Fisher & Paykel E522BRX Mounting instructions

Installation instructions
and user guide US CA (EN)
Active Smart™ Refrigeration
US CA
Instructions d’installation et
guide de l’utilisateur US CA (FR)
Réfrigération Active Smart™

Important: This User Guide is to be used for all refrigerator/freezers. It contains all the
general information required for the operation of your refrigerator/freezer.
A User Guide is provided with the Ice & Water refrigerator. This booklet contains additional
specific information about the ice and water functions on the refrigerator
Important : Ce Guide de l’utilisateur est destiné à tous les réfrigérateurs/congélateurs.
Il contient toute l’information générale nécessaire au bon fonctionnement de votre
réfrigérateur/congélateur.
Un Guide de l’utilisateur est fourni avec chaque réfrigérateur Ice & Water. Ce livret contient
des renseignements supplémentaires sur les fonctions du système Ice & Water de votre
réfrigérateur.
The models shown in this user guide may not be available in all markets and are subject
to change at any time. For current details about model and specification availability in
your country, please go to our website www.fisherpaykel.com / www.fisherpaykel.ca or
contact your local Fisher & Paykel dealer.
Les modèles illustrés dans ce guide de l’utilisateur peuvent ne pas être offerts dans
tous les marchés et sont sujets à modification en tout temps. Pour connaître le modèle
et les spécifications applicables à votre pays, veuillez visiter notre site Web à
www.fisherpaykel.com / www.fisherpaykel.ca ou communiquer avec le représentant
Fisher & Paykel de votre région.

3
Contents
Important Safety Information 4
Installation – Four Essential Requirements 6
Moving or Storing Your Refrigerator 9
Ice & Water Refrigerators – please refer to supplement Ice & Water User Guide 10
Active Smart™ Operating Instructions 10
Active Smart™ Special Features 12
Active Smart™ Maintenance 13
Cleaning Care 14
Storing Food in Your Refrigerator 17
Storing Food in Your Freezer 19
Problem Solving Checklist 21
Limited Warranty 23
Table des matières
Consignes de sécurité importantes 26
Installation – quatre exigences essentielles 28
Déplacement ou entreposage du réfrigérateur 31
Réfrigérateurs Ice & Water
– veuillez consulter le supplément au Guide de l’utilisateur du système Ice & Water 32
Procédures de mise en marche de l’Active Smart™ 32
Caractéristiques spéciales de l’Active Smart™ 34
Entretien de l’Active Smart™ 35
Nettoyage 36
Conservation des aliments au réfrigérateur 39
Conservation des aliments au congélateur 41
Un problème! Que faire? 43
Garantie limitée 45
EN
FR

4
Important Safety Information
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons read the IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS before operating this appliance.
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this User Guide.
Warning
When using this appliance always exercise basic safety precautions including the following:
Danger
This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.
Young children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
Risk of child entrapment. Before you throw away your old refrigerator or freezer:
–Take off the doors
–Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.
Disposal
Extreme care must be taken when disposing of your old appliance to avoid hazards. The
refrigerant gas must be safely removed and for the safety of young children, remove doors.
Your Fisher & Paykel Appliances Authorised Service Center will be able to give advice on
environmentally friendly methods of disposing of your old refrigerator or freezer.
Electrical
This appliance must be properly installed in accordance with the installation instruction before it
is used.
Never unplug your refrigerator by pulling on the power cord.
Always grip the plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.
Do not plug in any other appliance at its power point or use extension cords or double adapters.
Repair or replace immediately all electric service cords that have become frayed or otherwise
damaged. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion along its length or at either the plug
or appliance end.
If the power supply cord is damaged, it must only be replaced by your Fisher & Paykel Appliances
Authorised Service Center because special purpose tools are required.
When moving your appliance away from the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage the
power cord.
Unplug your refrigerator before cleaning or replacing the lightbulb.
I

5
EN
Important Safety Information
Storing Food and Drinks
Never store volatile or flammable materials in your refrigerator or freezer as they may explode.
Never freeze liquids in glass containers. Liquid expands during freezing, which may cause the
container to explode.
Never freeze carbonated drinks. They may explode.
Do not consume food if it is too cold. Food removed from the freezer compartment may be cold
enough to cause damage when brought into contact with bare skin e.g. frozen ice cubes.
Power Failure – Food Safety
Do not refreeze frozen foods that have thawed completely. Follow the recommendations below
if you discover food in your freezer has thawed:
1) Ice crystals still visible – food may be refrozen but should be stored for a shorter period than
recommended.
2) Thawed but refrigerator cold – refreezing generally not recommended. Fruits and some
cooked food can be refrozen but use as soon as possible. Meat, fish, poultry – use immediately
or cook then refreeze. Vegetables – discard as they usually go limp and soggy.
3) Thawed but warmer than 4˚C /40˚F. Red meat can be cooked immediately and refrozen but
use as soon as possible. Discard all other frozen foods.
Do not refreeze frozen foods that have thawed completely. The food may be dangerous to eat.
Cleaning
Many commercially available cleaning products contain solvents which may attack plastic
components of your refrigerator or freezer and cause them to crack. Please refer to the cleaning
care section of this booklet for further advice.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

6
Installation - Four Essential Requirements
Please follow the steps for installation to ensure your appliance operates correctly.
1. Power
The appliance must be installed so the plug is accessible.
To ensure that the appliance is not accidentally switched off, connect your refrigerator or freezer
to its own power point. Do not plug in any other appliance at this power point or use extension
cords and double adaptors, as the combined weight of both power cords can pull the double
adaptor from a wall outlet socket.
For power requirements, refer to the information on the serial plate located at the front bottom
right-hand side of the refrigerator when the door is open.
It is essential that the appliance be properly grounded (earthed).
2. Location
Your refrigerator or freezer should not be located in direct sunlight or next to any heat
generating appliance such as a range or dishwasher.
3. Stability
It is important that all four corners of the refrigerator or freezer base are supported firmly on the
floor to eliminate any cabinet movement.
Installing the appliance on a soft or uneven or unlevel floor may result in twisting of the cabinet
and poor sealing of the doors. If the doors do not seal properly, warm air will enter the food
storage areas causing the temperature to increase, resulting in food spoilage and food loss.
Before moving your refrigerator or freezer into its position, ensure that the adjustable front feet
are fully retracted by turning them anticlockwise (counter-clockwise), ie. towards the right of
the cabinet.
Position your refrigerator or freezer. Turn the adjustable feet clockwise, ie. to the left, to lower
the adjustable front feet. Raise the front of the appliance until it is stable and the doors move
towards the closed position, on their own, when open.
The front levelling foot on the hinge side should take the majority of the weight of the cabinet
and the cabinet should be stable, i.e. cabinet should not rock or wobble.

7
EN
Installation - Four Essential Requirements
4. Ventilation and Installation
To ensure adequate ventilation for your
refrigerator or freezer see recommended
cabinetry dimensions below.
The appliance is intended to be placed against a
wall with a free distance not exceeding 3” (75mm).
If building the appliance into a cupboard, follow
installation instructions provided with the
integration kits.
Flush with refrigerator chassis
– full door rotation
Flush with refrigerator door
– full door rotation
Flush with refrigerator door
– 90˚ door rotation
Cabinetry dimensions (inches / mm) (including minimum clearances)
E522B
A inside height
68 ¾ / 1745
Flush with refrigerator chassis – full door rotation
B inside width
32 ¾ / 830
C inside depth
24 ⁄ / 620
Flush with refrigerator door – 90º door rotation
D inside width
32 ⁄ / 835
E inside depth flush to curved door 26 ⁄ / 675
F inside depth flush to flat door
27 ⁄ / 690
Flush with refrigerator door – full door rotation
G inside width
37 ⁄ / 950
H inside depth flush to curved door 26 ⁄ / 675
I inside depth flush to flat door
27 ⁄ / 690
Minimum clearances
J side clearance
¾ / 20
K side clearance – hinge side flush with door – 90° rotation 1 / 25
L side clearance – hinge side flush with door – full rotation 5 ½ / 140
M rear clearance (incl. evaporator tray) 1 ⁄ / 30
N vent 2 / 50

8
Installation - Four Essential Requirements
Before Placing Food in the Fresh Food or Freezer Compartments
Remove all packaging. Ensure that all transit clips are removed from the refrigerator. These are
small rubber stops located at the back of the shelves.
Allow the refrigerator and freezer to run empty for 2 – 3 hours to allow each compartment to
cool to the appropriate temperature.
Clean the inside of the appliance with warm water and a little liquid detergent to remove
manufacturing and transportation dust.
The appliance may have an odor on its initial operation, but this will go when the refrigerator
and freezer have cooled sufficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Do not cover your appliances with any material that will prevent air from flowing around the
cabinet sides.
Do not leave the door open for any longer than is necessary.
Allow good clearances in front of the air ducts within the cabinet for maximum cold
air distribution.

9
EN
Moving or Storing Your Refrigerator
If your refrigerator or freezer is turned off for any reason, wait 10 minutes before turning it back
on. This will allow the refrigeration system pressures to equalise before restarting.
Moving Your Refrigerator
Turn off the appliance and unplug from the power point. Remove all food.
Turn the adjustable feet to the right as far as they will turn (see page 6).
Ease the refrigerator out of its position. Tuck the power cord away and tape the doors closed.
Tape the shelves in place. If the cabinet needs to be placed at an angle or laid down, carefully lay
it on its side (the right hand side when viewed from the front).
Relocate and install. If the appliance has been left on its side for any length of time, leave it
standing upright for at least 10 minutes before turning on.
Storing Your Refrigerator or Freezer
When storing your cleaned appliance, leave the door(s) open. This allows air to circulate and
prevents the build up of bacteria and moulds.
Before using again, clean well using a mixture of warm water and baking soda (add 1 teaspoon
of baking soda to each 1 pint (500 ml) of water). Rinse with clean water.
Vacation Time
We recommend you leave your refrigerator or freezer operating while you are on vacation.

10
Active Smart™ Operating Instructions
For information on the operation of the Ice & Water control panel please refer to
the Ice & Water User Guide.
Temperature Control
When the refrigerator is first turned on, the powerful cooling system will automatically cool both
refrigerator and freezer compartments to their set temperatures. This will take between 2 – 3
hours depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment.
The two compartment temperatures are accurately and independently controlled and do not
change with the temperature or humidity of the surroundings; whether summer or winter.
If you wish to alter the temperature of either the fresh food compartment or freezer
compartment, this can be easily done by using the Control panel located at the back of the fresh
food compartment.
Control Panel To adjust temperatures
Fresh food and freezer
compartment indicator
Compartment
select button
Increase temperature button
Decrease temperature button
Temperature
indicator (thermometer)
Fresh Food Compartment
The fresh food compartment light on the refrigerator diagram will be showing. The temperature
indicator illustrated by a thermometer will show the temperature setting for this compartment as
a series of lights.
The temperature may be altered by pressing the increase temperature or decrease temperature
buttons. One press on either of these buttons will produce a dimmer light which indicates a
small change in temperature.
Pressing either button twice gives a brighter light and indicates a greater change in temperature.
Fewer lights on the thermometer means a cooler temperature for the compartment selected.
Freezer Foods Compartment
To adjust the freezer temperature press the compartment select button until the light flashes on
the freezer compartment indicator.
The freezer temperature can be altered by pressing the increase or decrease temperature buttons.
One press on either of these buttons will produce a dimmer light which indicates a small change
in temperature. Pressing either button twice gives a brighter light and indicates a greater change
in temperature.
Note: Successively pressing the compartment select button will automatically select between the
compartments, a return to the fresh food compartment will be accompanied by a longer beep.
When the door is reopened the control panel will return automatically to the fresh food
compartment setting.

11
EN
Active Smart™ Operating Instructions
Sabbath Mode
To activate the Sabbath mode press the compartment select button on the temperature control
panel for 10 seconds.
When the Product is in Sabbath Mode:
The light will not operate when the door is opened.
The door alarm will not operate.
The display will not be illuminated.
Opening the door will not affect the compressor or fans.
If the power to the refrigerator is turned off whilst in this mode, the product will continue in
Sabbath mode when the power is restored.
Sabbath mode will automatically de-activate 80 hours after activation.
To de-activate earlier than 80 hours press the compartment select button on the temperature
control panel for 10 seconds.
Normal Refrigerator Sounds
Active Smart™ refrigerators, with their excellent energy ratings and cooling performance, can
produce sounds somewhat different to your old refrigerator.
Normal Operational Sounds Include:
Fan air flow sound. Active Smart™ refrigerators have fans which change speed depending on
demand. During cooling periods, such as after frequent door openings, fans circulate the
cold air in the refrigerator and freezer compartments producing some air flow sound. This is
quite normal.
Cracking or popping which may sound like ice coming off the evaporator. This occurs when the
defrost function is operating.
Running water sound. This is the liquid refrigerant in the system and can be heard as a boiling or
gurgling noise.
An audible hissing sound after closing the freezer door. This is due to the pressure difference
between the warm air that has entered the cabinet and suddenly cooled, and the outside
air pressure.
Other strange sounds may be heard for the following reasons:
– Cabinet not level
– Floor uneven or weak
– Bottles or jars rattling on shelves

12
Active Smart™ Special Features
Fruit and Vegetable Bins and Humidity Control Cover
The vegetable bins feature a unique cover which provides two functions:
The humidity cover seals the bins and provides a humid microclimate to extend storage times of
fruits and vegetables.
The humidity cover prevents condensation, which forms at high humidities from dripping down
onto the fruit and vegetables. The ability to retain high humidity in the fruit and vegetable bin
may produce small amounts of water in the bottom of the fruit and vegetable bins. This can be
wiped out as required.
Fruit and Vegetable Bins and Humidity Slide
Each fruit and vegetable bin has a humidity adaptor control that can be adjusted to fruit or
vegetables depending on what is stored in the bins.
If possible try to store fruit and vegetables separately. This will help extend their storage life.
If there is a mixture of fruit and vegetables in the bin adjust the position of the control to the centre.
If there is too much water in the bins the control can be adjusted towards the setting with
fewer drips.
Remember a small amount of water in the bins is beneficial for fruit and vegetable storage.
Ice Trays and Lid
To empty the ice cubes into the lid, hold the tray and lid together and twist to dislodge the cubes.
Refill the ice tray with water, place lid containing ice cubes on top and store in the freezer.
Ice cubes are best stored in a closed container or plastic bag as they readily absorb odors and
tastes from other foods.
Door Alarms
If the fresh food compartment door is left open the refrigerator will beep after 90 seconds.
If the freezer door is left open the refrigerator will beep after 60 seconds.
While either door remains open, subsequent beeps will sound every 30 seconds for 5 minutes.
A continuous alarm will sound if the door has been left open for 5 minutes or longer and the
interior light will turn off.
The alarm will stop when the door is closed.
Salad Greens
Lettuce
Spinach
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Mixed fruit
& vegetables
Fruit with
skin/peel
Oranges
Lemons
Limes
SUITABLE FOR:

13
EN
Your refrigerator is designed to operate for many years without the need for service checks.
However, if your refrigerator is malfunctioning, have it attended to by your
Fisher & Paykel Appliances Authorised Service Center as soon as possible. All electrical repairs
must be carried out by an adequately trained service technician or qualified electrician.
Active Smart™ Special Features
Fault Alarms
If the electronic controller detects a fault from which it is unable to recover an alarm will sound.
When the fresh food compartment door is opened a fault code (specific pattern of lights) will
flash red and green on the Control panel to alert you to the fault. The audible alarm will stop
when any button is pressed but the lights will remain flashing.
If such a fault occurs, call your Fisher & Paykel Appliances Authorised Service Center immediately;
the fault code will help the service person find and remedy the cause of failure.
Active Smart™ Maintenance
Replacement of the Interior Light (Halogen Light Bulb)
Turn the power off at the wall socket before replacing the bulb. The light bulb is located on the
top roof of the cabinet at the front.
Remove the lens cover using a small screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver in the front center of the
lens cover and gently lever down. Pull out old bulb.
Do not touch the new bulb with your hand. Leave it in the plastic bag whilst slotting into position.
Remove plastic bag when bulb is in position.
Replace lens cover.
Turn power on. Light bulb should now glow.
Note:
The replacement halogen bulb
must not exceed 12 Volt/10 Watt.
Bulbs are available from your
Fisher & Paykel Appliances Customer
Care Center.

14
Cleaning Care – Interior/Exterior
Interior
It is important to keep the interior of the refrigerator and freezer clean to help prevent food from
becoming contaminated during storage.
The amount and types of food stored determines how often cleaning should be carried out
(ideally once every 1 to 2 weeks) in the refrigerator.
Remove the shelves from cabinet and door. Wash shelves and storage bins in warm water and
detergent; rinse in clean water and dry before replacing.
Wipe over the interior surfaces with warm water and detergent or baking soda dissolved in warm
water (add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to each 1 pint (500mls) of water). Rinse with clean water.
To help remove “old stale refrigerator” smells add a few drops of vanilla essence or vinegar to the
water before cleaning.
Clean exterior surfaces with warm water and detergent. Use a toothbrush for the magnetic
door gasket.
Do not use harsh, abrasive cloths or cleaners or highly perfumed, strong smelling cleaners or
solvents on any part of the refrigerator or freezer.
Exterior
Stainless Exterior Door
It is important when cleaning the exterior door surface of your refrigerator, to only use liquid
dishwashing detergent dissolved in warm water.
Dry the door with a clean, lint free cloth.
The use of any abrasive or stainless steel cleaners and solvents will damage the door surface.
Other Exterior Surfaces
Clean all other exterior surfaces with warm water and detergent.
If necessary, clean the magnetic door gasket with an old toothbrush, warm water and detergent.

15
EN
Cleaning Care – Special Features
To Remove Trays
For ease of removal, empty food from tray/bin first.
Hold the centre front of the tray/bin handle.
Lift vertically to unclip from the runners and pull tray/bin towards you to remove.
Push runners back into refrigerator.
To Replace Trays
With the runners pushed back into the refrigerator, place the tray/bin on top of the runners.
Push the tray/bin back slowly until you feel it clip back onto the runners.
Important Note: Ensure that trays and bins are securely clipped onto the runners before use.
Important Note: Bin and tray runners are pre-lubricated, and will not need to be
re-lubricated during their life. Do not attempt to clean grease from the runners, as this will
affect their ability to function. Do not immerse runners in water.
Interior
Glass Shelves
Clean with warm water and detergent or a glass cleaner. If cleaning the shelves without
removing from the cabinet use only warm water and detergent as a glass cleaner can damage
the plastic components of your refrigerator.
Important Note: Many commercially available cleaning products contain solvents that
may attack the plastic components of your freezer and cause them to crack. It is important
to use only warm water and a small amount of liquid dishwashing detergent on any
plastic components inside and outside your freezer. Avoid using anti-bacterial cleaning
products on either the interior or exterior of the cabinet as they may cause rusting of metal
components and cracking of plastic components.

16
Cleaning Care – Special Features
Humidity Control System
Important Note: When cleaning the shelf above
the vegetable bins, we recommend that you do
not disassemble the Humidity Control System
from the shelf.
In the event that the plastic lid and humidity slides
become separated from the glass shelf, follow these
instructions to reassemble.
1 Turn shelf upside down
2 To attach humidity slides onto shelf
front corners, fit bottom clips into shelf
front trim. Next, slide sideways towards
shelf until arm clips onto glass.
3 To attach humidity control lid – with
text facing you, align lid with front of
shelf. Hold lid vertically and fit front
end into retainer on shelf. Ensure lid
fits into retainer as well as underneath
humidity slides.
4 At the sides of the shelf, adjust
humidity slide tabs so that the plastic
lid is between the shelf and the tabs.
5 If clips on back of shelf are present,
fasten lid with rear clips. Ensure that
the cover is fully secure at front and
back of shelf.
Humidity Slides
Retainer

17
EN
Storing Food in Your Refrigerator
Storing fresh, perishable foods in your refrigerator helps to extend storage times. The cold
temperatures slow down the major causes of food spoilage – namely, the growth of bacteria,
moulds and yeasts, and chemical and physical reactions.
Fresh Food Care
The quality of food before it is placed in the refrigerator is critical to successful storage. For
best results:
Select foods that are very fresh and of good quality.
Buy only the amount that you will use within the recommended storage time. If you buy extra,
plan to freeze it.
Ensure that food is well wrapped or covered before it is stored. This will prevent food from
dehydrating, deteriorating in color or losing taste and will help maintain freshness. It will also
prevent cross-flavoring. Vegetables and fruit need not be wrapped provided they are stored in
the vegetable bins of the refrigerator.
Make sure that strong smelling foods are wrapped or covered and stored away from foods such
as butter, milk and cream which can be tainted by strong odors.
Refrigerate fresh, perishable foods as soon as possible after purchase. If left at room temperature
for any length of time the rate of deterioration will be accelerated.
Avoid placing food directly in front of air outlets, as it may freeze. Cold air needs to circulate to
maintain safe food storage. Do not open the refrigerator door unnecessarily.
Cool hot foods down before placing them in the refrigerator. This should be done quickly.
It can be aided by placing the container of food in a bowl of ice and water; renew the ice as
necessary. (Note also that hot containers may damage shelves and wall of the refrigerator).
Store raw and cooked food in separate containers or packaging to prevent cross contamination.
In addition:
Keep the refrigerator clean. Wipe the inside walls and shelves frequently (refer to Cleaning Care)
and place only clean containers in the refrigerator.
Keep a close check on the quality of food in your refrigerator. Discard any food that shows
signs of spoilage. Pay particular attention to meat, fish and poultry, as these foods are highly
perishable. Use food within the recommended storage times.
Dairy Foods and Eggs
Most pre-packed dairy foods have a recommended use by/best
before/best by’ date stamped on them. Store them in the refrigerator
and use within the recommended time.
Butter can become tainted by strongly flavored foods so it is best
stored in a sealed container.
Eggs should be stored in the refrigerator. For best results, especially
when baking, remove the eggs from the refrigerator two hours
before they are to be used.

18
Storing Food in Your Refrigerator
Red Meat
Place fresh red meat on a plate and loosely cover with waxed paper or
plastic wrap or foil.
Store cooked and raw meat on separate plates. This will prevent any
juices lost from the raw meat from contaminating the cooked product.
Delicatessan meats should be used within the recommended storage time.
Poultry
Fresh whole birds should be rinsed inside and out with cold running
water. Dry and place on a plate. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
Poultry pieces should also be stored this way. Whole poultry should
never be stuffed until just before cooking, otherwise food poisoning
may result.
Cool and refrigerate cooked poultry quickly. Remove stuffing from
poultry and store separately.
Fish and Seafood
Whole fish and fillets should be used on the day of purchase. Until
required, refrigerate on a plate loosely covered with plastic wrap,
waxed paper or foil.
If storing overnight or longer, take particular care to select very fresh
fish. Whole fish should be rinsed in cold water to remove loose scales
and dirt and then patted dry with paper towels. Place whole fish or
fillets in a sealed plastic bag.
Keep shellfish chilled at all times. Use within 1 – 2 days.
Precooked Foods and Leftovers
These should be stored in suitable covered containers so that the food
will not dry out.
Keep for only 1 to 2 days.
Reheat leftovers only once and until steaming hot.
Fruit and Vegetable Bins
Although most fruit and vegetable varieties store best at low
temperatures, take care not to store the following at temperatures of
less than 47˚F (7˚C) for long periods.
Citrus fruit Melons Eggplant Pineapple Paw Paw
Courgettes Passionfruit Cucumber Peppers Tomatoes
Undesirable changes will occur at low temperatures such as
softening of the flesh, browning and/or accelerated decaying.
Do not refrigerate avocados (until they are ripe), bananas, mangoes
or pepinos. If possible store fruit and vegetables separately. ie. fruit in
one bin and vegetables in the other.

19
EN
Storing Food in Your Freezer
The use of temperatures of 0˚F (-18˚C) or colder to store food means that the food can be kept
for longer periods than when refrigeration temperatures are used. This is because the growth
of bacteria, moulds and yeasts are stopped, and chemical and physical reactions are severely
restricted at very low temperatures.
Frozen Food Care
For best results:
Choose only high quality foods that freeze well.
Store at 0˚F (-18˚C) or colder. Take care to maintain this low storage
temperature e.g. try to avoid opening the freezer door unnecessarily.
If your ice cream is soft you are running your freezer too warm.
Leave space at the top of containers, glass jars or plastic bags
containing liquids or semi-solid foods. These expand as they freeze. Usually 1” (2 – 5cm) head
space is recommended. Seal. Ideally, remove all the air from the package after food is frozen.
Packages or containers of solid foods should have the air removed from them and be sealed
tightly before freezing.
Freeze immediately and as quickly as possible. Freeze only small quantities of food at any one time.
For best results we recommend that only 2.2lb (1kg) of food be frozen per 0.9 cu. ft (25 L) freezer
capacity. (About 7 lb (3 kg) in small freezers and 9 lb (4kg) in larger freezers). For faster freezing, we
recommend that fresh food is placed at the top of the freezer compartment close to the air vent.
Do not pile frozen food around the fan cover. It can prevent adequate air circulation.
Thaw foods preferably in a refrigerator, or using a microwave oven or multifunction oven.
Keep a constant turnover of food. Use older items of food first. Do not exceed recommended
storage times.
Use good quality freezer proof packaging to maintain food quality.
If food is only covered in plastic film place inside a freezer-proof plastic bag.
Recommended Freezer Storage Times
These times should not be exceeded.
Months
1 Bacon, casseroles, milk
2 Bread, ice-cream, sausages, pies – (meat and fruit),
prepared shellfish, oily fish
3 Non oily fish, shellfish, pizza, scones and muffins
4 Ham, cakes, biscuits, beef, chops and lamb
6 Poultry pieces, butter, vegetables (blanched), eggs
whole and yolks, cooked crayfish, minced meat (raw),
pork (raw)
12 Fruit (dry or in syrup), egg whites, beef (raw), whole
chicken, lamb (raw), fruit cakes

20
Storing Food in Your Freezer
Meat, Poultry and Game
Do not try to freeze more than 22lb (1kg) meat per 0.9 cu.ft (25 L) freezer
capacity. Meat must be frozen quickly in order to maintain its texture.
Do not stuff poultry before freezing.
Red meat can be cooked from frozen, or from the partly or completely
thawed states. Remember to allow extra cooking time if cooking from frozen.
Always thaw poultry completely before cooking.
Fish
Fish is best frozen commercially. If however you do want to freeze fish
at home, make sure the fish is very fresh and of high quality.
Clean, scale and preferably leave whole. All fish should be wrapped in
two layers of packaging as depending on the type of fish, odors and
flavors can be readily transferred either to or from it. Seal well.
For best results, cook from either the frozen or partly thawed state.
Vegetables
Most vegetables freeze well, although ‘salad’ vegetables lose their
crispness. Other vegetables e.g. celery, onion and tomatoes should
only be used in cooked dished as they soften on freezing.
Freeze only high quality, mature, ready-to-eat vegetables.
Sort and discard any that are damaged.
It is necessary to blanch most raw vegetables prior to freezing.
Blanching involves a short cooking period during which vegetable
enzymes are destroyed. If these enzymes are not destroyed they cause
undesirable physical and chemical changes during freezer storage.
Vegetables can be blanched in boiling water, steam or microwave
oven. If using boiling water, boil vegetables for 2 – 4 minutes and cool quickly.
In general frozen vegetables are best cooked from their frozen state, i.e. Do not thaw.
Prepared and Cooked Foods
Most cooked foods can be frozen but it is not recommended to freeze
the following:
Cooked egg white, custards, cream fillings and milk puddings, gelatine
or jelly-like dishes, mayonnaise and similar salad dressings, meringue
toppings. These tend to separate on thawing.
Fruit
Choose high quality, mature, and ready to eat fruit. Preferably select
varieties recommended for freezing.
Avoid unripe and over-ripe fruit.
The way fruit is packed depends on how it is to be used. Fruits packed in
syrup are ideal for deserts, whereas fruits packed without sugar are better
used for cooking. Most fruits can be stored for 8 – 12 months.