If you have an EmberGlo ES5 Food Steamer, we have put together daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance plans along with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. Whether you’re looking to streamline your kitchen operations or ensure that your steamer continues to operate efficiently, this guide will provide the tips you need to get the most out of your EmberGlo steamer!
ES5 Half-Size Top Loading Food Steamer
With our ES5 steamers, you can have all the fresh, flavorful advantages of food steaming, plus the proven dependability and efficiency of EmberGlo engineering, without the restriction of supplying distilled or demineralized water. For a constant water supply, choose the direct water hookup model or opt for the self-contained steamer with one gallon capacity water pan to easily move and operate your steamer where a water line is not readily available.
Expert Tip: Check out the handy accessories for our steamers, including tortilla racks, baskets with handles, egg poacher cups, and more!
Daily Maintenance
Weekly Maintenance
Over time, the aluminum steam generator cavity may accumulate lime and baked-on cooking juices.
- When cool, clean by scraping or wire brushing this area and wiping out with a damp cloth or paper towel.
- Water pan drawer should be removed, cleaned, and filled with fresh, clean water. To remove, pull to stop position, lift front of steamer about 3” to clear inlet, and pull pan all the way out.
- Clean the water pan and baffles thoroughly, re-install baffles in water pan. To replace, lift the front of steamer up about 3”, slide pan in track about 2” from closed position, lower steamer front, and push pan completely in.
Monthly Maintenance
Water nozzle (round cap with tube in front center of aluminum generator cavity) should be cleaned.
- Pull up on round cap, tube will come out attached to round cap. Remove spring clip from inside of tube and push it through water holes on sides of water nozzle tube.
- Put spring back inside water nozzle tube and reinstall in front center hole of aluminum generator cavity.
FAQ
Q: Can my unit use tap water?
A: Yes, the ES5 and ES10 models can operate on tap water. The AR models must use distilled water.
Q: There is water in the cavity, but it does not steam?
A: The unit has flooded, wait for water to evaporate then begin standard operation.
Q: How do I clean the generator?
A: Mix water and baking soda 2:1. Pour into the cavity while the steamer is hot and allow it to bubble off. When it is cool, wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Q: The unit heats up, but does not steam?
A: The water nozzle, water inlet or strainers may be clogged. Clean as required.
Q: Why isn’t the steamer pumping water?
A: Sometimes, the ball bearing may freeze up. Tap pump lightly. Clean the filter at bottom of pump.
Other Helpful Resources
If you need more help, consult our Service and Installation Instructions. We also have several videos that give you step-by-step tips on cleaning and operations.
If you have questions that aren’t answered here, feel free to contact us or find your nearest test kitchen and test our equipment for yourself! Look for information soon with best practices on using and maintaining our front-loading AR Series steamers. Happy Steaming!