C24ET10-PS

Overview

The Vulcan Hart C24ET10-PS is an electric, floor-model convection steamer for commercial kitchens preparing food in batches. It has two cooking compartments with a combined capacity of 10 pans measuring 12" x 20" x 2.5". Vulcan’s PowerSteam system produces superheated steam at 235°F; the manufacturer states that this can provide cooking times up to 20% faster.

Atmospheric convection steaming can cook fresh foods or defrost and steam-cook frozen foods. The cooking compartments can be opened during a cycle. The steamer’s generator element shuts off when a door is opened and restarts when it is closed.

Key Features

• Two cooking compartments: Separate compartments provide a combined capacity of 10 standard 12" x 20" x 2.5" pans.
• PowerSteam: Superheated steam at 235°F; Vulcan cites up to 20% faster cook times.
• Individual controls: Professional controls, a 60-minute timer and an audible buzzer for each compartment.
• Constant steam: A constant-steam feature is listed in the product specifications.
• Steam generation: Dual high-output stainless steel steam generators.
• Drain and fill features: Smart Drain system, Powerflush, staged water fill, a split water line and a single drain connection.
• Service access: Dual delime ports.
• Construction: Stainless steel interior and exterior, with coved compartment corners noted in the product listing.
• Positioning: Leveling feet.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Vulcan Hart
• Model: C24ET10-PS
• Equipment type: Electric floor convection steamer
• Series: ET Series PowerSteam
• Compartments: 2
• Total pan capacity: 10
• Pan size: 12" x 20" x 2.5"
• Steam temperature: 235°F superheated steam
• Power input: 31.1 kW
• Electrical configurations: The product materials list 208/240V and 480V options. The installation manual identifies 208/240V and 480V versions across the ET Series; verify the specific unit’s data plate.
• Dimensions reported in the product listing: 24" wide x 35 1/2" deep. Published height information conflicts between the supplied listings and is not specified here.
• Weight reported in the product specifications: 500 lb.
• Materials: Stainless steel interior and exterior; stainless steel steam generators.
• Listings stated in the product specifications: UL EPH and cULus Listed.
• Warranty stated in the product specifications: 1 year parts and labour.

Installation & Requirements

Electrical

Check the steamer’s data plate against the available electrical supply before installation. The ET Series manual says the unit is shipped pre-wired for 208/60/3 or 480/60/3, and that 240V and single-phase operation require changes to the heater connections. Conversions must be made by a Vulcan-authorized service technician. The manual states that the series operates at 50 or 60 Hz. The C24ET-LWE models are not available in single phase; that restriction applies to the LWE versions, not this C24ET10-PS model. Confirm the exact voltage and phase configuration for the unit being installed.

Water supply

The service manual specifies supply pressure of 20–60 psig. It also gives water-quality limits for the C24ET Series: hardness below 3 grains, silica below 13 ppm, total chlorine below 0.1 ppm, pH from 7 to 8, and undissolved solids below 5 microns. The manual warns that chlorine or chloramine above 0.1 ppm can permanently damage the steam generator and cooking compartment.

Drain

The installation manual specifies a 1 1/2" NPT drain connection from the condenser box, extended at least 12" and no more than 72" from the steamer base, with no more than two elbows. For a run beyond 72", the manual gives a maximum of 120" and calls for increasing the pipe to 2". It specifies an open-air-gap drain, a 1 1/2" air gap, and a floor sink at least 12" deep. The floor sink should not sit directly beneath the steamer or where vapour can enter from below. Drain piping should slope down away from the unit by 1/4" per foot and be iron or copper; the manual says not to use PVC. Do not make a solid connection to a drain, as back pressure can damage the steamer and void the warranty.

Drain temperatures can briefly reach 212°F. The manual notes that local codes may limit drain water to 140°F and that the user or installer must provide a way to meet that requirement when applicable.

Ventilation

The installation manual notes that local codes may require the steamer to be located under an exhaust hood. It refers to NFPA Standard No. 96 for information about hood construction and installation.

Operation

Each compartment has its own power switch and controls. During the manual’s startup check, the ready light should come on after approximately 15 minutes, indicating that the generator has reached operating pressure. With a compartment door open, the manual says steam should not enter the compartment and the ready and cooking lights should be off. Closing the door allows the cooking cycle to proceed.

The ET Series cooks at atmospheric pressure. Its manual describes steaming vegetables, frankfurters, eggs in their shells and other foods, as well as defrosting and steam-cooking frozen foods. Cooking times depend on factors such as food size, weight, thickness, temperature, density, whether it is fresh, pre-blanched or frozen, and the desired doneness. The manual recommends using perforated pans when possible because they reduce cooking time, promote even cooking and reduce moisture buildup. When using solid pans, do not cover the food with a lid or plastic wrap during cooking.

When switching the unit off, allow the drain cycle to finish. The manual says each generator drains for approximately five minutes and that electrical power must remain on for 15 minutes after the main power switch is turned off to allow the drain cycle to complete.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before cleaning, the manual instructs operators to disconnect electrical power and follow lockout/tagout procedures. Inspect compartment drains daily for blockages and clear debris from the perforated strainer daily, or more often as needed. After cooking greasy foods or seafood, close the doors and run each compartment for 25 to 30 minutes to flush residual grease and oils down the drain. The manual then specifies pouring 1/2 gallon of warm water with non-chloride, non-chlorine, non-bleach-based detergent down each compartment drain, followed by 1/2 gallon of hot water to rinse.

Drain both generators every day to flush minerals and help prevent scale buildup that can interfere with operation. The manual warns that failure to drain the generators daily will void the steamer warranty. After operation, switching off the compartment power switch starts the generator drain cycle, which takes approximately five minutes. The drained water is hot and under pressure, so use care around it.

Clean compartment interiors with warm water and non-chloride detergent, then rinse with warm water. Wipe exposed surfaces, including the sides, front, door and top, daily with a damp cloth and polish with a clean cloth. Use a nonabrasive cleaner for discolouration. Clean the door-gasket sealing surface daily with mild detergent and warm water; rinse and dry it. Do not use solvents or sharp instruments on the gasket, and do not apply food oils or petroleum lubricants directly to it. Leave compartment doors slightly open when the steamer is not in use so the cavity and door seal can dry.

Troubleshooting

• Steamer is not steaming: The manual lists loss of main power, the power switch being off, an open door or lack of water supply as possible causes. Check the power source or circuit breaker, switch, door and water supply.
• Steamer is not heating or steaming properly: Excessive lime buildup is a possible cause. The manual directs operators to descale the steamer.
• Door leaks: The manual lists excessive water pressure to the condensate non-filtered supply, a damaged door gasket, an improper or clogged drain, damage to the gasket sealing surface, or a stuck-closed cavity vacuum breaker. Incoming water pressure should be 20–60 psi. Check the gasket and drain; if needed, the manual says to contact an authorized Vulcan servicer.
• Water accumulates in the compartment: A plugged drain or screen may be responsible. Clear the compartment cavity screen. If the problem continues, contact an authorized Vulcan servicer.

Applications