---
title: "Alto-Shaam E13: the steam generator is running too hot"
description: "What E13 means on Alto-Shaam E13: the steam generator is running too hots, what to check before booking, and when it is not a failure at all."
url: "https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e13/"
---

# Alto-Shaam E13: the steam generator is running too hot

Probe B4 reads the temperature inside the steam generator.

## What E13 actually means.

Probe B4 reads the temperature inside the steam generator. E13 is called out when that reading is over 248°F for longer than 25 seconds. The manual points at calcium on the level probe or in the generator, a heating contactor stuck on, or the probe itself.

Alto-Shaam commercial appliance display

What to do when E13 shows on the commercial appliance

### Kind of code Temperature and alarms

The controller has seen a temperature outside the band it was set for and is saying so: a box above its alarm point, a fryer vat or an oven cavity that tripped its high-limit, or a dish machine rinse that never came up to heat. Often the cause sits outside the unit, such as a door left open during a delivery, a coil packed with grease, a kitchen far hotter than the maker allows or a booster fed cold water. Checking the door, the coil and the air around the unit is fair; move the product if a cold box stays above 41°F, and book the visit.

### Usually leads to Reach-in and prep table repair

Reach-ins, pass-throughs, prep tables and blast chillers: gaskets, hinges, fans, thermostats, condensers and compressors.

### Shows up as Commercial Appliance Error Code on a Combi, Fryer, Dish Machine or Laundry Display

A commercial appliance error code appears as letters or numbers on a combi, fryer, reach-in controller, dish machine or laundry machine display, or as a flashing light or an alarm tone.

### Make Alto-Shaam

An Alto-Shaam call is usually booked for the hours between the last plate and the prep crew, so the cabinet can cool and the tech can open it without holding up service.

### Source Alto-Shaam Combitherm CT PROformance Series operator's manual, MN-35948 Rev 21 (10/21) (Wayback copy)

Combitherm CT PROformance (CTP) combi ovens, error code table in operator's manual MN-35948 Rev 21.

## Before you book, in this order.

Each step comes from Alto-Shaam's own guidance for E13 on its commercial appliances. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.

01

Acknowledge the code with Start and stop steam cooking.

02

Check your descaling log; the manual asks for monthly descaling of the oven.

03

Book a visit so the steam generator, its contactor and the B4 probe can be checked.

### Still there?

It usually turns into [reach-in and prep table repair](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/services/reach-in-and-prep-table-repair/). Book with the code and the model number.

### What not to do

E13 is not the cabinet running hot in steam mode, which is E36. It also differs from E23, which says the B4 probe itself has failed rather than reporting a real high reading.

## What you may notice with it.

The commercial appliance problems E13 tends to arrive with. Answer these at the commercial appliance before anyone is booked.

[All problems](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/problems/)

Before you call

### [Commercial Appliance Error Code on a Combi, Fryer, Dish Machine or Laundry Display](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/problems/commercial-error-code/)

[All 8 causes, cheapest first](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/problems/commercial-error-code/)

It also comes with

- [**Combi Oven Steam Problem: Weak Steam, Scale or a Dry Cavity**](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/problems/combi-oven-steam-problem/)
- [**Restaurant Equipment Burning Smell: Scorched Oil, Hot Wiring or Lint**](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/problems/commercial-burning-smell/)

Problem

### Commercial Appliance Error Code on a Combi, Fryer, Dish Machine or Laundry Display

8 causes, cheapest first

Where E13 usually leads

## Reach-in and prep table repair.

**Reach-in, pass-through or prep table gasket, hinge, fan motor, thermostat or controller, defrost heater, leak repair or compressor · moderate.**

Book a visit [What the job involves](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/services/reach-in-and-prep-table-repair/)

## Alto-Shaam commercial appliances.

An Alto-Shaam call is usually booked for the hours between the last plate and the prep crew, so the cabinet can cool and the tech can open it without holding up service.

[Alto-Shaam commercial appliance repair](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/brands/alto-shaam/)

More Alto-Shaam codes

[E01](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e01/) [E02](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e02/) [E03](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e03/) [E20](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e20/) [E21](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e21/) [E34](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e34/) [E36](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e36/) [E57](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e57/) [E89](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e89/) [E92](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e92/) [E100](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e100/) [E105](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e105/)

[All 15 Alto-Shaam codes](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/#codes-alto-shaam)

Temperature and alarms on other makes

[Beverage-Air Hi](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/beverage-air-hi/) [Blodgett Cavity High Temp Error](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/blodgett-cavity-high-temp-error/) [Cleveland RESET light](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/cleveland-reset-light/) [Continental Refrigerator HI](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/continental-refrigerator-hi/) [Delfield Hi](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/delfield-hi/) [Frymaster E16](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/frymaster-e16/) [Garland E04](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/garland-e04/) [Hatco Control Board Overtemp](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/hatco-control-board-overtemp/)

[All 70 codes of this kind](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/#family-temperature)

Alto-Shaam builds this

### Commercial cold storage

Reach-in and pass-through cabinets, walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers, prep and sandwich tables, undercounter units and blast chillers that hold a kitchen's food at safe temperatures.

Alto-Shaam builds this

### Commercial cooking equipment

Fryers, griddles, charbroilers, restaurant ranges, convection and combi ovens, steamers, kettles, holding cabinets and toasters, on gas or electric, that make up the hot side of a kitchen line.

## In Alto-Shaam's own words

> Calcium build-up in steam generator.

[Alto-Shaam Combitherm CT PROformance Series operator's manual, MN-35948 Rev 21 (10/21) (Wayback copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20220509173647/https://www.alto-shaam.com/en/media-library/widen-assets/technical-literature/operators-manual/operators-manual_combitherm_ctp_mn-35948-en-18-pdf.pdf) [Alto-Shaam Combitherm CT PROformance Series operator's manual, MN-35948 Rev 21 (10/21) (Wayback copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/20220509173647/https://www.alto-shaam.com/en/media-library/widen-assets/technical-literature/operators-manual/operators-manual_combitherm_ctp_mn-35948-en-18-pdf.pdf)

Every code on this site is taken from the manufacturer's documentation, never from a forum or a parts listing. Combitherm CT PROformance (CTP) combi ovens, error code table in operator's manual MN-35948 Rev 21.

## Alto-Shaam E13 commercial appliance repair, where we come out.

The same visit in every metro below: the code, the model number, and a diagnosis before any part is ordered.

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For the heart of your home.

## Questions about E13.

### Can I clear E13 myself?

Acknowledge the code with Start and stop steam cooking. If it comes back, it needs a visit.

### Does scale cause E13 on an Alto-Shaam steam generator?

It is the first cause the manual lists. Scale insulates the elements and fools the level probe, so the generator can overheat.

### How often should an Alto-Shaam combi be descaled to avoid E13?

The manual asks for monthly descaling, and the maintenance screen can remind you. Hard water may need more.

### Can I use convection mode on an Alto-Shaam with E13?

The manual is silent on that. Stop steam cooking and have a technician check the generator first.

---

**[Read on the site: Alto-Shaam E13: the steam generator is running too hot](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e13/)**

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