Acros AS20CK User manual

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UseAndCare
Your Safety
Is Important ...............4
Parts And Features ....5
Before Using Your
Refrigerator ...............6
Using Your
Refrigerator .............,.7
Caring For Your
Refrigerator .............I7
Food Storage
Guide ......................19
If You Need
Assistance Or
Service .............,......22
Warranty
.................23
2167143
NO-FROST REFRIGERATOR-FREEZERS a\qJc
MODELS AS20CK AS22BR

IMPORTED BY: MANUFACTURED BY:
Vitromatic Comercial, S.A. de C.V.
Ave. San Nicolas 2121 Nte.
Cal. 10. de Mayo
Monterrey, N.L. Mexico
Tel. 75-39-85 and 72-40-l 5
Whirlpool Corporation
Benton Harbor, Michigan
USA
IMPORTANT:
Peel the NOM label off and adhere it to
your appliance. This guarantees that your
appliance was imported legally and
therefore has a right to factory service.
Copy your model and serial numbers here.
When you need service or call with a question,
have this information ready.
1. Complete model and serial numbers (from the
label located as shown).
2. Purchase date from sales slip.
Model Number
Serial Number
Purchase Date
Service Company and Telephone Number
(Consult your Warranty.)

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Dear Customer: In order to enable us to connect your appliance as soon as possible
and without problems, we recommend that you have the following requirement ready.
REQUIREMENTS
I. ELECTRICAL POWER
Voltage 120 volts, 15 amp fuse
3 pole outlet
Individual circuit
Voltage regulator
II. WATER
REFRIGERATORS REFRIGERATORS
with ice maker
. .
. .
. .
. .
Cold water intake
Ill. MATERIALS FOR WATER INSTALLATION
.
T junction from %” to l/4” .
Spiral caper tube l/4” (according to distance) .
WHIRLPOOL WATER FILTER .
l/4” pressure nuts (3) .
Note: The connection of your appliance by the service center does not include plumbing installation,
masonry work, electric wiring, carpentry and/or installation of drying vent.
Once you have the requirements ready, call the corresponding
service center and a technician will be sent to your home.
DIRECT
MONTERREY MEXICO (CANELA) MEXICO (VALLEJO) GUADALAJARA
FACTORY 51-37-78 650-65-33 368-25-25 619-15-15
SERVICE 51-32-02 With 12 Lines 368-25-06 61g-23-03
CENTER 31-23-03 368-25-66 619-16-50
With 4 Lines 368-25-98 619-15-55
368-25-76
For the rest of the Republic you have 65 authorized dealers.
Use the National Customer Service free of charge to you. Telephone: [phone] I

Your Safety Is Important
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or injury when using your
refrigerator, follow these basic precautions:
l Children can accidentally get locked in a
l Do not store flammable materials close to
refrigerator or freezer that has been dis- your appliance. The freezer gives off heat
carded. We suggest that you remove the and could ignite these materials.
door from an appliance that is out of service,
or that you secure it with a chain and a lock
l To prevent the hazard of electric shocks,
or with a strong rope. always turn the power off at the correspond-
ing circuit breaker.
l If you have a horizontal freezer, do not allow
children to go near it when you have
propped the lid up. It can accidentally drop
and hurt or trap the child.
I - SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -
Before using your refrigerator:
Read this manual completely. It contains informa-
tion about your safety. You are responsible for
making sure that your refrigerator:
l IS installed and leveled on a floor that will hold
the weight and in an area suitable for its size
and use.
l IS not installed near an oven, radiator or other
heat source.
l ISnot installed in an area where the room
temperature will fall below 13°C.
l IS kept out of the weather.
l ISconnected to the proper kind of outlet, with
the correct electrical supply and grounding.
(Refer to the Installation Instructions.)
l IS not loaded with food before it has time to get
properly cold.
l ISused only for the uses described in this
manual.
l ISproperly maintained
. IS not used by anyone unable to operate it
properly.
l Have your NOM sticker attached to the
appliance.
Remove labels:
Remove the Consumer Buy Guide and any tape
before using the refrigerator.
To remove any remaining glue:
l Rub briskly with your thumb to make a ball,
then remove.
OR
l Soak area with liquid hand-dishwashing
detergent before removing glue as described
above. Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing
alcohol, flammable fluids or abrasive cleaners.
These can damage the material. See “Your
Safety Is Important” above.
NOTE: Do not remove the Tech Sheet fastened
under the refrigerator at the front, behind the
base grille.
4

Parts And Features
Control panel
AS22BR
I I
Freezer control Refrigerator control
Control panel
Light
Removable
freezer shelves
Stationary
door shelves
ASZOCK
Ice cuba trays
I :-I.*
Utilitv
del and serial
number label
door shelves
Meat drawer
Removable
freezer shelves
Stationary
door shelves
del and serial
number label
Meat drawer
Freezer trivet 4 ;#p$g I
Leveling rollers
(behind base
grille)
Meat drawer
- air control
(on side wall)
- Base grille

Before Using Your
Refrigerator
Clean it
Clean your refrigerator before using it, if neces-
sary. See cleaning instructions on page 17.
Plug it in
Recommended Grounding Method
A 120 Volt, 60 Hz., AC only 15 or 20 ampere
fused and properly grounded electrical supply is
required. It is recommended that a separate
circuit serving only this appliance be provided.
Use a receptacle which cannot be turned off with
a switch or pull chain. Do not use an extension
cord.
3-prong grounding
type wall receptacle,
Refrigerator
power cord 3-prong --u
grounding plug
Install it properly
1. Allow 1.25 cm space on each side and at the
top of the refrigerator for ease of installation.
2. If the hinge side of the refrigerator is to be
against a wall, you might want to leave extra
space so the door can be opened wider.
3. The refrigerator can be flush against the wall.
Level it
Right to raise;
Your refrigerator has 2 front leveling screws-one
on the right and one on the left. To adjust one or
both of these, follow the directions below.
Remove base grille. (See page 15.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To raise front, turn screw clockwise.
To lower front, turn screw counterclockwise.
Check with level.
Replace base grille. (See page 15.)
6
Front
roller _
left to lower
Use a screwdriver
to adjust

Using Your Refrigerator
In This Section
Page
Setting the controls ........................................... .7
Changing the control settings.. ........................ .8
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves ................... .8
Removing the crisper and crisper cover.. ....... .9
Removing the meat drawer and cover.. ........... .9
Adjusting the meat drawer temperature.. ........ .9
Removing the freezer shelves .........................10
Removing the freezer trivet (ASSOCK). .......... .10
Removing the freezer bin (AS22BR)
...............
10
Using the ice cube trays ..................................11
Page
Using the automatic ice maker ..................... 11
Removing the ice maker storage bin ........... 12
Using the ice dispenser (AS22BR) ............... 13
Solving common ice maker/
dispenser problems .......................................14
Removing the base grille .............................. 15
Changing the light bulbs ...............................15
Understanding the sounds you may hear ...16
Saving energy ..........................,.....................16
Setting the controls
Temperature controls
Controls for the refrigerator and freezer are in the
refrigerator. When the refrigerator is plugged in
for the first time:
1. Set the Refrigerator Control to 3.
2. Set the Freezer Control to B.
3. Give the refrigerator time to cool down
completely before adding food. This may take
several hours.
The settings indicated above should be
correct for normal, household refrigerator
usage. The controls will be set correctly when
milk or juice is as cold as you like and when
ice cream is firm. If you need to adjust these
settings, see “Changing the control settings”
on page a.
7

Changing the control settings
If you need to adjust temperatures in the
refrigerator or freezer, use the settings listed
in the chart below as a guide.
l Adjust the Refrigerator Control first.
. Wait at least 24 hours between adjustments.
l Then adjust the Freezer Control if needed.
CONDITION:
If Refrigerator
Section is
TOO WARM
If Freezer
Section is
TOO WARM
REASON:
Door opened often
Large amount of food added
Room temperature too warm
Door opened often
Large amount of food added
Very cold room temperature
(can’t cycle often enough)
RECOMMENDED
CONTROL SETrINGS:
Refrigerator 4
Freezer A
Refrigerator
Freezer E
If Refrigerator
Section is
TOO COLD
Controls not set correctly Refrigerator 2
for your conditions Freezer B
If ICE isn’t
MADE FAST
ENOUGH
If BOTH
SECTIONS
are TOO WARM
Heavy ice usage
Very cold room temperature
(can’t cycle often enough)
Door opened often
Large amount of food added
Very warm or very cold room
temperatures
Refrigerator 3
Freezer C
Refrigerator 4
Freezer B
Adjusting the refrigerator shelves
Shelves can be adjusted to match the way you
,.
use your rerngerator.
To remove shelves:
1. Remove items from shelf.
2. Tilt shelf up at front.
3. Lift back of shelf.
4. Pull shelf straight out.
To replace shelves:
1. Guide the rear shelf hooks into the slots in the
shelf supports on cabinet wall.
2. Tilt shelf up at front until hooks drop into slots.
Lower front of shelf to level position.

Removing the crisper and crisper cover
To remove the crisper:
1. Slide the crisper straight out to the stop.
2. Lift the front.
3. Slide out the rest of the way.
4. Replace in reverse order.
To remove the cover:
1. Tilt front of cover up.
2. Llfl cover up at back.
3. Pull cover straight out.
To replace the cover:
1. Fit back of cover into notched supports on
walls of cabinet.
Pull out to the stop,
lift the front
and pull again.
2. Lower front of cover into place.
Removing the meat drawer and cover
To remove the meat drawer:
1. Slide the meat drawer out to the stop.
2. Lift the front.
3. Slide meat drawer out the rest of the way.
4. Replace in reverse order.
To remove the cover:
1. Remove crisper, crisper cover and meat
drawer.
2. Tilt front of cover up, lift at back and pull
straight out.
3. Replace in reverse order.
Adjusting the meat drawer temperature
Cold air flows against the meat drawer through
an opening between the freezer and the refrig-
erator. This helps keep the meat drawer colder
than the rest of the refrigerator for better storage
of meats.
Slide the control to let more or less cold air
through.
9

Removing the freezer shelves
The freezer shelves can be removed for easier
cleaning.
To remove the shelves:
1. Lift right side of shelf off supports.
2. Slide shelf out of shelf support holes.
3. Replace in reverse order.
Removing the freezer trivet (ASOCK)
For proper air movement, keep the freezer trivet
in place when the refrigerator is operating.
To remove the trivet:
1. Lift trivet up.
2. Pull trivet forward.
To replace the trivet:
1. Slide trivet into freezer cabinet.
2. Lower trivet into place.
Removing the freezer bin (ASZBRI
For proper air movement, keep the freezer bin in
place when the refrigerator is operating.
To remove the bin:
1. Slide bin out to the stop.
2. Lift bin at the front to clear the stop.
3. Slide bin out the rest of the way.
To replace the bin:
1. Place bin on the slides.
2. Make sure the stops clear the front of the
slides.
3. Slide bin in.
10

Using the ice cube trays
If cubes are not used, they may shrink. The
moving cold air starts a slow evaporation. The
longer cubes are stored, the smaller they get.
To remove ice:
1. Hold tray at both ends.
2. Twist slightly.
Using the automatic ice maker
If you have an automatic ice maker, or if you plan
to add one later (Part No. IMKIT), there are a few
things you will want to know:
l The ON/OFF lever is a wire signal arm.
Down to make ice automatically.
Up to shut off the ice maker.
l Shake the bin occasionally to keep cubes
separated and to obtain increased storage
capacity.
l It is normal for ice crescents to be attached by
a corner. They will break apart easily.
l You will hear water running when ice maker is
working. You’ll hear ice fall into the bin. Don’t
let these sounds bother you. They are part of
the normal operation of your refrigerator.
l The ice maker will not operate until the freezer
is cold enough to make ice. This can take
overnight.
l Because of new plumbing connections, the first
ice may be discolored or off-flavored. Discard
the first few batches of ice.
l If ice is not being made fast enough and more
ice is needed, turn the Refrigerator Control
toward a higher number. Wait a day and, if
necessary, turn the Freezer Control toward A.
l If you remove the ice bin, raise the signal arm
to shut off the ice maker. When you return the
bin, push it in all the way and lower the signal
arm to the ON position.
Raise
signal
arm to
stop ice.
Lower
signal
arm to
start it.
11

Removing the ice maker storage bin (ASZZBR)
Remove, empty and clean the storage bin if:
. the ice dispenser has not, or will not, be used
for a week or more.
l a power failure causes ice in the bin to melt and
freeze together.
l the ice dispenser is not used regularly.
To remove ice bin:
1. Pull the covering panel out from the bottom
and slide it to the rear.
2. Lift the signal arm so it clicks into the OFF (up)
position. Ice can still be dispensed, but no
more can be made.
3. Lift the front of the storage bin and pull it out.
4. Empty the ice bin. Use hot or warm water to
melt the ice if necessary. Never use anything
sharp to break up ice in the bin. This can
damage the bin and dispenser mechanism.
5. Wash with mild detergent. Rinse well. Do not
use harsh or abrasive cleaners or solvents.
6. When replacing the bin, make sure it is
pushed in all the way. Then push the signal
arm down to the ON position to restart ice
production.
12

Personal Injury Hazard
Tumbling ice and pressure on a fragile
glass can break it. Do not use a fragile
glass when dispensing ice.
Doing so could result in personal injury or
breakage.
using the ice dispenser (AS~~BR)
I
Ice is dispensed from the ice maker storage bin
in the freezer. When the dispenser bar is
pressed, a trapdoor opens in a chute between
the dispenser and the ice bin. Ice is moved from
the bin and falls through the chute. When the
dispenser bar is released, a buzzing sound may
be heard for a few seconds as the trapdoor
closes.
The dispensing system will not operate when
the freezer door is open.
NOTE: Large amounts of ice should be taken
from the ice bin, not through the dispenser.
To dispense ice:
1. Press a sturdy glass against the ice dis-
penser bar. Hold glass close to the dispenser
opening so ice does not fall outside of glass.
2. Remove the glass to stop dispensing.
NOTE: The first few batches of ice may have an
off taste from new plumbing and parts. Throw the
ice away.
13

Solving common ice maker/dispenser
problems
PROBLEM
Ice dispenser
won’t work
CAUSE
l Freezer door open
l Ice bin not properly
installed
l Wrong ice in bin
l Dispenser not used for
extended periods,
causing ice cubes to
melt together
SOLUTIONS
l Close the freezer door.
l Make sure bin is pushed in all the way.
l Use only crescents from ice maker.
Shake the bin occasionally to keep cubes
separated and to obtain increased storage
capacity.
l Dump old ice and make a new supply.
Ice dispenser stops l Ice dispenser bar held
l Wait about 3 minutes for the dispenser
working in too long motor to reset.
l Large amounts of ice should be taken
from the bin, not through the dispenser.
Off-taste or odor
in ice
l Ice attracts airborne
odors; old ice
l Water quality
l Foods not properly
wrapped
l Ice bin and freezer may
need cleaning
l Plumbing to ice maker
l New ice maker
l Dump old ice and make a new supply.
Store excess ice in covered container.
l Water containing minerals (such as sulfur)
may require a filter to remove.
l Wrap properly. See page 20.
l Clean freezer and ice bin. See cleaning
chart on page 17.
l Follow Installation Instructions for proper
ice maker water supply hook up. (See
back of refrigerator cabinet.)
l The first few loads of ice from a new ice
maker may have an off-taste. Dump ice
and make a new supply.
14

Removing the base grille
To remove the grille:
1. Open refrigerator door.
2. Pull base grille forward to release the support
tabs from the metal clips.
Condenser coils
I
3. Do not remove Tech Sheet fastened behind
the grille.
To replace the grille:
1. Line up grille support tabs with metal clips.
2. Push firmly to snap into place.
3. Close refrigerator door.
See cleaning instructions for defrost pan and
condenser coils on page 18.
Changing the light bulbs
Electrical Shock Hazard
Before removing a light bulb, either unplug
the refrigerator or disconnect the electricity
leading to the refrigerator at the main
power supply.
Failure to do so could result in electrical
shock or personal injury.
To change the refrigerator light:
1. Disconnect refrigerator from power supply.
2. Reach behind the Control Panel to remove
bulb.
3. Replace with a 40-watt appliance bulb.
4. Reconnect refrigerator to power supply.
To change freezer light:
1. Disconnect refrigerator from power supply.
2. Grasp front of light shield.
3. Pull bottom of light shield forward until it snaps
free.
4. Replace with a 40-watt appliance bulb.
5. Press light shield straight on until it snaps into
place.
6. Reconnect refrigerator to power supply.
NOTE: Not all commercial appliance bulbs will fit
your refrigerator. Be sure to replace a bulb with
one of the same size and shape.
15

Understanding the sounds you may hear
Your new refrigerator may make sounds that your
old one didn’t. Because the sounds are new to
you, you might be concerned about them. Don’t
be. Most of the new sounds are normal. Hard
surfaces like the floor, walls and cabinets can
make the sounds seem louder.
The following describes the kinds of sounds
that might be new to you, and what may be
making them.
Slight hum, soft hiss
You may hear the refrigerator’s fan motor and
moving air.
Clicking or snapping sounds
The thermostat makes a definite click when the
refrigerator stops running. It also makes a sound
when the refrigerator starts. The defrost timer will
click when the defrost cycle starts.
Water sounds
When the refrigerator stops running, you may
hear gurgling in the tubing for a few minutes after
it stops. You may also hear defrost water running
into the defrost water pan.
Ice maker sounds
l trickling water
l thud (clatter of ice)
If your refrigerator has an ice maker, you may
hear buzzing (from the water valve), trickling
water and the clatter of ice dumped into the bin.
Running sounds
Your refrigerator has a high-efficiency compres-
sor and motor. It will run longer than older
designs. It may even seem to run most of the
time.
Saving energy
l Check door gaskets for a tight seal. Level the
cabinet to be sure of a good seal.
l Clean the condenser coils regularly.
l Open the door as few times as possible. Think
about what you need before you open the door.
Get everything out at one time. Keep food
organized so you won’t have to search for what
you want. Close door as soon as food is
removed.
l Go ahead and fill up the refrigerator, but don’t
overcrowd it so air movement is blocked.
l It is a waste of electricity to set the refrigerator
and freezer to temperatures colder than they
need to be. If ice cream is firm in the freezer
and drinks are as cold as your family likes
them, that’s cold enough.
l Make sure your refrigerator is not next to a heat
source such as a range, water heater, furnace,
radiator or in direct sunlight.
16

Caring For Your Refrigerator
In This Section
Page Page
Cleaning your refrigerator ...............................17 Power interruptions .......................................19
Vacation and moving care ...............................18
Cleaning your refrigerator
Both the refrigerator and freezer sections defrost
automatically. But both should be cleaned about
once a month to help prevent odors from building
up. Spills should be wiped up right away. Personal Injury Hazard
To clean your refrigerator, turn the Refrigerator Refrigeration system tubes are located near
Control to OFF, unplug it, take out all removable the defrost pan and can become hot.
parts and clean the refrigerator according to the Remove and install defrost pan carefully.
following directions. Failure to do so could result in personal
1 injury.
PART WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN
Removable parts Sponge or cloth with
l Hand wash, rinse and dry thoroughly.
(shelves, crisper, etc.) mild detergent and
warm water
Outside
Inside walls
(freezer should be
allowed to warm up
so cloth won’t stick)
Sponge, cloth or
l Wash outside of cabinet. Do not use abra-
paper towel with mild sive or harsh cleaners.
detergent, warm
water and an
l Rinse and dry thoroughly.
appliance wax (or
l Wax painted metal surfaces at least twice a
good auto paste wax) year. Apply wax with a clean, soft cloth.
Waxing painted metal surfaces provides
rust protection. Do not wax plastic parts.
Sponge, soft cloth or l Wash with mixture of warm water and
paper towel with - mild detergent, or
baking soda or mild
detergent and warm - baking soda (26 g to 0.95 L of water).
water
l Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Door liners and
gaskets Sponge, soft cloth or paper towel with mild
detergent and warm
water
l Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly.
DO NOT USE cleaning waxes, concentrated
detergents, bleaches or cleaners containing
petroleum on plastic parts.
Plastic parts
(covers and panels) Soft, clean sponge or
l Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly.
soft, clean cloth with
mild detergent and .DO NOT USE paper towels, window sprays,
warm water scouring cleansers or flammable fluids. These
can scratch or damage material. See “Your
Safety Is Important” on page 4.
continued on next page
17

PART WHAT TO USE HOW TO CLEAN
Defrost pan Sponge or cloth with
mild detergent and
warm water
l Remove base grille. (See page 15.)
l To remove defrost pan, lift pan over wire brace
(remove tape; if any).
l Wash, rinse and dry thoroughly.
l Replace with notched corner to the rear. Push it
in all the way.
l Make sure defrost pan drain tube is pointing
into pan.
l Replace base grille.
Condenser coils Vacuum cleaner with
extended narrow
attachment
l Remove base grille.
l Vacuum coils when dusty or dirty. Coils may
need to be cleaned as often as every other
month.
l Replace base grille.
Floor under
refrigerator Floor cleaners
l Roll refrigerator out only as far as the water
supply line allows.
. Clean floor.
. Roll refrigerator back into place.
l Check to see if the refrigerator is level.
Vacation and moving care
Long vacations
Remove all the food if you are going for a month
or more. If you have an automatic ice maker, turn
off the water supply to the ice maker at least one
day ahead. When the last load of ice drops, turn
off the ice maker. Make sure all ice is dispensed
out of mechanism.
Unplug the refrigerator. Clean it, rinse well and
dry. Tape rubber or wood blocks to the tops of
both doors to prop them open far enough for air
to get in. This will keep odor and mold from
building up.
Personal Injury Hazard
Do not allow children to climb on, play near
or climb inside the refrigerator when the
doors are blocked open.
They may become injured or trapped.
To restart refrigerator, see “Using Your Refrigera-
tor” on page 7.
Short vacations
No need to shut off the refrigerator if you will be
away for less than four weeks. Use up perish-
ables; freeze other items. If you have an
automatic ice maker:
1. Turn off your ice maker by raising signal
arm.
2. Shut off the water supply to the ice maker.
3. Empty the ice bin.
Moving
If you have an automatic ice maker, shut off the
ice maker water supply at least a day ahead.
Disconnect the water line. After the last load of
ice drops, lift the signal arm to turn off the ice
maker.
Remove all food. Pack frozen food in dry ice.
Unplug the refrigerator and clean it thoroughly.
Take out all removable parts. Wrap all parts
well and tape them together so they don’t shift
and rattle. Screw in the leveling legs; tape the
doors shut; and tape the electric cord to the
cabinet.
When you get to your new home, put every-
thing back and refer to page 6. Also, if you
have an automatic ice maker, remember to
reconnect the water supply line.
18

I
Power interruptions
If electricity goes off, call the power company.
Ask how long power will be off.
1. If service is to be interrupted 24 hours or less,
keep both doors closed. This will help foods
stay frozen.
2. If service is to be interrupted longer than
24 hours:
(a) Remove all frozen food and store in a
frozen food locker.
OR
3. A full freezer will stay cold longer than a partly
filled one. A freezer full of meat will stay cold
longer than a freezer full of baked goods. If
food contains ice crystals, it may be safely
refrozen, although the quality and flavor may
be affected. If the condition of the food is poor
or if you feel it is unsafe, dispose of it.
(b) Place 32 grams of dry ice in freezer for
every liter of freezer space. This will keep
food frozen for 2 to 4 days. Wear gloves to
protect your hands from dry ice burns.
OR
(c) If neither a food locker or dry ice is avail-
able, use or can perishable food at once.
Food Storage Guide
In This Section
Page
Storing fresh food ............................................19 Page Storing frozen food ........................................20
Storing fresh food
Food placed in the refrigerator should be
wrapped or stored in air and moisture proof
material. This prevents food odor and taste
transfer throughout the refrigerator. For dated
products, check code date to ensure freshness.
Leafy vegetables
Remove store wrapping and trim or tear off
bruised and discolored areas. Wash in cold water
and drain. Place in plastic bag or plastic con-
tainer and store in crisper.
Vegetables with skins
(carrots, peppers)
Store in crisper, plastic bags or plastic container.
Fruit
Wash, let dry and store in refrigerator in plastic
bags or crisper. Do not wash or hull berries until
they are ready to use. Sort and keep berries in
their store container in a crisper, or store in a
loosely closed paper bag on a refrigerator shelf.
Eggs
Store without washing in the original carton on
interior shelf.
Milk
Wipe milk cartons. For best storage, place milk
on interior shelf.
19

Butter or margarine
Keep opened butter in covered dish or closed
compartment. When storing an extra supply,
wrap in freezer packaging and freeze.
Cheese
Store in the original wrapping until you are ready
to use it. Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic
wrap or aluminum foil.
Leftovers
Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Plastic containers with tight lids can also be used.
Meat
Most meat can be stored in original wrapping as
long as it is air and moisture proof. Rewrap if
necessary. See the following chart for storage
times.
TYPE
Chicken
APPROXIMATE TIME
(DAYS)
1 to2
Ground beef 1 to2
Steaks and roasts 3 to 5
Cured meats 7to10
Bacon 5 to 7
Cold cuts 3 to 5
Variety meats 1 to2
l If meat is to be stored longer than the times
given, follow the directions for freezing.
NOTE: Fresh fish and shellfish should be used
the same day as purchased.
Storing frozen food
The freezer section is designed for storage of
commercially frozen food and for freezing food at
home.
NOTE: For further information about preparing
food for freezing or food storage times, contact
your local Cooperative Extension Service or
check a freezer guide or a reliable cookbook.
Packaging
The secret of successful freezing is in the
packaging. The way you close and seal the
package must not allow air or moisture in or out.
Packaging done in any other way could cause
food odor and taste transfer throughout the
refrigerator and drying of frozen food.
Recommended packaging for freezing:
l Rigid plastic containers with tight-fitting lids
l Straight-sided canning/freezing jars
l Heavy-duty aluminum foil
l Plastic-coated paper
l Non-permeable plastic wraps (made from a
Saran film)
Follow package or container instructions for
proper freezing methods,
Do not use:
l Bread wrappers
l Non-polyethylene plastic containers
l Containers without tight lids
l Waxed paper
l Waxed-coated freezer wrap
l Thin, semi-permeable wrap
The use of these wrappings could cause food
odor, taste transfer and drying of frozen food.
Freezing
Do not expect your freezer to quick-freeze any
large quantity of food. Put no more unfrozen food
into the freezer than will freeze within 24 hours.
(No more than 32 to 48 grams of food per liter of
freezer space.) Leave enough space for air to
circulate around packages. Be careful to leave
enough room at the front so the door can close
tightly.
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