Storage of frozen food
If the freezer has been out of use for some time, before putting the products in the compartment let the freezer run for at least two hours on the coldest setting. After this, reset the freezer for normal storage use. 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 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. Important If there happens to be a power failure do not open the freezer door. If the freezer is completely full and the power cut is short (up to 6-8 hours), frozen products will not be affected. Otherwise they should be used up very quickly or cooked and refrozen. Remember that, once thawed, frozen food deteriorates rapidly.
Periodically clean the defrosting water drainage hole of the refrigerator, using the special cleaner already inserted into the discharge hole. Fig. 7
D037
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.
The freezer compartment, however, will become progressively covered with frost. This should be removed with the special plastic scraper provided, whenever the thickness of the frost exceeds 4 mm. During this operation it is not necessary to switch off the power supply or to remove the foodstuffs. However, when the ice becomes very thick on the inner liner, complete defrosting should be carried out and it is advisable to carry out this operation when the appliance is empty. To carry out complete defrosting of the freezer compartment ( ) proceed as follows: Remove any stored food, wrap it in several layers of newspaper and put it in a cool place. Pull out the plug from the wall socket or turn the thermostat knob to the «O» setting. Leave the door open. Fig. 8 Introduce the plastic scraper in the appropriate seating at the bottom centre, as shown in Figure 9, place underneath a basin to collect the defrost water.
Ice-cube production
This appliance is equipped with trays for the production of ice-cubes. Fill these trays with water to 3/4 of their height, then put them in the freezer compartment. The ice-cubes may be shaken out from the trays by simply twisting; do not use metallic instruments to remove the trays from the freezer.
D068
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.
When defrosting is completed, dry the interior thoroughly. Keep the scraper for future use. Replace the plug in the socket and, after letting the appliance run for at least half an hour, replace the previously removed food into the compartment. Important A temperature rise of the frozen food packs, during defrosting, may shorten their safe storage life. Never use sharp metal tools to scrape off frost from the evaporator as you could damage it. 17