ASTM F1217-17(2023) PDF

Overview

ASTM F1217-17(2023) is the internationally recognized Standard Specification for Cooker, Steam developed by ASTM International. This specification sets the requirements for food cookers and reheaters that use steam as the heat source-commonly referred to as steamers, steam ovens, or steam cookers. These appliances are primarily used in commercial and institutional food service establishments, utilizing steam generated by gas, electric, or steam coil sources. The standard covers multiple types and configurations of steam cookers, ensuring safety, performance, and quality across products for professional food service applications.

Key Topics

• Scope of Applicability: This standard is designed for commercial and institutional food service equipment and does not cover steam cooking devices used by food processors for packaged foods.

• Types and Classifications: Includes table and countertop units, floor-mounted, boilerless, and combination pressure/pressureless steamers, among others. Steam cookers are further classified by grade (pressure levels), class (electrical connection types), size (number of compartments), style (steam source), and capacity (number of pans).

• Material and Construction Requirements: Specifies corrosion-resistant materials for durability-such as stainless steel and aluminum alloys-and mandates defect-free components for maintainability and safety.

• Performance and Testing: Contains requirements for performance features, such as ability to cook food at specified steam pressures, safe and robust door latching, removable pan racks, controls, and appropriate indicators. When specified, testing must be performed per ASTM F1484.

• Safety and Compliance: Addresses the use of hazardous materials and operations, directing users to develop safe practices and comply with all applicable health, safety, and environmental regulations. Steam cookers must meet various ANSI, UL, NSF, and ASME standards as referenced.

• Documentation and Packaging: Requires each unit to be supplied with installation, operation, and maintenance manuals, along with compliant product identification plates and suitable packaging.

Applications

ASTM F1217-17(2023) is relevant for a wide range of settings requiring high-performance, reliable steam cooking solutions, including:

• Restaurants and Cafeterias: For rapid, high-volume steaming of vegetables, proteins, and other menu items, improving throughput and consistent food quality.

• Institutional Kitchens: In hospitals, schools, and correctional facilities where bulk cooking and reheating via safe, efficient steam-based appliances is essential.

• Military and Shipboard Installations: The standard includes supplementary requirements for Federal/Military procurement, covering features like vibration resistance, compact dimensions, and electromagnetic compatibility.

• Hotel Chains and Catering Services: For meeting diverse menu demands and compliance with strict hygiene and operational standards.

By adhering to ASTM F1217-17(2023), manufacturers and purchasers ensure that commercial steam cookers deliver reliable performance, meet health and safety regulations, and provide durability in demanding kitchen environments.

Related Standards

Several standards are referenced within ASTM F1217-17(2023) to ensure a robust set of requirements for steam cookers, including:

• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: For safe pressure equipment construction.
• NSF/ANSI Standard No. 4: For sanitation and food safety standards.
• UL/ANSI 197: For electrical safety in commercial cooking appliances.
• ASTM F1484: Test methods for performance evaluation of steam cookers.
• ANSI/NFPA Codes: For fuel gas and electrical codes relevant to installation and use.
• MIL-STD-167/1, MIL-STD-461: For military-specific vibration and electromagnetic compatibility requirements.

Ensuring compliance with these related standards enhances the quality, interoperability, and safety of commercial and institutional steam cooker equipment.

Keywords: steam cooker, steam oven, commercial food service equipment, ASTM F1217, steam cooking standard, boilerless steamer, pressure steamer, kitchen appliances, food safety, institutional cooking.