Avantco Commercial Countertop Griddles, Charbroilers, and Ranges User Manual

Introduction

This user manual provides essential information for the safe operation, installation, and maintenance of Avantco commercial countertop griddles, charbroilers, and ranges.

Base Models Covered: #177CAG15TG, 177CAG24TG, 177CAG36TG, 177CAG48TG, 177CAG60TG, 177CAG15MG, 177CAG24MG, 177CAG36MG, 177CAG48MG, 177CAG60MG, 177CAG24RC, 177CAG36RC, 177CAG48RC, 177CAGR212, 177CAGR424, 177CAGR636.

Please read this manual thoroughly prior to equipment set-up, operation, and maintenance.

For more information, visit: www.AvantcoEquipment.com

Table of Contents

• Safety Information
• Assembly and Installation
• Clearances, Gas Standards and Codes
• Gas Connection Instructions
• Gas Conversion Instructions
• Countertop Thermostatic Gas Griddle
• Countertop Manual Gas Griddle
• Countertop Radiant Gas Charbroiler
• Countertop Gas Hot Plate
• LGP Gas Installation at Low Pressure, Gas Leak Check
• First-Time Use, Product Ignition
• Cleaning
• Maintenance
• Technical Specifications
• Technical Data
• Parts List and Diagrams

Warning

Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause property damage, injury or death. Read the installation, operation, and maintenance instructions thoroughly before installing or servicing this equipment.

For Your Safety

DO NOT STORE OR USE GASOLINE OR OTHER FLAMMABLE VAPORS OR LIQUIDS IN THE VICINITY OF THIS OR ANY OTHER APPLIANCE.

Conforms to: UL 197, UL Standard for Commercial Electric Cooking Appliances; ANSI Z83.11-2016/CSA 1.8-2016, Gas Food Service Equipment; CSA CSA 1.8, 4th Ed., Issue Date: 2016-02-01

Safety

This manual contains important information regarding safe operation of your Avantco equipment. Please read thoroughly before equipment setup, operation, or maintenance. Failure to comply with regular maintenance guidelines outlined in this manual may void the warranty!

• Please observe all local and national codes and ordinances.
• Installation must conform with local codes, or in the absence of local codes, the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 (latest edition). In Canada, installation should conform to installation codes for gas burning appliances and equipment standard CAN/CGA-8149.1 or the propane installation code, CAN/CGA-8149.2, as applicable.
• Installation must be performed according to the manufacturer's instructions and by qualified and authorized persons.
• For repairs, contact an authorized service technician only and request original replacement parts.
• Before operating the product and whenever there is any doubt about its operation, the user has the duty to read and understand this manual in detail.
• Install the equipment in a place where there is sufficient physical space for perfect handling of the equipment.
• Never use your equipment without first installing it correctly.
• If any abnormalities in operation are observed when using the equipment, discontinue use, close the manual gas shut-off valve, and call an authorized service technician to correct the problem.
• Any unauthorized alterations and / or tampering is DANGEROUS and will void all warranties.
• Close the gas valve that powers the equipment and check that the knobs are in the closed position when not in use and before servicing and cleaning the product.
• Fully assemble all components before turning on the product.
• Use three or more people or a load lifting device to move and install.
• Do not soil, remove, or obstruct the identification labels.
• For proper operation of the appliance, do not obstruct the flow of gas and ventilation.
• When your product is in use, accessible parts can become hot, and children should be kept away.
• Ensure that children do not play with the equipment.
• Always check that the gas connections are correctly installed and have no malfunctions and no gas leaks.
• Carefully keep this manual for future reference.
• Failure to follow the instructions in the consumer manual for product installation conditions will void your warranty.
• Never use the equipment if it is damaged or not working properly.
• Water or oil may make the floor slippery and dangerous. To avoid accidents, the floor must be dry and clean.

Assembly and Installation

Assembly

• Do not repair or replace any part of the equipment unless specifically recommended in the manual.
• Clean the product daily after use using neutral detergent. Use abrasive materials only for work surface cleaning.
• Do not use the product to heat the environment.
• Do not use loose hanging garments, towels, or large cloths when using near the product as they may ignite.
• Prevent water, dirt, or dust from coming into contact with the equipment's mechanical and gas components.
• Use only kitchen utensils suitable for the product.
• Always use certified hoses and pressure regulators.
• The manufacturer reserves the right to modify, at any time and without prior notice, the contents of this manual.

Installation

Upon receipt of the equipment, make sure that the product is not defective. For assembly, verify first if the accessory kit has the following items: a gas pressure regulator, an instruction manual, the gas conversion, the gas conversion injectors and a lighter (wick). Position the product carefully and adjust the foot level.

The gas pressure regulator supplied with the equipment must be installed when the appliance is connected to the gas supply. Installation must comply with local codes or, in the absence of local codes, with the national combustible gas code.

Gas product supply piping must be at least 3/4" in diameter.

Adequate space must be left in front of the device for proper maintenance and operation. Provisions should be incorporated into the kitchen design to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air and adequate clearance for combustion chamber overhead operations, for proper combustion and ventilation.

Important Note on Warranty

Conversion, gas line connection, thermostat calibration, burners, manometer gas pressure adjustment, etc., are all part of the normal installation and will not be covered under warranty. If a warranty technician is called and the unit is installed incorrectly, the end user may be charged.

Proper installation of this gas appliance is the sole responsibility of the end user. It is the buyer's responsibility to determine if the installer is qualified in the installation procedures.

Clearances, Gas Standards & Codes

Clearances

The appliance area must be kept free and clear of all combustibles.

Rating Plate

Information on this plate includes the model, serial number, BTU/hour input of the burners, operating gas pressure in inches WC, and whether the appliance is orificed for natural or propane gas. When communicating with the factory about a unit or requesting special parts or information, rating plate data is essential for proper identification.

Recommendations Before Installation

Before installing the gas supply system, observe the pipes and fittings, check the components for dirt and clean internally with compressed air to eliminate possible particles and prevent burners and valves from becoming clogged.

After cleaning, use thread sealant to connect the equipment to the gas network. For correct application, avoid concentrating the compound on the first two threads of the pipe, otherwise it may generate particles that will clog the system injectors.

Gas Standards & Codes

IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO INSTALL THE PRESSURE REGULATOR WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

Installation of this appliance must be in accordance with local installation codes, including:

1. The appliance and its individual shutoff valve must be disconnected from the gas supply piping system during any system pressure testing when this test pressure exceeds 1/2 PSI (3.45 kPa).
2. The appliance shall be isolated from the gas supply piping system by closing the manual shut-off valve during any pressure test of the gas supply piping system at test pressures equal to or less than 1/2 PSI (3.45 kPa).

Gas Connection

The gas inlet line size of this appliance is 3/4" NPT. For proper operation, the gas supply line must be the same size or larger. Gas line size should not be reduced at any point along the supply line.

Manual Shutoff Valve

A gas pressure regulator and a shut-off valve supplied by the technician shall be installed in the gas service line before the appliance is installed. Ensure shut-off valve is in a physical location where it can be quickly reached in an emergency.

Gas Pressure Regulator

The gas pressure regulator (which accompanies the product) is of utmost importance for its operation and is indispensable. The pressure regulator must be installed in the product supply gas line (failure to install the pressure regulator will void the equipment warranty).

Regulators are supplied with 3/4" NPT connection ranges. The regulator is factory set to 102mmH2O (4” WC) water column gas pressure at connector (natural gas) and gas pressure at 254mmH2O (10" WC) connector for LPG gas operation.

Before connecting the regulator, check the supply line pressure in the product. This may not exceed the maximum pressure of 3.45kPa (1/2 PSI). If the gas supply line pressure is higher than indicated, use a pressure reducing regulator.

At the bottom of the regulator body, there is a gas direction arrow to minimize installation error. This arrow should point to the device's direction of entry into the product. The blue air vent cap on the top of the regulator is part of the regulator and should not be removed.

Diagram Description: A diagram of a gas pressure regulator shows two arrows. One points to the bottom of the regulator body indicating the direction of gas flow, labeled "Direction of the arrow at the bottom of the regulator." The other points to the top of the regulator, indicating the air vent cap, labeled "Air vent cap."

Gas Conversion Instructions

The products are produced for the use of natural gas (NG). Check if the gas used in your region is compatible with the type of gas for which the product was manufactured. Otherwise, the product must be converted to be used in propane gas (LPG).

IMPORTANT: TO PERFORM GAS CONVERSION, A LICENSED AND QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN IS REQUIRED.

After converting the product gas, the pressure regulator must be converted by inverting the fitting under the regulator cover. This will require a reasonable amount of force. Do not remove the spring. When replacing the cover, ensure the insert of the socket is facing upwards in the middle of the spring as shown in the image.

Then, re-attach the pressure regulator to the gas inlet of the product and apply the "Warning" sticker for the gas to be used on the front of the unit for future reference.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the conversion process for gas orifices. It shows four numbered positions (1, 2, 3, 4) around a central point, with labels "NATURAL GAS" and "GAS GLP" (LPG). An arrow indicates a 180-degree rotation is needed for conversion.

Countertop Thermostatic Gas Griddle Conversion

Follow these guidelines for conversion:

1. Close the manual gas valve and disconnect the product from the gas network, ensuring no leakage. Remove the pressure regulator from the gas inlet to make work easier.
2. Remove the manual gas griddle assembly (1) with the help of two or more people. Exercise extreme care to prevent physical injuries or serious damage.
3. Carefully pull the wire from the thermostat bulb, which is fixed inside a support welded on the bottom of the plate, until it is loose.
4. Remove the screws securing the burners (3) to the rear support and pilot burner support (6) using a double screwdriver. Afterwards, remove the burners from the product.
5. Remove the burners injectors (4) with a 1/2" wrench.
6. Replace the removed gas injectors (4) with the new injectors included in the kit. Apply pipe sealant to the valve thread before screwing in the new injectors for the correct gas type.
7. Remove the pilot burner nut (7) to change the injector orifice inside the nut. The correct orifice is included in the accessory kit.
8. After changing the gas injectors, reassemble the product. Return the burners to their original configuration with the new injectors installed.
9. Reposition the thermostat bulb inside the welded support at the bottom of the plate. Fit the plate assembly back into the product. Replace the panel and secure it with the previously removed screws.
10. The following image serves to help identify the components mentioned above.

Diagram Description: An exploded view diagram shows components of the thermostatic gas griddle for conversion, labeled with numbers corresponding to the steps: (1) Griddle assembly, (3) Burners, (4) Burner injectors, (5) Burner injector, (6) Pilot burner support, (7) Pilot burner nut. Detail views show the burner injector and pilot burner nut.

Countertop Manual Gas Griddle Conversion

Follow these guidelines for conversion:

1. Close the manual gas valve and disconnect the product from the gas network, ensuring no leakage. Remove the pressure regulator from the gas inlet to make work easier.
2. Remove the manual gas griddle assembly (1) with the help of two or more people. Exercise extreme care to prevent physical injuries or serious damage.
3. Remove the screws securing the burners (2) to the rear support using a double screwdriver. Afterwards, remove the burners from the product.
4. Remove the injectors (3) with a 1/2" wrench.
5. Replace the removed gas injectors (3) with the new injectors included in the kit. Apply pipe sealant to the valve thread before screwing in the new injectors for the correct gas type.
6. Once the gas injectors (3) are changed, reassemble your product (4).

Diagram Description: A diagram shows components of the manual gas griddle for conversion, labeled with numbers: (1) Griddle assembly, (2) Burners, (3) Injectors, (4) Assembled product.

Countertop Radiant Gas Charbroiler Conversion

Follow these guidelines for conversion:

1. Close the manual gas valve and disconnect the product from the gas network, ensuring no leakage. Remove the pressure regulator from the gas inlet to make work easier.
2. Remove the waste drawer (1) and knobs (2) from the product. Remove the panel (3) by unscrewing the two screws at the bottom of the panel and detaching the upper panel fittings.
3. Remove the removable grilles (9), the deflectors (8), and the welded structure set (7). Exercise extreme care to prevent physical injuries or serious damage.
4. To remove the distributor tube assembly, remove the screws securing the distributor tube assembly (4) to the front support using a double screwdriver.
5. Remove the injectors (5) with a 1/2" wrench.
6. Replace the removed gas injectors with the new injectors included in the kit. Apply pipe sealant to the valve thread before screwing in the new injectors for the correct gas type.
7. Once the gas injectors are changed, reassemble your product (6).

Diagram Description: An exploded view diagram shows components of the radiant gas charbroiler for conversion, labeled with numbers: (1) Waste drawer, (2) Knobs, (3) Panel, (4) Distributor tube assembly, (5) Injectors, (6) Assembled product, (7) Welded structure set, (8) Deflectors, (9) Removable grilles.

Countertop Gas Hot Plate Conversion

Follow these guidelines for conversion:

1. Close the manual gas valve and disconnect the product from the gas network, ensuring no leakage. Remove the pressure regulator from the gas inlet to make work easier.
2. Remove grills (1) and burners (2).
3. Remove the injectors (3) with a 1/2" wrench.
4. Replace the removed gas injectors (3) with the new injectors included in the kit. Apply pipe sealant to the valve thread before screwing in the new injectors for the correct gas type.
5. Once the gas injectors (3) are changed, reassemble your product (4).

Diagram Description: A diagram shows components of the gas hot plate for conversion, labeled with numbers: (1) Grills, (2) Burners, (3) Injectors, (4) Assembled product.

LPG Gas Installation at Low Pressure & Gas Leak Check

LPG Gas Installation at Low Pressure

To use the product with LPG gas at low pressure, ensure the product is checked with the correct injector for LPG gas. If not, perform the gas conversion as described in the gas conversion section.

The installation of low pressure LPG gas must be carried out in a gas station distant from the equipment used.

A first-stage regulating valve with an inlet of 7 kgf/cm² and an outlet pressure of 1.2 kgf/cm² is installed on site, using copper or carbon steel piping as a gas conductor to the equipment. Install at the end, next to the equipment, a second-stage valve with inlet pressure of 1.2 kgf/cm² and outlet pressure of 2.8 kPa or 280mmc.a.H2O.

Using a certified hose, connect the valve directly to the pressure regulator at the gas inlet at the rear of the product, securing both ends with clamps to both the 2nd stage valve and the equipment.

Note: If in doubt, consult the legislation in force in your state / municipality.

Gas Leak Check

IMPORTANT: Before lighting the equipment and putting it into operation, check all gaskets on the gas supply line for leaks. Use a sudsy soap and water solution to check for leaks; do not use any type of wrench.

Follow these steps for the correct procedure to power on:

1. Turn pilot valves to OFF position by turning adjusting screws clockwise.
2. Turn on the manual gas valve on the inlet side of the gas supply line.
3. Check for gas leaks at the flexible coupling or gas connector connection using a soap solution.
4. Spray or scrub the solution with soap on gas connections. Active bubbling indicates the location of the gas leak.
5. If a gas leak is detected, turn off the manual gas valve at the inlet side of the gas line. Call your certified and licensed service technician.
6. If the equipment has no gas leak, continue with the equipment operating instructions.

First-Time Use & Product Ignition

First-Time Use

The sides and waste tray have a PVC film to protect against shock damage or rocking from transportation. Remove any plastics, straps, or protective film from the product before operating the equipment.

Countertop Gas Griddle, Thermostatic & Manual

To protect the equipment against possible moisture damage between fabrication and installation on site, the flat-tops are coated with a layer of vegetable shortening and brown paper. Remove grease and brown paper. Cleaning should be performed with a sponge, mild soap, and water in small amounts. After this procedure, turn the burners on and leave them on for about 15 minutes. This will cause all flat-top grill residue to be burned and eliminated. Only then will the equipment be ready for use.

Countertop Gas Radiant Charbroiler

To protect the equipment against possible moisture damage between manufacture and installation on site, the grills and baffle rails are coated with a layer of vegetable oil. Perform a cleaning with a sponge, neutral soap, and water in small amounts. After this procedure, turn the burners on and leave them on for about 15 minutes. This will cause all gas charbroiler residue to be burned and eliminated. Only then will the equipment be ready for use.

Countertop Gas Range

Perform a cleaning with a sponge, neutral soap, and water in small amounts. Only then will the equipment be ready for use.

Product Ignition

If you need to adjust the pilot valves (one pilot valve corresponds to two burners), do the following:

1. Turn the pilot adjusting screw counterclockwise, then light the pilot with the aid of the igniter (wick) accompanying the product and adjust the flame to a height of approximately 0.5 cm.
2. Turn on the gas valve by turning the knob counterclockwise to light the main burners.
3. To shut down completely, close the gas valves by turning the knob clockwise and turn the pilot adjusting screw clockwise to close the gas for the pilots.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates pilot screw adjustment with arrows indicating "More gas" and "Less gas."

Countertop Gas Griddle, Thermostatic Ignition

1. Open the manual gas supply valve (which will release gas into the product).
2. Immerse the lighter (wick) that accompanies the product in alcohol and light it. Note: Ensure the container with alcohol is away from the product and wick after immersing.
3. Press the handle lightly and rotate it to the pilot position.
4. Keep it pressed and pass the igniter (wick) through the pilot flame ignition hole in the product panel until it contacts the pilot and ignites the flame.
5. Keep the knob pressed for 10 seconds after the pilot flame is lit, then turn the knob counterclockwise until the desired temperature is reached.
6. Ensure the burner is lit. If the burner does not light, repeat the procedure.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the control panel of a thermostatic gas griddle with labels for "PILOT" and control knobs.

Countertop Gas Griddle, Manual Ignition

1. Open the manual gas supply valve (which will release gas into the product).
2. Immerse the lighter (wick) that accompanies the product in alcohol and light it. Note: Ensure the container with alcohol is away from the product and wick after immersing.
3. Take the igniter (bypass) past the ignition hole on the product panel until it contacts the pilot burner and the flame ignites. Repeat this procedure on all pilots.
4. Turn the knob corresponding to the burner you wish to operate counterclockwise (adjust the flame through the knob).
5. Ensure the burner is lit. If the burner does not light, repeat the procedure.
6. After lighting all burners, you can turn them off and back on by simply turning the corresponding knobs.

Note: The pilot burner flame is factory set according to the gas for which the product was originally manufactured. Always check through the hole identified on the panel as PILOT if the pilot burner flame is lit. If it is not, perform the procedures described above again.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the control panel of a manual gas griddle with labels for "PILOT," "PILOT ADJUSTMENT," and control knobs. It also includes a close-up view of the pilot burner ignition area.

Countertop Gas Hot Plate Ignition

1. Open the manual gas supply valve (which will release gas into the product).
2. Immerse the lighter (wick) that accompanies the product in alcohol and light it. Note: Ensure the container with alcohol is away from the product and wick after immersing.
3. Bring the igniter (wick) into contact with the pilot burner until the flame ignites. Repeat on all others.
4. Turn the knob (BUTTON) corresponding to the burner you wish to operate counterclockwise (adjust the flame through the knob).
5. Ensure the burner is lit. If the burner does not light, repeat the procedure.

Note: The pilot burner flame is factory set according to the gas for which the product was originally manufactured. Always check that the pilot burner flame is lit. If it is not, perform the procedures described above again.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the control panel of a gas hot plate with labels for "PILOT" and "PILOT ADJUSTMENT."

Cleaning

IMPORTANT: Do not use toxic or high chemical cleaning materials. See all instructions given by the cleaning product manufacturer.

After using the product and with the equipment not working nor hot, clean it to remove food residue. Remove the waste drawer for debris removal and cleaning.

• Use a non-abrasive sponge with mild detergent and water to clean the equipment.
• Never use sharp or abrasive materials (with corrosive elements in the formula) on stainless steel components, but on range and charbroiler grills it is possible. On the manual griddle and thermostatic griddle flat-top, it is recommended to use a kitchen spatula to facilitate the cleaning of residues.
• Keep in mind that constant and correct cleaning is critical to the proper functioning of the equipment.

Cleaning the Outside of the Product

The product has stainless steel external coating. For correct cleaning, follow these guidelines:

• First, let the product cool. Normal daily dirt can be removed with a mild detergent or soap solution applied with a damp cloth. Wash and dry thoroughly.
• To remove deposited grease, apply a cleanser in the direction of the polished lines on the metal. NEVER rub in a circular motion.

Cleaning the Inside of the Product

Let the inside of the product cool completely. Use a non-alkaline cleaning agent following the manufacturer's recommendations:

• Do not use abrasive products.
• Rinse well with water at room temperature. Clean and dry thoroughly.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to ensuring long-lasting equipment performance. Proper cleaning, installation, inspection, and overall care all help minimize the need for repairs. Before performing any maintenance, always confirm that gas connections, regulators, and check valves are fully closed and disconnected from the unit.

IMPORTANT: The maintenance of the equipment should only be performed by a technician authorized by the manufacturer.

The operator should be familiar with how to properly connect and disconnect any removable components, such as flow restrictors. If such a component is removed for maintenance or cleaning, it must be securely reinstalled before operating the equipment.

Safety Precautions for Moving/Cleaning:

• NEVER attempt to move or slide the product when it is hot. ALWAYS let the unit cool down and empty the waste drawer before attempting to relocate or move the unit.
• DO NOT FLOOD A HOT GRIDDLE WITH COLD WATER. This could cause warping and the griddle plate to crack.
• After the end of the working day, clean the gas range, charbroiler, and burners and turn them on to remove moisture. On the manual griddle and thermostatic griddle, clean the equipment and grease the flat-top with vegetable oil. This practice is recommended between one working day and another, thus avoiding its oxidation.
• At the end of each shift, empty out the grease tray to avoid grease and food buildup.
• If rust appears, gently scrub the affected area with an abrasive pad. Wipe away any remaining residue with a dry cloth. To help prevent future rust, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the cleaned surface.

Technical Specifications

Countertop Gas Griddle, Thermostatic

Diagram Description: Top, front, and side views of the Thermostatic Gas Griddle are shown, indicating dimensions and gas inlet location.

Countertop Gas Griddle, Manual

Diagram Description: Top, front, and side views of the Manual Gas Griddle are shown, indicating dimensions and gas inlet location.

Countertop Radiant Gas Charbroiler

Diagram Description: Top, front, and side views of the Radiant Gas Charbroiler are shown, indicating dimensions and gas inlet location.

Countertop Gas Hot Plate

Diagram Description: Top, front, and side views of the Gas Hot Plate are shown, indicating dimensions and gas inlet location.

Technical Data

Countertop Gas Griddle, Thermostatic

Countertop Gas Griddle, Manual

Countertop Radiant Gas Charbroiler

Countertop Gas Range

Parts List and Diagrams

Countertop Gas Griddle, Thermostatic

Diagram Description: An exploded view diagram shows the components of the Thermostatic Gas Griddle, with numbered parts corresponding to the list below.

Countertop Gas Griddle, Manual

Diagram Description: An exploded view diagram shows the components of the Manual Gas Griddle, with numbered parts corresponding to the list below.

Countertop Radiant Gas Charbroiler

Diagram Description: An exploded view diagram shows the components of the Radiant Gas Charbroiler, with numbered parts corresponding to the list below.

Countertop Gas Hot Plate

Diagram Description: An exploded view diagram shows the components of the Gas Hot Plate, with numbered parts corresponding to the list below.