SSPG14

Overview

The Pitco SSPG14 Solstice Supreme is a floor-model gas pasta cooker for commercial kitchens, including restaurants and other high-volume food-service operations. It has a 12-gallon water capacity and a 14 x 18-inch cooking area. Pitco specifies a 60,000 BTU-per-hour gas input and an atmospheric Solstice burner system that operates without a blower or ceramic components.

The cooker has a marine-grade stainless steel tank and a stainless steel exterior cabinet. Its digital controller provides temperature regulation for boil and simmer modes, with a built-in countdown timer that stores four menu items. A tank overflow, drain screen, removable basket hanger and tube rack are included features. The SSPG14 is the cooker model; the SSRS14 is the related rinse-station model.

Key Features

• Solstice burner technology: The manufacturer describes its atmospheric burner system as providing heat transfer without complex power blowers. Alloy heat baffles are specified as part of the system.
• Self-cleaning burner: The burner system runs an automatic cleaning cycle when the appliance is turned on. The product literature describes a daily 30-second cycle intended to help limit foreign-material buildup in the burner housings.
• Digital controls: The four-button controller regulates temperature in boil and simmer modes, includes a countdown timer for four stored menu items and provides an audible high-temperature alarm.
• Safety controls: A temperature limit switch shuts off heat if the upper temperature limit is exceeded. The product literature also identifies down-draft protection and an integrated gas valve.
• Cleaning and draining: The welded tank has a smooth peened finish. The cooker has a 1-1/4-inch full-port drain valve, drain screen, drain clean-out rod and tank overflow.
• Included features: Manual water fill, faucet on the rinse unit when paired with the SSRS14, removable basket hanger, cooker tube rack, cleaner sample packet and adjustable 9-inch legs are listed in the product literature. The drain “T” manifold is standard on the SSPG14 cooker.
• Optional accessories: Options listed for the cooker include single or dual basket lifts, a regulated mixing valve, rinse-tank insulation, 9-inch casters and several basket styles and sizes. Confirm compatibility and configuration when ordering.

Specifications

• Model: Pitco SSPG14, Solstice Supreme gas pasta cooker
• Equipment type: Floor-model commercial gas pasta cooker
• Water capacity: 12 gallons (45.5 litres)
• Cooking area: 14 x 18 inches (35.6 x 47.7 cm)
• Cook depth: 11-1/4 inches (28.6 cm)
• Gas input: 60,000 BTU per hour (17.5 kW; 63.3 MJ)
• Gas types: Natural gas or LP configurations are listed. The data plate identifies the fuel type for the individual unit.
• Non-CE gas pressures: Natural gas supply pressure 7 inches water column and burner pressure 4 inches water column; LP supply pressure 11 inches water column and burner pressure 10 inches water column.
• Electrical requirements: The manual lists North American power as 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 1.0 amp.
• Tank construction: Marine-grade stainless steel, welded with a smooth peened finish
• Cabinet construction: Stainless steel exterior
• Drain: 1-1/4-inch full-port opening drain valve
• Legs: 9-inch adjustable legs are listed as standard product features.
• Shipping weight: Approximately 250 lb (113.4 kg) for the SSPG14 cooker, according to the product sheet.

Installation & Requirements

Placement and clearances

The manual requires the appliance to be installed on the legs or casters supplied by the manufacturer; it cannot be curb mounted. The legs or casters must be fitted before the gas supply is connected. The product specification sheet lists 6 inches (15.2 cm) minimum at the sides and rear. The manual also requires at least 16 inches (40.64 cm) of aisle space in front of the unit. Keep ventilation and air openings unobstructed. The appliance is intended for indoor use and needs proper ventilation and adequate air for combustion; the manual warns that a flame deprived of air can produce carbon monoxide.

Gas connection

Water and drain connections

The manual gives an incoming water pressure range of 20 to 60 psi (138 to 414 kPa) and a maximum incoming water temperature of 180°F (82°C). It specifies that water pH should be between 6.5 and 8.0 and notes that a properly maintained water softener can provide these conditions. Each tank drain and overflow line connects to a common drain line. The manual describes a manifold with a 1-1/4-inch NPT outlet when more than two appliances are joined together.

Electrical and ventilation requirements

The manual lists North American electrical requirements as 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz and 1.0 amp. The electrical connection must comply with local codes; for Canada, the manual refers to CSA Standard C22.2 and local codes. Where the appliance uses a line-current cord, the manual says not to remove the grounding prong and requires a properly grounded three-prong receptacle. It advises connecting the appliance to a wall receptacle controlled by the ventilation system so the cooker cannot operate without the ventilator on. The appliance must have proper ventilation to operate safely.

Operation

Maintain the water at the level line and do not turn on the cooker unless the heat tubes are fully covered with water. The manual warns that exposed hot tubes can produce dangerous steam vapours. When filling, do not leave the appliance unattended if the overflow drain is not fitted or its stop is in place; overfilling can cause injury and equipment damage. Shut the appliance down completely while draining or filling it.

To start the cooker, the manual’s pilot-lighting procedure instructs the operator to press and hold the I/O key for two seconds. If the pilot goes out or does not ignite, wait five minutes before repeating the procedure. If the pilot does not remain lit after three attempts, consult the operator troubleshooting section of the manual. Once a pilot flame is established, the digital control starts the heating cycle automatically; the main burners light and are controlled by the thermostat after the self-cleaning burner cycle.

Use the controller’s integrated BOIL/SIMMER switch to select the desired cooking mode. The countdown timer stores four menu items, and the controller has an audible high-temperature alarm. The temperature limit switch shuts off heat if the upper temperature limit is exceeded.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before first use, clean the cooker to remove the protective oil and any foreign matter accumulated during storage or shipment. The manual calls for a grease-dissolving commercial cleaner and instructs operators to read the product directions and precautions. For food-contact surfaces, use a commercial-grade cleaner formulated to clean and sanitize them, following the stated cleaner concentration and contact time.

Wear protective gloves and clothing when cleaning, draining or disposing of water; the water can cause severe burns. Do not leave the appliance unattended during cleaning, and never let the water level fall below the heat tubes. Avoid disturbing the temperature probe and high-temperature limit during operation and cleaning. The manual says 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 self-cleaning burner system operates automatically when the appliance is turned on. The product literature describes a daily 30-second cleaning cycle. The manual recommends that a qualified service technician inspect the appliance yearly for proper performance and operation.

Troubleshooting

If the pilot goes out or does not ignite during startup, wait five minutes before trying again so residual gas can dissipate. If the pilot will not remain lit after three attempts, the manual directs the operator to the operator troubleshooting section. The supplied manual excerpt does not provide further fault-specific diagnostic steps, so do not attempt adjustments beyond the procedures in the complete manual. If gas flow is interrupted or a pilot extinguishes, observe the five-minute wait before attempting to relight.

Applications

The SSPG14 suits commercial kitchens that need a dedicated gas pasta cooker for repeated batch cooking. Its 12-gallon capacity, boil and simmer modes, stored timer settings and basket-hanger features are relevant to restaurant pasta service and other high-volume food-service workflows. Basket lifts and additional basket styles are available as listed options; they are accessories for use with the cooker and should be confirmed for the intended configuration.