Achieve classic chargrill lines, accelerate order turnaround, and deliver consistent searing with the Apuro CU602-A Bistro Large Ribbed Contact Grill. Engineered for cafes, sandwich shops, bistros, pubs, mobile catering trailers, and takeaway outlets, this heavy-duty commercial panini press pairs high-performance 2.2kW heating with durable enamelled cast iron plates for dependable, continuous daily service.
Signature Chargrill Lines & Healthier Grilling
Both the upper and lower heavy-duty cast iron plates feature a precision-ribbed profile that brands panini, wraps, steaks, burger patties, and chicken fillets with appetizing searing lines. The raised ridges channel rendering fats, oils, and juices straight into the front-mounted collection tray, producing healthier, crispier items while keeping the cooking surface free of pooled liquids.
Counterbalanced Swivel Head & Rapid Thermal Heat-Up
Equipped with a counterbalanced top plate, the upper lid lifts effortlessly and remains securely suspended at your desired height without fatiguing kitchen staff. The heavy-duty swivel hinge automatically levels the upper plate to match food thickness—from slim flatbreads to artisan, thick-crust loaded sandwiches—ensuring uniform top-and-bottom contact pressure. Powered by a responsive 2.2kW heating element, the grill reaches operating temperatures rapidly and recovers quickly between back-to-back orders.
Commercial Enamelled Cast Iron (No Seasoning Required)
Unlike raw cast iron that demands lengthy curing cycles, the Apuro CU602-A features hard-wearing enamelled cast iron cooking surfaces ready for service straight out of the box. Housed in robust 430 commercial stainless steel with an ergonomic, heat-resistant handle, the chassis is built to withstand busy commercial cooklines. An integrated grease drawer and an included heavy-duty grill scraper make shift turnarounds quick and low-effort.
Key Features & Benefits
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Ribbed Upper & Lower Plates: Delivers defined sear marks and channels excess fats away for healthier, crispier food.
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Enamelled Cast Iron Surface: Ready to use immediately without manual seasoning; highly resistant to sticking and food acids.
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Rapid Heat-Up 2.2kW Element: Minimises wait times at service start and rapidly recovers temperature during peak rush tickets.
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Counterbalanced Swivel Head: Easily balances open and sits flat across uneven food profiles for consistent surface contact.
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Dial Thermostat (100°C to 300°C): Front-mounted dial provides variable heat control for gentle sandwich toasting up to high-heat searing.
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Commercial 430 Stainless Steel Body: Corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty build designed for demanding restaurant environments.
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Removable Front Grease Drawer: Safely catches fat and oil runoff to keep surrounding prep benchtops clean.
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Grill Scraper Included: Supplied with a dedicated grooved scraper for rapid debris clearance between orders.
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High-Visibility Safety Indicator: Clear pilot lamps display power and heating status at a glance.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Model |
CU602-A |
| Plate Configuration |
Ribbed Top & Ribbed Bottom Plates |
| Plate Material |
Enamelled Heavy-Duty Cast Iron (No seasoning required) |
| Chassis Material |
Grade 430 Commercial Stainless Steel |
| External Dimensions |
210(H) x 380(W) x 395(D) mm |
| Net Weight |
20 kg |
| Temperature Range |
100°C to 300°C |
| Temperature Control |
User-Friendly Dial Thermostat |
| Power Rating |
2.2kW (approx. 9.6A) |
| Voltage / Frequency |
230V / 50Hz (Single Phase) |
| Electrical Connection |
Standard Australian 1 x 15 Amp Plug (Requires dedicated 15A socket) |
| Included Accessories |
Dedicated Heavy-Duty Cleaning Scraper |
| Warranty |
2 Years Commercial Parts & Labour Warranty |
Daily Care, Maintenance & End-of-Shift Sanitisation
To protect the enamelled cast iron coating, prevent carbon accumulation, and maintain heating efficiency:
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Service Debris Scraping: During active service, use the supplied grooved grill scraper to push charred breadcrumbs, fat, and food particles forward along the ribs and directly into the grease collection tray.
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Power Down & Cool Off: At the end of trade, switch off the thermostat dial, unplug the unit from the 15A wall socket, and allow the plates to cool to a warm handling temperature (approx. 50°C–60°C). Cleaning while warm makes fat removal significantly easier.
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Plate Cleaning (No Thermal Shock): Scrub the warm enamelled plates using a non-scratch nylon grill brush or pad dampened with warm water and a neutral, food-safe kitchen degreaser. Never dump ice or ice-cold water onto hot cast iron, as extreme thermal shock can crack the metal or chip the enamel coating.
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Grease Drawer Washdown: Slide out the front-mounted grease collection drawer, discard the collected fats into an approved waste container, and wash the tray thoroughly in a commercial sink using warm water and a commercial degreaser. Dry completely before sliding back in.
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Stainless Steel Body Care: Wipe down the 430 stainless steel exterior and handle using a soft microfibre cloth and a food-safe stainless steel cleaner. Never use wire wool, metal scourers, bleach, or caustic oven cleaners, as they will scratch and tarnish the polished finish.
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Electrical Safety: Never submerge the contact grill in water, and never spray the appliance with a commercial pre-rinse washdown hose or high-pressure spray gun.
Benchtop Placement & Electrical Guidelines
The Apuro CU602-A is designed for countertop installation across commercial kitchens, bistros, and mobile vans:
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Dedicated 15A Electrical Connection: The grill is fitted with a heavy-duty Australian 15 Amp plug (with a wider earth pin) and operates on standard single-phase 230V power. Drawing 2.2kW (approx. 9.6A), it requires a dedicated 15A commercial power outlet. It cannot be connected to a standard 10A domestic or light-commercial socket. Never file down the earth pin or use domestic adapters or extension cords.
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Solid, Heat-Resistant Countertop: Position the 20 kg unit on a flat, level, sturdy, and heat-resistant commercial stainless steel workbench. Ensure all four non-slip feet sit firmly on the surface to eliminate movement when applying downward pressure to the handle.
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Thermal Clearances: Maintain at least 100 mm of clearance around the rear and sides of the appliance to allow heat dissipation. Ensure sufficient vertical clearance above the unit to allow the counterbalanced lid to open fully without striking overhead shelving or heat lamps.
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Combustible Clearances: Keep greaseproof paper, takeaway packaging, plastic containers, and flammable goods well clear of the hot perimeter.
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Kitchen Ventilation: Position the contact grill under an approved commercial kitchen exhaust hood compliant with AS 1668.2 to capture cooking smoke, steam, and airborne grease vapours.
Freight & Delivery Notice
Standard commercial road freight delivery is available Australia-wide to commercial business addresses with level ground access or loading docks. For deliveries to residential or non-commercial addresses, please contact our friendly commercial sales team prior to ordering to obtain a customised courier quote and confirm delivery logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug this contact grill into a standard 10 Amp power point?
No. The Apuro CU602-A is supplied with a standard Australian 15 Amp plug, which features a wider earth pin. It requires a dedicated 15A commercial wall outlet to run safely without overloading electrical circuits.
Do these cast iron plates require seasoning before first use?
No. The plates are coated with a commercial enamel finish, which eliminates the tedious seasoning and curing cycles required by raw cast iron. After a simple initial washdown with warm water to remove factory transit residue, the grill is ready for immediate commercial service.
How does the counterbalanced swivel lid work?
The counterbalanced hinge holds the lid open safely without slamming shut, while the floating swivel mechanism allows the top plate to align horizontally with the contours of the food. This ensures even contact pressure across thick sandwiches, foccacias, and flat meats without crushing them unevenly.
Can I clean the cast iron plates with cold water or ice while hot?
No. Dumping ice or cold water onto hot cast iron causes severe thermal shock, which can warp or crack the plates and permanently damage the enamel layer. Always allow the grill to cool down to a warm handling temperature (around 50°C) before cleaning with warm water and nylon pads.
What is the purpose of the ribbed plate profile?
The ribbed upper and lower plates press classic chargrill lines into food to elevate front-of-house presentation. The valleys between the ribs allow rendering juices and grease to drain away into the drip tray, preventing meats and toasted sandwiches from becoming soggy.
N.B Images are for illustrative purposes only. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
