HS8

Overview

The Hobart HS8 is a manual slicer in Hobart’s HS Series Heavy-Duty Slicer line. It has a 13-inch CleanCut knife with a cobalt alloy edge, a 1/2 HP knife drive motor and a removable knife. The one-piece sanitary anodized aluminum base, tilting and removable carriage, and removable components support access for cleaning. Hobart specifies the slicer for meat and cheese slicing, with a gauge plate adjustable for slice thickness up to 1 inch.

The HS8 is the removable-knife model; the related HS8N has a non-removable knife. The HS8 also has a removable ring guard cover, a magnetically secured knife cover and a top-mounted Borazon sharpening system. Its six interlocks include no-volt release and home-to-start protection.

Key Features

• 13-inch CleanCut knife: The knife has a cobalt alloy edge. Hobart states that its super-alloy edge stays sharp longer and lasts two to three times longer than carbon-coated or stainless steel knives. The knife is approximately 13 inches and is constructed of 304L stainless steel and high-performance Stellite alloy.
• 1/2 HP knife drive motor: The knife is driven by a Hobart Poly V-Belt and runs at 430 RPM. Hobart identifies the motor as providing the power to slice cheese and meat without shredding.
• Adjustable gauge plate: Machined grooves on the gauge plate and knife cover reduce drag for a smooth slicing motion. The double-action indexing cam gives precise control for shaving, chipping and thin slicing during the first full revolution of the indexing knob; the second revolution opens the gauge plate quickly for thicker slices. The gauge plate holds its position for consistent slicing.
• Top-mounted Borazon sharpening system: The single-action system uses two Borazon stones to sharpen and hone the knife. It is removable and warewasher safe; when removed for cleaning, the knife edge is completely shielded. Hobart states that the stones have a lifetime guarantee.
• Carriage and product handling: The tilting and removable carriage allows access for cleaning. The removable meat grip assembly opens for unobstructed loading and is dishwasher safe. A lift assist helps users get underneath the slicer for cleaning.
• Knife-area features: The knife cover is retained magnetically and removes by pulling straight back on its top-cover knob. The removable ring guard cover catches food debris; removing it reveals a 0.12-inch space between the knife and guard for easier flossing. The ring guard is made with Zytel plastic and can be washed in a warewasher or three-compartment sink.
• Six interlocks: No-volt release prevents automatic restart after power loss. The gauge plate interlock requires the gauge plate to be closed and the product tray in the home position before the carriage arm can be removed. The slicer shuts off after 30 seconds of non-use, stops when the gauge plate is closed, will not start until the carriage is in the home position, and will not let the carriage tilt away or be removed unless the gauge plate is closed.
• Accessories: A full fence, food chute and debris deflector are available at extra cost.

Specifications

• Model: Hobart HS8 manual heavy-duty slicer
• Knife: Approximately 13 inches; CleanCut knife with cobalt alloy edge; 304L stainless steel and high-performance Stellite alloy construction
• Knife drive motor: 1/2 HP
• Knife speed: 430 RPM
• Maximum carriage capacity: 5.75 x 10.75 inches rectangular product or 7.5 inches in diameter
• Slice thickness: Adjustable up to 1 inch
• Electrical: 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase; 5.4 A
• Wattage: 648 W
• Plug: NEMA 5-15P; three-wire power supply cord and plug, with a 6-foot cord specified on the Hobart sheet
• Controls: Moisture-protected push-button switch
• Construction: One-piece sanitary anodized aluminum base; anodized aluminum product tray and gauge plate; stainless steel top cover
• Dimensions: 24-5/8 inches wide x 30-5/16 inches deep x 25-1/2 inches high
• Weight: 132 lb shipping weight
• Certifications: NSF-rated; the product listing also identifies ETLC certification
• Warranty stated on the Hobart specification sheet: One year of parts and service coverage, including the knife; lifetime guarantee on the Borazon sharpening stones

Installation & Requirements

Before installation, the HS Series installation guide says to check that the electrical service agrees with the slicer’s data plate. The data plate is located on the left side of the slicer base. For the HS8, the specification sheet lists 120 V, 60 Hz, single-phase power and 5.4 A; the product listing specifies a NEMA 5-15P connection.

The guide states that the slicer’s three-pronged grounding plug must connect to a properly grounded receptacle. If the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, the guide directs users to contact an electrician. Do not remove the grounding prong. Place the slicer on a suitable counter or tabletop. To install the product tray, lower the bottom of its support arm onto the carriage hinge pins, tilt the tray toward the gauge plate, and tighten the support-arm knob against the support arm.

Operation

The HS8 is a manual slicer. Load product onto the product tray and use the carriage to feed it past the knife. The removable meat grip assembly opens for loading. Set the gauge plate for the desired slice thickness, up to 1 inch. Its double-action indexing cam provides fine adjustment for shaving, chipping and thin slices during the first full turn of the indexing knob, then opens the gauge plate more quickly during the second turn for thicker slices. The plate holds its setting for consistent slicing.

The 1/2 HP motor drives the knife at 430 RPM. Hobart specifies the slicer for meat and cheese, and states that the motor provides power for slicing these products without shredding. The top-mounted Borazon sharpener operates with a single action. The HS8’s controls are moisture-protected push buttons, and the interlocks include home-to-start, close-to-stop and a 30-second shutoff after non-use.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before cleaning, the HS Series installation guide instructs users to unplug the power cord and turn the index knob fully clockwise to close the gauge plate. It warns users to exercise extreme caution near the knife. Thoroughly clean and sanitize the slicer before use. Remove, clean and sanitize all removable parts, following the model’s operation manual for removal and reinstallation procedures. The guide emphasizes that slicer knives are sharp and require care during operation, cleaning and maintenance.

After removing the parts, wipe all slicer surfaces with a cloth soaked in mild detergent and warm water. Rinse with a fresh cloth and clean water, then apply sanitizing solution. Use only products formulated to be safe on stainless steel or aluminum. Let removable parts dry fully before reassembling the slicer.

The HS8’s tilting and removable carriage gives access for cleaning, and the lift assist helps users clean underneath the unit. Hobart identifies the one-piece base as having fewer crevices where debris may collect. The removable knife can be cleaned in a sink or dishwasher; the meat grip assembly is dishwasher safe. The ring guard cover can be washed in a warewasher or three-compartment sink, and the removable top-mounted sharpener is warewasher safe. When the sharpener is removed for cleaning, the knife edge is shielded.

Applications

The HS8 is suited to commercial food-preparation settings that slice meat or cheese, including deli and butcher operations. Its manual carriage, adjustable gauge plate and stated product capacity support slicing a range of product shapes up to 5.75 x 10.75 inches rectangular or 7.5 inches in diameter. The removable knife and carriage features are relevant where access for cleaning is part of daily slicer use.