Pitco Pasta Cooker Instructions
The Pitco pasta cooker provides the perfect solution to preparing pasta. Thanks to its ability to boil enough water to cook large batches of pasta, this unit comes in handy for all types of commercial kitchens. And better yet, it’s easy to use as well. Follow along with this user’s guide to the Pitco pasta cooker and get to cooking quickly.
This guide is applicable for models SSPG14 and SSRS14.
Filling the Water Tanks
The Pitco pasta cooker comes equipped with two water tanks: one for cooking and one for rinsing. Before operating, each tank needs to be filled with water.
Filling the Cooker Tank
- Step 1—Make sure the drain valve is closed.
- Step 2—Fill the cooker tank with 12 gallons (45.5 L) of hot water, or until the water reaches the level lines.
Filling the Rinse Tank
- Step 1—Make sure the drain valve is closed.
- Step 2—Fill the cooker tank with 10 gallons (37.9 L) of hot water, or until the water reaches the level lines. If the tank doesn't have level lines, fill the tank until the water level is 4” (10.16cm) below the overflow.
Start-Up
- Step 1—Make sure the drain valve is closed.
- Step 2—Fill the water tanks (see above for instructions).
- Step 3—Light the pasta cooker.
- Step 4—Allow the water to heat in the cooker.
- Step 5—Press the on/off button once to toggle between “Boil” and “Simmer” mode.
Cooking Instructions
Simmer Mode
Simmer mode holds the water temperature to just below boiling point. This means it can be used as a standby mode or to reheat pasta. If you aren’t ready to cook yet, keep the unit in simmer mode to maintain the water temperature and conserve energy.
- To Turn on Simmer Mode—Press the on/off button once. When simmer mode is on, the digital control will show “SI nn” in the display window.
Boil Mode
Boil mode keeps the water temperature at a boiling temperature.
- To Turn On Boil Mode—Press the on/off button once. Press the on/off button again to toggle between simmer and boil mode. When boil mode is on, the digital control will show “bOIL” in the display window.
Setting a Cook Timer
Make sure you refer to your owner’s manual to know how to set your 4-button digital control for specific control types.
- To Set a Timer—Press the appropriate timer button twice. The control will showcase four timer buttons that allow you to cook or reheat up to four different items at once.
Using the Basket Lift to Cook Pasta
- Step 1—Place pasta basket(s) onto the lift before starting the timer(s).
- Step 2—When the timer cycle starts, the baskets will lower into the cook tank. Allow the pasta to cook during the timer’s duration.
- Step 3—Once the cook time is complete, the basket(s) will lift out of the cook tank.
- Step 4—If needed, transfer the pasta baskets to the rinse tank.
Using the Manual Water Fill
If your unit is equipped with a manual water fill or mixing valve, it’s recommended that the knob is set to allow water to enter the tank slowly during cooking. Turn the knob counter-clockwise to increase the water flow into the tank.
In some units, there will be a regulated mixing valve where the left knob is for regular filling and the right knob has a regulated flow rate for refilling the tank during cooking and reheating.
For more helpful information about your pasta cooker unit, peruse our selection of Pitco manuals and diagrams for assistance.