SE14

Overview

The Pitco SE14 is a floor-model fryer in Pitco’s Solstice electric series. It has one full-size frypot with a 40–50 lb. oil capacity and a 14 x 14 in. frying area. Fixed heating elements deliver 17 kW, while solid-state controls provide a melt cycle for solid shortening and a boil-out mode. The stainless steel front, tank, door and sides are specified for the unit, and the fryer includes a full-port drain valve with a drain-valve interlock.

The SE14 is a commercial appliance. Its operating and installation manuals call for installation and electrical work to comply with applicable local codes, and specify qualified personnel for electrical connections and service work.

Key Features

• Oil capacity: 40–50 lb. in a single full frypot.
• Heating: 17 kW with fixed heating elements. The listed SE14 model details identify mercury-free heating contactors.
• Controls: Solid-state controls with a melt cycle and boil-out mode.
• Safety: High-temperature limit switch and drain-valve interlock.
• Drainage: 1 1/4-in. NPT full-port drain valve; the product listing describes it as a 1 1/4-in. full-port drain.
• Cleaning aids: A fryer cleaning brush and drain-line clean-out rod are listed as included.
• Construction: Stainless steel front, tank, door and sides.
• Positioning: 9-in. adjustable legs.

Specifications

• Model: Pitco SE14 Solstice electric fryer.
• Type: Floor model; one full frypot.
• Oil capacity: 40–50 lb.
• Frying area: 14 in. x 14 in. x 4 in. deep. Another listing gives the area as 14 in. x 14 in.
• Overall dimensions: 15 5/8 in. wide x 34 15/32 in. deep x 39 3/4 in. high. A separate listing rounds the depth to 34 1/2 in.
• Power: 17 kW.
• Electrical configurations shown for SE14: 208, 220 or 240 V; single-phase and three-phase options are listed. Confirm the exact voltage and phase on the fryer’s data plate before connection.
• Drain: 1 1/4-in. NPT full-port drain valve with drain-valve interlock.
• Legs: 9-in. adjustable legs.
• Certifications stated in product listings: NSF, cULus and CE. ENERGY STAR® is also stated in the manufacturer description for an SE14 listing.
• Warranty information in the product listing: 1-year limited parts and labour.

Installation & Requirements

Use the data plate inside the fryer door to confirm its voltage and phase. The manual warns that connecting the appliance to a supply with the wrong voltage or phase can damage it and void the warranty. Electrical connection is to be performed by a qualified electrician. For single-phase units, the manual specifies a hardwired, flexible-conduit connection with conductors sized for the power requirements on the data plate; it also calls for a restraint device mounted to substantial building structure. The manual says the fryer should be connected to a power supply controlled by the ventilation system so it cannot operate without the hood running.

The appliance must be grounded in accordance with applicable codes. The manual names CSA Standard C22.2 and local codes for Canadian installations, and the NEC, ANSI/NFPA 70, for installations in the United States. It also says power wiring must follow the diagrams on the appliance. Installation and electrical work must comply with local requirements.

The manual calls for a ventilation system and warns against blocking ventilation openings. Its clearance table lists 6 in. at the back and sides for combustible construction and 0 in. for non-combustible construction; it lists a 6-in. floor clearance and a 35-in. aisle. A separate installation passage specifies at least 6 in. from combustible construction at the sides and rear and 24 in. in front, while also stating that the equipment may be installed on combustible floors. Because those front-clearance instructions differ, consult the applicable manual and local requirements for the installation. The manual also warns against installing the fryer next to a water cooker or where water could splash into hot oil.

Operation

For liquid shortening, the manual says to fill to the level lines inside the tank. When loading solid shortening into an empty tank, remove the baskets and support racks, pack shortening into the bottom and then the rest of the tank, and place the basket support rack on top before turning the unit on. After the oil reaches cooking temperature, check that it is at the proper level and add shortening if needed.

The manual gives a recommended cooking batch of 3 lb. per basket and a maximum of 5 lb. per standard electric fryer basket for the 14-in.-wide fryer. It cautions that excessive loads and food with excess moisture can cause surge boiling. To shut down, press the corresponding key; the computer display goes blank and heating stops. When the fryer is not in use, the manual recommends covering the fry tank; it notes that covers are optional unless ordered.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Disconnect the power supply before servicing, maintaining or cleaning the appliance. The manual states that the fryer is not approved for cleaning with a water jet or steam cleaner. Do not move the fryer or transfer hot oil while the unit is at operating temperature or contains hot liquid. The fryer, hood and duct system are to be kept clean and free of grease build-up. The manual recommends an annual inspection by a qualified service technician.

The included drain-line clean-out rod and fryer cleaning brush support routine cleaning. If the drain is slow or blocked, the user manual’s troubleshooting instructions say to check that the blue drain valve is fully open and clear debris from the drain with the clean-out rod. If clearing the valve does not resolve the blockage, the manual describes clearing the main drain line and warns that hot oil may come out when the clean-out cap is removed. Shut the appliance down before draining oil, and use suitable protective gloves when handling hot oil.

For units equipped with a filter system, the manual says not to run the pump without filter paper or a filter bag. It specifies intermittent pump operation only: no more than three consecutive pump cycles, followed by at least 20 minutes with the oil compartment empty. The filter pan is sized to hold the contents of one tank during filtering. The manual also says to empty crumbs from the filter pan or crumb catch into a fireproof container at the end of each day, because food particles can ignite when left soaking in some oils or shortenings. These filter instructions apply only to a fryer fitted with that system.

Troubleshooting

The user manual lists several checks for operating symptoms. If the filter pump does not run when the red return valve is open, confirm the handle is fully open, check whether the filter circuit breaker has tripped, check the filter motor’s reset button, and inspect whether the sensor switch is loose. If the computer continues to show “DRAINING” or “TURN OFF” after the drain valve is closed and the controller reset, check that the blue drain valve is fully closed and that its sensor switch is secure. If oil drains slowly or not at all, confirm the drain valve is fully open and check for debris.

The service manual identifies a tripped hi-limit as a possible reason the fryer stops heating. It says the limit trips at 425°F ±20°F and should reset after the oil cools to about 375°F ±20°F; after it resets, turn the controller off and back on to resume heating. The manual also identifies “PROBE OP” or “OPEN” as an indication to check the temperature probe and its wiring for an open circuit, and “SYSTEM FAILURE” as an indication to check for a short. If the display shows “DRAINING” or “TURN OFF,” it directs the operator to verify that the drain valve is closed and check its proximity switch. Electrical diagnostics, safety-limit testing and component repairs should be handled by a qualified service technician; the manual specifically warns that hi-limit testing can cause continuous heating and oil to exceed normal operating temperature.

Applications

The SE14’s 40–50 lb. oil capacity and 14 x 14 in. cooking area suit commercial kitchens preparing fried menu items. The product listing names french fries, fish sticks and onion rings as example foods. The manual’s 3 lb. recommended basket batch and 5 lb. maximum for the standard 14-in. fryer basket provide operating guidance for those loads.