Hobart LXe - Low Temperature Readings

⚠️ 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 LXe SERIES DISHWASHERS unit, low temperature readings indicate that the wash or rinse water is not reaching the required sanitation or cleaning temperatures. This issue often stems from an insufficient hot water supply, excessive rapid cycle usage, or overloading the dishwasher racks. Verify incoming water temperatures and confirm booster or sump heaters are correctly set and operational to resolve the problem.

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Our certified technicians can help you on-site.

Technical Details

Repair Steps:

  1. Verify Incoming Water Supply Temperature: Ensure the hot water supply to your HOBART LXe dishwasher meets the manufacturer’s recommended minimum temperature (typically 120-140°F / 49-60°C for wash, higher for final rinse if internal booster is not reaching target). A thermometer can be used to check the temperature at the dishwasher’s supply line.
  2. Evaluate Cycle Usage and Ware Loading: If the dishwasher is run in rapid succession or with extremely heavy, cold ware loads, the hot water system may struggle to recover and meet demand. Allow adequate recovery time between cycles, especially if incoming water is cooler than ideal. Avoid overloading racks, as this can reduce water circulation and significantly cool the wash water.
  3. Inspect Booster and Sump Heater Settings and Functionality: Check the settings for the booster heater (if applicable, for final rinse temperature) and the sump heater (for wash tank temperature). Ensure they are not set too low. Visually inspect heaters for signs of failure (e.g., burned-out elements if accessible and safe to do so). If the heaters are not engaging or maintaining temperature, further diagnosis or replacement may be necessary.
  4. Contact Hobart Service for Professional Assistance: If after checking water supply, cycle usage, and heater settings, the low temperature issue persists, contact your local Hobart Service Office. Professional technicians can diagnose complex issues such as faulty heating elements, thermostats, temperature sensors, or control board malfunctions that require specialized tools and expertise.

Common Questions:

Q: What is the ideal incoming water temperature for my HOBART LXe dishwasher?

A: The ideal incoming hot water temperature for your HOBART LXe series dishwasher is typically between 120-140°F (49-60°C) for optimal wash performance. The machine’s internal booster heater will then elevate the final rinse temperature to the required sanitizing level, often 180°F (82°C).

Q: Can rapid cycle use cause low wash temperatures?

A: Yes, rapid cycle use, especially when combined with a low incoming hot water supply temperature, can overwhelm the dishwasher’s heating capacity. This means the machine doesn’t have enough time to heat the water to the proper temperature between cycles, leading to consistently low readings.

Q: How does overloading the dishwasher affect water temperature?

A: Overloading racks with heavy or cold ware can significantly cool the wash water because the large thermal mass of the dishes absorbs heat rapidly. It also impedes proper water circulation, preventing the heating elements from effectively raising the overall water temperature.

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.