---
title: "Alto-Shaam E20: the single-point core probe is not reading"
description: "What E20 means on Alto-Shaam E20: the single-point core probe is not readings, what to check before booking, and when it is not a failure at all."
url: "https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e20/"
---

# Alto-Shaam E20: the single-point core probe is not reading

Many CTP recipes finish by core temperature using a probe pushed into the food.

## What E20 actually means.

Many CTP recipes finish by core temperature using a probe pushed into the food. E20 is called out when that single-point probe is malfunctioning or unplugged. The manual starts with how the probe is inserted and connected before blaming the probe.

Alto-Shaam commercial appliance display

What to do when E20 shows on the commercial appliance

### Kind of code Sensors and probes

A probe is handing the controller a reading it cannot trust, or none at all: a box or coil sensor torn loose from its clip, a fryer probe coated in carbon from oil left too long between filterings, a combi core probe with a kinked cable, or a connector gone green from steam and cleaning chemicals. The unit then runs on, stops, or shuts the heat or the cooling off to protect itself. Letting it cool and restarting it as the manual describes is fair; a probe that still reads wrong sits behind a panel, and that is a visit.

### Usually leads to Commercial controls and board repair

Controllers, touch panels, relays, contactors and interlocks tested, and replaced only when the evidence says so.

### 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 E20 on its commercial appliances. Follow it to the end: the last card says whether this is a visit.

01

Seat the probe tip in the center of the largest piece, clear of bone and of the pan.

02

Unplug and replug the probe at the oven, and with power off clean the receptacle pins as the manual allows.

03

If E20 stays, cook by time, check with a handheld thermometer, and book a visit for a new probe.

### Still there?

It usually turns into [commercial controls and board repair](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/services/commercial-controls-and-board-repair/). Book with the code and the model number.

### What not to do

E20 is the single-point probe; the multipoint probe reports as E22 and E26 to E29. The fixed cabinet probe is a different part, reported as E21.

## What you may notice with it.

The commercial appliance problems E20 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

- [**Commercial Convection Oven Baking Unevenly Across the Racks**](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/problems/commercial-oven-uneven-bake/)

Problem

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

8 causes, cheapest first

Where E20 usually leads

## Commercial controls and board repair.

**Controller, touch panel, probe or sensor, relay, contactor, power supply, door switch or interlock, tested before anything is changed · moderate.**

Book a visit [What the job involves](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/services/commercial-controls-and-board-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/) [E13](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e13/) [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)

Sensors and probes on other makes

[Beverage-Air E01](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/beverage-air-e01/) [Blodgett Cavity Probe Error](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/blodgett-cavity-probe-error/) [Continental Refrigerator E0](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/continental-refrigerator-e0/) [Delfield E01](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/delfield-e01/) [Dexter TEMP SENSOR SHORT](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/dexter-temp-sensor-short/) [Frymaster E13](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/frymaster-e13/) [Garland E21](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/garland-e21/) [Hatco E1](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/hatco-e1/)

[All 61 codes of this kind](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/#family-sensor)

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

> Core-temperature probe not inserted into food correctly.

[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 E20 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.

[All service areas](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/)

[Tampa Bay](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/) FL · 31 areas

- [Hyde Park](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/hyde-park/)
- [Davis Islands](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/davis-islands/)
- [Palma Ceia](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/palma-ceia/)
- [Westchase](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/westchase/)
- [Carrollwood](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/carrollwood/)
- [Belleair](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/belleair/)
- [St. Pete Beach](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/st-pete-beach/)
- [Palm Harbor](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/tampa-bay/palm-harbor/)

[Orlando](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/orlando/) FL · 30 areas

- [Winter Park](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/orlando/winter-park/)
- [Windermere](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/orlando/windermere/)
- [Dr. Phillips](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/orlando/dr-phillips/)
- [Bay Hill](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/orlando/bay-hill/)
- [Lake Nona](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/orlando/lake-nona/)
- [Heathrow](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/orlando/heathrow/)
- [Celebration](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/orlando/celebration/)

[Miami / South Florida](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/) FL · 47 areas

- [Brickell](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/brickell/)
- [Coconut Grove](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/coconut-grove/)
- [Coral Gables](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/coral-gables/)
- [Pinecrest](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/pinecrest/)
- [Key Biscayne](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/key-biscayne/)
- [Aventura](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/aventura/)
- [Sunny Isles Beach](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/sunny-isles-beach/)
- [Bal Harbour](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/bal-harbour/)
- [Miami Beach](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/miami-beach/)
- [Golden Beach](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/golden-beach/)
- [Weston](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/weston/)
- [Boca Raton](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/boca-raton/)
- [Palm Beach](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/south-florida/palm-beach/)

[New York Metro](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/) NY · 75 areas

- [Upper East Side](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/upper-east-side/)
- [Upper West Side](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/upper-west-side/)
- [Tribeca](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/tribeca/)
- [SoHo](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/soho/)
- [Greenwich Village](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/greenwich-village/)
- [Battery Park City](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/battery-park-city/)
- [Brooklyn Heights](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/brooklyn-heights/)
- [Park Slope](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/park-slope/)
- [DUMBO](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/dumbo/)
- [Forest Hills](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/forest-hills/)
- [Great Neck](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/great-neck/)
- [Southampton](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/southampton/)
- [Scarsdale](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/new-york/scarsdale/)

[Houston](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/) TX · 36 areas

- [River Oaks](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/river-oaks/)
- [Memorial](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/memorial/)
- [Tanglewood](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/tanglewood/)
- [Greater Heights](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/greater-heights/)
- [Kingwood](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/kingwood/)
- [Bellaire](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/bellaire/)
- [Bunker Hill Village](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/bunker-hill-village/)
- [Piney Point Village](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/piney-point-village/)
- [Hunters Creek Village](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/hunters-creek-village/)
- [Sugar Land](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/sugar-land/)
- [Cinco Ranch](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/cinco-ranch/)
- [The Woodlands](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/the-woodlands/)
- [West University](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/houston/west-university/)

[Chicago](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/) IL · 50 areas

- [Lincoln Park](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lincoln-park/)
- [Near North Side](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/near-north-side/)
- [West Loop / Near West Side](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/west-loop-near-west-side/)
- [Wilmette](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/wilmette/)
- [Winnetka](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/winnetka/)
- [Glencoe](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/glencoe/)
- [River Forest](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/river-forest/)
- [Oak Park](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/oak-park/)
- [Hinsdale](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/hinsdale/)
- [Lake Forest](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lake-forest/)
- [Highland Park](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/highland-park/)
- [Gold Coast](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/gold-coast/)
- [Lakeview](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/chicagoland/lakeview/)

[Los Angeles](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/) CA · 95 areas

- [Beverly Hills](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/beverly-hills/)
- [Bel Air](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/bel-air/)
- [Holmby Hills](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/holmby-hills/)
- [Brentwood](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/brentwood/)
- [Pacific Palisades](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/pacific-palisades/)
- [Santa Monica](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/santa-monica/)
- [Hancock Park](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/hancock-park/)
- [Studio City](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/studio-city/)
- [Calabasas](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/calabasas/)
- [Manhattan Beach](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/manhattan-beach/)
- [Palos Verdes Estates](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/palos-verdes-estates/)
- [Pasadena](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/pasadena/)
- [San Marino](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/san-marino/)
- [Malibu](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/los-angeles/malibu/)

[San Diego](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/san-diego/) CA · 31 areas

- [La Jolla](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/san-diego/la-jolla/)
- [Carmel Valley](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/san-diego/carmel-valley/)
- [Point Loma](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/san-diego/point-loma/)
- [Del Mar](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/san-diego/del-mar/)
- [Rancho Santa Fe](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/san-diego/rancho-santa-fe/)
- [Coronado](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/san-diego/coronado/)
- [Encinitas](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/san-diego/encinitas/)
- [Solana Beach](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/san-diego/solana-beach/)

[San Francisco Bay Area](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/) CA · 74 areas

- [Pacific Heights](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/pacific-heights/)
- [Presidio Heights](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/presidio-heights/)
- [Russian Hill](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/russian-hill/)
- [Noe Valley](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/noe-valley/)
- [Sea Cliff](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/sea-cliff/)
- [Hillsborough](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/hillsborough/)
- [Atherton](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/atherton/)
- [Woodside](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/woodside/)
- [Palo Alto](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/palo-alto/)
- [Los Altos Hills](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/los-altos-hills/)
- [Tiburon](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/tiburon/)
- [Piedmont](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/piedmont/)
- [Marina](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/locations/bay-area/marina/)

For the heart of your home.

## Questions about E20.

### Can I clear E20 myself?

Seat the probe tip in the center of the largest piece, clear of bone and of the pan. If it comes back, it needs a visit.

### Why does my Alto-Shaam show E20 as soon as I start a probe recipe?

The oven may not see the probe at all. Make sure the plug is fully seated and the probe is in the food before starting.

### Can I clean the probe socket on an Alto-Shaam combi?

The manual allows cleaning the receptacle pins with sand paper where it applies. Only do that once the oven is switched off and cold.

### Does E20 on an Alto-Shaam mean the food is unsafe?

It means the oven cannot confirm the core temperature. Check the food with your own thermometer before serving or holding it.

---

**[Read on the site: Alto-Shaam E20: the single-point core probe is not reading](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/error-codes/alto-shaam-e20/)**

**[Book a visit with CommercialApplianceRepair.center](https://commercialappliancerepair.center/schedule/)**
