BKI Combi-King Oven Cleaning Tips
The BKI Combi-King oven can be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in a commercial kitchen. This masterful combination oven mixes convection, steam and combination cooking into one footprint, allowing you to bake or poach with ease. Routine cleaning and maintenance helps keep a unit running strongly, especially since the steam can cause buildups of mineral and calcium deposits. Below are BKI Combi-King oven cleaning instructions and tips.
Please note: The following instructions are general directions on cleaning the interior and exterior of your combi oven. In some cases, the unit might require a planned maintenance program with an authorized service company. Do not attempt to perform any cleaning procedures that aren’t recommended for an end-user as this can be dangerous.
Using the Automatic Washing System
One of the most enticing features of the BKI Combi-King is that select models are equipped with an automatic washing program. This cleaning function is available via the “Service” menu. As long as the rinsing aid and detergent are hooked up to the oven, it will automatically clean itself in a four-phase cycle. A user can customize the settings by choosing from four washing levels:
- Hard
- Intense
- Normal
- Soft
These levels are based on the degree of cleaning needed for removing grease and residue in the cooking compartment. If you require a deep cleaning of the unit, “Hard” removes very resistant residue. Does it just need a light washing? Choose the “Soft” level.
When you connect the rinsing aid and detergent, make sure the red hose is for the rinse aid and the clear hose is for the cleaning detergent. BKI recommends using ECOLAB R/O Free Rinse Additive and ECOLAB Greasecutter Plus detergent.
Using the Manual Washing System
A BKI Combi-King also lets you manual clean portions of the compartment. However, the unit still gives you some help along. If you go to the “Service” menu and choose “Cleaning,” the “Manual” option takes you through a four-cycle process with some automatic functions:
- Phase 1 – The unit generates steam for five minutes, helping dampen the compartment’s surfaces.
- Phase 2 – Once the first phase is complete, you can now open the door. Spray the detergent on the compartment’s surfaces. Do not use a chlorine-based cleaner. BKI recommends using ECOLAB Greasecutter Plus.
- Phase 3 – After you apply the detergent to the compartment, close the oven door. A new steam cycle will automatically start.
- Phase 4 – Once the steam cycle concludes, open the oven door and rise the compartment using an appropriate spray head.
Daily Cleaning
You should clean the oven at the end of each day. Below are steps from BKI on what you should do:
- Step 1. Power down the unit - Turn off, unplug the power cord and wait for the unit to fully cool down.
- Step 2. Disassemble racks - Remove the side tray racks from the unit by pulling them off the upper and lower pins.
- Step 3. Clean the racks - Use a soft cloth and soapy water to wash the racks.
- Note: Wear gloves when washing the sharp edges of the racks.
- Step 4. Rinse the racks - Use a damp cloth to rinse off the racks and then dry them with a separate, dry cloth.
- Step 5. Clean the oven cavity - Use a soft cloth and soapy water to clean the oven interior.
- Note: Be careful not to let water or soap leak onto the element behind the left side panel.
- Step 6. Rinse the oven cavity - Use a damp cloth to rinse the oven interior. Then dry it with a separate cloth.
- Step 7. Clean the exterior - Use a soft cloth and stainless steel cleaner to clean the oven exterior.
- Step 8. Clean all glass - Clean all 4 sides of the door glass with a soft cloth and glass cleaner.
- Note: Use the latches to access the interior portions of the glass.
- Step 9. Reassemble - Reinstall the side tray racks by putting them back onto the upper and lower pins.
- Note: If the unit is still dirty after cleaning, contact an authorized service technician to descale the unit.
Weekly Maintenance
BKI recommends cleaning the air filter and steam/humidity stack each week. Below are tips from the manufacturer:
Cleaning the Air Filter
- Step 1. Power down the unit - Turn off, unplug the power cord and wait for the unit to fully cool down.
- Step 2. Access the filter - Pull down on the bent metal handle located under the control panel to remove the grate.
- Step 3. Remove the filter - Pull out the filter from the unit.
- Step 4. Clean the filter - Use a cloth dampened with warm water and dish soap to clean the filter.
- Note: Wipe gently to avoid damaging the filter.
- Step 5. Rinse the filter - Use a damp cloth to rinse the filter and then set it aside to air dry.
- Step 6. Install the filter - Once fully dry, reinstall the air filter into its compartment under the control board.
- Step 7. Reinstall the grate - Push the grate closed to cover the filter.
Checking the Steam/Humidity Stack
Always check the steam/humidity stack at the end of the week. Look for any clogs in the pipe.
Need more assistance cleaning a BKI Combi-King? Check out our collection of BKI manuals for other tips and instructions.