Freezing fresh food
The 4-star compartment ( ) is suitable for long term storage of commercially frozen food (i.e. for 3 months, unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer), and for freezing fresh food. Under normal circumstances, to freeze fresh foods it is not necessary to change the setting of the thermostat knob with respect to the normal running position. However, for a quicker freezing operation, turn the thermostat knob to the coldest setting, but remember that, in this condition, the refrigerating compartment temperature might drop below 0°C. If this occurs reset thermostat knob to a warmer setting. To help you make the most of the freezing process, here are some important hints: Place the food to be frozen on the shelf. The maximum quantity of food which can be frozen in 24 hours is shown on the rating plate. Only freeze top quality, fresh and thoroughly cleaned foodstuffs. Prepare the fresh food in small portions to enable it to be rapidly and completely frozen and to make it possible subsequently to thaw only the quantity required at the time. Wrap up the food in aluminium foil or polythene and make sure that the packages are airtight. It is advisable to show on the single food packet the freezing-in date to enable you to keep tab of the storage time. Do not allow fresh, unfrozen food to touch food which is already frozen, thus avoiding a rise in temperature of the latter. Important Do not put carbonated liquids (�zzy drinks, etc.) in the freezing compartment as they may burst. Water ices, if consumed immediately after removal from the freezing compartment, can possibly cause the skin to be freeze burnt. Remember that, once thawed, frozen food deteriorates rapidly. On the rear side of the door you will �nd a list of foods followed by a number. These numbers indicate the maximum period of time for which the food in question may be conserved (in months).
Storage of frozen food
To obtain the best performance from this appliance, we strongly recommend that you make sure that the commercially frozen foodstuffs were adequately stored by the retailer and, furthermore, be sure that these frozen foodstuffs are transferred from the foodstore to the freezer in the shortest possible time (a temperature increase of the frozen food could shorten its storage period). It is also advisable not to exceed the storage period indicated by the producer of the food. Finally, do not open the door frequently or leave it open longer than absolutely necessary. If there is a power failure when food is in the freezer, do not open the door of the freezing compartment. The frozen food will not be affected if the power cut is of short duration (a temperature increase of the frozen food could shorten its safe storage period), otherwise it is recommended that the food should be used within a very short time.
Thawing
Deep-frozen or frozen food, prior to being used, can be thawed in the refrigerator compartment or at room temperature, depending on the time available for this operation. Small pieces may even be cooked still frozen, directly from the freezer: in this case, cooking will take longer.
Defrosting
Frost is automatically eliminated from the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment every time the motor compressor stops, during normal use. The defrost water drains out through a trough into a special container on the back of the appliance where it evaporates. Periodically clean the defrosting water drainage hole of the refrigerator, using the special cleaner already inserted into the discharge hole (Fig. 8). Fig. 8
