Who the ATRC-48-NG Is Built For

The ATRC-48-NG is Atosa's largest radiant charbroiler: four 35,000 BTU burners under stainless steel radiants, 140,000 BTU total, on natural gas, with about 968 sq in of reversible cast iron grate at 200.6 lb. It is built for volume, the kind of line where proteins and vegetables run at once and the grill never really gets a break.

It fits high-volume burger and grill restaurants, hotel and banquet kitchens, college and corporate dining, stadium and event kitchens, and catering commissaries that batch-grill chicken and vegetables. Four zones give room to run two menus at two different heats, or one menu with a dedicated hold zone, without a second grill.

A grill that works this hard needs a real cleaning and maintenance program, which is the focus of this page. If you rarely fill four zones, the ATRC-36-NG saves a foot of hood and 35,000 BTU of gas demand. For lava rock at this size, compare the ATCB-48. On propane, see the ATRC-48-LP.

Common fits for this model:

• High-volume burger and grill restaurants
• Hotel, banquet and conference kitchens
• College, corporate and institutional dining
• Catering commissaries batch-grilling proteins

Is the ATRC-48-NG the Right Size?

The ATRC-48-NG is 48" wide with four 12" zones and about 968 sq in of grate. Every Atosa charbroiler uses the same 12" zone, so sizing comes down to how many zones your busiest hour needs at the same time: one to sear, one to cook through, and ideally one to hold.

How much fits on the 48" grate

Estimated full-grate counts with room to flip. In real service, plan on about two-thirds to three-quarters of these numbers, because a zone is usually kept for holding or cooler cooking.

Compare the other radiant sizes

ATRC-48-NG vs. ATCB-48: Radiant or Lava Rock

The ATRC-48-NG uses stainless steel radiants over each burner. They spread the flame into even heat under the grates and catch drippings so they sizzle into smoke, with fewer flare-ups than lava rock and no rock to maintain. The lava rock ATCB-48 has the same burners, BTU and grates but a heavier, smokier char and more upkeep, and it weighs 47.2 lb more.

Zones and Grates on the ATRC-48-NG

Each 12" section has its own 35,000 BTU burner, standby pilot and manual control. The knob sets the flame size, not a temperature, so cooks control results by zone: turn one up to sear, another down to cook through, and keep one low or off to rest and hold. Turning off zones you are not using during slow periods is also the easiest way to save gas.

Reversible, adjustable grates. Per Atosa's manual, one side of each cast iron grate has a grease trough and the other side is flat. Use the trough side up for fatty foods like burgers, ribeyes and chicken thighs, so fat drains to the catch tray instead of flaring. Use the flat side for fish, vegetables and delicate items. The grates can also be angled to move grease toward the trough or to cook a little cooler at the high end.

Deep Cleaning a 48" Charbroiler, Step by Step

On a four-zone grill running all day, daily cleaning keeps it working, but a weekly deep clean keeps it working well. Plan about an hour once the grill is cool.

Tools

• Insulated, heat-resistant gloves
• Stiff wire grill brush and a flat steel scraper
• Non-abrasive pads and soft cloths
• Mild detergent and warm water (for the catch tray and wipe-downs)
• Cooking oil for re-seasoning

Steps

1. Shut down and cool. Turn every control to "0". Atosa's manual requires all valves off and the unit cooled before cleaning.
2. Pull the grates. Wearing gloves, lift out all the grates. Brush and scrape both sides and clear the slots.
3. Remove the back support brace and clean grease and crumbs off it, then oil it.
4. Scrape the radiants. Remove loose carbon from the stainless radiants with the scraper and brush. Check for warping or burn-through.
5. Clear debris around the burners by brushing off loose material. Do not poke or enlarge burner ports; burner work is for a technician.
6. Clean the catch tray. It is the only part you can wash with water. Clean, dry, reinstall and wipe with oil.
7. Wipe the body and panel with a soft cloth and mild detergent. No hose, no pressure washer, no abrasive or corrosive cleaners.
8. Reassemble and re-season. Refit everything, oil the grates and run the grill open for 45 minutes, uncovered.
9. Relight properly. Follow the full lighting procedure from the manual after cleaning.

Common Problems and When to Call a Technician

Atosa's manual says the unit has no user-serviceable parts and that repairs, adjustments and gas work must be done by authorized, licensed technicians. Some issues a cook can fix; most need a professional.

Preventing breakdowns. Keep the catch tray from overflowing, keep drafts off the flame, keep the area under the grill clear for combustion air, and book the yearly licensed inspection Atosa's manual requires. A grill that runs 12 hours a day benefits from a check more often than that.

Parts for the ATRC-48-NG

• Wear parts: grates, radiants, knobs and the catch tray see the most abuse.
• Gas-train parts: burners, pilots, orifices, control valves and the regulator. These are technician-installed.
• Use manufacturer parts. Atosa's manual says the manufacturer may refuse warranty service if parts from other companies are used, and warns that attachments not sold or recommended by the manufacturer can cause fire or injury.
• Ordering: have the model number, serial number and part description ready.

For a parts question, call or text 206-419-5801.

Natural Gas Setup and Gas Use

The ATRC-48-NG is set up for natural gas, with the supplied regulator set at 4" W.C. and a 3/4" NPT rear gas connection. The main burner orifices are #36 for natural gas in Atosa's charbroiler specifications. If you need propane, order the ATRC-48-LP instead of converting.

Estimates use about 1,000 BTU per cubic foot of natural gas, 100,000 BTU per therm and about 21,500 BTU per pound of propane. Real use is lower when zones are turned down or off.

Gas conversion. Atosa's manual says the main burner orifices are installed at the factory and that switching gas means changing the orifices and the regulator setting, work that must be done only by authorized, licensed technicians. Do not attempt a conversion yourself.

Before You Order the ATRC-48-NG

• Gas at the hookup: confirm you have natural gas at the cooking line. This listing is the natural gas model.
• Space: 48" wide x 27-3/5" deep, plus 6" at each side and the back. Measure about 60" of open, non-combustible counter or stand.
• Hood: the hood must cover the full 48" width with the overhang your code requires. Confirm with your code official before delivery.
• Gas supply: make sure your gas piping and meter can add 140,000 BTU/hr on top of the rest of the line. Ask your plumber or gas fitter.
• Connector: a commercial flexible gas connector sized for the load, with a quick disconnect and a restraining cable where code requires one.
• Support: a stand or chef base rated above 200.6 lb.
• Installer: book a licensed gas technician for install day.
• Delivery: the shipping weight is 256.4 lb. Plan who will receive and inspect the freight, and note any damage with the driver.

ATRC-48-NG Specifications

Installing the ATRC-48-NG

From Atosa's charbroiler manual:

• Installation, adjustment and gas work by an authorized, licensed technician, to local code (or ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 where there is none). Otherwise the manufacturer may refuse warranty service.
• A level, solid, non-skid, non-combustible surface, away from customers and children.
• At least 6" clearance on both sides and the back and 4" underneath. With side clearance, plan about 60" of counter width.
• Install under an exhaust hood as local regulations require. Gas underfired broilers are classed as heavy-duty cooking appliances under the International Mechanical Code; confirm hood and fire suppression with your local code official.
• Screw in the 4 adjustable legs and level the unit. Lift it rather than dragging it.
• Confirm the radiants and grates are seated before first lighting.
• Leak-test every gas joint with soapy water or a detector, never a flame, and have the technician check working gas pressure.
• Disconnect the appliance shutoff valve during supply pressure tests above 1/2 psi (3.45 kPa).
• Keep fans and air conditioning from blowing on the flame. Do not use outdoors.

Stand or chef base. At 200.6 lb net, the ATRC-48-NG needs a non-combustible stand or a chef base rated for countertop cooking equipment, with capacity above the grill's weight. All Atosa charbroilers stand 15-1/5" tall, the same as Atosa's ATTG and ATMG countertop griddles, so a matched line sits level.

First-Day Setup

1. Level the grill and seat the catch tray.
2. Wipe it down with a mild detergent. No corrosive or abrasive cleaners.
3. With all knobs at "0", light the pilots. The first light can take a minute while air clears from the line.
4. Turn each knob counterclockwise to light the burners from the pilots.
5. Burn in: the first heat-up smokes as protective oil burns off. Atosa says it clears after about an hour at maximum. Run the hood and cook nothing during the burn-in.
6. Season the grates: oil them and run the grill open for 45 minutes, uncovered.
7. Preheat 15 to 20 minutes before each service.
8. After shutting off a main burner, wait more than 5 minutes before relighting it.

Daily Care

Turn off all valves and let the grill cool before cleaning. Do not hose down, immerse or pressure wash any part except the catch tray. Have the grill inspected by an authorized, licensed technician at least once a year.

Troubleshooting the ATRC-48-NG

Adapted from Atosa's troubleshooting table. If anything goes wrong, stop using the grill and have a technician check it.

If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve, put out all flames and call 911.

ATRC-48-NG FAQ

How many BTU is the ATRC-48-NG?

140,000 BTU total from four 35,000 BTU burners on natural gas.

What size is the ATRC-48-NG?

48" wide, 27-3/5" deep and 15-1/5" tall, with a 47-9/10" x 20-1/5" work area (about 968 sq in). It weighs 200.6 lb.

Does the ATRC-48-NG need a hood?

Yes. Atosa's manual requires installation under an exhaust hood per local regulations. Confirm hood and fire suppression requirements with your local code official.

How much clearance does it need?

At least 6" on both sides and the back and 4" underneath, on a non-combustible surface. Plan about 60" of counter width.

What gas connection does it need?

A 3/4" NPT rear connection; the supplied regulator is set at 4" W.C. for natural gas.

How do I season the grates?

Clean them, coat them with cooking oil and run the grill open for 45 minutes without covering the grates, per Atosa's manual.

Can I use it outdoors?

No. Atosa's manual says not to use the charbroiler outdoors.

What is the warranty?

1 year parts and labor, US only. Licensed installation and manufacturer parts are required to keep coverage.

How often should a 48" charbroiler be deep cleaned?

Clean the grates, back brace and catch tray daily per Atosa's manual, and do a full deep clean of the radiants and surrounding area weekly on a busy grill.

Can my staff repair the burners or valves?

No. Atosa's manual says there are no user-serviceable parts and that adjustments, repairs and gas work must be done by authorized, licensed technicians.

Compare every model in our commercial charbroiler guide. Questions? Call or text 206-419-5801.