Alto-Shaam Combi Oven Error Code E36: Steam Temperature High
E36 Steam Temperature High means cavity probe N6 read too hot in a steam, combination, retherm or cleaning program. Press the Start icon to acknowledge it and make sure the water supply is on. If it returns, a technician should check the water injection parts.
High: a cavity running too hot in steam mode can damage the oven, so steam programs should stop.
- Code
- E36
- Maker
- Alto-Shaam
- Equipment
- Combi ovens
- Applies to
- Combitherm CT PROformance (CTP) and CT Classic (CTC); Combitherm CT Express / ESi / CCi (older 4-10 and 4.10 units; boiler or generator electric/gas)
What does Alto-Shaam error code E36 mean?
Steam cooking works because injected water carries heat away from the cavity. The control watches probe N6 and sets different limits for each program. In a steam program it posts E36 Steam Temperature High if N6 stays above 395 F (200 C) for 60 seconds. In a combination program the limit is 600 F (315 C), and the retherm and cleaning programs are covered as well. A hot cavity in steam mode means the water that should be cooling it is not arriving. The manual lists six causes: the water supply is shut off, the pressure is low, the water injection pipe has calcium on it, the flow restrictor is scaled or failed, solenoid Y1 is not working, or the steam bypass hose is blocked. Pressing Start acknowledges the message and the oven then tries to return to normal operation, but the next steam call may fail the same way.
Affected models and control systems
Combitherm CTP and CTC models, six sizes, 6-10 to 20-20, electric and gas. The CT Express manual carries E36 too.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- E36 Steam Temperature High on the display
- Little steam coming from the cavity in a steam program
- Cavity temperature climbing above the steam setpoint
Possible causes
Listed in Alto-Shaam's documentation
- Water supply shut off
- Water pressure low
- Calcium build-up on the water injection pipe
- Water flow restrictor scaled or malfunctioning
- Water solenoid Y1 malfunction
- Steam bypass hose blocked
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E36 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A partly closed shutoff valve left behind a service cart or after a plumbing job
- A water softener or filter plugged and starving the oven's inlet
Safe checks before calling for service
- Press the Start icon once to acknowledge E36.
- Make sure the water shutoff valve behind the oven is fully open.
- Check that the supply hose is not kinked and the water filter, if fitted, is not due for a change.
- If E36 returns, note the program and temperature that was running, and avoid steam programs.
How a technician diagnoses error code E36
- Read the code and note which program type was running.
- Measure water pressure and flow at the oven inlet.
- Inspect the water injection pipe and flow restrictor for scale.
- Test solenoid Y1 for coil resistance and operation.
- Check the steam bypass hose for blockage and the N6 reading against a reference.
- The injection pipe and valve sit in a hot cavity wall with live wiring nearby.
- Scale removal and a flow test need the oven apart.
- A cavity running well past its steam setpoint can damage seals and food.
How error code E36 differs from similar codes
E11 is the cavity above 600 F (315 C) with no water involved; E36 applies these limits to steam, retherm and cleaning programs as well.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Alto-Shaam owner support
- Edition
- MN-35949 Rev 08 03/22
- Models / control
- Combitherm CT PROformance (CTP) and CT Classic (CTC); Combitherm CT Express / ESi / CCi (older 4-10 and 4.10 units; boiler or generator electric/gas)
- Section
- Error Codes, pp. 25-31
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Alto-Shaam combi oven error codes
How does E36 differ from E11?
E11 is in convection or combination cooking, while E36 adds steam, retherm and cleaning, with a 395 F (200 C) limit for steam.
Is the water supply the first thing to check?
Yes, a shut-off or low-pressure supply heads the manual's list.
Can scale cause E36?
Yes, on the injection pipe and in the flow restrictor.
Need help with Alto-Shaam error code E36?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.