Your CVap and Collectramatic are built tough. They’re engineered to perform day in and day out in busy kitchens. And one of the reasons they can stand up to the grind is because they’re made of stainless steel. That shiny, strong exterior and interior isn’t just for looks — it’s built to last. But here’s the deal: even stainless steel needs TLC.
At Winston, we use stainless steel in our CVap and Collectramatic equipment for a reason. It’s durable, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting — if you take care of it. Ignore it, though, and you’re inviting rust, degradation, and potentially even voided warranties. (Yikes.)
Let’s break down how to keep your Winston equipment in top condition for the long haul.
Why Stainless Steel Still Needs Maintenance
Stainless steel isn’t magic. It’s a mix of iron and other metals — like chromium, nickel, and manganese. Chromium is the MVP here because it creates an invisible passive film on the surface that protects the steel from corrosion. But if that film is compromised? That’s when corrosion — and eventually rust — starts to creep in.
This can absolutely happen inside your CVap or Collectramatic if you’re not maintaining them regularly.
What Damages the Stainless in Your CVap or Collectramatic?
Let’s get into the culprits:
- Mechanical Abrasion
Steel wool, wire brushes, and scrapers can scratch and weaken that protective layer. Only use soft cloths or plastic scouring pads when cleaning. - Water Quality
Hard water = trouble. It can leave behind deposits that degrade stainless over time. Winston recommends a water softener or filter on the water fill line for your CVap. - Chlorides
Found in food, salt, and especially cleaning products, chlorides are sneaky enemies. Since CVap ovens rely on water to cook, that water can concentrate chlorides if not changed regularly. This buildup will eventually damage your unit’s stainless components. - Food Spills
It happens — stuff drips, splashes, or spills. But if you let acidic or salty food sit inside your cabinet or fryer? Corrosion city. And besides, who wants yesterday’s gravy turning into a science experiment?
Daily Cleaning = Equipment Longevity
Want to avoid costly repairs and keep your CVap or Collectramatic running like new? Make daily cleaning part of your routine.
Here’s how:
For CVap:
- Remove interior components like racks and rails. Wash and rinse thoroughly in the sink.
- Clean the inside non-abrasively with a non-chloride cleaner. Let rinse water flow into the evaporator.
- Drain the evaporator, clean with a non-chloride cleaner, and rinse well. If there’s mineral scale, use a product like Scale Kleen or Lime-A-Way to remove it. Refill with fresh, potable water.
- Dry with a soft cloth. Oxygen helps restore the passive layer — so drying actually helps protect the steel.
For Collectramatic:
- Follow similar non-abrasive cleaning protocols, especially after heavy use.
- Avoid cleaners with chlorides or quaternary salts, which can cause pitting and rusting.
- Be mindful of grease buildup — clean around and inside the fryer thoroughly.
What Cleaners to Use (and Avoid)
Look for non-chloride, food-safe cleaners. If you’re not sure about your current cleaner, ask your supplier. And skip anything with quaternary salts — they can destroy stainless steel over time.
If you have any questions about specific brands, please contact our Customer Relations Team.
Quick Nerd Corner: Steel Types 101
- 400 Series (Ferritic) – Magnetic, less corrosion-resistant.
- 300 Series (Austenitic) – Non-magnetic, higher corrosion resistance (what we usually use).
- 200 Series (Austenitic) – Contains manganese and nitrogen, also corrosion-resistant.
Bottom Line
Your CVap or Collectramatic is a major investment — treat it that way. Daily cleaning and the right tools and products will keep it performing at its best. Skip that, and you’re risking rust, corrosion, and early equipment failure.
Take care of your stainless, and it’ll take care of your kitchen. Simple as that.
Final Tip Taking a few minutes each day to clean your CVap or Collectramatic isn’t just about hygiene – it’s about protecting your equipment and extending its life. Your investment deserves it.
Questions? Contact Winston Foodservice Customer Support for recommended cleaning products or service inquiries.
