CRTE

Overview

The Pitco CRTE is an electric countertop rethermalizer with a 6-gallon (22.7 L) water tank. It is intended for reheating food in a water bath, rather than deep-frying in oil. The manual refers to food in vacuum-sealed packaging and directs operators to follow food-safety guidance from the food manufacturer and applicable FDA guidance.

The CRTE is available with different control and electrical configurations. Check the appliance data plate, located inside the door, to identify the requirements for the specific unit. The manual advises having qualified professionals install and set up the appliance so the installation meets applicable building and fire codes.

Key Features

• 6-gallon tank: The manual lists a capacity of 6 gallons (22.7 litres).
• Electric countertop format: The CRTE is an electric counter-top rethermalizer intended for indoor use.
• Control configurations: The parts manual lists digital solid-state and solid-state control components. The digital thermostat is listed as a 24V, 180°F control.
• Water-level protection: The tank water must cover the heating elements, and the low-water sensors must be covered for proper operation.
• Drain connection: The drain is at the front of the appliance and uses a quick-disconnect fitting.
• Included and optional accessories: The manual lists a drain hose and four soup racks as standard. An element rack, two 3-product racks and a tank cover for the 3-product rack are listed as optional accessories.
• Service parts reference: The CRTE parts manual identifies components including the liquid-level control, temperature probe, heating element, high-temperature limit, rocker switch and drain hose assembly.

Specifications

• Model: Pitco CRTE.
• Equipment type: Electric countertop rethermalizer.
• Tank capacity: 6 gal (22.7 L).
• Control options listed in the parts manual: Digital solid-state and solid-state.
• Digital thermostat listed in the parts manual: 24V, 180°F.
• Electrical options listed in the installation manual: 200 VAC, single phase, 5.5 kW, 28 A; 208 VAC, single phase, 6 kW, 29 A; 220 VAC, single phase, 5 kW, 23 A; 230 VAC, single phase, 5.5 kW, 24 A; or 240 VAC, single phase, 6 kW, 25 A. The appliance ships with one power cord; verify the data plate and supplied cord for the unit being installed.
• Drain connection: Front-mounted tank quick-disconnect fitting; the manual specifies a 3/8-inch drain hose with 3/8-inch inside-diameter tubing and a 36-inch hose length. The parts manual separately lists a CRTE drain-hose assembly as 4 feet.
• Standard accessories listed in the manual: Drain hose and four soup racks.
• Optional accessories listed in the manual: Element rack; two 3-product racks; tank cover for the 3-product rack.
• Construction noted in the product listing: Stainless-steel tank and front panels.
• Listings shown in the product listing: UL Listed and NSF Listed.

Installation & Requirements

Placement and clearances

The manual specifies these clearances for the CRTE. For combustible construction, allow 6 inches at the back, 6 inches at the sides and 4.75 inches at the counter. For non-combustible construction, the listed clearances are 0 inches at the back, sides and counter. The manual also requires at least 16 inches of aisle space in front of the unit. Do not obstruct ventilation or air openings; clearance is needed for component ventilation and servicing.

Place the appliance in its permanent position and check that it is level. The manual says the appliance should be secured to the countertop to prevent accidental movement and splashing of hot liquid. Do not level the unit while it is operating or contains hot liquid. The CRTE is for indoor use only. The manual warns not to install it next to a deep-fat fryer because water splashing into hot oil can cause a steam eruption.

Electrical connection

Match the electrical supply to the voltage and phase shown on the data plate inside the appliance door. The manual lists the electrical options in the Specifications section; those options are not interchangeable. Connecting the unit to the wrong supply may damage it and void the warranty. Electrical connection must be completed by qualified personnel, and the appliance must be grounded in accordance with applicable local requirements. In Canada, the manual refers installers to CSA Standard C22.2 and local codes.

The manual lists several compatible 30A power-cord styles: standard twist-lock NEMA L6-30P, shrouded twist-lock NEMA L6-30P, right-angle straight-blade NEMA 6-30P, and pin-and-sleeve IEC 309 configurations. Confirm the exact cord and receptacle against the appliance supplied. The manual advises connecting the power supply to a receptacle controlled by the ventilation control so the appliance cannot be operated without the ventilator on.

Drainage

The CRTE drain connection is at the front, in the bottom-left corner. The manual specifies a 3/8-inch quick disconnect and a 36-inch drain hose with 3/8-inch inside-diameter tubing. The hose must be inserted into the tank quick-disconnect fitting for the appliance to drain correctly. The manual says plumbing work should be performed by a licensed plumber and comply with local and national codes.

Operation

Filling and starting

• Before filling, make sure the drain is closed if the drain hose is connected.
• The manual recommends filling the tank with hot water to reduce the time needed to reach operating temperature.
• Fill to the water-level line and make sure the low-water sensors are covered. The unit may not operate properly if the sensors are not sufficiently covered.
• Do not turn the appliance on until the heating elements are fully covered with water. Maintain the water at the level line during operation.
• If the unit does not have an overflow drain, or the overflow drain stop is being used, do not leave it unattended while filling.
• Follow the operating procedure in the manual and the food manufacturer’s handling instructions for the food being reheated.

Shutdown and draining

To shut down, press the power switch to the 0 (OFF) position. Completely shut the appliance down before draining so it cannot heat during draining or refilling. Wear protective gloves and clothing when draining or handling the hot water. Do not add water to a hot tank; the manual says to allow the tank ample time to cool first.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Disconnect the power supply before cleaning, maintenance or service. The CRTE is not approved for jet-stream cleaning; do not clean it with a water jet. Wear protective gloves and clothing when cleaning or draining because the water can be extremely hot. Do not leave the appliance unattended during cleaning, and keep the water level above the heating element.

Initial cleaning

Before first use, clean the tank interior and other food-contact surfaces with a commercial cleaner formulated for food-contact surfaces, following the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions. Wipe dust or foreign material from the cabinet exterior. Rinse the tank thoroughly with cool water until all cleaner is removed, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

Daily care

• Turn the appliance off before cleaning the cook tank.
• Clean the tank, racks, heating element and temperature probe with a mildly abrasive pad and a commercial cleaner intended for cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces. Follow the cleaner’s instructions.
• Use a cotton swab or soft-bristle brush to clean the low-water sensor contacts. Mineral deposits on the contacts may cause improper operation.
• Rinse the tank and its components thoroughly with cool water at least twice, or until all cleaner is removed.
• Wipe the cabinet exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Keep detergent out of the tank and food zone.
• Check that the high-temperature limit, temperature probe, low-water sensor and heating element are in position and secured. Check cords and wires for fraying or looseness, and check for water leaks around drain lines and the cabinet.

Monthly care and inspection

Water can leave mineral deposits inside the tank. The manual calls for monthly deliming, following the deliming product manufacturer’s instructions, and says more frequent cleaning may be needed. It also recommends an annual inspection by a qualified service technician to check performance and operation.

Troubleshooting

Disconnect power before servicing. The manual’s troubleshooting chart identifies the following checks for power and heating issues:

• No power to the appliance: Check the building power supply and power-cord connection. If a circuit breaker has tripped, reset the supply circuit breaker. If the rocker switch is at 0 (OFF), press it to the start position and release it.
• Control does not activate: The chart lists a tripped high-temperature limit or low water level as possible causes. Allow the appliance to cool to room temperature for the high-temperature limit to reset, or fill the tank to the water-level line so the low-water sensors are covered.
• Appliance stops heating: The chart also lists a tripped circuit breaker, a tripped high-temperature limit or low water level. Reset the supply circuit breaker if tripped; allow the appliance to cool for the high limit to reset; and fill to the water-level line if water is low.
• Mineral buildup on low-water sensor contacts: Clean the contacts with a cotton swab or soft-bristle brush as part of the manual’s daily tank-cleaning procedure; deposits may cause improper operation.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, the manual directs owners to contact a qualified service technician or the Pitco service contact listed in the manual. Do not operate the appliance during a power outage.

Applications

The CRTE suits foodservice operations that need a countertop water bath for reheating prepared food, including service lines and kitchens using vacuum-sealed products. Its 6-gallon tank is specified for the CRTE; the manual does not provide a production rate. Use the water-level and food-handling procedures in the manual, and keep the appliance separate from deep fryers to avoid water splashing into hot oil.