How to Use a Vulcan Steam Kettle
Vulcan steam kettles are an important part of any commercial kitchen, so knowing how to operate them properly is critical. With these instructions on how to use a Vulcan steam kettle, you’ll be able to prep, use and shut down your unit with ease.
These instructions are for the K series of stationary and tilting kettles, both electric and gas.
Prepping the Kettle for Use
- Step 1. Check gauge pressure - Check the vacuum / pressure gauge when the kettle is cold. The gauge should read 20-30 In Hg., depending on the model. If the reading is higher, contact a technician to vent the air jacket.
- Step 2. Check water level in sight glass - The water level should be in the middle of the sight glass; if it isn’t, call a technician to remedy the issue.
- Step 3. Turn unit “ON.” - For electric kettles, use the power console ON / OFF switch to turn the unit “ON.” For gas kettles, make sure the gas supply valve is turned “ON.”
- Step 4. Remove obstructions from the flue (gas kettles) - Before operating a gas kettle, remove any obstructions from the flue.
- Step 5. Troubleshoot ignition failure (gas kettles) - If the ignition failure light is “ON,” turn the unit’s power switch “OFF,” wait 5 minutes and then turn the unit “ON” again.
Using the Kettle
Cooking
- Step 1. Preheat the kettle - For both gas and electric kettles, set the thermostat to SIMMER / BOIL and wait until the heat / light cycle is over.
- Step 2. Set the thermostat - Set the thermostat to the desired cooking temperature.
- Step 3. Fill the kettle - Pour the food that you want to cook into the kettle.
NOTE: Dairy-based foods should be placed into a cold kettle. Sudden contact with a hot kettle surface can cause milk and egg-based foods to stick.
Tilting
- Step 4. Cool down the unit - Set the kettle to the minimum temperature.
- Step 5. Turn the unit “OFF” - Use the power switch to turn the kettle “OFF.”
- Step 6. Tilt the unit - Rotate the crank handle clockwise to tilt the kettle / counterclockwise to return the kettle to the upright position.
Shut Down
Daily Shutdown
- Step 1. Power off the unit - Set the thermostat to minimum and turn the power switch “OFF.”
- Step 2. Clean the unit - Clean and dry the kettle thoroughly.
Extended Shutdown
- Step 3. Cut the gas supply - Turn the manual gas supply valve “OFF.”
- Step 4. Disconnect the unit from the power supply - Unplug the kettle’s power chord from the outlet.
For more information on operating a Vulcan steam kettle, check out our extensive library of Vulcan manuals online.