EDGE

Overview

The Hobart EDGE is a manual, gravity-feed slicer in Hobart’s medium-duty slicer line. Hobart describes the Centerline EDGE as an efficient, economical and easy-to-clean slicing solution. The series is NSF rated and intended for an average run time of four or fewer hours per day, making it a fit to consider for food stores and kitchens with moderate slicing needs.

The slicer uses a chrome-plated, forged carbon steel knife and a Poly-V belt drive system. The manual describes models with 10-, 12-, 13- and 14-inch blades. Depending on blade size, motor power is 1/3 HP for the 10-inch blade and 1/2 HP for 12-, 13- and 14-inch blade machines.

Key Features

• Manual gravity-feed operation: The operator moves the product tray back and forth using the carriage handle.
• Adjustable slice thickness: The gauge plate adjusts from paper-thin slices to 9/16 inch.
• Chrome-plated knife: The manual identifies the knife as chrome-plated forged carbon steel.
• Poly-V belt drive: Hobart identifies this drive system as a feature of the EDGE series.
• Removable parts for cleaning: The product tray, meat grip, meat grip rod, slice deflector, knife cover, knife cover knob and sharpening stone are listed as removable for cleaning.
• Removable top-mounted sharpener: The sharpener lifts off its post for cleaning.
• Food-contact surfaces: The manual identifies the slicer base, product tray, knife cover, ring guard and gauge plate as smooth-finish anodized cast aluminum.

Specifications

• Type: Manual gravity-feed slicer.
• Duty classification: Medium duty; NSF rated.
• Recommended average run time: Four or fewer hours per day.
• Knife material: Chrome-plated forged carbon steel.
• Knife sizes across the series: 10, 12, 13 and 14 inches.
• Drive: Poly-V belt drive system.
• Motor power by blade size: 1/3 HP for 10-inch blade machines; 1/2 HP for 12-, 13- and 14-inch blade machines.
• Slice thickness adjustment: Paper thin to 9/16 inch.
• Electrical supply: The manual lists 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase for EDGE10, EDGE12, EDGE13 and EDGE14.
• Machine current: EDGE10: 3.1 A; EDGE12: 4.0 A; EDGE13: 4.0 A; EDGE14: 3.0 A.
• Maximum protective device: The electrical data lists 15 A for the models shown.
• Power connection: Supplied with a cord and three-prong grounding plug.

Installation & Requirements

Before installation, check that the electrical service agrees with the specifications on the machine data plate, located on the right side of the slicer base. The manual states that the slicer’s three-prong plug must connect to a properly grounded outlet. If the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, contact an electrician.

To prepare the slicer, secure the product tray by turning the knob below it clockwise until snug. Lower the sharpener onto its post; it can be removed for cleaning. The slice deflector should be mounted below the knife. The manual does not provide clearance or ventilation requirements.

On receipt, inspect the slicer for shipping damage. If damage is found, the manual says to notify the carrier within five business days, contact the carrier’s local terminal immediately upon discovery, keep the original packing materials for inspection and notify Hobart customer care. It also states that a damaged slicer must not have been moved, installed or modified before the damage process is followed.

Operation

Before loading product, close the gauge plate fully and pull the product tray forward until it stops. Place the product on the tray and position the meat grip against it. If the meat grip is not needed, lift it to the top of its rod, rotate it 270 degrees behind the product tray and rest it on the notch in the upper tray slot.

Switch the slicer on, then adjust the gauge plate with the index knob to set the desired thickness, from paper thin to 9/16 inch. Move the carriage back and forth with the carriage handle to slice. The manual cautions that all safety devices must be in their correct operating position whenever the slicer is in use.

To sharpen the knife, first unplug the slicer, close the gauge plate and remove the knife cover. Clean the knife before sharpening. On EDGE10, position and lock the sharpener so one stone sits on each side of the knife. With the machine switched on, press the sharpening stone against the knife for 5 to 10 seconds, then use the deburring stone for 2 to 3 seconds. On EDGE12, EDGE13 and EDGE14, switch the slicer on and pull the sharpener handle forward for 15 seconds, then release it. Switch the slicer off, unplug it and clean and sanitize after sharpening. Hobart advises sharpening only when necessary; frequent sharpening causes unnecessary knife wear.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Clean, rinse and sanitize the slicer after each day’s use or after it has been idle for an extended time. Cleaning intervals must also comply with applicable national, state or local health codes. Before cleaning or moving the slicer, unplug the power cord. Close the gauge plate fully before cleaning, and use extreme caution around the sharp knife. Unplug the machine before cleaning, servicing or removing parts, and replace parts before using the slicer again.

Remove the product tray, meat grip, meat grip rod, slice deflector, knife cover, knife cover knob and sharpening stone. Wash machine surfaces and removable parts with warm soapy water, a towel and mild detergent. Pay attention to surfaces where food or liquid can collect and areas touched frequently, including handles, knobs and the control panel. Use generous amounts of soapy water on the sharpener hardware and knife hub. Rinse with clean water and a clean towel, sanitize, then allow parts to air dry.

Do not wash slicer components in a dishwasher, hose down the slicer or splash it excessively with water. Do not use a steel pad. Use products formulated for stainless steel or aluminum, and do not exceed the detergent or sanitizer manufacturer’s recommended concentration. Hobart warns that excessive sanitizer or products not formulated for aluminum may void the warranty. For chlorine sanitizer, the manual sets a maximum of 200 parts per million available chlorine; stronger concentrations can accelerate metal corrosion. Rinse with clean water after sanitizer exposure.

Inspect sharpening stones for cleanliness each time the sharpener is used. Scrub them with a stiff-bristle brush, rinse with clean water and sanitize. The manual also requires inspection of the gaskets and seals shown in its gasket diagram at intervals not exceeding six months. These inspections must be performed by the manufacturer or its authorized service agent. If a gasket or seal is damaged or missing, remove the slicer from service until it is repaired by the manufacturer or its authorized service agent.

Applications

The EDGE is intended for manual slicing in food stores and kitchens within the stated medium-duty use range. Its adjustable gauge plate supports different slice thicknesses, while the meat grip helps hold product on the tray during carriage movement. Consider the series’ four-or-fewer-hours-per-day average runtime guidance when matching the slicer to the expected workload.