Cleaning a Vollrath warmer well

[fan-of-fans]

For a while I've been contemplating getting a Vollrath warmer to use with my steam table pans. New the cheapest model is around $150-200. On ebay these things can be found at times used for relatively little money. In fact, they seem to go for cheaper than most other portable steam tables.

Now, I've noticed often these eBay offerings have a white buildup in the well that I am guessing is lime buildup from the water. These have a black resin well and I'm wondering if this buildup will come off if cleaned with the proper products. Another thing is I'm not sure what the surface of the heating element is made of (I'm assuming some kind of metal). Will this come clean also?

I'm attaching a few examples to show. In the first example, it almost look like a coating has come off the element, second example, the element cover actually appears to be pitted.

Regardless, if a new unit will eventually get this way, a used one won't hurt.

 

[retro-man]

To me, this just appears to be mineral deposits from the water. I guess you could judge the age and or usage by the amount of build up. You should be able to use some type of demineralizer to clean them up such as CLR or vinegar.

Jon

 

[westingguelph]

If you buy Allen's cleaning vinegar it will take off those deposits. Cleaning vinegar is about 3 times stronger than regular. I get mine at Walmart in Canada. Use it full strength. It's only about $3 for a big jug.