CMP201E

Overview

The RATIONAL CMP201E CombiMaster Plus is an electric combi steamer for commercial kitchens. Its 20 × 1/1 GN capacity and stated production range of 150–300 meals per day suit high-volume batch cooking, such as preparing vegetables, sides, proteins or mixed menu components across multiple trays. It can cook using steam, hot air, or a combination of the two.

The supplied specification describes the CMP201E as a hot-air steamer conforming to DIN 18866 for common commercial-kitchen cooking methods. The cooking cabinet is described as seamless, with rounded corners and a splash guard. Stainless steel is specified inside and out; the specification sheet identifies the material as 304 stainless steel, DIN 1.4301.

Key Features

• Three cooking modes: Steam, hot air, and a combination of steam and hot air. Modes may be used individually, in succession, or together.
• ClimaPlus humidity management: Humidity measurement with five-stage setting and regulation.
• Temperature range: Steam from 30°C to 130°C; hot air from 30°C to 300°C; combination cooking from 30°C to 300°C.
• Programmable cooking: Individual programming for 100 cooking programmes, each with up to six steps.
• Air circulation: Five programmable fan speeds, dynamic air mixing, and an integral fan impeller brake.
• Core-temperature measurement: A probe for measuring the core temperature of food.
• Cleaning programmes: Three automatic cleaning programmes, a diagnostic system that displays automatic service notices, and a menu-guided user descaling programme.
• Data and updates: An integral USB port for HACCP data output and software updates.
• Steam generation: A high-performance fresh steam generator with automatic active rinsing and drainage by pump. The parts catalogue also identifies steam-generator heating elements, a steam-generator pump, fan motors, and hot-air heating assemblies.
• Other operating features: Cool-down function for fast cooking-cabinet fan cooling, demand-related energy supply, automatic adaptation to installation location, and a maintenance-free integral grease extraction system with no additional grease filter.
• Construction and handling: The specification lists a mobile oven rack with tandem castors and 63 mm rail spacing, a handle mount for the rack, and a cooking-cabinet door with an integral sealing mechanism. The listed standard parts include a mobile oven rack for type 201, castors, and a drip collector.
• Water management: Separate solenoid valves for normal and softened water and a fixed wastewater connection where permitted.
• Protection and controls: Splash- and hose-proof to IPX5; selectable temperature display in °C or °F; mode selector and separate controls for temperature, core temperature, and time; LED display visible from a distance.
• Other listed options: The specification lists options including a Sous-Vide core-temperature probe, Ethernet interface, safety door lock, externally attached core-temperature probe, lockable control panel, special voltages, and connection to energy-optimising systems. These are options, not confirmed standard equipment on every unit.

Specifications

• Model: RATIONAL CombiMaster Plus CMP 201 E.
• Appliance type: Electric combi steamer / hot-air steamer.
• Capacity: 20 × 1/1 GN; another supplied listing also gives 40 × 1/2 GN.
• Stated meals per day: 150–300.
• Dimensions: 1,782 mm high × 879 mm wide × 791 mm deep.
• Net weight: 254 kg.
• Gross or packed weight: 300 kg.
• Material: 304 stainless steel, DIN 1.4301, inside and out.
• Steam temperature: 30°C–130°C.
• Hot-air temperature: 30°C–300°C.
• Combination temperature: 30°C–300°C.
• Water connection: 3/4-inch connection; the specification also gives d 1/2 for the pressure hose.
• Water pressure: 1.5–6 bar, also expressed in the sheet as 150–600 kPa or 0.15–0.6 MPa.
• Water drain: DN 50 mm; the product listing gives 50 mm OD.
• Electrical information in the product listing: 400 V, 37 kW, three phase, with a 3 × 63 A fuse connection.
• Electrical information in the specification sheet: 3 NAC, 415 V, 50/60 Hz, 3 × 63 A, with a 5 × 10 mm² cable cross-section; connected load 40.2 kW. The sheet lists 39.2 kW for both the steam and hot-air connections and says other voltages are available on request.
• Electrical rating note: The supplied product listing and specification sheet give different voltage and power figures. Confirm the individual unit’s rating and connection requirements before purchase or installation.
• Vent pipe information shown in the specification drawing: Steam vent pipe DN 3 inches / 78 mm; the drawing also labels a minimum distance of 2 inches / 50 mm.
• Maximum rack height stated in the specification: 1.60 m when the original stand is used.
• Maximum food load in the supplied CombiMaster Plus manual for 20 × 1/1 GN: 90 kg total, with a maximum of 15 kg per rack.

Installation & Requirements

The specification sheet calls for copper wiring. It gives a recommended left-hand service and maintenance clearance of 500 mm, with a stated minimum of 350 mm if heat sources affect the left side of the appliance. It also says installations must comply with local electrical, plumbing, and ventilation codes.

The operating instructions say that inspection, maintenance, and repair work must be performed by trained technicians. They also require the appliance to be disconnected from the mains for cleaning, apart from CleanJet cleaning, and for inspection, maintenance, or repair. For floor units sized 20 × 1/1 GN and 20 × 2/1 GN, the instructions specify that air-filter replacement is for a RATIONAL service partner.

Operation

Select steam, hot air, or combination cooking according to the food and cooking method. The specification describes separate controls for cooking mode, temperature, core temperature, and time. It also lists five fan speeds and a cool-down function. The core-temperature probe can be used when cooking to a target internal temperature, and the USB port supports HACCP data output and software updates.

The supplied CombiMaster Plus operating instructions give practical steam-cooking guidance: foods such as fish, meat, vegetables, side dishes, and fruit may be cooked together when they use the same cooking method. Perforated GN containers let steam circulate around potatoes. The manual recommends using two shallower GN containers rather than one deep container for collecting vegetable stock, and placing dumplings in a shallow solid container with space between them. Rice and cereals are the foods the instructions say to cook with added water, at a ratio of one part grain to 1.5–2 parts water.

The same instructions provide approximate cooking-cabinet temperature ranges: soup garnishes 75°C–90°C; fish, shellfish, and crustaceans 65°C–90°C; meat and sausages 72°C–75°C; light meat 75°C–85°C; dark meat 80°C–90°C; poultry 80°C; and desserts 65°C–90°C. These are guidance ranges from the operating instructions, not a substitute for recipe-specific cooking settings. The manual also cautions that low cooking temperatures intensify seasoning flavours.

For the 20 × 1/1 GN size, the supplied instructions state a maximum load of 90 kg total and 15 kg per rack. Exceeding the stated maximum load can damage the appliance. The instructions say to leave the door slightly open when the appliance will be idle for a prolonged period, such as overnight. For a long stoppage, they say to shut off water, power, and gas supplies; the CMP201E is the electric model.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The operating instructions call for daily cleaning, including when the appliance is used only in steam mode. CleanJet is described as the automatic cooking-cabinet cleaning system, with three programmes to suit different levels of soiling. The manual says to use only the appliance manufacturer’s cleaner and rinse-aid tabs; other cleaning chemicals can damage the appliance. Do not put cleaning tabs into a hot cooking cabinet above 50°C, and leave the door slightly open if the appliance will be idle for a prolonged period.

• CLE1, powerful clean: For heavy roasting and grilling deposits. The programme description gives an approximate duration of 3 hours 45 minutes; the size-specific chart gives 3 hours 30 minutes for the 20 × 1/1 GN unit. The chart calls for five cleaner tabs and two rinse-aid tabs without soft water, or three cleaner tabs and one rinse-aid tab with soft water.
• CLE3, interim clean: A shorter cleaning programme for soiling, without drying and rinsing. The stated duration is about 40 minutes. For the 20 × 1/1 GN size, the chart lists two cleaner tabs and no rinse-aid tabs without soft water, or two cleaner tabs and no rinse-aid tabs with soft water.

The manual says excessive cleaning chemicals can cause foaming and that the number of tabs may need to be reduced if foam collects. Clean the press-fit door gasket daily with a soft cloth and washing-up liquid, not an abrasive agent; the instructions say this extends the gasket’s service life. High cabinet temperatures, high browning settings, and foods high in fat or gelatin can cause faster gasket wear. Clean the cabinet daily to help prevent corrosion and grease or food deposits that could catch fire.

Do not use a high-pressure cleaner, steam cleaner, or direct water jet on the appliance. Do not use acids or expose the appliance to acid fumes. For exterior panels, the instructions specify mild household cleaning agents, such as dishwashing detergent on a damp soft cloth. Do not use scouring products or abrasive cleaning agents. The manual also says to keep the door slightly open during long idle periods. At the end of service life, it says not to dispose of the appliance with general waste or at municipal collection points for used electrical appliances.

For floor models sized 20 × 1/1 GN and 20 × 2/1 GN, the air filter may only be replaced by an authorised service partner, according to the supplied CombiMaster Plus instructions. The manual states that a dirty filter triggers a service message. Correct installation of the filter and cover is required for the stated protection against sprayed water.

Troubleshooting

• No function after switching on: The supplied instructions list a switched-off external main switch or a tripped fuse at the premises distribution board as possible causes. Check that the main switch is on and check the premises’ distribution-board fuses.
• “CHnG FILt” message: The instructions identify a soiled air filter. For the 20 × 1/1 GN floor unit, contact a RATIONAL service partner for filter replacement, as specified in the manual.
• Flashing cooking-mode display: The instructions identify an excessively hot cooking cabinet and direct the operator to use Cool Down to cool it.
• Drain blockage: The instructions say to remove and clean the outlet at the back of the unit. They note that blockages can occur when foods high in fat are cooked frequently or when the outlet-pipe drop is too shallow; the pipe should be routed as described in the installation instructions.
• Water or drainage pipes at risk when moving a mobile installation: The manual says to restrict movement so that power, water, and drainage pipes cannot be damaged.

For inspection, maintenance, or repair, the manual requires trained technicians. Disconnect the appliance from the mains for those tasks.

Applications

The CMP201E’s steam, hot-air, and combination modes support a range of commercial-kitchen tasks, including batch steaming vegetables, cooking fish or meat, preparing sides, and roasting or grilling. Its 20 × 1/1 GN capacity and stated 150–300-meals-per-day range make it relevant to kitchens preparing multiple trays of food. The supplied operating instructions also describe cooking different foods together in steam mode when they share the same cooking method, and using perforated or solid GN containers according to the food being prepared.