This document is a user manual for Criterion™ Chest Freezers, available in 5 cu. ft. (model 4535418), 7 cu. ft. (model 4535419), and 10.6 cu. ft. (model 4535420) capacities. It provides essential information for safe operation, installation, usage, and maintenance of the appliance.
Function Description:
The Criterion™ Chest Freezer is designed for the long-term storage of frozen foods. It operates by maintaining a consistently cold internal temperature to preserve food quality and prevent spoilage. The freezer is intended for freestanding installation and should not be recessed or built-in.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Capacities: 5 cu. ft., 7 cu. ft., and 10.6 cu. ft.
- Electrical Requirement: 115 volts, 15 amps grounded outlet.
- Temperature Control: Adjustable dial with settings from "MIN" (cold) to "MAX" (coldest), plus an "OFF" setting.
- Refrigerant: The manual mentions a sealed system and cooling coils, indicating a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle.
- Installation Clearances:
- Sides: 4" (102mm)
- Back: 4" (102mm)
- Top: Do not block
- Operating Temperature Environment: Not designed to operate in temperatures below 23° Fahrenheit.
Usage Features:
- Initial Setup:
- After placement, wait 24 hours before plugging in if the freezer was horizontal or tilted.
- Allow 4 hours after installation before connecting to power.
- Allow the unit to operate for 6-8 hours before placing food inside.
- Clean the interior with lukewarm water and mild detergent before first use.
- Temperature Control:
- The temperature is adjusted via a control knob. "MIN" is cold, and "MAX" is the coldest setting.
- Initial recommended setting is "4". After 24 hours, adjust to the desired setting.
- For faster freezing, set the dial to "MAX" for at least 2 hours when first turning on the unit, then return to "4".
- Power On Indicator: A light indicates when the freezer is receiving power.
- Food Storage Basket: Includes a vinyl-coated wire basket (10.6 cu. ft. models include two) for organized storage, which can be removed if not needed.
- Food Storage Guidelines:
- Wipe containers before storing.
- Allow hot food to cool before freezing to save energy.
- Store meats in original packaging or rewrap.
- Use proper packaging (airtight plastic containers, heavy-duty aluminum foil, saran film, self-sealing plastic bags) to prevent air/moisture flow, odor/taste transfer, and drying out.
- Do not refreeze defrosted/thawed foods.
- Mark packaging with the freezing date.
- Provides a table of suggested safe storage times for various foods (e.g., TV Dinners: 3-4 Months, Steaks: 6-12 Months, Whole Chicken/Turkey: 1 Year).
- Power Interruptions:
- Unplug the power cord during outages.
- If the outage is prolonged, inspect and discard spoiled or thawed food. Clean the freezer before reusing.
- Vacation and Moving Care:
- For long absences, empty the freezer, unplug it, and clean the door gaskets.
- Prop doors open to allow air circulation.
- When moving, always move the freezer vertically to prevent damage to the sealed system.
Maintenance Features:
- Defrosting and Draining:
- Defrost when frost is 1/4" thick for efficient operation.
- Never use sharp or metallic instruments or boiling water, as this can damage cooling coils and void the warranty.
- Remove frozen food and place it in a cooler.
- Unplug the unit. Defrosting takes several hours; keeping the door open can speed it up.
- For draining, place a tray beneath the outer drain plug, unscrew and remove the plug to allow water to flow out. Monitor the container to prevent overflow.
- After draining, wipe the interior with a soft cloth, replace the drain plug, plug in the power cord, and reset the temperature.
- General Cleaning:
- Always unplug the freezer before cleaning to avoid electric shock.
- Use a cleaning solution of 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with warm water and a sponge or soft cloth.
- Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, ammonia, chlorine bleach, concentrated detergents, solvents, or metal scouring pads, as these can damage or discolor the freezer.
- Door Gaskets:
- Clean door gaskets every three months to ensure a proper seal.
- Apply petroleum jelly lightly on the hinge side of gaskets to keep them pliable and maintain a good seal.
- Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting section for common issues such as:
- Freezer not operating (check plug, power, circuit breaker, compressor cycle, temperature control).
- Food temperature too warm (frequent door openings, door not closed, recently added warm food, gasket seal, temperature control setting).
- Food temperature too cold (temperature control setting, ice build-up).
- Too much frost build-up (temperature control set to "MAX" for too long).
- Vibration (unit not level, touching wall, improper installation).
- Compressor running too frequently (normal in high temperature/humidity, frequent door openings, gasket seal, doors not closed, blockage in compartment).
- Freezer has an odor (interior needs cleaning, improperly wrapped/sealed foods).
- One Year Limited Warranty: Covers defects in material and workmanship for one year from the purchase date.
- Registration: Buyer must register the unit at PlasticDevelopmentGroup.com/applianceregistration.
- Exclusions: The warranty does not cover issues such as removed serial numbers, transfer of ownership, rust, shipping/installation damage, misuse, service calls, content losses, punctures to the evaporation system, fuse/breaker replacement, use for unintended purposes, disposal costs, delivery/installation costs, travel/transportation expenses for returns, removal/re-installation expenses, finish damage, external causes (abuse, inadequate power, accidents, fires, acts of God). Refunds are limited to the price paid per the sales receipt.
- Disclaimer of Implied Warranties: Manufacturer disclaims all other warranties, express or implied, including merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, or non-infringement. Replacement of the unit and listed parts is the sole remedy. Manufacturer is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Returns require prior written consent.
- Customer Service: Available toll-free at 833-953-1758 (8:00 am - 4:00 pm CT) or via email at appliances@plasticdevelopmentgroup.com.
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