DEC1

Overview

The Hobart DEC1 is a standard-depth, single-cavity electric convection oven in Hobart’s DEC/HEC series. Its model number is DEC1, ML-43876. The DEC1 has mechanical controls, including a thermostat and a one-hour dial timer. The series manual lists five racks as standard equipment and notes that additional racks are available as accessories.

This oven is intended for commercial cooking and baking. The manual’s cooking guidelines cover examples such as cookies, cakes, pies, roasts, fish, poultry and other prepared foods. Use the appropriate recipe and verify the oven’s settings for the product being cooked; the manual’s chart is a guide rather than a substitute for checking the food.

Key Features

• Mechanical controls: The DEC1 has a mechanical thermostat and a one-hour dial timer.
• Convection blower: The series is equipped with a two-speed, 1/2 HP blower motor.
• Temperature control: The series thermostat is rated to 500°F (260°C).
• Cooking cavity: The oven has a porcelain interior and five racks as standard equipment.
• Independent doors: The series doors open independently.
• Vent control: The control panel includes a vent damper control. The vent can be opened by pulling the control.
• Optional accessories: The manual identifies additional racks and an open stand with lower storage rack as options. Stacked ovens use a stacking kit.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hobart.
• Model: DEC1.
• Model number: ML-43876.
• Equipment type: Electric convection oven.
• Configuration: Standard depth, single cavity.
• Controls: Mechanical thermostat and one-hour dial timer.
• Thermostat rating: 500°F (260°C).
• Interior: Porcelain.
• Blower motor: Two-speed, 1/2 HP.
• Standard racks: Five.
• Electrical service: 208 or 240 V, 60 Hz, single- or three-phase; 480 V service is available as an option.
• Factory wiring: Ovens leave the factory wired for three-phase service.
• Single-oven electrical data: The manual’s electrical data lists 11 kW total three-phase loading. Its phase-load entries are 3.35, 3.35 and 4.30 kW at 208 V, and 3.33, 3.33 and 4.33 kW at 240 V.
• Three-phase nominal line current: At 208 V, L1/L2/L3 are 32.0/27.9/32.0 A; at 240 V, 27.7/24.2/27.7 A; at 480 V, 13.9/12.0/13.9 A.
• Single-phase nominal current: The electrical data lists 52.8 A at 208 V, 45.8 A at 240 V and 22.9 A at 480 V.
• Rack assembly reference: The parts list identifies a 28 × 20.5 in. rack assembly for DEC1 and HEC40/HEC40D.

Installation & Requirements

Before installation, inspect the oven for shipping damage. If damage is found, retain the packaging and contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery. Confirm that the electrical service matches the data plate, which is inside the bottom front cover. The manual cautions not to lift the oven by its doors or door handles.

The installation location must provide adequate clearance for servicing and proper operation; the manual does not give a numerical clearance value. Install the basic oven on legs or a modular stand. The manual advises against placing it on a concrete base or another support that restricts airflow underneath, noting that this may void the warranty. The chimney and flue extension are fitted at the rear of the oven as described in the installation instructions.

Electrical and grounding connections must follow applicable local electrical codes and the oven’s wiring diagram. For installations in Canada, the manual specifies local codes and the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA Standard C22.2 No. 3 (latest edition), as applicable to the installation. Disconnect electrical power and tag the disconnect before working on the circuit. Route the supply conduit through the appropriate knockout at the bottom of the oven, make connections according to the wiring diagram, and replace the wiring-compartment cover. The manual states that the oven can be connected to one- or three-phase service, but ovens leave the factory wired for three-phase service. Confirm the supply, data plate and wiring diagram before connection.

A modular stand, additional racks and a stacking kit are accessories identified in the manual, not standard oven features. For a stacked installation, the manual describes connecting the ovens with the supplied conduit nipple and locknut and using the flue extensions to direct exhaust upward above the top oven.

Operation

The DEC1 control panel has an On/Off/Cooldown switch, thermostat, timer, fan switch, light switch, heat light and vent damper control. The fan switch has HI and LO settings. The thermostat sets the cooking temperature, and the timer sets the cooking cycle, up to one hour.

The timer sounds continuously when its countdown reaches zero; it does not switch the oven off. Turn the timer to OFF to stop the alarm. When the oven is not in use, the manual instructs operators to leave the timer at OFF. The amber ON light illuminates when the On/Off/Cooldown switch is at ON. The white HEAT light cycles on and off with the heating elements.

At the end of the day, the manual instructs operators to turn the thermostat to OFF, set the On/Off/Cooldown switch to ON and leave the door ajar while the fan cools the oven. Once it has cooled sufficiently, turn the switch to OFF and clean the oven. The vent damper control is pulled to open the vent.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Turn the oven off and disconnect its electrical supply before cleaning. The manual calls for daily exterior cleaning with a clean, damp cloth. Clean the porcelain interior daily with soap or detergent and water, then rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth.

The manual also gives separate care instructions for an optional stainless-steel interior: routine cleaning can be done with soap or detergent and water, followed by thorough rinsing and drying with a soft, clean cloth. For burned-on food, grease or heat tint that resists routine cleaning, it permits an abrasive cleanser mixed into a paste. Apply it with stainless-steel wool or a sponge, rubbing with the grain or polish lines, then rinse with clear water and dry.

Troubleshooting

The manual’s power-outage instructions state that the oven shuts down automatically during an outage and resumes normal operation when power is restored. If the oven is to be left unattended during an outage, the manual says to push the master switch to the OFF position. The supplied manual text does not provide a DEC1 error-code table or a broader troubleshooting chart.

Applications

The cooking guidelines for the DEC1 and related series models include baked goods, meats, fish, poultry and other menu items. Examples in the manual include sugar cookies at 300°F for 15 minutes, chocolate cake at 335°F for 20 minutes, hamburger patties at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, fish sticks at 335°F for 16–18 minutes, chicken breast and thigh at 350°F for 33–35 minutes, and 7-inch frozen pizza at 435°F for 11 minutes. These are manual chart entries; actual results depend on the product and cooking load. The guidelines also give rack-position advice for recipes using five racks: place the first rack in the second position from the bottom and use every other rack rung for the others.