SELVRF

Overview

The Pitco SELVRF is an electric reduced-oil-volume rack fryer for commercial kitchens preparing rack-fried foods, particularly fresh breaded bone-in chicken and chicken strips. Its two vats each hold 76 lb. of oil. Pitco’s published product information describes capacity for 64 pieces of bone-in chicken or 60 chicken strips, with two five-slot rack holders for loading and cooking product in racks.

Key Features

• Two-vat rack capacity: Two 76 lb. oil-capacity vats, with dual five-slot rack holders. The cited product description gives a cooking capacity of 64 pieces of bone-in chicken or 60 chicken strips.
• Lift-assist rack holders: Assist with raising and lowering product and help minimize employee contact with hot oil.
• Computerized controls: Twelve button controls provide multiple cook cycles and communicate filtration times.
• Automatic oil top-off: A low-oil warning indicator works with the automatic top-off system. The jib holder has a 17 1/2 lb. capacity.
• Automatic filtration: Signal I.Q. uses capacitance and SOS sensors to monitor fryer conditions and can start filtration when it detects low oil quality. Filtration can also be operated manually.
• Filtration components: The system includes a 14 x 22 in. filter envelope, multiple filter-return jets, a stainless steel filter pan with rear wheels, a filter-pan lid, filter-in-place and filter-empty sensors, a fine-mesh crumb catch and extra-large 3 in. drain lines.
• Other operating features: Melt cycle and drain-valve interlock.
• Construction and mobility: Stainless steel construction and 9 in. adjustable front and rear casters.
• Included cleaning tools: Product information lists a fryer cleaning brush and drain clean-out rod.

Specifications

• Model: Pitco SELVRF; the two-vat rack fryer is identified in product listings as SELVRF-2/FD.
• Fryer type: Electric, reduced-oil-volume rack floor fryer.
• Oil capacity: Two vats, 76 lb. per vat; 152 lb. combined capacity.
• Listed cooking capacity: Up to 64 pieces of bone-in chicken or 60 chicken strips.
• Frying area: Two areas, each 14 in. wide x 18 in. deep.
• Rack holders: Two five-slot holders.
• Rack size: 12 in. wide x 16 in. deep x 1 in. high.
• Controls: Twelve-button computerized controls.
• Oil top-off holder: 17 1/2 lb. capacity.
• Drain opening: 1 1/2 in.
• Filter pump: 1/3 HP.
• Electrical data shown for a listed 230 V, single-phase configuration: 74 A and 17 kW per vat; 230 V, 50–60 Hz, single phase. Product listings also show other voltage and phase selections. Verify the unit’s data plate and the configuration being purchased.
• Dimensions reported in the supplied specifications: 43 1/4 in. wide x 35 3/4 in. deep x 69 1/16 in. high.
• Dimensions reported in the KaTom product description: 43 1/4 in. wide x 35 25/32 in. deep x 69 1/2 in. high. Published depth and height differ between these supplied listings; confirm final dimensions before planning the space.
• Installation clearance listed for the SELVRF product: 6 in. at the rear and sides; 32 7/32 in. of front clearance is needed to remove the filter pan.
• Certifications shown in the supplied KaTom listing: UL, cULus and UL-EPH.

Installation & Requirements

The Pitco SELVRF parts manual states that installation and connections must follow applicable national and local codes. Installation should be performed by a qualified service agent, and electrical grounding must comply with local codes or, where applicable, the Canadian Electrical Code. Electrical service must match the unit’s rating plate; the product listing offers multiple voltage and phase configurations, so confirm the selected configuration with the site electrical supply before purchase and installation.

Use liquid oil that is in a liquid state at room temperature. The SELVRF troubleshooting and service manual warns that solid shortening or oils can damage the filter system and void the warranty. The same manual calls for installation by a qualified service agent. Installation, maintenance and repairs should be performed by Pitco ASAP technicians or other qualified personnel, as specified in the parts manual.

Operation

The computerized controls provide 12 buttons for cook cycles and indicate filtration times. The fryer gradually heats oil at start-up to help maintain oil quality, and includes a melt cycle. The dual five-slot rack holders accept the listed 12 x 16 x 1 in. racks; their lift assistance helps operators raise and lower racks. The product description states that the two-vat setup can prepare 64 pieces of bone-in chicken or 60 chicken strips.

The automatic top-off system replenishes oil at low levels using its 17 1/2 lb. jib holder, and includes a low-oil warning indicator. Keep oil at or above the minimum level marked in the tank: Pitco warns that operating below this level presents a fire danger. Shut the appliance down completely while oil is being drained or refilled, and do not move the fryer or transfer hot oil when the unit is at operating temperature or contains hot liquid.

Signal I.Q. monitors fryer conditions using capacitance and SOS sensors. When the system detects low oil quality, it can initiate filtration automatically; the product description also lists manual filtration. The filtration system returns oil through jets in the tank and uses its filter envelope and crumb catch to screen sediment and food particles.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Use the supplied cleaning brush and drain clean-out rod for the cleaning tasks identified in the product listing. The SELVRF parts manual warns against water-jet or steam-cleaner cleaning. Disconnect the power supply before servicing, maintaining or cleaning, and do not operate the appliance unless all panels and access covers are correctly attached.

Empty the crumb catch and filter pan contents into a fireproof container at the end of each day. Pitco warns that food particles left soaking in oil or shortening can spontaneously combust. Keep the oil above the tank’s minimum level and shut the appliance down before draining or filling. The SELVRF manual recommends an annual inspection by a qualified service technician. For repairs and maintenance, use a Pitco ASAP technician or other qualified personnel; the manual warns that unauthorized or unqualified work can void the warranty.

Troubleshooting

The supplied SELVRF service manual stresses that the fryer may operate automatic filtering components and may have more than one electrical supply connection. Disconnect all electrical supplies before servicing, and allow the unit to cool to room temperature before beginning service. Pitco recommends that service be performed by a qualified service agent because improper service can cause property damage, personal injury or death.

For a reported temperature-probe fault, the manual directs a qualified technician to disconnect the probe from the computer harness, check its resistance and compare the reading with the oil temperature using the manual’s probe chart. An open reading or a short to the appliance frame indicates a failed probe. For the oil-level probe, the manual gives acceptable resistance readings of 150 Ω ±10% between the red wires and 100–200 Ω between the black wires; red-to-black and wire-to-ground readings should be open.

The service manual also provides component-specific electrical checks. For the heating elements, it specifies 14–15 Ω across each of three element sections. It lists 6–7 Ω for the safety (side-on) contactor coil and 3–4 Ω for the cycling (heat-demand) contactor coil. For a 24 VAC transformer, it gives resistance checks of 0.4–0.6 Ω between pins 6 and 10, 21–22 Ω for the 208 VAC primary and 25–26 Ω for the 240 VAC primary. These are technician-level procedures, not operator adjustments; follow the SELVRF service manual and use qualified service personnel.

Applications

The SELVRF is suited to commercial kitchens that fry fresh breaded bone-in chicken or chicken strips in racks and need separate vats for a high-throughput frying station. Its rack holders, lift assistance, computerized cook controls, automatic oil top-off and filtration features support busy restaurant and foodservice operations. Pitco identifies the appliance for commercial or professional use by trained, qualified personnel, not residential use or continuous mass production.