SG14TS

Overview

The Pitco SG14TS is a natural gas, split-pot floor fryer for commercial kitchens. Its stated capacity is 20–25 lb., and the frying area measures 7" x 14" per side. The Solstice burner uses a blower-free atmospheric heating system; the product information identifies fast recovery as a benefit of this burner technology.

A millivolt thermostat maintains the selected temperature automatically between 200°F and 400°F. The product information also lists stainless steel for the front, door, sides and splashback. The merged specifications identify the millivolt-control model.

Key Features

• Split-pot cooking area: 7" x 14" of frying area per side.
• Solstice burner technology: Patented atmospheric heating operates without a blower and is described as providing fast recovery.
• Automatic temperature control: Millivolt thermostat maintains the selected setting between 200°F and 400°F.
• Stainless steel exterior components: Front, door, sides and splashback.
• Natural gas operation: Confirm the unit’s gas requirements against its data plate before installation.

Specifications

• Product: Pitco SG14TS commercial gas fryer
• Product code: SG14TS
• Item number: 614SG14TSN
• Fuel: Natural gas
• Configuration: Split pot
• Capacity: 20–25 lb.
• Frying area per side: 7" x 14"
• Temperature range: 200°F to 400°F
• Controls: Millivolt thermostat; the merged specifications note that the model shown has millivolt control.
• Heating system: Solstice atmospheric burner technology; blower-free heating system
• Exterior materials listed: Stainless steel front, door, sides and splashback
• Left to right: 15 5/8"
• Front to back: 34 1/2"
• Height: 46 1/8"
• UPC: 400011898359

Installation & Requirements

The supplied Pitco Solstice-family installation manual states that the appliance must have adequate ventilation to operate safely. It warns that exhaust gas temperatures can reach 1100°F (593°C), and specifies at least 18 inches (47 cm) of open space between the appliance flue and the exhaust hood intake. The manual says ventilation and fire-safety systems must comply with applicable local and national codes, and that a qualified installation professional should confirm the hood operates properly with the appliance. It also cautions that inadequate ventilation may not remove emissions effectively, while excessive or unbalanced ventilation can create drafts that interfere with pilot and burner operation.

Use the SG14TS data plate to confirm the required gas supply and any electrical requirements for the specific unit. The supplied manual warns that connecting an appliance to the wrong power supply may damage it and void the warranty; electrical work should be performed by qualified personnel and comply with applicable codes. The manual also says the appliance must not be connected to a power supply that differs from the voltage and phase on its data plate. It does not provide a specific SG14TS electrical rating in the supplied material.

The family manual gives additional conditional guidance for a unit equipped with casters and a flexible gas line: connection to the gas supply must use a quick-disconnect device. Do not alter or remove structural material to fit the appliance under a hood. Do not use an open flame to check for gas leaks, and do not store flammable materials in or near the appliance or spray aerosols nearby while it is operating.

Operation

The SG14TS millivolt thermostat maintains the selected temperature automatically within its stated 200°F–400°F range. Select a setting appropriate for the food being cooked and follow the food manufacturer’s preparation instructions, as advised in the supplied Pitco operation manual. The manual cautions operators not to let the oil or shortening level fall below the minimum level line. Check the level and add oil if needed.

The family manual says that timers and basket lifts are not included on every control configuration. If the appliance is equipped with a timer, its timer controls cooking time; if it has a basket lift, place the basket on the lift before starting its timer cycle. Check the unit’s control configuration and corresponding operator instructions rather than assuming these features are present on the SG14TS.

Hot oil and surfaces can cause serious injury. The manual advises wearing an apron, heat-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling hot oil, draining or cleaning the appliance. Do not move the fryer or transfer hot liquid while the unit is at operating temperature or filled with hot liquid. Do not leave it unattended during cleaning.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The supplied Solstice-family manual gives the following tank-cleaning procedure. First read the operation instructions before filling or operating the appliance. Use a commercial grease-dissolving cleaner according to its manufacturer’s directions to clean the tank interior and other food-contact surfaces. Rinse the tank thoroughly with cool water until all cleaner is removed, then wipe away the water with a clean, dry cloth. The manual also says to follow the same cleaning approach for a bread-and-batter station or filter pan if the appliance is equipped with one. Use a commercial cleaner formulated for food-contact surfaces, and follow its concentration and contact-time directions.

Do not use a water jet to clean the appliance; the manual states that it is not jet-stream approved. Take care not to disturb the temperature probe or high-temperature limit during operation or cleaning. Wear protective gloves and clothing when cleaning or draining, and do not let liquid levels fall below the heat tubes during cleaning. The cleaning instructions warn that water can be extremely hot and cause serious injury.

For a fryer equipped with a filter system, the manual instructs operators to clear crumbs from the filter strainer cap, remove debris from the filter pickup assembly and pan, and clean the pickup and pan. Rinse cleaned parts thoroughly and dry them before reassembly. Filter media replacement instructions apply only if the appliance has a filter drawer: remove the used paper, fit replacement paper over the filter screen with its hole aligned to the threaded fitting, secure it with the clip, and reconnect the pickup tube and assembly. Confirm the assembly is securely connected before use.

The family manual also calls for regular inspection of the high-temperature limit and temperature probe to confirm they are correctly positioned and secured; checking wires and cords for looseness or fraying; and looking for loose parts, unsecured accessories or foreign objects around the fryer. Its weekly maintenance procedure says to turn the fryer off and let the oil cool before pulling it away from the hood. Where the equipment configuration requires it, disconnect the power cord, gas hose and retention lanyard before moving it. Check the hood drip cup and baffles for oil buildup or dripping, and clean the fryer sides, back and flue area as needed. Follow the manual for the specific fryer configuration and observe its hot-oil precautions.

Troubleshooting

The supplied manual advises contacting a qualified service person or the factory if the appliance produces an unusual odour, has yellow-tipping flames, does not perform as it did after installation, or cannot be adjusted to operate properly. Do not attempt to correct gas pressure or burner settings without appropriate qualifications.

In the family manual’s burner-adjustment procedure, the gas supply must be open and the thermostat turned on for the main burners to operate; that procedure also refers to a main power switch. Because control configurations vary, consult the instructions for the specific SG14TS unit before using this procedure. The manual says gas pressure should be checked against the value on the appliance data plate. If pressure drops when connected appliances are operating, it identifies an inadequate gas-supply-line installation as a possible cause of poor performance. Have a qualified service person investigate.

Applications

The SG14TS’s split cooking area makes it an option for commercial kitchens that want separate frying areas in one floor fryer. Its 20–25 lb. stated capacity and automatic thermostat control suit foodservice operations that need a gas fryer for regular menu service. Confirm that the split-pot configuration, dimensions and site gas requirements fit the kitchen’s intended use before purchase.