Frymaster FPEL214CA User Manual

The Frymaster FPEL214CA is a high-efficiency electric fryer designed for commercial kitchen use, featuring a 14-inch frying well, solid-state temperature controls, built-in filtration system, automatic basket lifts, energy-saving modes, stainless steel construction, digital temperature display, safety cut-off features, and easy-cleaning design. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Power 7. Operating Procedures 8. Filtration & Cleaning 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless steel fry pot with heating elements, Digital control panel, Filtration system, Automatic basket lift mechanism, Drain valve, Temperature probe, Safety thermostat.

Feature	Description
Frying Capacity	14-inch well, 35 lbs oil capacity
Heating System	Electric immersion elements, 18 kW power
Temperature Control	Digital PID controller, 250°F to 375°F range
Filtration System	Built-in pump with filter paper holder
Basket Lift	Automatic electric lift with manual override
Display	LED digital temperature readout
Construction	304 stainless steel body and components
Safety Features	High-limit thermostat, melt cycle, door interlock
Energy Saving	Standby mode, quick recovery
Drain Valve	Manual lever-operated drain

Installation

Unpack and inspect for damage. Position on level, stable surface.

Location: Place on heat-resistant surface with adequate ventilation.
Electrical Connection: Requires dedicated 208/240V 3-phase circuit with proper grounding.
Venting: Ensure 6-inch clearance from walls; connect to exhaust hood if required.
Leveling: Adjust legs to ensure fryer is perfectly level.
Initial Oil Fill: Add fresh frying oil to fill line.

WARNING! Installation must be performed by qualified personnel. Ensure proper electrical and ventilation requirements are met.

First-Time Setup

Power on fryer; follow initial setup procedure.

Power Connection: Turn on main power switch; control panel will illuminate.
Melt Cycle: Set to MELT mode to liquefy solid shortening if used.
Temperature Setting: Use UP/DOWN buttons to set desired frying temperature.
Heat-up: Allow 15-20 minutes to reach set temperature.
Test Operation: Lower empty basket to ensure proper lift function.

CAUTION! Never operate without oil. Keep hands clear of moving parts during testing.

Specifications

Model: FPEL214CA Electric Fryer
Voltage: 208/240V AC, 3-phase, 60Hz
Power: 18 kW heating elements
Oil Capacity: 35 lbs (approximately 5 gallons)
Temperature Range: 250°F to 375°F (121°C to 190°C)
Recovery Time: 90 seconds from 325°F to 350°F with 1 lb load
Dimensions: 24" W × 28" D × 38" H
Weight: 185 lbs (empty)
Construction: 304 stainless steel
Certifications: NSF, UL, CSA

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: POWER switch, Temperature display, SET temperature buttons, BASKET LIFT button, FILTER button, MELT mode button.

Operating Modes: FRY (normal operation), MELT (for solid shortening), FILTER (filtration cycle), STANDBY (energy saving).

Temperature Control: Digital PID controller maintains ±5°F accuracy. Basket Lift: Automatic timed lift or manual hold. Safety Settings: High-limit cutoff at 400°F, door safety switch, element burnout protection.

Connecting to Power

Electrical requirements: 208/240V, 3-phase, 60A circuit with proper grounding.

Turn off main power supply before connecting.
Connect appropriate gauge wires to terminal block (L1, L2, L3, Ground).
Secure conduit connections; ensure strain relief is properly installed.
Verify phase rotation if applicable.

Tip: Have electrician verify voltage and phase before initial power-up.

Operating Procedures

Standard frying operation steps:

Preheat: Set desired temperature; wait for READY light.
Load Basket: Place food in basket; do not overload.
Lower Basket: Press BASKET DOWN button or use manual lever.
Fry Time: Set timer if equipped; most items fry in 3-5 minutes.
Raise Basket: Automatic lift will raise when timer expires, or press BASKET UP.
Drain: Hold basket over fry pot for 10-15 seconds to drain excess oil.
Empty: Transfer food to holding station.

WARNING! Never leave fryer unattended during operation. Use proper protective equipment.

Filtration & Cleaning

Daily filtration recommended for extended oil life.

Cool oil to below 250°F before filtering.
Place drain pan under drain valve.
Open drain valve; allow oil to flow into filter pan.
Pump oil through filter paper back into fry pot.
Close drain valve when complete.
Wipe exterior with stainless steel cleaner.

CAUTION! Oil is hot! Allow proper cooling time before filtration.

Care & Maintenance

Weekly: Clean fry pot with approved fryer cleaner. Monthly: Check heating elements for buildup. Quarterly: Inspect electrical connections. Annually: Professional service recommended.

Maintenance Schedule: Replace filter paper daily, check oil quality regularly, clean crumb tray after each shift, inspect basket condition weekly.

Regulatory Information

NSF/ANSI 4 certified for commercial use. UL and CSA listed. Complies with NSF sanitation standards. Manufactured by Frymaster, part of the Middleby Corporation. For technical support, contact 1-800-221-4583 or visit www.frymaster.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Fryer won't heat	Power supply, thermostat	Check circuit breaker; verify power at terminal block; reset high-limit thermostat.
Temperature inaccurate	Probe calibration	Clean temperature probe; calibrate using service mode.
Basket lift not working	Motor, limit switches	Check lift motor connections; inspect limit switches for proper operation.
Oil smoking excessively	Oil degradation, temperature	Replace oil; verify temperature calibration; reduce setting.
Error code on display	Various faults	Refer to service manual for specific error code meaning.

Reset Procedure: Turn power off for 30 seconds, then restart.

Service: 1-800-221-4583; www.frymaster.com