Groen 171838 Air Gap Kit for HyperSteam & Hypluss Steamers

Groen has functioned as the premier global authority in steam-jacketed technology and high-volume thermal processing since its founding in 1907. Headquartered in Conyers, Georgia, with its primary 2026 manufacturing operations based in a state-of-the-art facility in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the brand operates as a flagship of Unified Brands, a division of Electrolux Professional. Groen serves as the primary infrastructure provider for healthcare facilities, K-12 school systems, and large-scale hospitality groups, defining itself through a "Science of Steam" philosophy that prioritizes heat-transfer efficiency and microscopic temperature precision.

The brand’s technical identity is defined by its mastery of the steam jacketed architecture. A primary engineering hallmark is the use of 316 stainless steel liners as a standard feature on all floor-model kettles. This metallurgical choice provides a high-yield advantage for operators processing high-acid foods (such as tomato-based sauces or vinegars), as 316 steel offers superior corrosion resistance compared to the industry-standard 304 grade, significantly extending the equipment's lifespan and maintaining food purity.

Innovation at Groen is concentrated on digital automation and "wash-down" durability. Key technical pillars across the 2026 portfolio include:

• Cook2Temp Control Logic: A sophisticated electronic suite that utilizes a core temperature probe and programmable "step-cooking." This allows operators to pre-program up to nine recipes with four distinct thermal stages, ensuring that delicate proteins or grains reach exact internal temperatures without the risk of overcooking or "pot-watching."
• IPX6 Water-Wash-Down Rating: To address the harsh sanitation requirements of modern kitchens, Groen’s Advanced and Cook2Temp control panels are engineered to be fully water-resistant. This allows for high-pressure spraying during nightly cleaning without the risk of electrical short-circuits or humidity-induced logic failure.
• CapKold Cook-Chill Integration: Through its specialized CapKold line, Groen provides a vertically integrated "Cook-Pump-Chill" system. This utilizes high-torque agitator kettles and water-bath chillers to rapidly drop product temperatures from 180F to 40F in under an hour, extending the shelf-life of high-volume menu items while preserving organoleptic quality.
• SmartSteam100 Boilerless Logic: A flagship steamer technology that eliminates the need for high-maintenance boiler systems. It utilizes a "high-output" steam generator and atmospheric venting to achieve rapid cook times with reduced water consumption and minimized scaling issues.

The product portfolio is strategically categorized by the scale of production and the specific thermal medium:

• Steam Jacketed Kettles: Ranging from 2-quart tabletop models to 150-gallon floor units, available in gas, electric, or direct-steam configurations. The DH and DEE series are recognized for their "23-crank" full-tilt mechanism, providing unmatched ergonomics during product transfer.
• Tilting Braising Pans (Tilt Skillets): The Eclipse™ series features a 10-inch deep pan and a high-efficiency heating element designed for searing, sautéing, and simmering, often serving as the "multitool" of the commercial kitchen.
• Pressureless Steamers: Including the Intek and SmartSteam lines, engineered for high-velocity vegetable and seafood production without the plumbing complexity of pressurized vessels.
• Cooker/Mixers: Specialized kettles equipped with high-torque, counter-rotating agitators (Style TA or INA) designed for heavy-viscosity products like fudge, stews, or thick sauces.
• Water Filtration Systems: A critical auxiliary line designed specifically to protect steam equipment from the corrosive effects of hard water and chloride, backed by a specialized "Performance Check-Up" warranty program.

The strategic value of Groen lies in its "Legacy of Reliability" and its role as a "Labor Unlocker." By maintaining its engineering and manufacturing footprint in the United States, the brand ensures a high-yield foundation for North American operators who require rapid parts availability and heavy-duty metallurgy. Backed by industry-leading 10-year hemisphere warranties, Groen remains the foundational choice for any high-volume operation seeking to automate the complex thermodynamics of batch cooking with European-grade precision and American durability.