JBT-48-N

Overview

The Turbo Air JBT-48-N is a floor-model J Series refrigerated buffet table for presenting chilled ingredients while keeping additional product in the cabinet below. Its top accommodates nine 1/3-size condiment pans, which are included. The cabinet has two swing doors and two adjustable polyethylene-coated wire shelves. With an 11-cu.-ft. stated net capacity, the unit combines a cold-food display surface with refrigerated storage in one piece of equipment.

The self-contained refrigeration system uses R-290 hydrocarbon refrigerant and maintains a stated temperature range of 33°F to 39°F. An external digital control and display lets staff check the temperature without opening the cabinet. Turbo Air describes the unit as front-breathing, with the compressor mounted at the side for service access without moving the table.

Key Features

• Nine-pan buffet top: Holds nine 1/3-size condiment pans; the pans are included.
• Refrigerated cabinet storage: The 11-cu.-ft. cabinet includes two adjustable, polyethylene-coated wire shelves.
• Digital temperature monitoring: An exterior display provides a convenient temperature readout for the 33°F to 39°F operating range.
• R-290 refrigeration: Uses hydrocarbon refrigerant. The manufacturer’s spec sheet states that R-290 has zero ozone-depletion potential and a global-warming potential of 3.
• Front-breathing, self-contained system: The side-mounted compressor can be serviced without moving the unit. The front grille removes without tools to provide condenser access, and a condenser-cleaning brush is included behind the grille.
• Commercial cabinet construction: The exterior is stainless steel, with a galvanized-steel bottom. The interior has a stainless-steel floor and aluminum side and back panels and door liners.
• Insulated cabinet: The cabinet structure and solid doors are foamed in place with high-density, CFC-free polyurethane insulation.
• Convenient door details: Ergonomic handles, self-closing doors and one-piece magnetic gaskets support routine staff access. The gaskets can be removed without tools for cleaning or replacement.
• Condensate and evaporator protection: The hot-gas condensate system has corrosion-treated surfaces; the evaporator has an anti-corrosion coating.
• Mobility: Standard 4-inch swivel casters have locks on the front set.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Turbo Air
• Model: JBT-48-N
• Series and type: J Series refrigerated buffet table / buffet display table
• Top pan capacity: 9 x 1/3-size pans; pans included
• Doors: 2 swing doors
• Shelves: 2 adjustable polyethylene-coated wire shelves
• Shelf size: 15¾ in. W x 17¾ in. D
• Net capacity: 11 cu. ft.
• Temperature range: 33°F to 39°F
• Refrigerant: R-290 hydrocarbon
• Compressor: 3/8 HP; self-contained and side-mounted
• Voltage and frequency: 115 V, 60 Hz, single phase
• Plug: NEMA 5-15P
• Power cord: 9.2 ft.
• Amperage: The manufacturer’s spec sheet lists 3.76 A; the installation and operation manual lists 3.2 A for this model. Confirm the unit’s rating label when planning the electrical connection.
• Overall width: 47¼ in. (1200 mm)
• Overall depth: 27½ in. (698 mm)
• Height: 28¾ in. (730 mm) listed for the unit; the dimensional drawing also shows 33¾ in. (857 mm). The spec sheet notes that its stated height does not include 5 in. for caster stem height.
• Net weight: 179 lb.
• Gross weight: 200 lb.
• Exterior materials: Stainless steel, with a galvanized-steel bottom
• Interior materials: Stainless-steel floor; aluminum sides, back and door liners
• Insulation: High-density, CFC-free polyurethane, foamed in place
• Certifications listed: cETLus and ETL-Sanitation
• Warranty information on the spec sheet: 2-year parts and labour warranty; additional 3-year compressor warranty. The same sheet’s 5-year compressor-warranty callout specifies U.S.A. only.

Installation & Requirements

Install the JBT-48-N indoors. The manual says not to install the unit where the ambient temperature is above 100°F (43°C) or below 50°F (10°C), or where it could be splashed with water. Choose a stable location and floor capable of supporting the cabinet and its contents. Level the unit from front to back and side to side, and lock the front wheels while it is in use. The manual specifies at least 15 cm between the unit and the wall for air circulation. Keep the appliance’s ventilation openings clear; the model’s front-breathing configuration depends on an unobstructed air path.

Connect the table to a dedicated, grounded wall outlet matching its 115 V, 60 Hz, single-phase electrical rating and NEMA 5-15P plug. The manual says not to use an extension cord or adapter plug, not to remove the ground prong, and to keep the plug accessible without moving the unit. It also cautions against plugging several appliances into the same socket. Installation work is to be performed by qualified and authorized personnel in accordance with the applicable electrical requirements.

R-290 is a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant. Handle the unit carefully to avoid damaging refrigerant tubing, the condenser or evaporator coils. The manual warns not to puncture the refrigerant circuit and says repairs must be performed by trained, qualified service personnel using appropriate genuine replacement parts. Do not use mechanical devices to accelerate defrosting.

Operation

After connecting power, turn on the power switch on the top side of the front cover. The manual says the display lights and beeps and the compressor begins to run. The electronic controller cycles the compressor automatically, and the printed manual states that the defrost cycle is controlled automatically by the controller. Use the external display to monitor the cabinet temperature.

The J Series manual gives a default refrigerator setting of level 4. Its control instructions say that level 1 corresponds to a higher temperature and level 8 to a lower temperature. The manual also describes using the up and down controls to change the setting. Allow space for air to circulate around stored product: do not load food against the back wall or within 4 inches of the evaporator compartment. The manual identifies good airflow in the refrigerator as critical.

Use the top for chilled buffet ingredients and the cabinet for refrigerated product or replenishment stock. Keep the doors closed when not accessing the cabinet; the self-closing action and magnetic gaskets help the doors return to a closed position and seal against the frame.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. The manual calls for periodic condenser-coil cleaning to keep dust, dirt and grease from accumulating. It specifies cleaning the condenser fins at least every three months (90 days), or as needed. The front grille cover can be removed without tools, and the manufacturer’s spec sheet identifies an included brush for cleaning the condenser.

For interior and exterior surfaces, the manual recommends a soft, damp cloth; if the unit is heavily soiled, use a cloth with a little neutral detergent. Remove the shelves to clean them. Wipe the door gasket with a cloth and neutral detergent. The manual warns that grease and food waste can damage the gasket, particularly along its bottom edge. The one-piece magnetic gaskets are removable without tools.

The manual says not to use thinner, oil, water, an iron brush, abrasive agents or hydrochloric acid for cleaning. It also warns against spraying water directly onto the appliance. After cleaning, check that the unit is safe, the power cord and plug are in normal condition, and the unit is operating properly. The manual says to empty and unplug the refrigerator before cleaning and when it will be unused for a long period.

Applications

The JBT-48-N suits restaurant buffet lines, cafeterias, hotel food service and other commercial cold-food stations that need a refrigerated ingredient display with storage below. Its nine included 1/3-size pans can be used for items such as salad toppings, garnishes, chilled sides or condiments. The cabinet shelves provide space for backup ingredients, while the 47¼-inch width gives operators a defined serving station footprint. A sneeze guard, tray slide and clear pan cover are listed as optional accessories for this model; they are not included as standard features in the specification list.