Who the ATRC-48-LP Is Built For

The ATRC-48-LP is the largest charbroiler Atosa sells ready for propane: four 35,000 BTU burners, 140,000 BTU total, regulator set at 10" W.C., about 968 sq in of reversible cast iron grate, at 200.6 lb. It gives a propane kitchen a full four-zone grill line.

It fits high-volume kitchens without natural gas: resort, camp and lodge kitchens on bulk propane, large catering operations, event and concession kitchens, and rural restaurants. It is more grill than most food trucks need or can support on fuel and weight, but it suits large trailers and fixed mobile kitchens built around the grill.

Fuel planning matters most at this size. At full fire it burns about 6.5 lb of propane an hour, so plan for a bulk tank or a large multi-cylinder setup sized by your propane supplier. If you have natural gas, choose the ATRC-48-NG. If three zones are enough, the ATRC-36-LP cuts demand by 35,000 BTU.

Common fits for this model:

• Resort, lodge and camp kitchens on bulk propane
• Large caterers and event kitchens
• High-volume rural restaurants
• Large trailers and fixed mobile kitchens built around the grill

Is the ATRC-48-LP the Right Size?

The ATRC-48-LP 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-LP vs. ATCB-48: Radiant or Lava Rock

The ATRC-48-LP 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-LP

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.

Propane Supply for a 140,000 BTU Grill

Figures use about 21,500 BTU per pound and about 91,500 BTU per gallon. Real use depends on how many zones run and how high. At this size, a 20 lb cylinder is not a practical supply. Large cylinders on a changeover manifold or a bulk tank sized by your supplier are the norm, because the tank has to vaporize propane fast enough for the full load, and that gets harder in cold weather.

Estimating fuel cost. Multiply gallons per hour by your delivered price. At a sample $3.00 per gallon, full fire would cost about $4.59 an hour (1.53 x $3.00). Use your own price and your real heat settings; most kitchens run some zones lower or off between pushes.

Cleaning Cast Iron Grates at Volume

Four zones of cast iron is a lot of grate to keep in shape. A routine that works on a busy line:

During service

Scrape each zone between loads. Keep a brush and a scraper at the station, and hit the hot zones most often, since that is where carbon builds fastest.

After service

1. Run the zones high for a few minutes to carbonize residue, then turn everything to "0".
2. Let the grill cool. Atosa's manual requires the unit to be off and cool before cleaning.
3. With insulated gloves, lift the grates, wire-brush both sides and scrape the slots.
4. Clean and oil the back support brace and the catch tray.
5. Re-oil the grates. Per Atosa, run the grill open for 45 minutes to bake the oil in when a full re-season is needed.

When grates get neglected

Heavy carbon and light rust come off with a wire brush and scraper. For heavy rust, strip down to bare metal, dry on the heat immediately and season in several thin coats. Cracked, warped or deeply pitted grates should be replaced with manufacturer parts.

What not to do

• Do not soak cast iron or run it through a dish machine.
• Do not hose or pressure wash the grill; only the catch tray can be washed with water.
• Do not use abrasive or corrosive cleaners on the grill body or controls.

Propane Safety at High Output

• Have a licensed gas fitter install the tank, regulator and piping to code, and leak-test every joint with soapy water, never a flame.
• Disconnect the grill's shutoff valve during any supply pressure test above 1/2 psi, per Atosa's manual.
• Use a commercial connector sized for 140,000 BTU and the run length. An undersized connector starves the burners.
• Keep spare cylinders out of the kitchen and follow your fire marshal's storage rules.
• If you smell gas: shut off the supply, put out all flames, call 911.

Propane Setup and Gas Use

The ATRC-48-LP is set up for propane, with the supplied regulator set at 10" W.C. and a 3/4" NPT rear gas connection. The main burner orifices are #50 for propane in Atosa's charbroiler specifications. If your kitchen has natural gas, order the ATRC-48-NG 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-LP

• Gas at the hookup: confirm you have propane at the cooking line. This listing is the propane 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 tank and regulator can add 140,000 BTU/hr on top of the rest of the line. Ask your propane supplier.
• 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-LP Specifications

Installing the ATRC-48-LP

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-LP 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-LP

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-LP FAQ

How many BTU is the ATRC-48-LP?

140,000 BTU total from four 35,000 BTU burners on propane.

What size is the ATRC-48-LP?

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-LP 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 10" W.C. for propane.

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.

Can I run the ATRC-48-LP on 20 lb cylinders?

Not practically. At full fire it uses about 6.5 lb an hour, and small cylinders cannot vaporize propane fast enough for that load. Plan for large cylinders on a manifold or a bulk tank sized by your supplier.

How do I clean cast iron grates on a busy 48" grill?

Scrape between loads, burn off at close, then once cool brush and scrape the grates, clean the catch tray and back brace, and oil the grates. Never soak the grates or hose the grill.

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