Zanussi DF47/51FF Operating and safety instructions

INSTRUCTIONS FOR
THE USE AND CARE OF
ZANUSSI
FRIDGE FREEZER

It is most important that this instruction book should be retained with the appliance for future
reference. Should the appliance be sold or transferred to another owner, or should you move house
and leave the appliance, always ensure that the book is left with the appliance in order that the new
owner can get to know the functioning of the appliance and the relevant warnings.
Warnings and Guidance
These warnings are provided in the interest of safety. You MUST read
them carefully before installing or using the appliance.
• This appliance is designed to be operated by
adults. Children should not be allowed to
tamper with the controls or play with the
product.
• Any electrical work required to install this
appliance should be carried out by a qualified
electrician or competent person.
• It is dangerous to alter the specifications or
modify this product in any way.
• Care must be taken to ensure that the appliance
does not stand on the electrical supply cable.
• Zanussi domestic refrigerators, freezers and
fridge/freezers are designed to to be used
specially for the storage of edible foodstuffs
only.
• Frozen food must NOT be re-frozen once it has
been thawed out.
• Manufacturer’s storage recommendations
should be strictly adhered to. Refer to relevant
instructions.
• There are working parts in this product which
heat up. Always ensure that there is adequate
ventilation as a failure to do this could result in
component failure and possible food loss. See
installation instructions.
• Before any cleaning or maintenance work is
carried out, be sure to switch off the appliance
and unplug.
• The appliance should be left for 2 hours after
installation before it is turned on in order to
allow the refrigerant to settle.
• Do not place carbonated or fizzy drinks in the
freezer as it creates pressure on the container,
which may cause it to explode, resulting in
damage to the appliance.
• This appliance is heavy. Care should be taken
when moving it.
• Ice lollies can cause frost bums if consumed
straight from the freezer.
• Under no circumstances should you attempt to
repair the appliance yourself. Repairs carried
out by inexperienced persons may cause injury
or serious malfunctioning. Refer to your local
Zanussi Service Force Centre, and always insist
on genuine Zanussi spare parts.
Parts which heat up should not be exposed.
Wherever possible the back of the product
should be against a wall.
1

CONTENTS
Conservation
Page 3
Specifications
Page 4
General Features
Page 5
Getting To Know Your Machine
Page 6
Installation
Page 7
Electrical Connections
Page 10
The Controls
Page 11
Health and Safety Guidelines
Page 12
The Refrigerator Compartment
Page 13
The Freezer Compartment
Page 15
Maintenance And Cleaning
Page 22
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Page 23
Servicing
Page 24
Service Agent Directory
Page 25
Peace Of Mind For Twelve Months
Page 29
Or Five Years
Page 30
2

CONSERVATION
In The Interests Of The Environment:
When disposing of your old fridge, freezer or fridge/freezer.
Check with your local Council or Environmental Health Officer to see if there are facilities in
your area for collecting the gas from the appliance for recycling. This will help reduce the amount
of CFC gas released into the atmosphere.
Help to keep your countryside tidy - use authorised disposal sites for your old appliances.
For Maximum Efficiency:
Make sure that the appliance is cleaned properly.
Make sure that the door is closed properly.
Do not position the appliance near to sources of heat.
Do not over-fill your appliance, air MUST be allowed to circulate.
3

SPECIFICATIONS
DF47/51/A FF
Dimensions
Height:
168.8cm (66.5")
Width:
55cm (21.7")
Depth:
60cm (23.6")
Capacity
Gross
Net
Fridge: 132 litres 130 litres
(4.7 cuft)
(4.5 cuft)
Freezer: 131 litres 101 litres
(4.6 cuft)
(3.6 cuft)
Star Rating:
4 ****
Voltage:
220/240v
Frequency:
50Hz
Average daily units:
2.7Kwh
4

3 Can Dispenser
4 Indicator Lights
5 Butter and Cheese Compartment
6 Adjustable Shelf
7 Drinks Chiller
8 Half Width Door Shelf
9 Salad Drawer
10 Door Shelf and Bottle Gripper
11 Storage Baskets
12 Level Adjusters (all 4 feet)
Please refer to ‘Getting To Know Your Machine’ for more detailed explaination
of appliance.
5

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MACHINE
1 Interior Light
The light in the fridge compartment is
fitted in the roof of the cabinet. The
light cover is easily removable.
2 Control Panel
The control panel on this applaince has
a thermostat control, a mains on/off
switch and a humidity control switch.
3 Can Dispenser
The can dispenser is a plastic holder
which enabes the easy storage of cans
of drink in the fridge compartment.
4 Indicator Lights
The indicator lights on this appliance
are the mains on light, which is on all
the time and the red temperature
warning light.
5 Dairy Compartment
This is a separate storage compartment
for dairy products only such as, butter
etc.
6 Adjustable Shelves
This appliance has 2 shelves which can
be adjusted into 4 positions.
7 Drinks Dispenser
The drinks dispenser is located in the
door of the fridge compartment, and
provides an easy way of storing and
dispensing your favourite chilled
drink.
8 Half Width Door Shelf
The half width door shelf can be easily
removed, to enable the storage of tall
bottles etc.
9 Salad Drawer
The salad drawer provided will help to
keep salad produce fresh.
10 Storage Shelf with Bottle
Gripper
This shelf in the lower section of the
fridge door is useful for storing large
bottles etc. and because of the grippers
in the door, they will help prevent spills.
11 Freezer Baskets
This appliance has 4 pull-out freezer
baskets, which provide easy access to
frozen food.
12 Adjustable Feet
This appliance has 4 feet which can be
adjusted to level the appliance on uneven
floors.
6

INSTALLATION
WARNING:
IF YOU ARE DISCARDING AN OLD
APPLIANCE THAT HAS A LOCK OR
CATCH ON THE DOOR, PLEASE ENSURE
THAT IT IS MADE UNUSABLE TO
PREVENT YOUNG CHILDREN BEING
TRAPPED INSIDE.
The appliance should be gently pushed into
place until the top panel rear ventilation grill
touches against the wall. (See Fig. 1).
When in position a 50mm (2") clear space
above the appliance should be maintained. If a
clear space of 50mm (2") is not available,
clearances of 25mm (1") should be maintained
on both sides.
Your appliance will be heavy when loaded with
food and must therefore be stood on a strong
firm floor, which must be level. Adjust the level
by screwing out the appropriate level adjusters
in the front feet using your fingers or a 25mm
(1") spanner. (See Fig. 2).
Fig, 2
Level adjusters are also available in the rear feet
in the event of excessive floor unevenness.
Make sure that the appliance is upright and all
adjusters are in firm contact with the floor so
that the cabinet does not rock in any direction.
Care should be taken when opening and closing
the door not to trap your fingers, between the
top of the door and front moulding. Always use
the door handle.
Before you switch the appliance on, make sure
that the voltage of your electricity supply is the
same as that stated on the rating plate. This is
located inside the refrigerator cabinet behind
the salad drawer.
7

Before carrying out this instruction make
sure that you:
* Disconnect the appliance from the mains
supply.
* Remove all food and store in a cool dry
place.
* Remove all shelves and other loose items.
Gently lay the appliance on its back with the top
held away from the floor by at least 30cm (12"),
(use a stool or something similar) see Fig. 3.
Remove the bottom door by lifting it slightly
and carefully sliding it down off the centre
hinge (7) see Fig. 5. Remove centre hinge and
washers (where fitted) by taking out the 2
securing screws (8). Access to the outer screw
can be gained by inserting a screwdriver
through the hole in the body of the hinge, after
removing the plastic cap (9). Pull the hinge
down out of the top door. The top door can then
be removed by carefully sliding it down off the
upper hinge pin. Remove the blanking plate (10)
by taking out 2 screws (11). Refit the plate and
screws on the opposite side.
the small foot assembly. The small foot (2) can
now be removed by removing screw (3), in
order to remove the large foot/hinge assembly
(4), screws (6 and 14) should be removed
Unscrew the upper hinge pin (13) see Fig. 6
(using a screwdriver if necessary) and transfer it
to the opposite side).
making sure that the spacer (15) is retained with
the assembly.
Pull out the lower hinge pin (16) which may
have come away with the hinge blade or
remained in the door. Do NOT lose the
washer(s) (5) (where fitted).
Refit the top door by carefully sliding it onto the
upper hinge pin.
Turn the centre hinge (7) around from its
illustrated position and transfer to the opposite
side. Partly tighten one of the screws (8) in the
outside position. Gently press the hinge up into
the top door (refit any spacing washer(s) (5) on

the top side of the hinge, to position the top
door at the correct height. Then slide the hinge
onto the screw (8). Place the second screw (8)
tighten both screws to secure the centre hinge to
the cabinet.
Refit the bottom door by carefully sliding it
onto the centre hinge pin. Ensure that washer(s)
(5) see Fig. 4 (if originally fitted) is/are on the
lower hinge pin (4), then push the pin (rounded
end) into the bush at the bottom of the door on
the side opposite to its original position.
Taking care not to press down on the door. The
large foot/hinge assembly should be transferred
over to the opposite side of the cabinet and
screws (6 and 14) moved over to their new
positions in the hinge foot see Fig. 4. It is
important that the spacer (15) is retained with
screw (6) in the channel between the base of the
product and the foot/hinge assembly when
screwing the foot/hinge assembly into its new
position.
Refit the small foot, its screw entering the hole
furthest from the cabinet front on the flat
portion of the base.
Then replace the level'adjuster (1).
Stand the appliance upright.
Using a pocket knife blade or a similar
instrument, carefully prise out the plastic plugs
from the alternative handle positions on the
opposite sides of the doors. (Protect the
paintwork from damage with masking tape or
other suitable material between the blade and
the painted surface).
Transfer the handles to their new positions and
push the plastic plugs into the vacated screw
holes.
Remember finally to carefully level the fridge/
freezer by means of the level adjusters (1) in the
feet - see page 7 in this instruction book.
9

Kl.KC .TRICAL CONNECTIONS
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE
MUST BE EARTHED.
The manufacturer declines any liability should
this safety measure not be observed.
If the plug that is fitted to your appliance is not
suitable for your socket outlet, it must be cut off
and the appropriate plug fitted.
The cut off plug MUST be disposed of to
prevent the hazard of electric shock in case it
should be plugged into a 13amp socket in
another part of your home.
Important
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in
accordance with the following code:
Green and Yellow - Earth
Blue - Neutral
Brown - Live
If you fit your own plug the colours of the wires
on the mains lead of your appliance may not
correspond with the markings identifying the
terminals in your plug. Proceed as follows, see
Fig. 7
Connect the green and yellow (earth) wire to the
terminal in the plug which is marked with the
letter ‘E’ or the earth symbol or coloured
green and yellow.
Connect the blue (neutral) wire to the terminal
in the plug which is marked with the letter ‘N’
or coloured black.
Connect the brown (live) wire to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter ‘L’ or
coloured red.
The plug moulded onto the cord incorporates a
fuse, for replacement, use a 13amp BS1362
fuse. Only ASTA approved fuses should be
used.
The fuse cover/carrier is the one shown by the
coloured insert at the base of the plug.
The plug must not be used if the fuse
cover/carrier is lost. A replacement cover/carrier
must be obtained from your local Zanussi
Service Force Centre whose addresses are listed
on the pages at the back of this instruction book
and can also be found in the telephone directory
under ‘Z’.
If at any time a replacement mains lead is
required, the cross sectional area of its
conductors must not be less than 0.75mm 2 .
If it becomes necessary to replace the mains
lead, the cable clamp should be tightened so as
to retain the new cord.
We recommend that the installation be checked
by a qualified electrician who can ensure that
the appliance is operating satisfactorily and that
it has not been damaged in transit.
This appliance complies with E.E.C. Directive
number 82/499 of 7.6.82 relative to radio
interference suppression.
10

THE CONTROLS
To start the cooling system, plug into the wall
socket and switch the mains on/off switch to the
‘on’ position which is I. Then turn the
thermostat to setting 4-5. The temperature in the
fridge and freezer compartments will be
affected by the location, room temperature and
the number of times the door is being opened,
an adjustment of the thermostat setting may be
needed to allow for this. When operating, the
outside front edges of the freezer may feel warm
to the touch. This is quite normal.
Thermostat Control
There is one control for setting the temperature
of both the fridge and the freezer
compartments.
The thermostat dial (• -7) is located in the
control panel on the top of the appliance (See
Fig. 8). The higher the number the lower the
temperature. Normal setting is 4-5, on setting •
the cooling system is switched off but the
appliance is not disconnected from the
electricity supply. (The interior light will still
come on when the door is opened).
Green (Mains On) Indicator Light
When the appliance is switched on at the mains
and also at the mains on/off switch, the green
indicator light will illuminate and continue to do
so until the appliance is switched off.
Red Temperature Warning Light
This light will illuminate when the appliance is
first switched on and will cease to glow when
the freezer temperature falls to the required
storage level. In some circumstances (such as
after the automatic defrost period) the light may
illuminate for a short time. This is normal. If
however, the light fails to go out, please make
some checks (these can be found on ‘What
Happens If Something Goes Wrong? page 23;).
Mains On/Off Switch
For the appliance to operate this switch must
be in the I position as well as being plugged
into the electricity supply.
Humidity Control Switch
This switch should be in position ’N'
(NORMAL) which ensures that no
condensation will be visible on or around the
area between the two doors. Position 'S'
(SUMMER) may be used during dry and less
humid conditions.
11

HKALTH AND SAFKTY GUIDELINES
Because of consumer demand, preservatives have been removed from many pre-preparedfood.
This together with the changes in shopping habits to a once-a-week shop, mean that the safe handling and
storage of food is even more important than ever.
The following tips should help you to ensure that the food in your home is in as perfect condition as
possible.
* Keep the time between buying chilled and
frozen food and placing it in your
fridge/freezer as short as possible. Tests
showed that the temperature of 1 litre of
orange juice rose to 22°C in an hour between
the supermarket and home. It then took 11
hours to get down to 7°C in the refrigerator.
* Be prepared to adjust the refrigerator
thermostat control depending on
circumstances. If you are adding a quantity
of fresh food, turn the control to a higher
number, to help the contents cool faster.
* Keep the refrigerator door closed as much
as possible. Remember that warm air is
flowing in as you are looking in to decide
what to have for tea!
* Do not push food together too much, air
must be allowed to circulate around each
item.
* Cool cooked food as quickly as possible
but do not place in the refrigerator or
freezer until cool. (Leave food in a place
as cool as possible in order that it can be
placed in the refrigerator or freezer as
soon as possible.)
* Do not mix raw and cooked meat, they
must be in separate containers. Take care
not to let the meat juices drip onto other
food. If the meat does drip, remove
everything and clean thoroughly.
* Do not store food uncovered.
* The best way to defrost food is to put it
in the refrigerator to thaw slowly.
* Remove suspect food from your
refrigerator and clean the interior with a
solution of bicarbonate of soda in warm
water (5ml to 0.5 litre of water).
* Never allow food spills to dry and harden.
* Ensure that food placed in the freezer is
dated and labelled and used in date order
to ensure that food is consumed at its best.
* It is most important that food is used before
its ‘best before’ date.
* Store eggs in the egg rack provided. Discard
any broken or chipped eggs.
* Regularly check the refrigerator door seal
to ensure that it is clean and free from bits
and pieces.
* Always wash your hands w'th soapy water
and dry them with a clean towel before
handling food.
* Keep work surfaces clean and avoid cross
contamination by not using the same work
surface or knife, for raw and cooked food
without washing them thoroughly in
between.
* Use kitchen roll wherever possible for
cleaning up food. If you use a dishcloth
be sure to boil it frequently.
12

When the thermostat knob is set to 4-5, the
temperature will be suitable for the storage of
fresh food, salad vegetables, milk, certain
wines and other drinks.
If a lower temperature is needed (e.g. during hot
weather), turn the thermostat knob to a higher
number or, for less cooling, to a lower number.
Fresh Food Compartment
The refrigerator compartment is fitted with
shelves which are adjustable for the storage of
different sized articles and may be tilted for the
storage of bottles of wine etc., see Fig. 9.
If your fridge/freezer is positioned near to the
wall thereby allowing the door to open through
only 90° then each shelf when tilted can be
removed (See Fig. 10).
Lift the front edge of the shelf and slide
forward, tilting the shelf upward as the rear of
the shelf comes toward the front of the fridge
compartment.
The shelves are designed to allow maximum air
circulation and therefore when placing food on
the shelves make sure a small space is left
between the packages.
The warmest area in the fridge is to the top of
the compartment and the coolest is at the
bottom. This is where the most perishable food
should be kept at the bottom.
Vegetables and salad food can be stored in the
salad drawer. To ensure they are maintained in
crisp condition it may be necessary to wrap
some food in polythene bags e.g. lettuce,
watercress or herbs.
Door Storage
Store light items such as small cartons and jars
on the shelves provided in the door. The lidded
storage compartment may be used to store dairy
products and fats.
The lower door shelf should be used for the
storage of heavier items e.g. bottles etc. If you
wish to store tall bottles in the door you can
remove the half-width door shelf.
Drinks Dispenser
There is a drinks dispenser fitted into the door
which can be used for storing your favourite
drink.
To dispense a drink, push a glass up onto the
arms of the dispenser tap; releasing pressure on
the arms will automatically stop the flow of
liquid. See Fig. 11a.
Fig. 11a

To remove the dispenser from the door you
simply push the container upward and pull out.
See Fig. lib.
To put the dispenser back into the door you line
up the form on the back of the container, with
the recess in the door liner. When located in the
liner, push the container down to secure it in
position.
14

THE FREEZER COMPARTMENT
The E3SH21 symbol means that your freezer will
store frozen food at -18°C (-0.4‘F) for long term
storage and will also freeze fresh food.
If frozen correctly, food will retain texture,
colour, taste and nutritional content.
The interior temperature of the freezer is
automatically controlled by the thermostat
which is located in the control housing. The
freezer is designed to produce a storage
temperature of -18°C (-0.4°F) or colder. This
will normally be achieved with a setting of 4-5
on the control dial. The control dial is
numbered i-7. The higher the number the
colder the temperature. On setting the
cooling system is switched off, but the
appliance is not disconnected from the
electricity supply. (See Fig. 12).
Due to different installations, methods of usage
and weather conditions, adjustments to the
temperature setting may be required. These are
best assessed against a temperature reading on a
thermometer buried in the frozen food.
Remember you must take your reading very
quickly since the thermometer temperature will
rise rapidly after you remove it.
If colder settings are selected for extra chilling
effect, do not forget to turn the control dial back
to the correct setting afterward.
Freezing Fresh Food
During the freezing process the temperature of
fresh food should be reduced quickly.
The bottom basket should be used for the
freezing of fresh food.
* The Maximum quantity of fresh food you can
freeze in any 24 hours is 6kg (13.21bs).
Most fresh food will freeze well, however some
freeze more successfully than others. Food with
a low proportion of water such as bread, cakes,
pastry, meat, fish and poultry freeze
exceptionally well. Similarly, game, dairy
produce, fruit and vegetables all keep well in the
freezer.
Food with a high water content such as lettuce
and marrow do not freeze well as the freezing
process breaks down their cellular structure.
Other items which do not freeze well are
mayonnaise because it separates, bananas
because they turn black and whole eggs in then-
shells because they crack.
Frozen Food Storage
Your freezer has the following frozen food
storage capacity:
* Net storage volume : 101 litres
(3.57 cuft)
* Weight of stored food: 32.3kg (71.31b)
* This is a standard measurement and the
actual capacity depends upon the density
and sizes of the food. The above figures
are based on an average density of 0.32kg
per litre (201b. per cu ft).
Some Useful Hints For Freezing
* The food to be frozen must be fresh and
of the best quality.
* The size of each pack should be small
enough to ensure that it is used in one go.
Small-sized packs freeze more quickly
and uniformly, and give better results.
* Frozen food, once thawed, must NOT be
re-frozen.
15

* Lean food keeps better and longer than
fatty food, salt and strong flavours will
reduce the storage time.
* Wrap the food in polythene or
aluminium freezing bags or foil, so that
they adhere to the food and provide an
airtight seal. Stick a label on each pack.
This makes it easy to check the storage
times.
* NEVER place cans or bottles of fizzy
drinks in the freezer, as they may
explode.
* Never put food to be frozen next to food
whch is already frozen as this could cause
the temperature of the frozen food to rise
and its quality and storage life to reduce.
* Any open packets of frozen food should
be re-wrapped in airtight material to
prevent surface evaporation which causes
drying or "freezer bum".
Storage times for home prepared fresh food are
given on page 19
16

(JKNKRAL FOOD PREPARATION
Fruit and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables should preferably be frozen
immediately after picking or purchasing or kept
in the refrigerator for no longer than 24 hours.
For perfect results fruit should be just ripe, and
if any show signs of being damaged, then it
should be thrown away. Most vegetables and
some fruit need to be blanched before freezing.
Blanching
Where necessary, plunge vegetables into boiling
water for the specified period, and time from the
moment they return to the boil. Drain and cool
immediately in iced water before packaging and
freezing.
Meat
Freeze joints in handy sizes after trimming the
fat and removing the bones if necessary. Game
must be cleaned before being hung for the
required period.
Poultry (Fresh)
Gut, singe and wash birds thoroughly. Tie legs
and wings to the body before placing in the
freezer, or cut into joints for packing separately.
Giblets should be packed separately.
Fish
All types of fish should be preferably frozen
within 24 hours of being caught. Any superflous
scales should be removed along with the fins,
then the fish is gutted and washed clean in cold
salted water before being frozen.
Ice Making
First, make ice cubes by filling the ice tray with
fresh drinking water to the top of each ice cube
compartment and place in the top freezer basket.
When the ice cubes have formed, hold the tray
upside down and twist the tray along its length,
allowing loosened cubes to fall into a plastic
container or polythene bag. Store in the freezer
and use when required.
Prepared Food
These freeze well, but remember the seasonings
may become stronger during frozen food
storage.
Salt shortens the storage time of frozen food so
add a little more if necessary during preparation
for eating. Semi-liquid food has a tendancy to
thicken, so should be made up with a little more
liquid than normal. Highly spiced and aromatic
food should be wrapped thoroughly, so the
flavour does not transfer to other frozen food.
Always cool prepared food quickly and freeze
immediately.
How To Cool Food Quickly
Hot food should not be put straight into the
freezer because it will raise the temperature in
the cabinet, make the freezer work harder, thus
increasing the energy consumption. Therefore
you should always cool food quickly before
placing it in the freezer.
You can cool food quickly by placing it into a
cold container and stand it in a sink filled with
cold water. Regularly stir the food to help
reduce the temperature. Once the food is cooled,
transfer into a container suitable for freezing
and place into the freezer.
Open Freezing
This method is commonly used to freeze fruit
and vegetables. After preparation place the food
in a single layer on foil covered baking sheets,
trays or special fast freeze trays, ensuring that
the items do not touch each other. Freeze the
food uncovered until hard (usually 1-2 hours),
after which it can be packed into polythene bags.
Open freezing is also useful for delicate food
which could become damaged during packing,
e.g. decorated cakes, flans and pastries.
Packaging
It is important to use the correct packaging to
preserve the quality of frozen food. All food
should be wrapped in moisture proof materials
and be completely covered. The most useful
materials are heavy gauge polythene bags or
sheeting, plastic containers with tight fitting
lids, aluminium foil containers and waxed
cardboard containers.
17

Plastic film can be used as an inner wrapping
for food which is then over wrapped with a
polythene bag; or can be used to interleave
small items such as chops, steaks, burgers etc.,
so that they can be removed individually. Use
freezer quality film or double wrap food items
with standard kitchen film.
Make sure that joints of meat, poultry are well
wrapped. This is to ensure that no bones can
pierce the packaging during freezer storage.
Boiling bags can be used to both pack food in
for freezing and for reheating the same food in a
pan of boiling water. They are especially useful
for items such as new potatoes, sauces and
single portions of cooked food. As much air as
possible must be extracted from the bag and an
effective seal is essential.
Thawing Food
Most food can be thawed in their original
wrapping to maintain moisture and to prevent
any deterioration. Food should be thawed in a
cool place such as a fridge, or if the food is
required quickly a microwave oven may be
used, remembering to transfer food from foil
containers and remove wire ties from plastic
bags. Always follow the instructions in the
microwave oven’s manual for thawing frozen
food. It is essential that all food particularly
meat and poultry is completely defrosted before
cooking.
Fruit
Keep the container closed and allow to thaw at
room temperature for about 5 hours.
Vegetables
It is not necessary to thaw before cooking -
place in salted boiling water, cover and time
cooking from moment they return to the boil
which only takes a few minutes. Some
vegetables can also be put in the oven with a
knob of butter and some may be deep fat fried.
Meat and Poultry
Thaw completely before cooking by preferably
leaving to defrost slowly in a fridge. If required
quickly, a microwave oven may be used or
allow 2 or 3 hours per ‘^kg. (lib) at room
temperature. To check whether or not the
poultry is defrosted the legs should be able to
move freely and there should be no ice crystals
present.
Dairy Products
Allow eggs to thaw in closed containers and use
immediately. Do not freeze eggs in their shells
as they will crack. Butter and cream, depending
on the quantity will thaw in 1 or 2 hours at room
temperature.
Baked Items
Bread takes about 2 hours to thaw or loaves
may be heated in the oven. Cakes can be sliced
in their frozen state to retain shape and speed up
the thawing process.
Prepared Food
Heat gently in closed containers in the oven and
season if necessary.
Commercial Packs
Follow the printed instructions given by the
manufacturers.
18

FOOD FREEZING
GUIDE
Max. Storage
Period Method
Remarks
MEAT joints
Beef
10-12 months Remove additional fat
Cut to handy size wrap thoroughly
Pad bone ends
Pork
6 months Cut to hand size wrap thoroughly ditto
Lamb
9 months Cut to hand size wrap thoroughly
ditto
Steak 10-12 months Open freeze or interleave with plastic film
ditto
Chops
See Pork or
Lamb above
ditto ditto
Veal Fillets 6-9 months ditto
Bacon, cured
smoked
6 weeks
1 month
ditto Pack in handy meal portions
Sausages 6 weeks Wrap tightly
Pack in handy meal portions
Minced meat 2 months
Wrap tightly Pack in handy meal portions
Offal and tripe
3 months
Clean thoroughly, remove tubes cores
and fat, pack in small portions
Make sure it is really fresh
POULTRY
Chicken
9-12 months
Clean in usual way, joint if necessary,
wrap thoroughly
Wrap giblets separately,
pad bone ends. Do not
stuff till ready
Turkey 9-12 months Clean in usual way, joint if necessary
ditto
Duck, Goose 6 months
Clean in usual way, joint if necessary ditto
Giblets 3 months
Wrap separately from bird
Game
6 months
Hang before freezing
Cook immediately after thawing
FISH
All types
3 months
Clean, descale, discard head and tail,
wrap separately
Must be fresh
Trout 3 months
Clean, descale, discard head and tail,
wrap separately
Must be fresh
Salmon
3 months
Clean, stuff with greaseproof paper for
shape retention or cut into steaks,
cutlets or fillets
Must be fresh
VEGETABLES
Mushrooms
3 months
Leave button mushroom whole, slice
larger ones. Trim stalks, wash, dry
thoroughly. Freeze open (or sauted in a
little butter till partially cooked then freeze).
Pack in boxes
19