HFBMW3

Overview

The Hobart HFBMW3 FlashBake Microwave uses high-speed cooking technology that cooks the outside of food while heat also penetrates the surface so the inside cooks at the same time. The manual describes halogen light as the primary source of cooking power, with an automatic microwave boost added for certain foods. It also says the oven can be used solely as a 950-watt microwave oven.

The manual covers the HFBMW series, including the HFBMW3. Its installation and electrical information is presented for the oven series rather than as separate HFBMW3-only figures. Read the manual and follow its instructions before installing or operating the oven.

Key Features

• FlashBake cooking: Halogen light cooks the exterior while heat penetrates the food, allowing the inside to cook simultaneously.
• Automatic microwave boost: The oven adds microwave energy automatically for certain foods.
• Microwave-only operation: The oven can also operate as a 950-watt microwave.
• Turntable: The cleaning instructions identify a removable oven rack turntable.
• Tip bracket: The supplied bracket is a safety feature intended to help keep the oven stable when the door is open. The manual specifies securing the bracket to the oven and anchoring it to the counter.

Specifications

• Model: HFBMW3.
• Product type: FlashBake microwave oven.
• Microwave-only output stated in the manual: 950 watts.
• Electrical data stated for the HFBMW series: 120/208–240 volts, 30 amps, 6.5 kW, 60 cycles, single phase.
• Counter support: The counter must be at least 36 1/2 inches (916 mm) high and capable of supporting the oven load of 80 lb. (36 kg).
• Required side and rear clearance: 3 inches (76 mm) for free air flow.
• Recommended wall receptacle for cord-connected ovens: NEMA 14-30R, 30 amp.

Installation & Requirements

After unpacking, check the oven for shipping damage. If it is damaged, retain the packaging and contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery. Before installation, compare the electrical supply with the specifications on the data plate at the back of the oven. If they do not agree, contact a local Hobart Service Office. Remove the protective shipping film from the oven exterior before installation or use.

Place the oven on a smooth, flat, stable and level counter. Do not locate it in a hot or damp area, near a gas or electric range, above or next to excessive heat, or where it is exposed to greasy air. Leave 3 inches (76 mm) of clearance at the sides and back for air flow. The manual recommends positioning the oven so its housing can be removed for service; only qualified service personnel should remove the housing. The counter must be at least 36 1/2 inches (916 mm) high and able to support the oven load of 80 lb. (36 kg).

Install the tip bracket at the bottom rear right side of the oven when viewed from the back. Use the existing hole to attach the bracket to the oven, then anchor the bracket to the counter surface. The manual requires installation in the United States to follow applicable state and local codes and the latest edition of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA-70. In Canada, follow local codes and the latest edition of the Canadian Electric Code, CSA C22.2.

Electrical connection

Electrical and grounding connections must comply with applicable electrical codes. Disconnect electrical power and place a tag at the disconnect switch before working on the circuit. For a hard-wired oven, a qualified electrician must connect the oven to a properly rated dedicated circuit using the wires and conduit provided, with appropriate conduit, strain relief, wire and connectors. Connections for aluminum wiring must be listed for use with aluminum and copper wiring.

For a cord-connected oven, use the supplied short power cord, do not use an extension cord, and plug the oven into a dedicated circuit outlet of the appropriate NEMA style and rating. The manual recommends a NEMA 14-30R wall receptacle. Both hot legs must measure 120 volts to neutral. Do not connect the oven to a source using a stinger or wild leg. The manual specifies a four-prong grounding plug and warns not to remove its grounding prong; if the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, contact an electrician.

Operation

The oven and its parts become hot during operation. Use care when operating, cleaning or servicing it, and use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot trays and containers. Use approved utensils and cookware; do not place food directly on the oven’s interior surfaces. Do not operate the oven empty, because microwave energy can reflect through the cavity without food or water to absorb it.

The oven includes timed defrost operation. For DEFROST (TIME), 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 a time adjustment or start. Turn the food when the display says TURN FOOD OVER. The manual states that timed defrost automatically uses power level 3, which can be changed. It notes that power level 7 cuts total defrost time in half and power level 10 reduces it to about a third; higher power levels require more frequent attention. For more even defrosting of larger foods, such as roasts, the manual recommends DEFROST (AUTO) and says to ensure large meats are completely defrosted before cooking. For automatic defrost, remove food from its package. For timed defrost, food can remain in paper or plastic packaging, but slit closed packages after the food has partially defrosted and partially uncover plastic containers. Foods that spoil easily should not sit out for more than one hour after defrosting.

Do not cover or block oven openings. Do not use the oven outdoors or near water, immerse its cord or plug in water, or let the cord touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of a counter or table. Do not use the cavity for storage or leave paper products, utensils or food inside when the oven is not in use. Remove wire twist-ties from paper or plastic bags before placing them in the oven. Do not use newspapers, paper bags or recycled paper products for cooking; the manual warns that recycled paper can contain impurities that may cause sparks or fires. Do not dry clothes, newspapers or other materials in the oven, and do not store flammable materials next to, on top of or inside it.

If materials inside the oven ignite, press ON/OFF to turn the oven off, keep the door closed, and disconnect the power cord or shut off power at the fuse or circuit-breaker panel. Do not attempt to defeat the door safety interlocks or operate the oven with the door open. Do not operate the oven if it is damaged, especially if the door does not close properly or the door, hinges, latches, seals or sealing surfaces are damaged. Only properly qualified service personnel may adjust or repair the oven.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Disconnect or unplug electrical power before cleaning. Allow the oven to cool first. The manual recommends cleaning after each shift; in a very busy operation, wipe out food debris during the shift until a full cleaning can be performed. Keeping the cavity free of debris helps limit smoke and odours from food left on the lamp shields and interior walls.

Use mild, non-caustic dish soap, an FDA food-quality sanitizer for cooking surfaces, a vinegar-and-water solution or a baking-soda-and-water solution. Use a food-service-quality terry cloth towel or a certified nonabrasive institutional pad. Do not use oven cleaners, abrasive materials, sharp objects or steel wool. Do not pour cleaning liquid into the oven; apply it with a damp cloth. Rinse cleaned surfaces to remove soap and chemicals, then wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Remove the oven rack turntable and wash it carefully in warm, sudsy water. Wipe food debris from the cavity, working from back to front. A rubber or plastic scraper or a nonabrasive pad may be used to loosen food on the upper and lower halogen lamp glass covers. Do not remove the lamp covers or touch the cooking lamps: skin oils on the lamps can lead to premature lamp failure. Keep both lamp covers free of grease and food splatter. Clean the inside of the front door with a terry cloth towel and a recommended cleaner; clean the inside and outside door windows with a cloth dampened with window cleaner. Wipe the interior cavity with a clean cloth dampened with food-quality sanitizer. Clean the exterior with a soft cloth sparingly dampened with commercial stainless-steel cleaner.

When the oven is cool, visually inspect its interior at least once each day for obvious damaged, worn or broken parts. Do not operate it 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 power before maintenance. Do not remove the oven covers or open the control cabinet: there are no user-serviceable parts inside, and the manual warns that doing so will void the warranty. For service and parts information, contact a local Hobart Service Office.

Troubleshooting

If the display is blank, the manual’s troubleshooting table says the control may have been turned off; press ON/OFF to turn the control on. If the display is lit but the oven will not start, check whether the clock has been set and whether the door is securely closed. The table also advises checking that a cooking selection has been entered and that CLEAR was not pressed after entering the selection. If these checks do not reset the oven and allow a cooking cycle to begin, contact a local Hobart Service Office. Do not remove covers or attempt internal repairs.

Applications

The manual describes the FlashBake cooking method as suitable for foods where a browned or crisp exterior and a cooked interior are both desired. It notes that bread products brown and become crisp, while vegetables retain their colour and texture. Timed or automatic defrost is also described, including timed defrost for food in paper or plastic packaging and automatic defrost for larger items such as roasts.