Vulcan Steam Kettle Troubleshooting
Vulcan steam kettles are indispensable because they cook large quantities of food quickly and evenly. Although problems with these units are rare, this Vulcan steam kettle troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and resolve issues quickly and easily.
This guide is for the K series of electric and gas kettles, both stationary and titling models.
Kettle Won’t Turn On, No Power Light (Gas and Electric)
- Kettle isn’t plugged in - Plug the power cord into an outlet.
- Power switch is “OFF” - Use the power switch to turn the unit “ON.”
- Circuit breaker is tripped - Reset the circuit breaker.
- Controls failure - Call an authorized technician to service the unit.
- Kettle has reached set temperature - If the set temperature is too low, use the thermostat to increase the set temperature.
- Kettle is low on water - Contact a technician to fill the water jacket.
- Tilting kettle not fully lowered - Use the crank to lower the kettle to the level position.
Low Water Light On / Low Water In Sight Glass (Gas and Electric)
- Water level is low - Contact a technician to fill the water jacket.
- Relief valve isn’t seated and is leaking - Schedule an appointment with a licensed technician.
- Fill port isn’t fully closed and is leaking - Call a technician to service the unit.
- Jacket was refilled with deionized water - Add a pinch of salt to the jacket water.
Kettle Not Heating, Heat Light Is “ON” (Electric)
- Heating element failure - Schedule an appointment with a qualified technician to remedy the issue.
- Controls failure - Call a technician to service the unit.
Unit Not Heating, Ignition Fail Light Is “ON” (Gas)
- Gas supply valve is “OFF” - Turn the gas supply valve “ON.”
- Combo valve is “OFF” - Turn combo valve “ON.”
- Quick connect hose not connected or fully inserted - Connect the quick connect hose or push the connect in until it snaps and locks.
- Gas line, flex hose or quick connect hose is undersized and not delivering enough gas - Schedule an appointment with a service technician.
- Gas supply pressure too low - Call a licensed repair professional to remedy the issue.
Kettle Heats Up Slowly / Won’t Come To A Boil (Electric)
- No vacuum in jacket - Contact a technician to remedy the issue.
- Incorrect voltage - Call an authorized service technician to solve the issue.
- Low voltage - Call a technician to service the unit.
Unit Not Heating To Desired Temperature (Electric and Gas)
- Thermostat isn’t “ON” - Turn the thermostat “ON.”
- Thermostat is defective - Schedule a service appointment with a licensed technician.
Kettle Not In Vacuum When Cold / Won’t Boil When Up To Pressure (Gas)
- Air in jacket - Contact a licensed technician to vent the jacket.
- Relief valve isn’t seated and is leaking - Schedule an appointment with a service technician to remedy the issue.
- Fill port isn’t fully closed and is leaking - Call a qualified technician to solve the issue.
For more Vulcan steam kettle troubleshooting information, see our extensive collection of Vulcan manuals online.