How to Use a Cleveland Convection Steamer
Cleveland convection steamers allow operators to cook multiple pans of food quickly and evenly, making them essential units in busy foodservice settings. In order to help you get the most out of your unit, this guide on how to use a Cleveland convection steamer offers step-by-step instructions to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible.
These directions apply to gas-powered SteamCraft and Gemini series models, such as the 24CDP10 and 24CGA10, respectively, as well as electric SteamChef units, like the 22CET6.1.
Preparing the Cooking Chamber
Be sure to inspect and clean the steamer before turning it on since the interior surfaces will become too hot once the unit starts generating heat.
- Step 1. Inspect for cleanliness - Check the cooking chamber for cleanliness and remove any debris from the racks, walls and floor that may block the screens, reduce the unit’s performance and potentially damage it.
- Step 2. Check the drains - Ensure the drains are covered by screens and free of any debris in order to minimize the risk of blockages. For SteamChef units, pour about 1 quart of water through the KleanShield™ drain and make sure that the water flows out of the unit.
- Step 3. Set the timer for 15 minutes - Use the dial to set the timer for 15 minutes. For SteamCraft machines with keypads, set the timer using the numeric keys.
- Step 4. Fill the unit with water - Turn the “ON/OFF” switch to the “ON” position in order to fill the steam generator with water.
- Step 5. Preheat the machine - Allow the unit to heat for 15 minutes before loading the cooking chamber with food product.
- Step 6. Load the unit - Place pans with food items into the unit. For best results, use 2-1/2" (6.35CM) deep pans that are uncovered and perforated.
Cooking Food Items
Note that gas-powered SteamCraft and Gemini models have self-lighting burners, so there’s no need to light the burners or pilot with a flame.
Timed Mode
Choose Timed Mode if you want the steamer to shut off automatically after a set period of time.
- Step 1. Set the cooking time - Use the control knob to set the cooking time. For SteamCraft units with keypads, use the numeric keys to enter the cooking time.
- Step 2. Select Timed Mode - Put the machine in Timed Mode by pressing the mode selector button, indicated by the timer icon on the control panel. For SteamCraft units, flip the mode selector switch so that “TIMED” is selected.
- Step 3. Complete the cooking cycle - Allow the unit to cook food items for the predetermined period. Since Timed Mode is selected, the steamer will shut off automatically when the cooking time is complete.
- Step 4. Cool down the unit before opening - Wait a few minutes until the steam stops flowing and the unit has cooled before opening the door. Be sure to stand on the hinge-side of the door when opening the machine to avoid direct contact with any remaining hot steam.
Manual Mode
Select Manual Mode if you don’t know the exact cook time and you want the unit to operate continuously until you shut it off manually.
- Step 1. Choose Manual Mode - Press and hold the mode selector button, represented by the timer icon, for 5 seconds to put the steamer in Manual Mode. For SteamCraft models, toggle the mode selector switch to “MANUAL.”
- Step 2. Cook the food product as needed - Allow the unit to cook the food items as long as needed. Be sure to occasionally check on the product in the machine to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
- Step 3. Turn off the unit - Flip the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position to end the cooking cycle once the food items are prepared as desired.
- Step 4. Allow the heat to dissipate - Don’t open the machine until the steam stops flowing and the temperature has decreased to a safer level. When it’s time to open the door, remember to stand on the hinge-side in order to avoid any remaining steam.
Shutting Down the Unit
Be sure to keep the door slightly open in order to minimize odor buildup and prolong the working life of the gaskets.
- Step 1. Turn off the steamer - Use the ON/OFF button to switch the unit off.
- Step 2. Allow the machine to blow down and drain - Let the blowdown cycle start and finish, and wait for the water in the steam generator to drain. These two processes should take a few minutes.
- Step 3. Cool down the unit completely - Open the door and wait for the steamer to cool fully before proceeding.
- Step 4. Clean the unit - Wash the racks and wipe the interior surfaces. For more details on cleaning the steamer, refer to the owner’s manual.
- Step 5. Leave the door ajar - Keep the door slightly open so that the unit can air out before the next use.
If you found this information helpful, be sure to explore the large library of Cleveland manuals and diagrams on our site for more tips on operating, maintaining and troubleshooting your exact model.