How to Clean an Alto Shaam Combi Oven
The Alto Shaam Combitherm® is one of the most useful pieces of equipment in your commercial kitchen. With the ability to cook, steam, bake and even smoke dishes, it’s quite the mighty multitasker. Since it’s such a valuable item in your kitchen, it’s important to keep it clean and maintained so that it stays reliable. If it’s time for such a cleaning, learn how to keep your Alto Shaam combi oven in tip-top shape with the instructions below.
Here, we’ll cover the cleaning instructions for the CT PROformance (CTP), CT Classic (CTC) and CT Express (CTX) series of Combitherm® models.
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.
Daily Cleaning Procedures
Since the Alto Shaam combi oven is so versatile, it must be cleaned at the end of each work day or production shift. This ensures that it not only operates properly, but that it remains sanitary and safe.
Gaskets
To prolong the efficiency and lifespan of the gasket, it must be cleaned daily. To do so, you must:
- Step 1. Let the cool down first.
- Step 2. Using a clean cloth soaked in a warm detergent solution, wipe down the gasket and its crevices.
- Step 3. Wipe off the detergent solution with a clean cloth soaked in water.
You don’t have to remove the gasket to clean it, so do not remove it.
Probe
The probe can be cleaned after being used in the CORE TEMP mode, and after each production shift. Here is how you can perform both methods:
Cleaning After CORE TEMP Mode
- Step 1. Wipe the tip of the probe with a clean paper towel to remove any food residue.
- Step 2. Wipe down the probe with a disposable alcohol pad.
- Step 3. Replace the probe in its proper door bracket position.
End-of-Day Probe Cleaning
- Step 1. Wipe down the probe, probe cable assembly, probe prongs, and probe holding bracket using a clean cloth and a warm detergent solution. The probe should be wiped down in between loads and at the end of each production shift.
- Step 2. Rinse off the detergent by wiping the entire aforementioned probe area with a cloth and clean water.
- Step 3. Sanitize the probe and probe bracket with a disposable alcohol pad or another OEM-recommended food-safe sanitizing solution.
- Step 4. Let the probe, probe prongs, and cable air dry in the holding bracket.
- Step 5. Wipe down the probe with a disposable alcohol pad before using it on a new food product.
Oven
The oven itself should be cleaned at the end of each production shift. It can also be cleaned in-between uses depending on what is being cooked inside.
Roll-In Cart / Food Trolley
This procedure is applicable on certain equipped models.
- Step 1. Remove the food trolley and clean in a designated cart wash area. The trolleys can be cleaned with a mild cleaning detergent and warm water.
- Step 2. Wipe down the framing, drip pan, sides, and base of the trolley, and clean off any debris from the casters. You can use a spray hose to clean the cart.
- Step 3. Rinse off the detergent solution with warm water.
- Step 4. Disinfect the trolley with an OEM-approved sanitizing solution that’s designated for metal and vinyl food contact surfaces.
Cleaning After Smoking
You can run a cleaning cycle on your Combitherm® after smoking food in it so that the smoke residue does not transfer onto other food items.
Monthly Cleaning Procedures
Once a month, make sure you clean and maintain these components on your Alto Shaam Combitherm® oven (if applicable):
- Spray Head
- Drain Pipe
- Water Intake
CombiClean® Cleaning Cycle
On certain CTC, CTP, and CTX Combitherm® combi oven models, there will be a CombiClean program you can run based on the level of cleaning. Depending on your model, the steps to running a CombiClean wash cycle may differ, so it’s important that you refer to your operation manual for full instructions. Just make sure before you begin a CombiClean® cycle that you have the proper OEM-recommended cleaning agents to use.
Should you need additional help troubleshooting Combitherm® issues or error codes for convection ovens, we’ve got you covered at Parts Town! We even have Alto Shaam manuals and diagrams for your to reference for any cleaning or preventative maintenance task you need to complete. If you require further assistance with preventative maintenance or repairs, contact an authorized service technician for help.