Fisher & Paykel Refrigerator & Freezer Guide

UK IE
Installation instructions
and User guide
Refrigerator & Freezer

Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer of the product/s described herein, to which this description refers, declares
on its sole responsibility that the product/s meet the relevant fundamental safety, health and
protection requirements of the relevant EU guidelines and that the corresponding test reports
are available for examination by the relevant authorities and can be requested from the seller of
the appliance, especially with regard to CE Declaration of Conformity issued by the manufacturer
or with the manufacturer’s approval. Moreover, the manufacturer declares that the parts of the
appliance described in this User Guide, which come into contact with fresh food, do not contain
any toxic substances.

1
Safety and warnings 2
Installation instructions 4
Moving or storing your refrigerator 7
Operating instructions 8
Interior features 11
Food care
Storing food in your refrigerator 14
Storing food in your freezer 16
Cleaning care – interior/exterior 18
Maintenance 19
Problem solving checklist 20
Manufacturer’s Warranty 22
Customer Care 23
Contents
Important!
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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 visit our local website listed on the back cover
or contact your local Fisher & Paykel dealer.

2
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons read the IMPORTANT SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS before operating this appliance.
Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this User Guide.
Important safety precautions
Warning
Keep ventilation openings, in the appliance enclosure or in the built-in structure, clear of
obstruction.
Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than
those recommended by the manufacturer.
Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.
Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartments of the appliance, unless
they are of the type recommended by the manufacturer.
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 Authorised Service Centre will be able to give advice on environmentally
friendly methods of disposing of your old refrigerator or freezer.
Electrical
Your new appliance must be properly installed in accordance with the installation instructions
before it is used.
Never unplug your refrigerator or freezer 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 the same power point as your refrigerator or freezer or use
extension cords or double adapters.
Safety and warnings

3
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 Authorised
Service Centre 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 or freezer before cleaning or replacing the lightbulb.
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, eg 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. 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
Safety and warnings

4
Installation instructions
Please follow the steps for installation to ensure your appliance operates correctly.
1. Location
Your refrigerator or freezer should not be located in direct sunlight or next to any heat-
generating appliance such as a cooktop, oven or dishwasher.
2. 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).
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, 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, ie cabinet should not rock or wobble.
Raise Lower
Fig.1 Refrigerator foot

5
Installation instructions
4. Ventilation and installation
To ensure adequate ventilation for your refrigerator,
allow a minimum of 20 mm of airspace on each side of
the cabinet, 75 mm at the rear, and 50 mm at the top of
the cabinet.
The appliance is intended to be placed against a wall
with a free distance not exceeding 75 mm.
5. Fitting the handles
Your refrigerator is supplied with a set of handles,
4 handle attachment studs and 4 small handle screws.
To fit the handles
1
Insert the handle attachment stud into the fixed
threaded holes (fig.2a) found on the front of each
compartment door and tighten using the Allen key
provided in a clockwise direction.
2
Align and fit the handle on to the handle attachment
studs (fig.2b).
3
Using the Allen key, tighten the small handle screws
fitted to the inside of the wider handle end (fig.2c).
4
Install the 2nd handle in the same way (see fig.2d).
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.
Fig.2a Fixed threaded stud hole and
handle attachment stud
Fig.2b Align handle to the handle
attachment stud
Fig.2c Tighten the handle screw with
Allen key
Fig.2d Install the 2nd handle

6Installation instructions
Energy saving tips
There are many simple things that can be done to save energy.
During installation
Locate refrigerator in coolest part of room. Avoid areas of direct sunlight, or near heating ducts,
registers, or other heat producing appliances. If this is not possible, isolate exterior by using a
section of cabinet or an added layer of insulation.
Be sure the doors are closing securely by levelling refrigerator.
During Use
Avoid overcrowding shelves, as this reduces airflow.
Do not use anything (such aluminium foil, wax paper, or paper towelling) as a shelf liner, as this
reduces airflow.
Avoid adding too much warm food all at once, as this reduces cooling power.
Your refrigerator is most efficient when two thirds full.
Organise items in refrigerator to reduce the time that the door is open.
Before placing food in the fresh food or freezer compartments
Remove all packaging.
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 odour on its initial operation, but this will go when the refrigerator
and freezer have cooled sufficiently.
Allow the refrigerator to run empty for 2 – 3 hours to allow each compartment to cool to the
appropriate temperature.

7
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.
Ease the refrigerator out of its position. Tuck the power cord away. Tape the shelves in place and
tape the doors closed. 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 500 ml of water). Rinse with clean water.
Holiday time
We recommend you leave your refrigerator or freezer operating while you are on holiday.
For extended holidays away from home, please refer to the Holiday mode function on page 8.

8Operating instructions
Control panel
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A9 A10
Fridge storage
compartment
temperature
Freezer storage
compartment
temperature
Fridge Comptmt On/Off ( A1 )
This function enables the temperature to the fridge compartment to be turned off and the
internal air duct closed, leaving just the freezer compartment operating normally. An internal fan
for the compartment will continue to circulate the air to help hinder stale odours from forming.
Note: the FRIDGE TEMP ON/OFF, when illuminated, indicates that the fridge compartment is
operating in normal cooling mode.
To turn off the cooling to the fridge compartment, press and hold the FRIDGE TEMP ON/OFF
button for 5 seconds. The indicator light will go out and the fridge compartment temperature
will turn off.
To resume normal cooling operation to the fridge compartment, press and hold the FRIDGE
TEMP ON/OFF button for 5 seconds. When activated, the indicator light will illuminate and
remain on.
Holiday mode ( A2 )
If you are going on an extended holiday, there is an easy way to save energy and money.
Activating the Holiday mode means that the freezer continues to operate normally and, whilst
the temperature control is turned off in the fridge compartment, the internal air duct remains
open, which prevents the compartment from becoming too warm in areas of high humidity or
ambient temperatures. The air circulating through the fridge compartment will help keep the
cabinet aerated and hinder stale odours from forming.
Important!
All fresh food and perishables must be removed from the fridge compartment.
To activate Holiday mode, simply press the HOLIDAY button. The indicator light will illuminate
and the fridge compartment temperature will change to “–”. Holiday mode will remain on until
deactivated. Freezer compartment temperature will not change.
To deactivate the mode, press the HOLIDAY button. The indicator light will go out when
deactivated.
Note: for Holiday mode to work, ensure both the POWER (
A10 ) and FRIDGE COMPTMT ON/OFF
(
A1 ) buttons are illuminated.

9
Max Cool function ( A3 )
Having the door open for a long time, or loading the fridge compartment full of warm food
(such as after a trip to the supermarket) will raise the temperature of the refrigerator. Activating
the Max Cool function will quickly drop the fridge compartment to the required temperature
setting and will deactivate once this setting has been achieved.
To activate simply press the MAX COOL button and the indicator light will illuminate.
To deactivate Max Cool, press the MAX COOL button.
Note: the Max Cool function will only activate if the compartment temperature is above the
required temperature setting.
Changing the fridge compartment storage temperature ( A4 and A5 )
The fresh food storage temperature cycles from 2 to 8˚C and may be altered by pressing the
increase (
A4 ) or decrease ( A5 ) fridge compartment temperature buttons. The setting is
confirmed automatically after 5 seconds or by pressing any other key.
Changing the freezer compartment storage temperature ( A6 and A7 )
The freezer storage temperature cycles from -16 to -24˚C and may be altered by pressing the
increase (
A6 ) or decrease ( A7 ) freezer compartment temperature buttons. The setting is
confirmed automatically after 5 seconds or by pressing any other key.
Note: some time will be required for the refrigerator compartments to reach set temperatures
when the settings have been changed. The length of this period depends on the difference
between the existing and set temperatures, ambient temperature, door opening frequency and
the amount of food in storage.
Fast Freeze ( A8 )
The Fast Freeze function has been designed to assist in preserving fresh food quality by freezing
food at a faster rate than the normal freezer setting. Activating Fast Freeze drops the freezer
temperature down to its coldest temperature for a 24 hour time period. You may wish to use this
when freezing meat or when you are making frozen desserts. It is also good to use when arriving
home from the supermarket and adding fresh food into the freezer.
To activate simply press the FAST FREEZE button and the indicator light will illuminate.
To deactivate Fast Freeze, press the FAST FREEZE button.
Fridge compartment door alarm ( A9 )
If the fridge compartment door is left open the alarm will activate after 3 minutes. This is to
ensure your food will not spoil accidentally.
The alarm button indicator will flash and 3 beeps will sound every 30 seconds.
Deactivate the alarm by either pressing the ALARM button ( A9 ) or by closing the fridge
compartment door.
Freezer compartment temperature alarm ( A9 )
An alarm will sound if the freezer temperature exceeds normal operating temperatures due to the
compartment door being left open or after a power outage has occurred (or other such event).
The ALARM button indicator will illuminate and the alarm will sound 1 beep every second.
The alarm will deactivate once the temperature drops to within the cycling range (-16 to -24˚C).
To manually deactivate the alarm, press the ALARM button ( A9 ).
Operating instructions

10 Operating instructions
Power ( A10 )
An internal control used to turn off the operating functions of both compartments.
To turn the operating functions on or off to both compartments, press and hold the power
button for 3 seconds. In the On position, the power button indicator light will be illuminated.
Important!
This power button is not equivalent to turning off the power at the wall.
For cleaning and maintenance, the appliance must be disconnected from the power supply at
the wall socket.
Display screen
The display screen will remain illuminated for 1 minute after the door is opened or a button
is pressed.
To re-illuminate the screen, press any button.
Fault indication
An E or F fault code appearing in the display screen indicates a fault has occurred. Whilst the
product will continue refrigerate, please contact your Fisher & Paykel Authorised Centre as soon
as possible to report the fault.
Using your refrigerator
When the refrigerator is first turned on, the power button ( A10 ) indicator light will light up and
both the fresh food and freezer storage compartment temperatures will be displayed as “--” due
to the high temperatures inside.
A warning alarm beep will sound and can be silenced by pressing the ALARM button ( A9 ) once
on the control panel.
After being initially switched on the refrigerator will take several hours to cool, depending on the
environment it is placed in.
You can start to store food in it 2 – 3 hours after it was turned on.
The fresh food temperature and freezer temperatures will automatically default to the preset
factory temperature settings of 5°C and -18°C respectively.
After placing food in the refrigerator, leave it to stabilise for 24 hours. After this time you may
wish to alter the temperature.
Loading the refrigerator with food
Do not store too much food in the freezer. It is recommended not to exceed the load line of
the drawers.
The total weight of the food per shelf should not exceed 24 kg in the fridge compartment.

11
Interior features
Storage areas
There are recommended storage areas for various foods. As cold air circulates inside the
refrigerator, there is a temperature difference inside the fridge storage compartment.
Different foods should be placed in different areas according to their properties.
1
Eggs, butter, cheese, etc
2
Drinks, canned food, etc
3
Seasonings and pickled food
4
Beverages, canned food, cake, etc
5
Milk, cheese and dairy products
6
Fresh fish and meats, etc
7
Fruit, vegetables, salad, etc
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
Fig.8 Recommended storage areas for food and beverages

12
Shelves
Your refrigerator is fitted with shelves specially
designed to retain spills, making clean up easier.
The shelves can be repositioned at different heights
to accommodate different food storage container
sizes and heights.
To remove the shelf, use the front edge to lift the
shelf and then pull shelf forward (fig.3).
To install a shelf tilt the front edge up and insert the
hooks into the desired frame openings and slide the
shelf into place. Be sure the shelf is securely fitted to
the frame at the rear.
Fruit & vegetable bin
The fruit and vegetable storage bin provides an
environment in which you control the humidity.
Fruit and vegetables stored in the normal refrigerator
environment will lose moisture very quickly to the
cold, dry air. This means they will shrivel and lose
flavour very quickly. By controlling the humidity in
the bin, the air is kept moist, and fruit and vegetables
retain more moisture. This keeps them more
flavoursome, fresher and healthier, for longer.
Fruit needs slightly lower humidity than vegetables,
so the storage bin has an adjustable slide with three
settings (fig.4).
Adjusting the humidity slide control to the right
enables the fruit and vegetable bin to maintain a
higher humidity level, suitable for vegetables, such as
lettuce, spinach, broccoli and carrots.
Adjusting the humidity slide control to the left
enables the fruit and vegetable bin to maintain a
lower humidity level, suitable for fruit with skin/peel,
such as oranges, lemons, grapes, plums.
Using the mid-slide setting is suitable for a mixture of
fruit and vegetables.
Interior features
Fig.3 Shelf removal
Fig.4 Fruit & vegetable bin
humidity slide

13
Interior features
Cool storage drawer
The Cool storage bin (fig.5) is colder than the rest of
the fridge compartment and provides an environment
perfect for storing a range of items, including meat
products and other highly perishable foods.
Door shelves
Door shelves can be moved to meet individual
storage needs.
To remove the door shelf, lift the shelf up and pull
straight out (fig.6).
To install place shelf in desired door liner retainer,
push down gently until shelf stops.
Half shelf / tall storage option
Your refrigerator is fitted with two versatile half shelves specially designed to enable tall storage
requirements.
The two half shelves can be aligned together on the same level to create an additional full depth
shelf, fitted separately on different levels to create two half-shelf storage options or stacked
neatly together on one level to allow for extra room below as well as tall storage in front.
To stack the half shelves together (fig.7.1),
lift the rear shelf (
a
) up and slide shelf ( b )
inwards so that it tucks in underneath shelf (
a
).
To extend the half shelves out (fig.7.2), lift the
top shelf (
a
) up and pull shelf ( b ) outwards so
that it slides out from underneath shelf (
a
).
Note: ensure both ends of each shelf are on the
same level to provide a safe, stable surface for
storing food.
Fig.5 Cool storage drawer
1
2
Fig.6 Door shelves
2
1a
b
a
b
Fig.7 Foldaway shelf
Fig.7.1
Fig.7.2

14
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 colour or losing taste and will help maintain freshness. It will also
prevent odour transfer. 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 odours.
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 page 18 –
‘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 strong smelling 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.
Storing food in your refrigerator

15
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.
Delicatessen 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 – 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 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.
Storing food in your refrigerator

16
The use of temperatures of -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 -18˚C or colder. Take care to maintain this low storage
temperature, eg 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 or plastic bags containing liquids or semi-solid foods. These
expand as they freeze. Usually 20 – 50 mm 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 1kg of food be frozen per 25 L freezer capacity.
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
1Bacon, casseroles, milk
2Bread, ice-cream, sausages, pies (meat and fruit), prepared
shellfish, oily fish
3Non oily fish, shellfish, pizza, scones, muffins
4Ham, cakes, biscuits, beef and lamb chops,
poultry pieces
6Butter, 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
Storing food in your freezer

17
Meat, poultry and game
Do not try to freeze more than 1kg meat per 25L 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, odours and
favours 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, eg 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.
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 desserts, whereas fruits packed without sugar are
better used for cooking. Most fruits can be stored for 8 – 12 months.
Storing food in your freezer

18 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 500 mls 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.
Do not use harsh, abrasive cloths or cleaners or highly perfumed, strong smelling cleaners or
solvents on any part of the refrigerator or freezer.
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.
Exterior
Stainless exterior door
It is important when cleaning the exterior coated stainless steel 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 other exterior surfaces with warm water and detergent only.
If necessary, clean the magnetic door gasket with an old toothbrush, warm water and detergent.
Rear condenser
The condenser at the back of the cabinet should be kept clear of any objects such as paper and
dust. The condenser should be regularly cleaned to prevent dust accumulating.