SSPE14

Overview

The Pitco SSPE14 Solstice Supreme is a floor-model electric pasta cooker for commercial kitchens with pasta on the menu or a need to reheat precooked foods in hot water. Its 12-gallon tank can accommodate multiple pasta types, and the digital controller provides boil and simmer modes. A built-in countdown timer can store cooking times for up to four menu items and signals when a cycle is complete. The unit is also suitable for reheating foods before sautéing or plating.

The tank is welded and has a smooth, peened finish. Stainless steel construction and flat exterior surfaces support wipe-down cleaning. The SSPE14 is a cook station, not an oil fryer: the manual specifies potable water only and says the heating element must remain fully covered with water whenever the appliance is on.

Key Features

• Boil and simmer modes: Select the desired cooking mode at the controller for boiling pasta or reheating precooked foods.
• Four-menu timer: The digital controller stores countdown times for up to four menu items and sounds when a programmed time is reached.
• Temperature and water safeguards: A temperature-limit switch shuts the unit off if water gets too hot. The manual also describes a low-level sensor that turns off heat if the water drops below the heating element, and a drain-valve interlock that stops heating when the drain valve is opened.
• Overflow protection: The overflow path helps keep water inside the tank and carries overflow through the drain system.
• Full-port drain: A 1 1/4-inch drain opening supports draining the tank for cleaning. A drain screen and drain clean-out rod are listed as included.
• Floor-model setup: Four adjustable legs are listed with the unit. The manual requires installation on manufacturer-provided legs or casters; the appliance is not intended for curb mounting.
• Optional additions: A rinse station can be paired with the cooker. The optional rinse station is a separate accessory, and pasta baskets are not included.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Pitco
• Model: SSPE14, Solstice Supreme electric pasta cooker
• Equipment type: Floor-model electric pasta cooker
• Tank capacity: 12 gallons (45.5 litres)
• Cooking area: 14 x 18 x 11 1/4 inches
• Overall dimensions: 15 5/8 inches wide x 39 7/8 inches deep x 45 5/16 inches high
• Working height: 33 7/8 inches
• Controls: Four-button digital controller, boil/simmer selection and countdown timer for up to four menu items
• Electrical rating stated for the 240 V, three-phase configuration: 12.5 kW, 30 A, 240 V, 60 Hz, three phase
• Electrical configurations shown for the SSPE14: 208 V, single phase; 208 V, three phase; 240 V, single phase; and 240 V, three phase. Confirm the electrical rating for the exact configuration being ordered.
• Tank and exterior: Welded tank with smooth, peened finish; stainless steel construction
• Drain: 1 1/4-inch full-port opening; manual describes a 1 1/4-inch NPT drain outlet
• Water safeguards: Tank overflow prevention, high-temperature limit switch, low-level sensor and drain-valve interlock
• Listed accessories and inclusions: Four adjustable legs, drain screen, drain clean-out rod, element rack, removable basket hanger and cleaner sample packet
• Not included: Pasta baskets
• Certifications and marks stated in the sources: UL, NSF, CE, GS and cULus

Installation & Requirements

Clearances and placement

The product listing gives minimum clearances of 30 inches at the front, 6 inches at the floor, 6 inches at the sides and 6 inches at the rear. The installation manual separately lists clearances for combustible and non-combustible construction: back and sides require 6 inches for combustible construction and 0 inches for non-combustible construction; floor clearance is 6 inches for either construction type. The manual also calls for at least 16 inches of aisle space in front of the unit. Use the applicable product documentation and local requirements when laying out the installation.

The manual specifies indoor use only and warns against obstructing ventilation or air openings. It also says not to install the cooker next to a deep-fat fryer, because water splashing into hot oil can cause a flash fire. The unit must be installed on its provided legs or casters and must not be curb-mounted, which the manual says would inhibit proper component ventilation. Do not install legs or casters, level the appliance, or move it while it is operating or contains hot liquid.

Electrical and plumbing connections

The SSPE14 is electric. The product information gives 12.5 kW and 30 A for the 240 V, 60 Hz, three-phase configuration, and the product listing shows 208 V single-phase, 208 V three-phase, 240 V single-phase and 240 V three-phase configurations. The manual says a permanently connected appliance must use copper conductors rated for at least 167°F (75°C). It also calls for protective devices, such as earth-leakage relays, where leakage current may exceed 10 mA. The source listing has conflicting cord-and-plug details, so verify the connection supplied for the selected electrical configuration before planning the connection.

If equipped with the optional water-fill connection, connect it to potable water. The manual recommends a hot-water supply for a single water connection to reduce the time and energy needed to reach operating temperature. It specifies inlet pressure of 20 to 60 psi (138 to 414 kPa), maximum incoming water temperature of 180°F (82°C), water hardness no greater than 2.0 grains per gallon and pH of 6.5 to 8.0. The manual recommends that a water-treatment specialist inspect the supply. Plumbing work is to be completed by a licensed plumber in accordance with local and national codes. The tank drain is 1 1/4-inch NPT and can be piped to a nearby floor drain; the overflow connects into the drain arrangement.

Operation

Fill the cook tank with potable water only. Before turning the unit on, make sure the heating element is fully covered, and maintain the water at the tank level line while operating. The manual warns never to run the appliance with an empty tank and says adding water after the heating element has become hot can create a hazard. If the unit has the optional manual water-fill control, opening the knob admits water through the rear supply connection. Do not leave the cooker unattended while filling if the overflow drain is not fitted or its stop is in use.

Select boil or simmer on the digital controller, then use the countdown timer for a stored menu-item cooking time. The controller supports up to four menu items. When the timer signals, remove the food from the tank. For reheating, use the simmer mode as appropriate to the food and kitchen procedure. The temperature-limit switch can shut off the appliance if the water becomes too hot. The low-level sensor is intended to stop heat if the water drops below the element. Shut the appliance down completely before draining or refilling; the manual warns that it must not heat while water is being drained. The drain-valve interlock also stops heating when the drain valve is open.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Initial cleaning

Before first use, clean the tank interior and other food-contact surfaces with a commercial cleaner, following that cleaner’s directions. Rinse the inside of the tank thoroughly with cool water until the cleaner is completely removed, then wipe the tank dry with a clean cloth. Repeat the process for the rinse station if one is fitted.

Routine and periodic care

The manual says to clean the exterior panels with detergent to remove oil, dust, dirt and debris, taking care not to introduce detergent into the tank or food zone. It recommends monthly deliming to remove mineral deposits. If pasta production is high or the water is heavily mineralized, deliming may be needed more often. Follow the deliming product’s instructions, rinse the tank and components thoroughly with cool water at least twice or until cleaner is fully removed, and wipe the tank dry. Repeat for the rinse tank if equipped.

Disconnect the power supply before cleaning or servicing. Wear protective gloves and clothing when cleaning, draining or disposing of the hot water. Do not leave the appliance unattended during cleaning, allow the water level to fall below the heating element, disturb the temperature probe or high-limit sensor, or clean the appliance with a water jet; the manual says the unit is not jet-stream approved. The manual recommends yearly inspection by a qualified service technician. Its annual inspection checks include the condition of contactors, wiring and electrical components; covers and enclosures; the power cord; tank condition and scale or corrosion; drain and overflow blockages; and leaks or damage in the drain valve and lines.

Troubleshooting

If the controller does not activate, the troubleshooting table lists loss of power and a tripped circuit breaker as probable causes. Check the power cord and the building power supply, and reset a tripped circuit breaker. The supplied troubleshooting excerpt also begins a possible cause relating to the I/O button, but does not provide the complete entry, so consult the full operation manual for that diagnostic.

Applications

The SSPE14 suits commercial kitchens that prepare several pasta items and need a dedicated water-cooking station. A 12-gallon tank and timer settings for up to four menu items can support separate cooking cycles during service. The boil setting is intended for cooking pasta, while simmer mode can be used to reheat precooked food before sautéing or plating. Kitchens can pair the cooker with the optional rinse station when a separate rinse function is needed; the rinse station is not part of the cooker itself.