Blast chiller FAGOR 19101748

A blast chiller freezer rapidly pulls heat from hot food, preserving texture, flavour and safety. Instead of letting dishes cool slowly in a refrigerator, this unit circulates cold air at high velocity, dropping core temperatures in minutes rather than hours. The method halts bacterial growth and locks in moisture, making it essential for professional kitchens that prepare meals ahead or store delicate ingredients like fish and pastry.

The FAGOR CBC-031 HC offers two main cycles. In the soft chilling cycle, hot food is lowered from +90 °C to +3 °C within 90 minutes. The hard freezing cycle takes the same starting temperature down to -18 °C in 240 minutes. Both cycles can be controlled either by time or by the internal temperature of the product, measured by a probe that comes with the unit. Once the cycle finishes, the appliance automatically switches to a holding mode, keeping chilled food between +2 °C and +5 °C or frozen food below -18 °C.

To operate the unit, load up to three GN1/1 or EN 60x40 trays through the stainless steel door. Select the desired cycle—soft chill, hard freeze, pre-chill, fish sanitisation or ice cream hardening—using the 2.8-inch touch-sensitive control panel. The panel stores up to 20 custom programmes, allowing quick recall of frequently used settings. After the cycle completes, the door's automatic closing mechanism ensures the cold air stays inside.

The interior and exterior are made entirely of stainless steel, chosen for durability and ease of cleaning in a busy kitchen. A 35 mm layer of high-density polyurethane insulation, free of CFCs, minimises cold loss and keeps the unit efficient. The refrigeration system uses R290 refrigerant, circulated through copper tubing with aluminium fins and a protective cataphoresis coating. A hermetically sealed compressor and a ventilated condenser maintain consistent performance, while a removable front grille simplifies access for maintenance.

The control panel allows manual override of cycles, and a manual defrost function evaporates any water produced during thawing. The door features an ergonomic handle and a stay-open mechanism at 120°, closing automatically when opened less than 90° to prevent cold air escaping.

With a footprint of 590 mm wide, 700 mm deep and 520 mm high, the unit fits into compact kitchen layouts. Its 60 kg weight allows it to be moved with a trolley but remains stable during operation. The 230 V single-phase supply matches standard UK commercial circuits, while the 0.565 kW cooling power and 0.41 kW electrical load are designed for continuous professional use.

Cleaning involves wiping the stainless steel surfaces and removing the front grille to access the refrigeration components. The touch panel's smooth surface allows quick disinfection, and the automatic defrost system reduces manual upkeep.

The CBC-031 HC is available in a 60 Hz version with R290 refrigerant, specified in the entry as an optional variant. The catalogue places this model in the professional refrigeration section, alongside blast chillers and freezers for catering and foodservice.