This document provides detailed instructions for the use of a Gorenje refrigerator-freezer, intended solely for household use.
Function Description
The appliance is divided into two main compartments:
- Lower part (Refrigerator compartment): This section is designed for storing fresh food at temperatures above 0°C.
- Upper part (Freezer compartment): This section, labeled with four stars/asterisks, is for freezing fresh food and long-term storage of frozen food (up to one year, depending on the food type).
The cooling system includes a compressor and, in some models, a fan, which generates noise during operation. This noise level depends on installation, proper use, and the age of the appliance. Initial operation after connecting to power, or the sound of flowing liquid, might be louder but is not a sign of malfunction and will quiet down over time.
Usage Features
Installation and Connection:
The appliance should be installed in a dry, well-ventilated room, ensuring the environment temperature falls within the specified class (SN, N, ST, T) indicated on the rating plate. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight or placed near heat sources; if unavoidable, an insulation panel should be used. The appliance has four height-adjustable feet, allowing its height to be set between 82 cm and 90 cm, ideally just under the worktop. It must be connected to a grounded power mains in compliance with standards, with the plug readily accessible after installation. The appliance is not suitable for outdoor use or exposure to rain.
Operating the Appliance:
The appliance is controlled by a single temperature setting and on/off knob.
- Turning On: Rotate the thermostat knob clockwise towards position 7.
- Turning Off: Rotate the knob back to position STOP (0). When set to STOP (0), the cooling system is off, but the interior light will still illuminate when the refrigerator door is opened.
- Setting the Temperature: Higher settings (towards 7) correspond to lower (cooler) temperatures. A lower temperature is recommended when the environment temperature is below 16°C. For normal environment temperatures, a medium setting is recommended. Changes in environment temperature require adjusting the thermostat setting accordingly.
Appliance Interior Equipment:
- Shelf: Shelves are height-adjustable using guides in the refrigerator interior and are protected from being completely pulled out. To adjust, lift the shelf, pull it to the clearance, set the desired height, and push it back. To remove, lift, pull to clearance, lift the left side, and pull out at an angle.
- Fruit and Vegetable Bin: Located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, below the serving tray, this bin maintains adequate humidity for storing fruits and vegetables, slowing down drying.
- Serving Tray: Positioned above the fruit and vegetable bin, it can function as an additional refrigerator shelf or as a serving tray.
- Interior Side of the Refrigerator Door: Bins on the door are for storing items like cheese, butter, eggs, yogurt, and other small packages. A bottle shelf is at the lower end.
- Adjustable Door Bin: The height of door bins can be adjusted by squeezing tabs on both sides and moving the bin up or down. To remove, lift as far as possible and pull out.
- Storage Bin (MultiBox): This bin is useful for storing foods with strong or pungent smells (e.g., cheese, sausages, onions). Its silicone lid provides an airtight seal to prevent drying and odor spread. The lid can also serve as an egg or ice tray. If the lid is used as an egg tray, the open lower part of the MultiBox can store smaller packages like pâté or jams.
Storing Food in the Refrigerator:
- Proper use, packaging, temperature maintenance, and hygiene are crucial for food quality.
- Observe expiry dates on packaging.
- Store food in closed containers or appropriate packaging to prevent odor transfer.
- Do not store flammable, volatile, or explosive substances.
- Store bottles with high alcohol content tightly sealed and upright.
- Avoid prolonged contact of organic solutions, essential oils (from lemon/orange peel), or butter acid with plastic surfaces, as this can cause damage and premature aging.
- Unpleasant odors indicate a lack of cleanliness or perished contents.
- Remove perishables if leaving home for a long period.
- Recommended storage times vary by food type (e.g., eggs/smoked meat up to 10 days, fish/minced meat up to 1 day).
Freezing and Storing Frozen Food:
- Freezing Process: The maximum amount of fresh food to be frozen at once is specified on the rating plate. Exceeding this amount will impair freezing quality and deteriorate already frozen food.
- 24 hours before freezing, rotate the thermostat knob to position 5-7. After 24 hours of super freeze, place fresh food onto the freezer shelf. After another 24 hours, return the thermostat knob to normal operating temperature.
- Ensure fresh food does not contact already frozen food.
- For small amounts (up to 1 kg), thermostat adjustment is not necessary.
- Important Warnings: Only freeze suitable, high-quality, fresh food. Use appropriate, humidity-impermeable, airtight packaging to prevent drying and vitamin loss. Label food with type, amount, and freezing date. Freeze food as quickly as possible by keeping packages small and refrigerating food before freezing.
- Storage of Industrially Frozen Food: Follow manufacturer's instructions, temperature, and expiry dates. Choose undamaged packaging, stored at -18°C or lower. Avoid food covered in frost, as it indicates partial defrosting and inferior quality. Protect food from thawing during transport, as temperature increases shorten storage time and deteriorate quality.
- Frozen Food Storage Time: Recommended times vary (e.g., fruit/beef 10-12 months, pork 4-6 months, smoked sausage/fatty fish 1 month).
- Defrosting Frozen Food: Freezing does not kill microorganisms. Defrosted food spoils quickly, so use it as soon as possible. Partial thawing reduces nutritive value.
Maintenance Features
Defrosting the Appliance:
- Automatic Refrigerator Defrosting: The refrigerator defrosts automatically. Ice on the back wall melts when the compressor is inactive, and droplets drain through a groove/gutter into a tray at the appliance base. If an excessive ice layer (3-5 mm) forms, manually defrost the appliance and empty the condensate tray. To access the condensate tray, remove the cabinet kickplate, release the latch in the switchboard openings, pull the plate, and then remove and empty the tray.
- Defrosting a Conventional Freezer: Defrost when a 3-5 mm layer of frost or ice builds up. 24 hours before defrosting, activate the super freeze function to cool food. After this period, remove food and protect it from defrosting. Switch off the appliance and unplug the power cord. Do not use defrosting sprays, knives, or sharp objects to remove frost, as they can damage plastic parts or cooling pipes. To speed up defrosting, place a pot of hot water on a glass shelf. Clean and dry the interior afterward.
Cleaning the Appliance:
- Before cleaning, unplug the appliance from the power mains.
- Use a soft cloth for all surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners, acids, or solvents, as they can damage surfaces.
- Clean the exterior with water or a mild soap solution. Lacquer-coated and aluminum surfaces can be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild detergent. Low-alcohol cleaners (e.g., window cleaners) are acceptable, but avoid alcohol-containing cleaners for plastic materials.
- Clean the interior with lukewarm water and some vinegar.
- Regularly inspect and clean the gutter and drain opening under the cooling panel (e.g., with a plastic straw) to prevent clogging.
- Remove frost or ice build-up (3-5 mm thick) regularly to prevent increased power consumption. Do not use sharp objects, solvents, or sprays.
- Cleaning the Condenser Unit: To vacuum dust from the condenser unit, remove the cabinet kickplate, release the latch in the switchboard openings, pull out the plate, remove the condensate tray, and use a vacuum cleaner. Replace the tray and switchboard in reverse order.
- After cleaning, switch the appliance back on and reinsert food.
Troubleshooting:
The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues:
- Appliance not working: Check power outlet voltage and ensure the appliance is switched on.
- Continuous cooling system operation: Could be due to high environment temperature, frequent/long door openings, incorrect door closure (dirty/misaligned/damaged seal), too much fresh food, or insufficient compressor/condenser cooling (clean the condenser unit).
- Excessive ice on refrigerator back wall: Caused by frequent/long door openings, warm food, food touching the back wall, or poor/dirty/damaged door sealing.
- Ice/frost in freezer: Due to frequent/long door openings, improper door closure, or poor/dirty/damaged door sealing.
- Water leaking from refrigerator: Indicates a clogged water discharge opening or water dripping past the gutter. Clean the clogged opening (e.g., with a plastic straw). Manual defrosting may be needed for thick ice layers.
- Difficult to open door: This can happen immediately after closing due to negative pressure created by warm air entering and cooling. The condition normalizes after a few minutes.
- Replacing the bulb: Disconnect from power. Insert a screwdriver into the slot in the cover, lift, and remove it. Replace with a new E14 bulb of the same power rating. Do not dispose of blown bulbs with organic waste. Bulbs are consumables and excluded from warranty. Special purpose lamps are for appliance use only, not room illumination.
- Sound alarm: May signal excessive dust on the condenser unit. Check air circulation through bottom rail openings and clean/vacuum dust from the condenser.
If problems persist, contact an authorized service center with the appliance's type, model, and serial number from the rating plate.
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