Frymaster FWH-1 User Manual

The Frymaster FWH-1 is a high-efficiency, gas-fired fryer designed for commercial kitchen use. It features a high-capacity stainless steel fry pot, precision temperature control, automatic basket lift, melt cycle, cold zone, built-in filtration system (on select models), easy-to-clean surfaces, and safety features including high-limit thermostat and flame failure protection. Powered by natural gas or propane. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup & Startup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Frying Procedures 7. Filtration System 8. Cleaning & Maintenance 9. Safety Features 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless Steel Cabinet, Fry Pot with Cold Zone, High-Efficiency Burner System, Electronic Control Panel, Automatic Basket Lift, Manual Drain Valve, Built-in Filtration System (FWH-1F models).

FeatureDescription
Fry PotHigh-capacity, stainless steel with integrated cold zone for safety
Burner SystemHigh-efficiency, gas-fired for rapid heat recovery
Control PanelDigital temperature display, setpoint controls, timer, basket lift controls
Automatic Basket LiftProgrammable lift for consistent product quality
Melt CycleAutomatic low-temperature setting for melting solid shortening
Manual Drain ValveFor draining fry pot oil
Built-in FiltrationOptional system for filtering oil without moving the fry pot (FWH-1F)
High-Limit ThermostatSafety device to prevent overheating
Pilot/Flame FailureSafety system shuts off gas if flame is lost
Power SwitchMain power ON/OFF

Installation

Unpack and inspect for shipping damage. Position in a well-ventilated area with adequate clearance from combustible materials.

  1. Location: Place on a level, stable, non-combustible surface. Ensure local ventilation codes are met.
  2. Gas Connection: Connect to proper gas supply (Natural Gas or LP) using approved piping and fittings. Check for leaks with soap solution. DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME.
  3. Electrical Connection: Plug into a grounded 120V AC, 60Hz outlet. Ensure circuit is dedicated and properly fused.
  4. Venting: Connect exhaust hood per local codes. Maintain specified clearance.
  5. Initial Fill: Fill fry pot with oil or shortening to the "FILL" line indicated on the pot.

WARNING! Installation must be performed by a qualified technician in accordance with all local codes. Ensure gas supply is turned OFF during connection.

First-Time Setup & Startup

After installation, perform initial setup and seasoning.

  1. Power On: Turn main power switch ON. Control panel will illuminate.
  2. Set Temperature: Use UP/DOWN buttons to set desired frying temperature (typically 325°F - 375°F).
  3. Melt Cycle (if using solid fat): Press MELT button. The unit will heat slowly to melt shortening without burning.
  4. Heat Oil: Once melted or with liquid oil, the fryer will heat to the set temperature.
  5. Seasoning: For first use, heat oil to 350°F and hold for 30 minutes to condition the fry pot.
  6. Test Basket Lift: Press LIFT button to ensure basket raises and lowers smoothly.

CAUTION! Never leave heating oil unattended. Keep face and hands away from hot oil and steam.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Primary controls are located on the front electronic control panel.

Control Panel: POWER ON/OFF, Temperature SET/Display (shows actual and setpoint), UP/DOWN buttons, TIMER SET/Start/Stop, BASKET LIFT Up/Down/Auto, MELT button, FILTER button (FWH-1F models).

Operation Modes:
Standby: Power on, burner off.
Heating: Burner active to reach setpoint.
Ready: At setpoint, burner cycles to maintain temperature.
Melt: Low-temperature cycle for solid shortening.
Filter: Activates filtration pump and system (FWH-1F).
Lift Modes: Manual Up/Down or programmable Auto-Timed lift.

Frying Procedures

  1. Preheat: Ensure oil is at desired set temperature (confirmed by display).
  2. Load Basket: Place food product in fry basket. Do not overload.
  3. Lower Basket: Manually press LIFT DOWN or use foot pedal (if equipped). For timed frying, set timer first, then lower basket—timer will start automatically.
  4. Frying: Wait for cooking time. Basket can be raised briefly to check doneness.
  5. Lift Basket: At end of cook time (or manually), press LIFT UP to raise basket and drain oil.
  6. Empty Basket: Shake basket over fry pot, then transfer food to holding station.
  7. Reset: Reset timer if used. Fryer is ready for next batch.

Tip: Skim loose particles frequently to maintain oil quality and prevent flavor transfer.

Filtration System (FWH-1F Models)

Built-in system allows filtering oil while hot.

  1. Prepare: Ensure fryer is OFF and cool enough to safely handle filter pan. Place filter pan under drain valve.
  2. Drain: Open manual drain valve to drain oil from fry pot into filter pan.
  3. Filter: Press FILTER button on control panel. The pump will circulate oil through the filter paper back into the fry pot.
  4. Complete: When oil appears clean in the view glass (or after recommended time), press FILTER button again to stop pump.
  5. Finalize: Close drain valve. Top up oil level to "FILL" line if necessary.

WARNING! Oil is extremely hot. Wear protective gloves and aprons. Do not filter immediately after turning fryer off; allow brief cooling.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily: Wipe exterior with damp cloth and mild detergent. Empty crumb tray. Skim loose particles from oil.
Weekly/Bi-Weekly: Filter oil (FWH-1F) or change oil. Clean fry pot interior after draining and cooling with hot water and fryer cleaner. Rinse thoroughly.
Monthly: Check and clean burner ports. Inspect ignition electrode.
As Needed: Replace filter paper (FWH-1F).

CAUTION! Always turn OFF power and gas supply, and allow fryer to cool completely before cleaning interior components. Never spray water or cleaner directly onto controls or electrical components.

Safety Features

High-Limit Thermostat: Cuts off gas supply if oil temperature exceeds safe limit. Requires manual reset.
Flame Failure Protection: Gas valve closes if pilot/ignition flame is not detected.
Cold Zone: Lower section of fry pot remains cooler, reducing ignition risk from sediment.
Melt Cycle: Prevents burning of solid shortening during initial melt.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Plug: Protects against electrical shock (on some models).

Regulatory Information

This appliance is certified by CSA International (or equivalent) for commercial use in accordance with ANSI Z83.11. It must be installed in compliance with all applicable local plumbing, electrical, mechanical, building, and fire codes, including NFPA 96 (Vapor Removal from Cooking Equipment) and NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas Code). For technical support or to locate parts, contact Frymaster (a member of the Welbilt group) at 1-800- [Phone Number] or visit www.frymaster.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Fryer will not heatNo gas/power, thermostat setting, safety lockoutCheck gas valve and power supply. Verify set temperature. Check/reset high-limit thermostat.
Burner will not ignitePilot out, clogged ports, ignition failureCheck pilot flame. Clean burner ports. Ensure spark electrode is clean and properly positioned.
Oil temperature fluctuates widelyThermostat calibration, oversized food loadContact technician for thermostat check. Avoid overloading basket.
Basket lift not workingMotor fault, jammed mechanism, powerCheck for obstructions. Ensure power is on. Contact service if motor is faulty.
Slow heat recoveryUndersized gas line, low pressure, dirty burnerVerify gas line size and pressure meet specs. Clean burner assembly.
Filter pump not running (FWH-1F)Clogged filter paper, air lock, pump faultReplace filter paper. Prime pump by ensuring oil covers inlet. Contact service.

Reset High-Limit: Locate reset button on high-limit thermostat (usually on gas valve assembly). Press once after unit has cooled.

Service: For all repairs, contact authorized Frymaster service personnel. 1-800- [Service Phone] | www.frymaster.com

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