QSLF1

Overview

The Hobart QSLF1 is a Q Series over/under refrigeration system for commercial food storage. In this configuration, a medium-temperature refrigerator and a low-temperature freezer are arranged one above the other in a single-section cabinet. The Q Series manual gives the operating temperatures as 38°F for medium-temperature refrigeration and 0°F for low-temperature refrigeration. This layout gives operators separate refrigerated and frozen storage areas in one cabinet.

The parts catalog identifies separate refrigerator and freezer condensing units and evaporator assemblies for the over/under system. It also lists separate temperature controls for the refrigerator and freezer sections. The parts catalog is dated August 2001, and the installation and operation manual is Form 14580, Revision L, dated January 2002.

Key Features

• Over/under arrangement with a medium-temperature refrigerator and a low-temperature freezer.
• Separate refrigerator and freezer condensing units and evaporator assemblies are identified in the parts catalog.
• Separate temperature controls are listed for the refrigerator and freezer units.
• The freezer parts list includes a defrost timer and defrost-related components.
• The manual describes a standard digital thermometer, which is factory calibrated and does not permit recalibration. An optional dial thermometer can be recalibrated.

Specifications

• Model: Hobart QSLF1.
• Equipment type: Q Series over/under refrigeration system; single-section cabinet with medium- and low-temperature units one above the other.
• Medium-temperature section: 38°F.
• Low-temperature section: 0°F.
• Electrical information in the parts catalog: the refrigerator condensing-unit assembly includes a cord listed as 15 amp, 115 V; the freezer condensing-unit assembly includes a power cord listed as 20 amp, 115 V. Confirm the equipment data plate for the electrical service required by the specific unit.
• Warranty stated in the Q Series manual: two years for the cabinet, including parts, labor and travel during normal working hours.

Installation & Requirements

After unpacking, check the cabinet for shipping damage. If damage is found after unpacking, save the packaging material and contact the carrier within 15 days of delivery. Before installation, test the electrical service and confirm that it agrees with the machine data plate, located inside the cabinet in the upper-left corner. The parts catalog lists different refrigerator and freezer cord ratings; the data plate is the reference for the unit's actual electrical requirements.

For refrigeration models, the manual calls for adequate air supply to cool the condensing unit. The operating location must provide either a minimum 12-inch clearance overhead of the condensing unit or unrestricted airflow around it. The manual excerpt does not provide cabinet dimensions or additional connection specifications.

Operation

Use the refrigerator and freezer sections for their respective medium- and low-temperature storage functions. The manual states that the standard digital thermometer is factory calibrated and cannot be recalibrated. If the cabinet has the optional dial thermometer, compare its reading with an accurate test thermometer if a variation is suspected. The manual advises contacting a Hobart-authorized refrigeration service company if the readings differ.

Freezer defrost timer

When equipped with an electronic defrost timer, it is located in a control box behind the trim rail at the top of the reach-in freezer. To access it, remove the thumbscrew on the left side of the control box and slide the lid to the left. Save the thumbscrew and lid and replace them after programming. Once the freezer is connected to AC power, the timer operates from that supply; its permanent backup battery is used during a power interruption and is not replaceable separately from the timer.

The manual gives the factory defrost duration as 25 minutes and the factory schedule as four starts per day: 2 AM, 8 AM, 2 PM and 8 PM. With all 24 schedule switches off, this factory schedule is active. To create a custom schedule, begin in normal operation mode, indicated by the rapidly blinking SET CLOCK light with the PROGRAM and DEFROST ON lights off. Move the switches for the desired start hours to the right; the upper set represents AM hours and the lower set represents PM hours. To schedule a start on the half-hour, move the two adjacent switches for that time to the right. Leave at least 2 hours between the start of any two defrost cycles.

The defrost duration can be changed in 5-minute increments using the lower set of switches. The manual identifies 25 minutes as the usual and recommended setting. To set a duration, enter programming mode as described in the manual, move all 24 switches to the left, then move the lower switch corresponding to the desired duration to the right. Press and hold SET until DEFROST ON begins blinking, then release it. Use Program Review to check the clock, schedule and duration. A manual defrost can be started with the MANUAL DEFROST button. To cancel a defrost cycle in progress, press and hold that button for 3 seconds; the normal schedule continues afterward.

The timer clock is set at the factory to the current time-of-day for Central Standard Time. If power is interrupted, the manual says the clock must be reset to the correct time. If SET CLOCK, PROGRAM and DEFROST ON all blink, the timer's backup battery has weakened. The manual estimates battery life at 10 years. After a power outage and restoration with a weakened battery, the clock resumes as if it were 12:00 midnight, the switch positions determine the schedule, and the factory 25-minute duration is restored. Reset the clock to the current time to avoid defrost cycles starting at unintended times.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Clean the cabinet interior and doors weekly with warm water and a mild household liquid dishwashing detergent. The manual advises against products containing grit, abrasive materials, bleach or harsh chemicals. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean, soft cloth. It also cautions that new or improved cleaning formulas should be tested before use.

Clean door gaskets weekly with warm water and mild household liquid dishwashing detergent. Do not let gaskets contact concentrated cleaners or disinfectants, as the manual warns this can cause premature failure of the gasket material.

Check the condenser coil weekly and keep it free of dirt and grease for proper system operation. Before cleaning the condensing unit, disconnect the electrical power supply. Remove the front trim panel, carefully vacuum or brush dirt and lint from the condenser coil, and replace the trim panel. When needed, flush the evaporator coil, drain pan, condensate loop and condensate dish with fresh water; the manual says this can be part of routine maintenance and may prolong equipment life.

For models equipped with an incandescent light, the manual specifies a 40-watt appliance-type bulb. For models equipped with a fluorescent light, it specifies a replacement tube of the same size and type: 40 watts and 48 inches long.

Troubleshooting

If the unit fails to operate, the manual lists power failure, a loose plug, a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker as possible causes. Check that the temperature control is not set to OFF. If the freezer is in a defrost cycle, wait 30 minutes and check again. If these checks do not resolve the problem, contact service.

Applications

The QSLF1 is suited to commercial kitchen storage needs that call for refrigerated and frozen food in separate sections of one cabinet. Its medium-temperature refrigerator and low-temperature freezer can support day-to-day storage workflows where both types of holding space are needed together.