Operator's Manual
Part 356242-1 1/16/25
Affordable Portable™ Refrigerated Cold Food Station
Thank you for purchasing this Vollrath® product! Save this manual for reference and the packaging in case shipping is necessary.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To help ensure safe use, please read and fully understand this manual and all safety messages before operation!
WARNING
Warning indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Caution indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE: addresses practices not related to physical injury.
To reduce risk of injury or damage to the unit
• Equipment must be installed by a qualified person.
• Use only grounded electrical circuits and outlets that match the nameplate-rated voltage. Do not use extension cords or power strips of any
kind.
• Never modify the wiring, cord, or plug. This could damage the unit and cause injury and will void the warranty.
• Use in a flat, level position.
• Unplug unit and let it cool completely before cleaning or moving.
• Closely supervise unit when operating in public areas and/or around children and unplug after use.
• Keep unit and power cord away from open flames, electric burners, and excessive heat.
• Use pans 6" (15.2 cm) or less in depth.
• Only operate properly functioning, undamaged units.
• Always attend the unit when operating.
• Do not set anything on the top surface or place objects inside air intake or exhaust panels.
UL GUIDANCE FOR PRODUCTS WITH R290 REFRIGERANT
This product utilizes R290 Refrigerant. Follow all safety precautions for use of R290.
All models are Test Room Climate Class 5.
WARNING
Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance..
Affordable Portable ™ Refrigerated Cold Food Station
2
UL GUIDANCE FOR PRODUCTS WITH R290 REFRIGERANT CONTINUED
WARNING
Keep clear of obstruction all ventilation openings in the appliance enclosure or in the structure for building-in.
WARNING
Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process.
WARNING
Do not damage the refrigerating circuit.
WARNING
Do not use electrical appliances inside the food/ice storage compartments.
WARNING
Component parts shall be replaced with like components so as to minimize the risk of possible ignition due to incorrect
parts.
WARNING
Appliance is to be installed in accordance with the Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems, ANSI/ASHRAE 15.
WARNING
• Do not use means to clean, other than those recommended by Vollrath®.
• The appliance shall be stored in a room without continuously operating ignition sources (for example: open flames, an
operating gas appliance or an operating electric heater.
• Do not pierce or burn.
• Be aware that refrigerants may not contain an odor.
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Affordable Portable ™ Refrigerated Cold Food Station
UL GUIDANCE FOR PRODUCTS WITH R290 REFRIGERANT CONTINUED
WARNING
Prior to beginning work on systems containing FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS, safety checks are necessary to
ensure that the risk of ignition is minimized. For repair to the REFRIGERATING SYSTEM, the following steps shall be completed
prior to conducting work on the system.
Work procedure
• Work shall be undertaken under a controlled procedure so as to minimize the risk of a flammable gas or vapour being
present while the work is being performed.
General work area
• All maintenance sta and others working in the local area shall be instructed on the nature of work being carried out. Work
in confined spaces shall be avoided.
Checking for presence of refrigerant
• The area shall be checked with an appropriate refrigerant detector prior to and during work, to ensure the technician is
aware of potentially toxic or flammable atmospheres. Ensure that the leak detection equipment being used is suitable for
use with all applicable refrigerants, i.e., non-sparking, adequately sealed, or intrinsically safe.
Presence of fire extinguisher
• If any hot work is to be conducted on the refrigerating equipment or any associated parts, appropriate fire extinguishing
equipment shall be available on hand. A dry chemical or CO2 fire extinguisher should be adjacent to the charging area.
No ignition sources
• No person carrying out work in relation to a REFRIGERATING SYSTEM which involves exposing any pipe work shall use any
sources of ignition in such a manner that it may lead to the risk of fire or explosion. All possible ignition sources, including
cigarette smoking, should be kept suciently far away from the site of installation, repairing, removing and disposal, during
which refrigerant can possibly be released to the surrounding space. Prior to work taking place, the area around the
equipment shall be surveyed to make sure that there are no flammable hazards or ignition risks. “No Smoking” signs shall
be displayed.
Ventilated area
• Ensure that the area is in the open or that it is adequately ventilated before breaking into the system or conducting any
hot work. A degree of ventilation shall continue during the period that the work is carried out. The ventilation should safely
disperse any released refrigerant and preferably expel it externally into the atmosphere.
Checks to the refrigerating equipment
• Where electrical components are being changed, they shall be fit for the purpose and to the correct specification. At
all times, Vollrath® maintenance and service guidelines shall be followed. If in doubt, consult the Vollrath® technical
department for assistance.
The following checks shall be applied to installations using FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS:
A. The actual REFRIGERANT CHARGE is in accordance with the room size within which the refrigerant containing parts are
installed,
B. The ventilation machinery and outlets are operating adequately and are not obstructed,
C. If an indirect refrigerating circuit is being used, the secondary circuit shall be checked for the presence of refrigerant,
D. Marking to the equipment continues to be visible and legible. Markings and signs that are illegible shall be corrected,
E. Refrigerating pipe or components are installed in a position where they are unlikely to be exposed to any substance which
may corrode refrigerant containing components, unless the components are constructed of materials which are inherently
resistant to being corroded or are suitably protected against being so corroded.
Checks to electrical devices
Repair and maintenance to electrical components shall include initial safety checks and component inspection procedures. If a
fault exists that could compromise safety, then no electrical supply shall be connected to the circuit until it is satisfactorily dealt
with. If the fault cannot be corrected immediately but it is necessary to continue operation, an adequate temporary solution
shall be used. This shall be reported to the owner of the equipment, so all parties are advised. Initial safety checks shall
include:
A. That capacitors are discharged: this shall be done in a safe manner to avoid possibility of sparking;
B. That no live electrical components and wiring are exposed while charging, recovering or purging the system;
C. That there is continuity of earth bonding.
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Affordable Portable ™ Refrigerated Cold Food Station
UL GUIDANCE FOR PRODUCTS WITH R290 REFRIGERANT CONTINUED
WARNING
Repairs to sealed components
• During repairs to sealed components, all electrical supplies shall be disconnected from the equipment being worked upon
prior to any removal of sealed covers, etc. If it is absolutely necessary to have an electrical supply to equipment during
servicing, then a permanently operating form of leak detection shall be located at the most critical point to warn of a
potentially hazardous situation.
• Particular attention shall be paid to the following to ensure that by working on electrical components, the casing is not
altered in such a way that the level of protection is aected. This shall include damage to cables, excessive number of
connections, terminals not made to original specification, damage to seals, incorrect fitting of glands, etc.
Ensure that the apparatus is mounted securely.
• Ensure that seals or sealing materials have not degraded to the point that they no longer serve the purpose of preventing
the ingress of flammable atmospheres. Replacement parts shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Cabling
• Check that cabling will not be subject to wear, corrosion, excessive pressure, vibration, sharp edges, or any other adverse
environmental eects. The check shall also take into account the eects of aging or continual vibration from sources
such as compressors or fans.
Detection of flammable refrigerants
Under no circumstances shall potential sources of ignition be used in the searching for or detection of refrigerant leaks.
A halide torch (or any other detector using a naked flame) shall not be used.
The following leak detection methods are deemed acceptable for all refrigerant systems:
• Electronic leak detectors may be used to detect refrigerant leaks but, in the case of FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS, the
sensitivity might not be adequate, or might need re-calibration. (Detection equipment shall be calibrated in a refrigerant-
free area.) Ensure that the detector is not a potential source of ignition and is suitable for the refrigerant used. Leak
detection equipment shall be set at a percentage of the LFL of the refrigerant and shall be calibrated to the refrigerant
employed, and the appropriate percentage of gas (25 % maximum) is confirmed.
• Leak detection fluids are also suitable for use with most refrigerants but the use of detergents containing chlorine shall
be avoided as the chlorine can react with the refrigerant and corrode the copper pipe-work.
• If a leak is suspected, all naked flames shall be removed/extinguished.
• If a leakage of refrigerant is found which requires brazing, all of the refrigerant shall be recovered from the system, or
isolated (by means of shut o valves) in a part of the system remote from the leak.
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Affordable Portable ™ Refrigerated Cold Food Station
UL GUIDANCE FOR PRODUCTS WITH R290 REFRIGERANT CONTINUED
WARNING
Decommissioning
Before carrying out this procedure, it is essential that the technician is completely familiar with the equipment and all its
detail. It is recommended good practice that all refrigerants are recovered safely. Prior to the task being carried out, an
oil and refrigerant sample shall be taken in case analysis is required prior to re-use of recovered refrigerant. It is essential
that electrical power is available before the task is commenced.
A. Become familiar with the equipment and its operation.
B. Isolate the system electrically.
C. Before attempting the procedure, ensure that:
i. Mechanical handling equipment is available, if required, for handling refrigerant cylinders;
ii. All personal protective equipment is available and being used correctly;
iii. The recovery process is supervised at all times by a competent person;
iv. Recovery equipment and cylinders conform to the appropriate standards.
D. Pump down refrigerant system, if possible.
E. If a vacuum is not possible, make a manifold so that refrigerant can be removed from various parts of the system.
F. Make sure that cylinder is situated on the scales before recovery takes place.
G. Start the recovery machine and operate in accordance with instructions.
H. Do not overfill cylinders (no more than 80 % volume liquid charge).
I. Do not exceed the maximum working pressure of the cylinder, even temporarily.
J. When the cylinders have been filled correctly and the process completed, make sure that the cylinders and the
equipment are removed from site promptly and all isolation valves on the equipment are closed o.
K. Recovered refrigerant shall not be charged into another REFRIGERATING SYSTEM unless it has been cleaned and
checked.
L. Labelling: Equipment shall be labelled stating that it has been de-commissioned and emptied of refrigerant. The label
shall be dated and signed. For appliances containing FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS, ensure that there are labels on
the equipment stating the equipment contains FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANT.
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Affordable Portable ™ Refrigerated Cold Food Station
Affordable Portable ™ Refrigerated Cold Food Station
FUNCTION & PURPOSE
Units are intended to keep food at proper serving temperatures in locations with ambient temperatures below 86 °F (30 °C). Using them
in warmer temperatures will take units out of NSF compliance. Modifying refrigeration parameters may void the warranty.
Food must be prepared and placed into the food station at proper serving temperatures. Refrigerated units are best used for holding
periods up to four hours. For best performance, stainless steel containers are recommended.
Units are not intended to chill food—nor for household, industrial, or laboratory use.
Description
120V
Solid Base Solid Base w/ Lights Open Storage
Base
Open Storage
w/ Lights
Storage Base
w/ Door
Storage Base w/
Door & Lights
With NSF2 Breath
Guard
Buet Cafeteria Buet Cafeteria Buet Cafeteria Buet Cafeteria Buet Cafeteria Buet Cafeteria
Black
3-Pan 46"
4-Pan 60"
R38713
R38716
R39713
R39716
R3871346
R3871660
n/a
n/a
R38714
R38717
R39714
R39717
R3871446
R3871760
n/a
n/a
R38715
R38718
R39715
R39718
R3871546
R3871860
n/a
n/a
Walnut Grain
3-Pan 46"
4-Pan 60"
R38950
R38960
R39950
R39959
R3895046
R3896060
n/a
n/a
R38951
R38961
R39951
R39961
R3895146
R3896160
n/a
n/a
R38952
R38962
R39952
R39962
R3895246
R3896260
n/a
n/a
Cherry Grain
3-Pan 46"
4-Pan 60"
R38773
R38776
R39773
R39776
R3877346
R3877660
n/a
n/a
R38774
R38777
R39774
39777
R3877546
R3877860
n/a
n/a
R38775
R38778
R39775
R39778
R3877546
R3877860
n/a
n/a
Granite
3-Pan 46"
4-Pan 60"
R38733
R38736
R39733
R39736
R3873346
R3873660
n/a
n/a
R38734
R38737
R39734
R39737
R3873446
R3873760
n/a
n/a
R38735
R38738
R39735
R39738
R3873546
R3873860
n/a
n/a
Brushed Aluminum
3-Pan 46"
4-Pan 60"
R38733A
R38736A
R39733A
R39736A
R3873346A
R3873660A
n/a
n/a
R38734A
R38737A
R39734A
R39737A
R3873446A
R3873760A
n/a
n/a
R38735A
R38738A
R39735A
R39738A
R3873546A
R3873860A
n/a
n/a
BEFORE FIRST USE
1. Clean and dry unit per the Cleaning and Maintenance Section.
UNPACKING THE UNIT
1. Remove all packing material, tape, and protective plastic.
2. Clean any glue residue left over from the plastic or tape.
3. Place unit in desired location.
4. Plug unit into a properly grounded electrical supply matching the nameplate rating.
NOTICE: Using incorrect voltage can cause damage and will void the warranty.
RECORD YOUR SERIAL NUMBER
The serial number for this equipment can be found on the rating plate located below the well, near the power cord. To aid in future
communication about your product, please record the serial number in the space below.
Rating Plate
Serial Number:
Affordable Portable ™ Refrigerated Cold Food Station
7
LOCATION & INSTALLATION
• Refer to the included installation instructions and the specification sheet which can be found on vollrathfoodservice.com.
• Do not move the unit by pushing or pulling on the breath guard (if it is present).
• Place and operate unit in a flat, level position.
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
A
B
C
A. On/Off Switch—turns unit as a whole on or off when flipped. Well Displays
will illuminate to show the value from the last use.
B. Access Door—provides easy access to the drain valve.
OPERATION
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard.
Keep water and other liquids from entering the unit. Liquid inside the unit could cause an electrical shock or short circuit.
Do not immerse the cord, plug, or unit in water or any other liquid—or operate if the unit or cord are damaged or altered.
NOTICE: Using voltage other than the nameplate-rated voltage or modifying the cord or any electrical component will damage
the unit and void the warranty.
General Guidelines
• For best performance, prevent drafts or room air currents from flowing over food pans.
• Do not use food pans deeper than 6" (15.2 cm).
• Do not place hot items on the top surface.
• Do not heap, mound, overfill, or elevate pans.
Pre-Chill & Hold Chilled Food
1. Open the Access Door and ensure the Drain Valve is closed.
2. Cover and refrigerate pans with food to be served cold.
3. Plug the power cord into an outlet that matches the nameplate rating and turn the unit on with the On/O Switch.
4. Run the unit for about 30 minutes before adding chilled food and for two hours if adding ice.
5. Ensure food is at proper serving temperatures, then place containers of cold food into pre-chilled well.
NOTICE: Monitor food temperature closely for food safety. The Unites States Public Health Service recommends that cold
food be held at a maximum of 41 °F (5 °C).
6. When finished using the unit, flip the power switch to o.
7. Remove food containers and dispose of leftovers or store appropriately for food safety.
vollrathfoodservice.com
The Vollrath Company, L.L.C.
1236 North 18th Street
Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081-3201 USA
Main Tel: 800.624.2051 or 920.457.4851
Main Fax: 800.752.5620 or 920.459.6573
Customer Service: 800.628.0830
Canada Customer Service: 800.695.8560
© 2025 The Vollrath Company L.L.C.
Technical Services
Induction Products: 800.825.6036
Countertop Warming Products: 800.354.1970
All Other Products: 800.628.0832
Part 356242-1 1/16/2025
CLEANING
WARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard.
Keep water and other liquids from entering unit. Liquid inside unit could cause an electrical shock or short circuit.
Do not immerse cord, plug, or unit in water or any other liquid—or operate if the unit or cord are damaged or altered.
NOTICE: Do not use caustic cleaning chemicals, steel wool or commercial products to clean the unit.
1. Remove food containers.
2. Turn the unit o with the On/O switch and allow unit to defrost at room temperature.
3. If you have a drain hose and valve (not provided), place drain hose into a bucket of sucient size, then open the Drain Valve to empty the water
from the well.
4. Soak up residual water with a clean cloth.
5. Use a damp cloth or sponge dipped in soapy water to wipe the inside of the well and outside of unit.
6. Thoroughly rinse unit with clean water, then dry thoroughly.
Clean the Breath Guard
1. Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth with mild soapy water or a product specifically made for cleaning Plexiglas® and acrylic that DOES NOT contain
ammonia, alcohol, acetone or dry-cleaning chemicals.
NOTICE: Avoid using paper towels, abrasive materials and cleansers, razor blades, brushes, steel wool/scouring pads and harsh, petroleum-
based and/or industrial cleaners.
2. To remove minor scratches, bu with a specialized, mild abrasive polish such as Novus #2 or Novus #3.
3. To remove major scratches, hand sand with increasingly finer sandpaper, then bu with a wheel and bung compound.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Potential Cause Course of Action
Drop-In or wells do not turn
on/switch does not illuminate.
Unit does not have power. Plug in unit.
Circuit breaker tripped. Reset circuit breaker; contact Vollrath Technical Service if the problem persists.
Circuit is defective or power supply is not correct. Contact Vollrath Technical Service.
Unit has power, but is not
operating/ well is not getting
cold.
Component malfunctioned. Contact Vollrath Technical Service.
Ambient air temperature is too high. Reduce ambient air temperature to below 86 °F (30 °C)???
Warm or cool air currents are aecting operation. Reduce/regulate air currents or move unit to consistent area.
SERVICE AND REPAIR
Serviceable parts are available on vollrathfoodservice.com.
To avoid serious injury or damage, never attempt to repair the unit or replace a damaged power cord yourself. Do not send units
directly to The Vollrath Company LLC. Please contact Vollrath Technical Services for instructions.
When contacting Vollrath Technical Service, please be ready with the item number, model number (if applicable), serial number, and
proof of purchase showing the date the unit was purchased.
WARRANTY STATEMENT FOR THE VOLLRATH CO. L.L.C.
The Vollrath Company LLC warrants to the original commercial end user that each of Vollrath’s foodservice products will be free from
defects in materials and workmanship.
For warranty period, exclusions, and details, visit vollrathfoodservice.com/vollrath-resources/warranty-info/warranty-policy.
