HFBMW2

Overview

The Hobart HFBMW2 FlashBake is a commercial microwave oven that uses a combination of cooking technologies. Halogen light is the primary source of cooking power; a microwave boost is added automatically for certain foods. The manual describes the result as fast, even cooking that helps food retain natural moisture. Bread products can brown and become crisp, while vegetables retain their colour and texture.

The oven can also be used solely as a 950-watt microwave oven. The HFBMW2 is identified in the manual as model ML-126818. HFBMW3 is listed as a related model in the HFBMW series.

Key Features

• FlashBake cooking: Halogen light cooks the outside of foods while heat penetrates the surface so the inside cooks at the same time.
• Automatic microwave boost: Microwave energy is added automatically for certain foods.
• Microwave-only use: The oven can operate as a 950-watt microwave oven.
• Food programs: The troubleshooting guidance refers to selections for fresh or frozen vegetables, bacon and canned foods, as well as time-based cooking.
• Defrost options: Defrost by time or use the automatic defrost program for larger foods.

Specifications

• Brand: Hobart
• Model: HFBMW2
• Manual model number: ML-126818
• Product type: FlashBake microwave oven
• Electrical supply: 120/208–240 volts
• Current: 30 amps
• Electrical rating: 6.5 kW
• Frequency: 60 Hz
• Phase: Single phase
• Microwave-only output stated in the manual: 950 watts
• Oven weight: 80 lb. (36 kg)
• Minimum counter height: 36 1/2 in. (916 mm)
• Side and rear clearance: 3 in. (76 mm) for free airflow
• Recommended wall receptacle for cord-connected ovens: NEMA 14-30R, 30 amp
• Electrical connection: Cord-connected or hard-wired, as described in the manual

Installation & Requirements

Location and support

Place the oven on a smooth, flat, stable and level counter. The counter must be at least 36 1/2 in. (916 mm) high and capable of supporting the 80 lb. (36 kg) oven load. Leave 3 in. (76 mm) of clearance at the sides and back for airflow. Do not locate the oven in a hot or damp area, above or beside excessive heat, or near greasy air. The manual recommends choosing a location that allows the housing to be removed for service; only qualified service personnel should remove the housing.

Install the supplied tip bracket to help keep the oven stable when its door is open. With the oven in its final position, secure the bracket to the existing hole at the lower back right side of the oven, viewed from the rear, then anchor the bracket to the counter surface.

Electrical connection

Before installation, compare the electrical supply with the data plate on the back of the oven. If they do not agree, contact a local Hobart Service Office. Electrical and grounding connections must comply with applicable local codes. The manual specifies the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.2, for installations in Canada and local codes for both Canadian and US installations.

For a hard-wired oven, a qualified electrician must connect the appliance to a properly rated dedicated circuit using the supplied wires and conduit, with appropriate conduit, strain relief, wire and connectors. For a cord-connected oven, use the supplied four-prong grounding plug and a dedicated circuit outlet of the appropriate NEMA style and rating. The manual recommends a NEMA 14-30R receptacle. Do not remove the grounding prong or use an extension cord. Both hot legs must measure 120 volts to neutral; do not connect the oven to a source using a stinger or wild leg.

Peel the protective shipping film from the exterior before installation or use. If the oven is found damaged after unpacking, retain the packaging and contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery.

Operation

Cooking and defrosting

For timed defrosting, remove food from its package and place it on a microwave-safe dish. Select DEFROST (TIME), enter the defrost time, and start when the display prompts for adjustment or start. Turn the food over when the display reads TURN FOOD OVER. During DEFROST (TIME), the power level is automatically set at 3; the manual says it can be changed. Power level 7 cuts total defrost time in half, while power level 10 reduces it to about one third. Higher power requires more frequent attention.

For more even defrosting of larger foods such as roasts, use DEFROST (AUTO), and make sure large meats are completely defrosted before cooking. Foods that spoil easily should not sit out for more than one hour after defrosting. Timed defrost can be used with foods frozen in paper or plastic packaging, but remove packaging for automatic defrost. Slit closed packages after food has partially defrosted and partially uncover plastic containers.

Safe use

The oven and its parts become hot, so use care during operation and when handling cooking trays or containers; use oven mitts or pot holders. Do not operate the oven with the door open, defeat its safety interlocks, or use it if the door, hinges, latches, seals or sealing surfaces are damaged. Do not place objects between the front face and door. Use approved utensils and cookware, and do not use the cavity surfaces for direct food contact.

Do not use the oven to dry clothes, newspapers or other materials, and do not use recycled paper products, newspapers or paper bags for cooking. Remove wire twist-ties from paper or plastic bags. Do not store items in the cavity or leave paper products, cooking utensils or food inside when the oven is not in use. Keep flammable materials away from the oven. If a fire occurs, press ON/OFF, keep the door closed, and disconnect power or shut it off at the fuse or circuit breaker panel.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning

Disconnect electrical power before cleaning and allow the oven to cool. The manual recommends cleaning after each shift; in a very busy operation, wipe out the oven during the shift until a detailed cleaning can be completed. Keeping the cavity free of food debris helps maintain cooking efficiency and minimizes smoke and odours from residue on the lamp shields and interior walls.

Remove the oven rack turntable and wash it carefully in warm, sudsy water. Wipe food debris from the cavity with a cloth dampened with a recommended cleaner, working from back to front. Use mild, non-caustic dish soap, a food-quality sanitizer for cooking surfaces, a vinegar-and-water solution or a baking-soda-and-water solution. Do not pour cleaning liquid into the oven. A rubber or plastic scraper or certified nonabrasive pad may be used to loosen food from the upper and lower halogen lamp glass covers. Keep both covers free of grease and food splatter.

Do not remove the lamp covers or touch the cooking lamps; skin oils can lead to premature lamp failure. Clean the inside door surface with a terry cloth towel and recommended cleaner, and clean the inside and outside door windows with window cleaner on a cloth. Wipe the interior with a clean cloth dampened with food-quality sanitizer. Clean the exterior with a soft cloth sparingly dampened with commercial stainless-steel cleaner. Do not use steel wool, oven cleaner, abrasives or sharp objects on the cavity walls or window. Rinse cleaned surfaces to remove soap and chemicals, then wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Inspection and service

At least once each day, when the oven is cool, visually inspect the interior for damaged, worn or broken parts. Do not operate the oven if either the upper or lower halogen lamp cover is cracked or broken; contact a local Hobart Service Office. All lamps must be replaced by a Hobart Service Technician. Disconnect the electrical supply before maintenance. Do not remove oven covers or open the control cabinet: there are no user-serviceable parts inside, and the manual warns that removing covers will void the warranty. Have the oven serviced only by qualified service personnel.

Troubleshooting

• Display is blank: The control may have been turned off. Press ON/OFF to turn the control on.
• Display is lit but the oven will not start: Check that the clock is set and the door is securely closed. If CLEAR was pressed after entering a selection, re-enter the cooking program. For a food selection, verify the required time, quantity or size; for time-based cooking, confirm TIME or TIME COOK was entered. Press START/ENTER to begin.
• Oven still will not reset or start: Contact a local Hobart Service Office.

Applications