 minutes and recheck during a defrost cycle applies to freezer models, not the CU60 refrigerator.

Applications

The CU60 is suited to commercial kitchens that need undercounter refrigerated storage for assorted food items. Its adjustable shelves can accommodate different stored products, while the manual’s guidance on spacing supports airflow around the load. The cabinet’s thermometer helps operators monitor its temperature, and its self-contained design uses an electrical cord and plug rather than requiring a condensate drain.