Blast chiller FAGOR 19089755

A blast chiller freezer rapidly pulls heat from hot food, dropping its temperature far faster than a refrigerator or freezer can. The process works by circulating cold air at high velocity over the food, drawing heat away and locking in moisture, texture and flavour. This method prevents the formation of large ice crystals, which damage cell structure and degrade quality. By chilling food to safe storage temperatures within 90 minutes or freezing it to -18 °C in 240 minutes, the unit preserves food for later service without compromising safety or taste.

The FAGOR ABC-031 HC is built for professional kitchens that need to cool or freeze prepared dishes in standard gastronorm trays. The operator loads GN1/1 or EN 60x40 trays into the chamber, selects the desired cycle—soft for chilling, hard for freezing—and starts the programme. A heated needle probe inserted into the food monitors its core temperature, ensuring the process stops only when the target is reached. After the cycle completes, the unit automatically shifts to a holding mode, maintaining the correct temperature until the food is removed.

The interior and exterior are fully constructed from stainless steel, chosen for its resistance to corrosion and ease of cleaning in a busy kitchen. A 60 mm layer of high-density polyurethane insulation minimises cold loss, reducing energy use and maintaining consistent temperatures. The door features an ergonomic handle running its full height and an automatic closing mechanism that holds it open at 120° but shuts it when released below 90°.

Controls are managed through a 5-inch touchscreen integrated into the door. The unit comes with 96 pre-set programmes organised into eight food categories, allowing quick selection for common items. Up to 40 custom programmes can be stored for specific recipes. In manual mode, the operator adjusts cycle parameters and selects one of five fan speeds to tailor the process. Additional functions include pre-chilling, continuous operation, manual defrosting, fish sanitisation, ice cream hardening and a drying cycle.

The refrigeration system uses R290 refrigerant, with a hermetically sealed compressor and a finned evaporator made of copper tubes and aluminium fins. A removable front ventilation grille provides easy access for cleaning and maintenance. The manual defrost cycle evaporates any water produced, eliminating the need for manual drainage.

The unit operates on a 230 V single-phase supply, drawing 0.565 kW for cooling and 0.41 kW for electrical power. Its compact footprint of 590 mm wide, 700 mm deep and 520 mm high fits into tight kitchen spaces, while its 60 kg weight allows it to be moved with a trolley or two people. The temperature range of +90 °C to +3 °C for chilling and +90 °C to -18 °C for freezing covers the full spectrum of hot food cooling and freezing requirements.

Cleaning involves wiping down the stainless steel surfaces and removing the front grille to access the refrigeration components. The touchscreen is cleaned with a damp cloth, avoiding abrasive materials that could damage the display. The unit is available in a 60 Hz version with the same power ratings and R290 refrigerant, specified separately in the catalogue.