SEF184

Overview

The Pitco SEF184 is an electric open fryer with a filtration system located beneath the fryer. The PH-SEF184 model information describes a stainless steel fry pot, fixed heating elements and a WingStreet 4 Color cooking computer. The fryer is intended for foods cooked from frozen, including bone-in and boneless wings, traditional wings, wedge fries, pies and cheese sticks.

The cook tank holds 60 lb (28 kg) of oil or shortening. The supplied accessories listed for the PH-SEF184 include four triple-size fry baskets, a fry-pot drain clean-out rod, a fry-pot cleaning brush, a crumb scoop, a filter shovel scoop, a filter element rack, a removable basket hanger and Masterfil cloth filters measuring 14 in x 22 in (2 per pack). A 6 ft power cord is listed for 208 V and 240 V, 3-phase units only.

Key Features

• Integrated filtration: The filter pan is stainless steel and has rear wheels for movement during cleaning. Its connection to the fryer is self-aligning, and the pan lid stores out of the way.
• Oil return and draining: The filter system has a rear oil return for bottom cleaning and a curved 3 in (7.6 cm) drain spout that swivels for oil disposal. The manual describes the drain valve as a 1 1/4 in (3.2 cm) full-port valve.
• Controls and safety: The listed features include a WingStreet 4 Color cooking computer, a high-temperature limit switch, a drain-valve interlock and mercury-free heating contactors.
• Construction and mobility: The fry pot and filter pan are stainless steel. The cabinet has stainless steel sides, front and splash back. The model description lists 10 in (25.4 cm) fixed casters at the rear and front legs.
• Filter protection: The filter pump is thermally and overload protected.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Pitco.
• Model: SEF184; also identified in the model documentation as PH-SEF184.
• Equipment type: Electric open fryer with filtration.
• Cook-tank capacity: 60 lb (28 kg).
• Fry-pot construction: Stainless steel.
• Filter-pan construction: Stainless steel, with rear wheels.
• Cabinet construction: Stainless steel sides, front and splash back.
• Heating: Fixed heating elements.
• Control: WingStreet 4 Color cooking computer.
• Drain valve: 1 1/4 in (3.2 cm), full port.
• Filter drain spout: 3 in (7.6 cm), curved and swivelling.
• Casters: 10 in (25.4 cm) fixed casters at the rear and front legs, as listed in the model description.
• Supplied baskets: Four triple-size fry baskets.
• Supplied filter media: Masterfil cloth filters, 14 in x 22 in, 2 per pack.
• Power cord: A 6 ft cord is listed for 208 V and 240 V, 3-phase units only. The required supply for a particular fryer must match the voltage and phase on its data plate.

Installation & Requirements

Clearances and placement

The PH-SEF184 installation manual specifies clearances for combustible and non-combustible construction. For combustible construction, the listed clearance is 6 in (15.24 cm) at the back, 6 in (15.24 cm) at the sides and 6 in (15.24 cm) at the floor. For non-combustible construction, the listed clearance is 0 in (0 cm) at the back, 0 in (0 cm) at the sides and 6 in (15.24 cm) at the floor. The manual also requires at least 31.2 in (79.5 cm) of aisle space in front of the unit.

The manual warns against installing the appliance next to a water cooker because water splashing into hot oil may cause a flash fire. It also says not to obstruct ventilation flow or air openings, and notes that clearance around the fryer is necessary for servicing and component ventilation. The appliance is for indoor use only. Install it with the legs or casters supplied by the manufacturer; the manual states it must not be curb mounted. Legs or casters must be installed before connecting the appliance to power.

Electrical connection

Check the data plate inside the appliance door and connect the fryer only to a supply with the voltage and phase specified there. The manual warns that connecting the appliance to the wrong supply may damage it and void the warranty. Electrical connection is to be performed by qualified personnel and must comply with local codes. The manual advises connecting the power supply to a wall receptacle controlled by the ventilation control so the appliance cannot be operated without the ventilator on. A 6 ft power cord is specified only for 208 V and 240 V, 3-phase units; confirm the requirements for the specific unit from its data plate.

Operation

Filling the cook tank

The manual allows liquid or solid shortening and states that liquid is preferred. Before filling, ensure the drain valve is fully closed and there is no residual moisture in the tank. With liquid shortening, fill to the “MIN LEVEL” mark or slightly below the nominal level mark; the oil expands as it heats. The oil or shortening must not fall below the minimum level line, and it must completely cover the heating elements whenever the appliance is on.

If using solid shortening, the manual recommends melting it before adding it. If it is packed into the fryer, remove the element rack and cut the shortening into cubes no larger than 1 in. Pack it below, between and on top of the elements without large air gaps. Take care not to bend or break the temperature or high-limit sensor probes. The computer’s melt cycle switches heat on and off to melt solid shortening gradually.

Filtering and shutdown

During a filter operation, shortening drains from the cook tank into the filter pan and the pump returns it to the fryer. The filter-system instructions describe assembling the filter unit and changing the filter media as required. When the drain valve is opened, the control prompts the operator to identify the reason for opening it. For a filter event, the control displays a filter timer; the drain valve must remain open for more than 2 minutes for the event to count as a filter. If the valve is closed early, the filter timer resets to 2 minutes and begins counting again when the valve is reopened. When the operation is complete, the display changes to “DONE” and “TURN OFF.”

To shut down the appliance, press and hold the computer control button to turn the controller off. The manual requires the fryer to be completely shut down while oil or shortening is being drained or filled.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily care

The manual recommends daily preventative maintenance to keep the appliance safe and operating at peak performance. Oil or shortening spills and splatters should receive attention, and food particles, crumbs and crackling should be removed from the cook tank because they reduce product quality and shorten oil or shortening life. The manual notes that heavy production or heavily battered food may require these cleaning steps more than once a day.

At the end of each day, empty the crumb catch and filter-pan contents into a fireproof container. Food particles left soaking in oil or shortening may spontaneously combust. Keep the fryer shut down when draining oil, and do not allow water to enter hot shortening.

Filter-unit cleaning

Allow the filter unit to cool for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. Scrape debris from the filter envelope into a trash can. Once cool, swivel the pickup tube off the pickup assembly, remove the assembly from the pan and check the envelope for holes or tears; replace it if damaged. The manual says not to change the envelope unless changing the frying oil, except when the envelope has a hole or tear.

Empty debris from the filter pan and clean it with a clean towel and hot water. Take the pan parts to the sink and clean them with hot water only, then allow them to air dry overnight. Do not wash the filter envelope. Thoroughly dry the pan before reassembly, because water mixed with hot shortening can cause spattering and shorten the life of the shortening. The manual also warns that the appliance is not jet-stream approved and must not be cleaned with a water jet. Disconnect the power supply before servicing, maintaining or cleaning the appliance.

The manual recommends yearly inspection by a qualified service technician for proper performance and operation.

Troubleshooting

Frying results

• Greasy fried product: The manual lists a damaged temperature probe or cook time that is too short as possible causes. It advises checking the product selection and cook-time setting and measuring the oil temperature with a thermometer. The stated target is 350°F, +/- 5°F. If the temperature is above or below that range, contact a qualified service technician.
• Product too light or not fully cooked: The manual lists oil below 350°F as a possible cause. Confirm the product button and cook-time setting, and use a thermometer to check the oil. Contact a qualified service technician if the temperature is below the stated target.
• Product too dark or burnt tasting: The manual lists cook time that is too long, oil above 350°F or a damaged temperature probe as possible causes. Check the product selection, cook-time setting and oil temperature; contact a qualified service technician if the oil is above the stated target.

Filter-system problems

• Oil does not drain properly: Check that the drain valve is fully open and use the clean-out rod to clear debris from the drain opening. If the blockage remains, close the drain valve and contact a qualified service technician.
• Oil does not return properly: Check that the red return-valve handle is fully open. The manual also lists a tripped or switched-off filter circuit breaker, a tripped filter-motor thermal overload, an unplugged or loose filter power cord, a loose or defective sensor switch, a dirty filter envelope, a clogged pickup-tube screen and a filter pan that is not fully inserted as possible causes. It instructs operators to reset or switch on the circuit breaker, press the red reset button on the filter-pump motor, check that the power cords are fully seated, replace a dirty filter envelope, clean the pickup-tube screen cap and push the filter pan fully into place. Contact an authorized service company for a loose or defective sensor switch.

For equipment problems or questions, the manual directs owners to the Pitco Authorized Service and Parts representative covering their area or to Pitco. The PartHubz-provided installation and operation manual is identified as L20-329 R3 (06/11).

Applications

The PH-SEF184 model information identifies the fryer for frozen-to-fryer products, including bone-in wings, boneless wings, traditional wings, wedge fries, pies and cheese sticks. Its four triple-size baskets are listed among the supplied accessories. The manual specifies a 350°F, +/- 5°F oil-temperature target in its frying-result troubleshooting guidance; follow the product settings and instructions applicable to the fryer’s computer control.