SELV14

Overview

The Pitco SELV14 is a freestanding electric fryer in Pitco’s Solstice Reduced Oil Volume series. Its full-size frypot holds 30 lb. of oil. The unit is listed with computer controls and a built-in filter drawer system, making it suited to commercial kitchens that fry regularly and need an integrated way to filter and return oil.

The SELV14 is a commercial appliance, not a residential fryer. Electrical configurations vary, so use the rating plate inside the fryer door to confirm the voltage and phase for the particular unit.

Key Features

• 30 lb. oil capacity: One full-size frypot accommodates 30 lb. of oil.
• Reduced Oil Volume: The SELV14 is part of Pitco’s Reduced Oil Volume frying system.
• Computer controls: Intellifry computer controls provide frying control and include a push-button fresh-oil top-off function.
• Integrated filtration: The Solstice filter drawer system uses a two-step filtration process and returns filtered oil to the vat.
• Oil management: Controls include an oil-replenishment push button; the product description also lists a filter-replacement indicator.
• Heating and cleaning: Immersion-style heating elements have an alloy sheath. The elements rotate upward for cleaning, as described in the SELV service manual.
• Maintenance functions: The product listing includes a melt cycle and boil-out mode.
• Stainless steel construction: The fryer’s stainless steel construction includes the tank, front, door and sides, according to the product listing.

Specifications

• Product type: Freestanding commercial electric fryer.
• Series: Pitco Solstice Reduced Oil Volume (SELV).
• Frypot: One full-size frypot.
• Oil capacity: 30 lb.
• Cook-load capacity: 1.5 lb. per basket, according to the user manual.
• Electrical configuration shown in a product listing: 208V, three-phase, 17 kW. Check the rating plate on the specific unit before connecting it; the manuals state that SELV14 electrical ratings and current requirements vary by supply configuration.
• Dimensions: 15.63 in. W x 34.38 in. D x 45.75 in. H.
• Approximate weight: 125 lb.
• Fresh-oil holding tank: 35 lb. capacity, according to the product description.
• Filter pump: 4 1/2 GPM, according to the product description.
• Drain: 1 1/4 in. full-port drain valve.
• Legs: 9 in. adjustable legs.
• Temperature control: Thermistor probe and high-limit thermostat. The user manual specifies a maximum cooking-oil temperature of 190°C (374°F); the service manual states the high-limit thermostat opens above 425°F to 450°F (218°C to 232°C).
• Listings stated for the model: CE, cETLus and ETL-Sanitation.

Installation & Requirements

The SELV14 is an electric fryer. The manuals require connection to a power supply with the same voltage and phase shown on the rating plate inside the appliance door. A product listing specifies a 208V, three-phase, 17 kW configuration; do not assume that configuration applies to every SELV14. Each fryer requires its own separate power cord. The manuals specify that electrical work is to be performed by a qualified electrician, that the fryer must be grounded, and that connections must comply with applicable local codes. For installations in Canada, the manual refers to CSA Standard C22.2 and local codes.

For the clearances shown in the installation manual, allow 6 in. at the back and sides for combustible construction, or 0 in. at the back and sides for non-combustible construction. The aisle clearance is 35 in. for either construction type. Keep ventilation-air openings unobstructed and provide the clearance needed for servicing and component ventilation. The fryer must be installed with the legs or casters provided by the manufacturer. For fixed-wired units, the service manual calls for restraint devices so the appliance cannot move by stressing the electrical conduit.

Operation

Use the computer controls to operate the fryer and set its cooking parameters. The user manual says to keep oil at or below 190°C (374°F). Higher temperatures accelerate oil breakdown without providing faster cooking; the manual notes that at 205°C to 210°C (401°F to 410°F), oil life is one third of its life at 190°C (374°F). It also warns that overheated oil can smoke and increase fire danger. Keep the oil above the minimum level marked in the frypot; operating below that level presents a fire risk.

The fresh-oil top-off function adds oil on demand: press and hold the top-off key, then release it when the desired level is reached. Manual top-offs are not permitted while a cook is in progress. For filtering on an auto-filter model, first ensure the filter pan is in place and empty, and the oil is above filter temperature. Press the filter button and follow the controller prompts. When asked to confirm that the vat is full, check the oil level; if the filter pan is empty, confirm with “YES.” If oil remains in the pan, the manual permits selecting “NO” to run the pump for an additional 20 seconds, up to three times. The manual warns that selecting “NO” a fourth time turns the fryer off and displays a possible filter issue.

For manual-filter operation, the manual describes opening the blue drain handle to start the filter prompt, confirming the prompt, and using the tank-fill key to run the pump. Close the drain when the filter timer ends. When bubbles appear in the oil, turn off the pump with the tank-fill key. Filter only one tank at a time; the filter pan may overflow otherwise. Shut the fryer down when draining or filling oil so the heating system does not turn on during the process.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before cleaning, draining or servicing, follow the manual’s shutdown instructions and disconnect the power supply before cleaning or servicing. Wear protective gloves and clothing when cleaning and draining. For tank cleaning, the manual calls for a food-grade cleaner suitable for food-contact surfaces, used according to its directions. Rinse the tank thoroughly with cool water until the cleaner is removed, then wipe the tank dry with a clean cloth. Clean the filter pan and other food-contact surfaces with food-grade cleaner. Do not run water through the filter-return system; the manual warns that this can damage the pump and void the warranty.

On units equipped with filter media, replace the used paper when needed: disconnect the pickup tube, remove the paper clip and used paper, clean and completely dry the pan and components, fit new paper to the filter screen, replace the clip, and reconnect the pickup tube and filter assembly. The manual also describes using the flush hose, if equipped, to rinse debris from the frypot into the filter pan.

At the end of each day’s frying operation, empty the crumb catch and filter pan into a fireproof container. Food particles left soaking in oil or shortening can spontaneously combust. Clean up spilled oil, water or other liquids immediately to reduce the risk of slipping. The user manual recommends that a qualified service technician inspect the appliance yearly.

Troubleshooting

For a filter pump that does not activate, the user manual identifies a tripped filter-pump circuit breaker or pump-motor thermal overload as possible causes; it lists resetting the affected protection as the corrective action. If oil drains slowly or not at all, check whether the drain valve is closed or not fully open, or whether debris is blocking the drain. The manual directs operators to use the clean-out rod to clear drain debris and to contact an authorized service company for a defective drain valve.

If oil returns to the frypot slowly or not at all, the manual identifies excessive debris in the filter pan or a dirty filter envelope as possible causes and directs the operator to clean the pan or replace the filter envelope. For an auto-filter “Blocked Drain” message, use only the supplied drain-cleaning tool to remove food debris or foreign objects. The service manual allows three attempts to clear the blockage; if it remains after that, the fryer locks out and requires Pitco Service or an authorized service person. Do not unplug and reconnect the fryer to try to reset it; the manual warns this can damage the drain valve and void the warranty.

If the controller displays “Draining Turn Off,” the user manual lists an incompletely closed blue drain handle on manual models or an improperly adjusted drain switch as possible causes. A “Probe Op” or “Open” display indicates a defective temperature probe in the troubleshooting chart; contact an authorized service company. A fryer that does not heat may also require qualified diagnosis of its temperature probe, high-limit system, contactors or other electrical components. The service manual recommends that service be performed by a qualified service agent and warns that improper service can cause property damage, injury or death.

Applications

The SELV14 is suited to commercial foodservice operations that need a floor-model electric fryer with a 30 lb. oil capacity and integrated filtration. Its full frypot can support menu items such as fries and other fried foods in restaurant kitchens and foodservice outlets. Confirm that the kitchen’s electrical supply matches the fryer’s rating plate and that the available space meets the installation clearances in the manual.