HSF90

Overview

The Hobart HSF90 is an electric countertop convection steamer. Its replacement-parts catalog identifies an electric heating element, steam-generator tank, cooking-compartment door assembly, control components, water-level probes and water valves. The supplied HSF90 parts catalog is dated June 2001 and lists service parts by illustration number and part number.

The documentation supplied for this model also covers deliming and cleaning procedures for the HSF90 and describes the Hobart SPS600H water filter as compatible with the HSF90. The filter is a separate accessory; the documentation does not establish that it is included with the steamer.

Key Features

• Electric steam generation: The parts catalog lists a 7.5 kW, 208 V element assembly and a steam-generator tank.
• Door and compartment parts: Listed parts include a door gasket, door panels, latch assembly, handle, bronze bushings, trough, hinge rod and pan rack.
• Control and safety components: The catalog identifies a timer, buzzer, contactors, relays, a door switch and actuator, indicator lights, thermostats and water-level controls.
• Water-system parts: The catalog lists fill, cooling and blowdown solenoids, along with generator probes and a descaling assembly.
• Service documentation: The HSF90 deliming procedure specifies CLR treatment, a ready-cycle soak and repeated flush cycles. Filter documentation provides separate maintenance instructions for the compatible SPS600H filter.

Specifications

• Manufacturer and model: Hobart HSF90.
• Equipment type: Electric countertop convection steamer.
• Heating element: Element assembly rated 208 V, 7.5 kW, as listed in the HSF90 parts catalog.
• Steam generator: The parts catalog lists a steam-generator tank. For units identified in the catalog as serial number AP1007738-9Q4798 and later, starred parts include a three-probe, solid-state generator tank and associated probes and control. The catalog also lists a two-probe mechanical level control.
• Electrical component listing: A transformer is listed as 208/240 V. This is a component specification, not a statement of the unit’s required supply connection.
• Door assembly: Complete door assembly 00-844191 includes catalog items 2 through 8.
• CLR treatment kit: Part 00-817972 is listed as a CLR treatment kit. The supplied procedure calls for 28 fl oz of CLR during deliming.
• Compatible water filter: Hobart documentation identifies the SPS600H filter for the HSF90. Its 10-inch cartridge service life is listed as 7,500 gallons, with replacement recommended at least every six months or if operating pressure falls to 20 psig or below.

Parts identified in the HSF90 catalog

For service identification, the catalog lists the following replacement parts and numbers: 00-844453 screw; 00-851224 gasket plate; 00-844196 door gasket; 00-844195 and 00-844192 door panels; 00-844194 latch assembly; 00-844193 door handle; 00-840493 bronze bushing; 00-844261 trough; 00-844392 control-panel decal; 00-844388 delime-generator pilot light; 00-844422 switch; 00-881995 knob; 00-881972 pilot light; 00-842049 door switch; 00-844197 door actuator; 00-844201 O-ring; 00-850041 descaling assembly; and 00-850618 hinge rod.

Other cataloged electrical and water-system parts include 00-843812 single relay; 00-843813 double relay and relay; 00-411690-00002 timer; 00-844330 buzzer; 00-844329 contactor; 00-850485 steam-generator tank; 00-850482 low-level cut-off probe; 00-850483 low-level probe; 00-844156 high-level probe; 00-844157 low-level probe; 00-840511 terminal block assembly; 00-836926 element gasket; 00-836927 element assembly; 00-843804 blowdown solenoid; 00-853340 fill and cooling solenoids; 00-850429-00001 high-limit thermostat; 00-881973 thermostat; 00-843818 two-probe mechanical level control; 00-850481 three-probe solid-state level control; 00-355926 delime circuit board; 00-844391 transformer; and 00-851407 component-mounting plate. The catalog also lists 00-840496 striker, WS-030-38 washer, WL-006-36 lockwasher, NS-015-16 hex nut, 00-841917 stainless-steel top, 00-840499 pan rack, and 00-844191 door assembly.

Installation & Requirements

The supplied HSF90 materials do not provide the steamer’s full installation instructions, required clearances, ventilation details or incoming electrical connection requirements. They do provide installation requirements for the optional SPS600H water filter documented as compatible with this model. Do not treat those filter requirements as the steamer’s installation specifications.

SPS600H filter requirements

• Mount the filter level on a sturdy support structure or wall; the instructions say not to mount it directly on the steamer.
• Install it in the cold-water line only. The instructions warn that hot water can damage the filter housing.
• The filter inlet is on the left and the outlet is on the right after the pressure gauge. Connect the filtered outlet to the steamer’s boiler-feed connection, not its cold-water condenser connection.
• The filter housing has 3/4-inch NPT internal pipe threads at the inlet and outlet. Plumbing connections must comply with applicable sanitary, safety and plumbing codes.
• For the SPS600H, the stated recommended incoming flow rate is 2 gallons per minute. The listed minimum and maximum operating temperatures are 45°F and 100°F; minimum and maximum operating pressures are 20 psig and 125 psig. The manual also lists minimum line pressure of 40 psig and maximum line pressure of 125 psig.
• If the filter pressure gauge is over 60 psig, the instructions call for reducing pressure to the boiler to a maximum of 60 psig using a pressure-reducing regulator after the filter, moving the gauge downstream of the regulator and setting pressure to 60 psig.
• Protect the filter from freezing, and keep it in contact with water after installation. The instructions say not to use it with microbiologically unsafe or unknown-quality water without adequate disinfection before or after filtration; they state that a municipal water supply meets this requirement.

Operation

The supplied HSF90 documentation describes operation in connection with deliming rather than providing a complete cooking or daily-operation guide. During the documented CLR procedure, the cooking timer is set to zero. The steamer is brought to its ready cycle for the specified treatment period, then turned off to drain. The manual’s flush sequence uses the ready light to indicate when to switch the unit off and drain the generator.

For a steamer fitted with the SPS600H filter, the filter instructions say to open the filter water-supply valve and press the red pressure-relief button on the filter head until air is purged. The filter manual’s reagent procedure also instructs operators to run the steamer with steam flowing through the compartments for approximately 35 minutes before draining the filter housing and installing the replacement cartridge.

Cleaning & Maintenance

HSF90 deliming and cabinet cleaning

The supplied Hobart procedure applies to the HSF90 as well as the HSF3, HSF4 and HSF5. It warns that the steamer and its parts are hot and that the cooking compartment contains live steam. Stay clear when opening the door. Follow the instructions on the CLR bottle and wear plastic or rubber gloves to avoid skin contact; if CLR contacts skin, rinse with clean water.

1. Turn the steamer off and set the cooking timer to zero. If the unit has a DELIME GENERATOR light, set the ON/OFF/DELIME switch to DELIME. If it does not have that light, turn off the water supply and turn the ON/OFF switch on; the instructions say this closes the drain valve.
2. Locate the deliming port. If the deliming plug is inside the cooking compartment, unscrew it so the hole points upward. If the plug is on the outside of the left side panel, remove the top plug.
3. Insert the plastic tube into the deliming port and connect the funnel to the other end. Slowly pour 28 fl oz of CLR into the generator to avoid spillage. Pour in water to rinse the deliming plug, remove the tube and funnel, and replace the plug so it seals tightly.
4. Turn the steamer on if it is not already on, and restore the water supply if it was turned off. Leave the steamer at the READY cycle for 1 1/2 hours, then turn it off and allow it to drain.
5. Run the flush cycle: turn the steamer on, wait for the READY light, then turn it off to drain. Repeat this step three times to flush the generator completely.
6. Clean the cabinet interior and exterior with a mild soap-and-water solution, rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Leave the compartment door open when the steamer is not in use. The manual states that the steamer is then ready for use or can be turned off for overnight shutdown.

SPS600H filter maintenance

The filter manual recommends replacing its cartridge at least every six months and also recommends replacement if operating pressure falls to 20 psig or below. The stated cartridge service life is 7,500 gallons; actual capacity varies with flow rate, incoming pressure and local water conditions. Filter maintenance, including use of the reagent pack and cartridge replacement, is specified at least every six months. The manual cautions that failure to follow its filter use, care and maintenance instructions may void the Hobart equipment warranty.

To remove the cartridge, turn off the steamer, close the incoming filter-water valve and press the red pressure-relief button. Unscrew the lower housing by hand or with the supplied wrench, taking care because it contains water and is heavy. Discard the used cartridge. Inspect the large black O-ring in the housing groove and the two small white O-rings at the cartridge ends. Clean the housing with mild soap; do not use alcohol-based cleaners. Clean and reseat the large O-ring and apply a very light coating of white petroleum jelly. The filter instructions say to use the reagent pack as directed, then drain the housing and install the replacement cartridge with its center hole facing up. Ensure all three O-rings are correctly positioned and do not overtighten the housing. Open the water supply and press the red button until air is purged.

For a previously used steamer receiving a filter, the filter manual says to delime the equipment before installing the filter. After filter installation, it directs operators to follow the filter cartridge replacement and preventive-maintenance instructions at least every six months or when the filter pressure gauge declines to 20 psig; it says not to delime using the equipment manual’s separate procedure during that filter-maintenance cycle.

Troubleshooting

The supplied troubleshooting guidance concerns the SPS600H filter and water feed, rather than a complete HSF90 steamer fault guide.

• Short filter life: The manual identifies excessive particles in the water, hard water or water quality beyond specification as possible causes. Check the water source; additional water treatment may be needed.
• Filter pressure declines to 20 psig or below: The filter instructions call for the necessary filter-system maintenance, including cartridge replacement and the reagent-pack procedure.

Applications

The HSF90’s countertop convection-steamer format is suited to commercial food-service kitchens preparing steamed vegetables, fish, poultry, grains and other menu components. The parts documentation confirms the steam generator and cooking compartment components; it does not specify cooking capacities, cycle times or menu-performance figures.