MKN Electric Boiling Kettle 10018803 – Optima 850

260 litres of capacity on a 1400 x 850 mm Optima 850 module makes this one of the larger kettles that will still sit in a single cooking line. With 35.8 kW electrical power behind the VAPRO steam generator and a quoted 43 min heat-up time, it is clearly aimed at bulk production in a main galley, not small-batch cooking.

The 400 V supply aligns with typical shipboard low-voltage distribution, so this kettle can normally be tied straight into a marine switchboard specification without step-up or step-down transformers. At 220 kg net weight and 260 kg gross, the structural and coaming design around the appliance needs to be agreed early, particularly where flanged feet or plinth mounting are used to satisfy both stability and sanitation requirements. A single 260-litre body also simplifies pipework: one connection to the mains water supply and one large drain valve to integrate with the galley waste system.

The working surface is listed at 1020 x 540 x 535 mm, set within the 1400 x 850 x 700 mm overall dimensions. That gives a clear idea of the footprint this kettle will occupy on an Optima 850 line and how much adjacent space is left for other modules. With one work zone, it is a single-task vessel intended to carry a full batch at one temperature profile rather than several smaller processes in parallel. The 43 min heat-up time has to be factored into production planning: on a service cycle with repeated batches, that figure defines when the next volume can be loaded and taken to temperature.

The energy-efficient VAPRO heating system with its separate steam generator means the inner vessel is heated indirectly by jacket steam rather than direct elements. Generator water is brought to temperature by cylindrical stainless steel elements, and intelligent heating control manages power input to match demand. Being prepared for connection to an energy optimisation system is relevant aboard, where the electrical load of several 35.8 kW appliances must be sequenced against available generator capacity, especially during manoeuvring or harbour operations.

Build and control

• Stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304) throughout
• Self-supporting closed construction
• Can be connected to the mains water supply
• Ergonomic knob control
• Energy-efficient VAPRO heating system with separate steam generator
• Generator heated by cylindrical stainless steel elements
• Intelligent heating control
• Prepared for connection to an energy optimisation system
• Large drain valve with strainer
• Double-walled hinged lid with swivel joint and condensate drip strip

This 260-litre kettle fits best where a vessel has a clear requirement for high-volume boiling or simmering and enough connected load to support 35.8 kW on a single appliance. It is less suitable for very small crews or galleys where menu structure relies on many small batches, because the single 260-litre work zone and 43 min heat-up time are then under-used. For such cases, smaller bodies in the same family or multifunctional pans may be a better match.

Ordered under MKN product number 10018803 in the Optima 850 series.