CHEF Line Operation and Maintenance Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the operation and maintenance of CHEF Line VRI series refrigerated bowls and VBC series bain-marie bowls. It is essential to read and understand this manual before using the equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.

The manual covers safety precautions, equipment identification, technical specifications, operating procedures, cleaning guidelines, and maintenance schedules.

Safety Information

General Warnings

? WARNING: This manual is the property of the equipment manufacturer. Reproduction or transmission of its contents to third parties is prohibited. All rights reserved. It is an integral part of the product; ensure it is always supplied with the equipment, even if sold/transferred to another owner. Photographs and drawings are provided as examples. The manufacturer may make changes without prior notice as part of its policy of ongoing product development and updating.

Read this manual carefully before using the equipment to ensure safe operation.

The product is delivered in a single package. Ensure the supply is intact and contact the local distributor if anything is damaged or missing. If the packaging is damaged, inform the carrier and the supplier promptly.

Any contractual and extra-contractual liability of the manufacturer for damage caused to people, animals, or property by adjustment or maintenance errors or improper use is excluded.

This equipment is not designed for mass or industrial-scale food production.

The equipment is not designed to be used in locations exposed to atmospheric agents.

For proper equipment use, place the container containing the product to be processed in a stable position on a strong, level surface that can be cleaned and sanitised to avoid the risk of dirt build-up and contamination from foodstuffs.

In case of doubt as to the conditions and/or functionalities of the equipment and its parts, please contact the local distributor for further information.

The conditions required for proper equipment operation are:

• Ambient temperature no lower than 5°C.
• Relative humidity between 50% (detected at 40°C) and 90% (detected at 20°C).

Place unused utensils out of reach of children and unauthorised people.

Following the initial start-up, notify the product supplier of any faults or malfunctions encountered.

Provide adequate workplace lighting. Proper lighting is important to ensure suitably safe working conditions.

Check the power cable, plug, and socket at regular intervals. If the power cable is damaged, it must only be replaced by the manufacturer or the local distributor, or by authorised personnel.

If the equipment is unused for a long period, perform the following minimum operations:

• Set the main equipment switch to “OFF”.
• Remove the power plug from the socket. If the plug is not easily accessible, disconnect the omnipolar switch relating to the socket.
• Empty it completely and clean it.

Only use original spare parts or those approved by the manufacturer to prevent damage.

If a qualified person detects or suspects a fault that could compromise safe use, the equipment must be stopped immediately and may only be used again after repairs.

Prohibitions

? IT IS PROHIBITED TO:

• Make changes and/or attempt to repair the product. Making changes will void the equipment Declaration of Conformity. The user is liable for any damage arising from improper use. Any repairs must be carried out by a qualified technician.
• Leave the equipment exposed to atmospheric agents.
• Obstruct the equipment vents.
• Touch the equipment with bare feet or parts of the body which are wet/damp. If current dispersion is detected on contact with metal parts, turn off the switch, unplug the equipment, and contact an authorised dealer.
• Allow children or persons with reduced abilities or who do not have the required experience or knowledge to use the equipment, unless supervised by a qualified person responsible for their safety.
• Allow children to play with the equipment.
• Leave the packaging material in the environment or within reach of children as it may be a potential source of hazard. Dispose of it as required by current legislation.
• Remove any entangled material from the equipment when it is running, or introduce foreign material during the work cycle.
• Use the equipment if its electrical connections are damaged. This may cause a dangerous short-circuit.
• Use the equipment if its safety guards are not correctly positioned or in perfect condition.
• Place anything on the equipment when it is in operation or in standby.
• Use the equipment in an improper way.
• NEVER consume alcoholic beverages or medication which could cause tiredness and/or drowsiness before and during work.
• Force the equipment while it is running. Always use it under suitable operating conditions.
• Remove or damage any nameplate or safety sign on the equipment.
• NEVER pull, disconnect, or twist electrical wiring that protrudes from the appliance, even if it is isolated from the electrical power supply.

Equipment Presentation

Identification

The equipment is fitted with a nameplate stating the product data. Ensure the nameplate is fitted. If not, inform the manufacturer and/or dealer immediately. Equipment without a nameplate must not be used, or the manufacturer will forfeit all liability.

Nameplate Details:

• 1: Manufacturer identification
• 2: CE marking of conformity
• 3: Year of manufacture
• 4: Technical data
• 5: Serial number
• 6: Equipment model

? WARNING: Products without a nameplate are to be considered anonymous and potentially hazardous.

Working Environment

The equipment can operate in locations with the following environmental conditions:

• Ambient temperature: from +4°C to +40°C
• Humidity: max 90%
• Lighting: The location must be sufficiently lit (see applicable technical standards in the country of use).
• Altitude: max 2000 m above sea level (contact the manufacturer for use above this altitude).

Technical Data

VRI Series Refrigerated Bowls

VBC Series Bain-Marie Bowls

Dimensions

VBC 211 - cap. 2x1/1:

Overall dimensions: 730mm (width) x 662mm (depth) x 545mm (height). Side view shows dimensions: 70mm (top edge), 540mm (internal width), 510mm (internal depth), 15mm (bottom edge), 20mm (base height), 21mm (internal height).

VBC 311 - cap. 3x1/1:

Overall dimensions: 1100mm (width) x 990mm (depth) x 545mm (height).

VBC 411 - cap. 4x1/1:

Overall dimensions: 1433mm (width) x 1323mm (depth) x 545mm (height).

VRI 211 / cap. 2x1/1:

Overall dimensions: 770mm (width) x 735mm (depth) x 545mm (height).

VRI 311 - VRI 311F / cap. 3x1/1:

Overall dimensions: 1100mm (width) x 1070mm (depth) x 545mm (height).

VRI 411 - VRI 411F / cap. 4x1/1:

Overall dimensions: 1440mm (width) x 1400mm (depth) x 545mm (height).

Description

VBC 211 - VBC 311 - VBC 411

Stainless steel AISI 304 heated Bain-marie bowls. Each bowl is equipped with a water drain and electronic temperature control with a digital thermostat. The water is heated by a resistance controlled by a mechanical thermostat (operating range: 0°C to +90°C). Features include a switch and a status indicator light, positioned on the control panel located on the side of the lower compartment. A tap for draining the water is also found in this compartment.

VRI211 - VRI311 - VRI411 - VRI311F - VRI411F

Stainless steel AISI 304 refrigerated bowls. The structure is made of stainless steel AISI 304 with 50 mm insulation thickness. It features static refrigeration and a built-in control unit in the lower compartment. Temperature control is electronic with a digital thermostat, and it includes automatic defrosting and automatic evaporation of condensation water.

? WARNING: Any use other than that indicated by the manufacturer is to be considered IMPROPER USE. The equipment is made from selected construction materials suitable for guaranteeing maximum hygiene, oxidation resistance, considerable energy saving, and safe operation. All food contact parts are made from suitable materials.

Using the Equipment

Product Receiving

The equipment is delivered in a single package, protected by a cardboard box and stabilised with impact-resistant material to ensure it remains intact. The package may be fastened to a pallet depending on the equipment characteristics and to make handling easier.

? WARNING: On receiving the equipment, check all components are intact. If any parts are damaged or missing, contact your local dealer to agree on how to proceed.

The equipment is provided with instructions and documentation summarised in chapter "6 Attachments" (refer to page 19 in English version).

? WARNING: All documentation provided with the equipment must be carefully read and stored.

Transport and Handling

⚠️ CAUTION! HAZARD:

• The equipment must be transported by professionally qualified personnel, taking care to avoid causing any damage to its parts by impact or stresses caused by incorrect lifting.
• The warranty does not cover damage to the equipment caused during transport and handling.
• Repairs or replacements of damaged parts are to be paid for by the customer and must be carried out by personnel authorised by the manufacturer using solely original spare parts.
• The packed product must be handled according to its characteristics (weight, dimensions, etc.). If the weight and dimensions are small, the product can be handled manually. Otherwise, suitable lifting gear must be used.

Once the packing is removed, the equipment must be handled following the loading and unloading instructions stated on the packing.

? IT IS PROHIBITED TO: Leave the packaging material in the environment or within reach of children as it may be a potential source of hazard. Dispose of it as required by current legislation.

Initial Start-up

? WARNING: The initial start-up must be carried out by authorised, expert personnel who must ensure in advance that the power supply line complies with current laws, standards, and specifications in force in the country of use. Checks must be run to ensure the electrical installation is properly earthed and the line voltage and frequency match the data stated on the nameplate.

Before starting the equipment, check that the chosen location meets the requirements stated in section "2.2 Working Environment" (refer to page 8 in English version).

Check that the work surface is able to withstand the weight and characteristics of the equipment, that it is stable, level, and can be easily cleaned to avoid the risk of dirt build-up and contamination from foodstuffs.

Failure to follow these instructions exposes the user to the risk of equipment failure and accidents arising from direct or indirect contact.

⚡ CAUTION! ELECTRICAL HAZARD: Harm to property, animals, and people caused by the absence of an earth plate is not covered by the warranty, and all liability will fall entirely on the operator who failed to check the presence of the earth plate and a correctly installed and calibrated differential safety switch.

If an adapter is used for the electric socket, its characteristics must be checked to ensure they are not below those of the equipment.

Never use multiple sockets.

Preliminary Cleaning

Clean and sanitise the equipment before use.

⚡ CAUTION! ELECTRICAL HAZARD: Before carrying out any cleaning, always make sure the equipment is disconnected from the power supply.

? WARNING: Only use suitable cleaning products. Never use corrosive or flammable cleaning products or products containing substances harmful to human health. Do not use substances designed for cleaning and polishing silver, brass, or other unapproved products.

Electrical Connection

⚡ CAUTION! ELECTRICAL HAZARD: The machine's mains electrical connection and related preliminary test must be carried out solely by a specialised installer with proper training and tools.

Ensure the on-site earthing system is in full working order. Check the line voltage (Volts) and frequency (Hz) match the data shown on the appliance (see nameplate and wiring diagram). The appliance has an electric cable to which a multi-pin plug can be connected. Connect the plug to a wall switch fitted with a residual-current device.

Use

⚠️ CAUTION! HAZARD:

• Never run the equipment when it is empty.
• Do not smoke or use open flame appliances in the proximity of the equipment.

Cleaning the Equipment

⚡ CAUTION! ELECTRICAL HAZARD: Before carrying out any cleaning, always make sure the equipment is disconnected from the power supply.

? WARNING: All cleaning operations must be carried out by qualified personnel who have read this manual and been trained in the equipment's operation.

• Only use suitable cleaning products. Never use corrosive or flammable cleaning products or products containing substances harmful to human health. Do not use substances designed for cleaning and polishing silver, brass, or other unapproved products.
• Do not wash the equipment using a pressurised, spray, or immersion device.
• Do not use steam utensils to clean the equipment.
• Do not use sponges, abrasive pads, or utensils previously used to clean metals or metal alloys.
• Ensure the equipment is completely empty before cleaning.
• How often the equipment is cleaned depends on the use environment and the type of foodstuff processed.
• Never leave the equipment dirty between processes.

Cleaning at the End of the Process

At the end of each process, the equipment must be properly cleaned to remove any food residue from its surfaces. The outer surfaces can be wiped with a soft damp cloth or sponge. Clean the work surface and all surrounding areas thoroughly.

Cleaning at the End of the Day

• At the end of the day, disconnect the plug from the socket.
• Deeply clean using neutral products.
• Clean the external parts of the machine using a damp sponge.
• Do not use metal wool pads or abrasive detergents.

Prolonged Inactivity

If the equipment is unused for a long period:

• Disconnect it from the power supply.
• Carry out a general cleaning of the equipment.
• Cover the equipment with a sheet to protect it from dust and dirt.

Equipment Maintenance

⚡ CAUTION! ELECTRICAL HAZARD: Before carrying out any maintenance, always make sure the equipment is disconnected from the power supply.

Scheduled Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for maintaining equipment performance and guaranteeing its safe operation over time.

Scheduled Maintenance Table

⚠️ CAUTION! HAZARD: If the safety devices malfunction, are damaged, or fail to trip, disconnect the equipment from the power supply immediately, do not use it, and contact the manufacturer.

Extraordinary Maintenance

⚠️ CAUTION! HAZARD: Extraordinary maintenance operations require specific skills and must be carried out by the manufacturer, who declines all liability in the event of failure to comply with this instruction. Any operations requiring the removal of mechanical parts, protective devices, safety devices, or access to the electrical installation or electronic boards must be carried out solely by the manufacturer.

Possible Operating Faults

This section contains solutions to problems that may arise during equipment use.

⚠️ CAUTION! HAZARD: It is important to intervene solely after having read this manual in detail.

? WARNING: If the equipment still does not start after implementing the suggested solutions, contact the manufacturer.

Disposal

As with initial start-up and maintenance operations, equipment disposal at the end of its lifespan must also be carried out by qualified personnel. This product is made up of various types of material: some can be recycled; others must be disposed of. Find out about the recycling or disposal systems provided by the regulations in your area for this category of product.

⚠️ CAUTION! HAZARD: Some product parts may contain polluting or hazardous substances that, if released into the environment, could harm the environment and human health. Current local regulations may impose heavy penalties in the event of improper disposal of this product.

♻️ WARNING: As indicated by the adjacent symbol, this product must not be disposed of with domestic waste. It must be recycled in accordance with local regulations or returned to the vendor when purchasing a new equivalent product.

Attachments

The following attached documentation is provided with the equipment:

• Usage and maintenance instructions
• Declarations of conformity
• Any other documents for safe equipment use.

? WARNING: All documentation provided with the equipment must be carefully read and stored.