Hobart AM16 - Excessive Steam or Water Vapor After Cycle is Complete

⚠️ Caution / Monitor Closely
Warning: The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Working with commercial kitchen equipment involves high voltage, gas, and high temperatures. We strongly recommend contacting a certified service technician for any repairs. We are not responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from DIY repair attempts. This information is provided 'as is' without any guarantees of completeness or accuracy.

TLDR

On your HOBART AM16 DISHWASHERS unit, excessive steam after a cycle typically indicates that the incoming cold water temperature is too warm, impacting the condensing cycle's effectiveness. This issue is specific to certain AM16VL and AM16VLT models. For proper diagnosis and adjustment of the condensing cycle time, it is recommended to contact Hobart Service.

Can't fix it yourself?

Our certified technicians can help you on-site.

Request Professional Repair

Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Verify the Symptom: Observe the dishwasher immediately after a complete cycle. Confirm the presence of excessive steam or water vapor lingering around the machine beyond normal dissipation time.
  2. Check Incoming Cold Water Supply: For models AM16VL-BAS, AM16VLT-BAS, AM16VL-ADV, AM16VLT-ADV, and AM16SVLT, ensure the dedicated cold water supply line is indeed providing cold water. Feel the pipe; it should be cool. In some installations, cross-connections or warm ambient temperatures in utility areas can heat the “cold” supply.
  3. Assess Kitchen Ventilation: Ensure the kitchen’s exhaust system is adequate and functioning properly to extract steam and heat generated by all kitchen equipment, including the dishwasher. Poor ambient ventilation can exacerbate the perception of excessive steam.
  4. Review Installation Environment: Verify that the dishwasher is not installed in an unusually hot environment or directly adjacent to heat-generating equipment (e.g., ovens, fryers) that could pre-heat the incoming cold water line.
  5. Document Observations and Contact Hobart Service: If the above checks confirm that incoming cold water might be too warm or if the issue persists despite good ventilation, document your findings, including the exact AM16 sub-model. This condition specifically requires adjustment of the condensing cycle time, which is a service parameter. Contact Hobart Service for professional adjustment and resolution.

Common Questions:

Q: What causes excessive steam in my Hobart AM16 dishwasher?

A: Excessive steam after a wash cycle on your HOBART AM16 dishwasher, particularly models AM16VL and AM16VLT, often indicates that the incoming cold water is too warm, hindering the condensing cycle’s effectiveness.

Q: Is excessive steam a safety concern?

A: While generally not an immediate safety hazard in terms of machine operation, excessive steam can create an uncomfortable and potentially slippery environment in the kitchen. It also suggests the machine is not operating optimally.

Q: Who should I contact to fix the excessive steam problem?

A: For this specific issue, which involves adjusting the condensing cycle time on applicable AM16 models, it is essential to contact Hobart Service. They have the necessary tools and expertise for accurate diagnosis and calibration.

When to call a technician

Consider calling a certified technician if:

  • The error keeps coming back after you've tried the steps above.
  • You're not comfortable doing the checks or repairs yourself.
  • You notice unusual noise, smell, or behaviour.
  • Equipment is under warranty and you want official service.
  • You need the unit back in service quickly with minimal downtime.

Need Professional Help?

Our certified technicians can help you on-site.

Request Professional Repair