This document is a user manual for the Hoover BHBF 172 UKT Built-In Refrigerator (Fridge-Freezer). It provides essential information on safety, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the appliance.
Function Description
The Hoover BHBF 172 UKT is a built-in refrigerator with a fridge-freezer configuration, designed for household use to store food. It incorporates "New Generation Cooling Technology" which distinguishes it from static refrigerators. This technology uses a blower fan to circulate dry and cold air homogeneously and evenly throughout both the fridge and freezer compartments from multiple points. This prevents humidity and freezing, eliminating the need for periodic manual defrosting of the freezer compartment and ensuring uniform cooling of all food items. The appliance is intended to be integrated into kitchen units.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model: BHBF 172 UKT
- Type: Built-in Refrigerator (Fridge-Freezer)
- Refrigerant: R600a (isobutane) – an environmentally friendly and natural gas, but explosive if leaked.
- Operating Voltage: 220-240 V at 50Hz.
- Electrical Connection: Standard 13 amp 3-pin mains plug with a 13-amp fuse (BS1362 approved).
- Climate Class: Designed to operate within specific ambient temperature intervals:
- T (Tropical): Between 16-43 °C
- ST (Subtropical): Between 16-38 °C
- N (Normal): Between 16-32 °C
- SN (Extended Temperate): Between 10-32 °C
- The appliance is specifically designed for use at an ambient temperature within the 16°C - 43°C range.
- Freezer Storage: Can preserve frozen food for approximately 13 hours during long power cuts at an ambient temperature of 25°C. This value may decrease in higher ambient temperatures.
- Lighting: Equipped with 1 or 2 LED strips in the fridge compartment for illumination (some versions may be without illumination).
Usage Features
The appliance features a control panel for temperature settings and special modes:
- Temperature Setting Button: Allows adjustment of the fridge compartment temperature. Pressing the button decreases the setting. The initial setting is typically a middle temperature indicator.
- Alarm Light: A red LED illuminates in case of a problem within the fridge.
- Super Cooling Mode:
- Purpose: Ideal for cooling large quantities of food, fast food, or seasonal food quickly, and for long-term storage.
- Activation: Press the temperature set button until the "Super Cooling" light comes on. The LED will blink during this mode.
- Recommendation: Activate 5 hours before placing fresh food for optimal performance.
- Duration: Automatically cancels after 5 hours.
- Temperature Adjustments: Settings are automatically performed and are not deleted during power breakdowns. Adjustments should consider door opening frequency, food quantity, and ambient temperature. A 5-minute delay function protects the compressor during power interruptions or re-plugging.
- Accessories:
- Ice Tray: For making ice cubes.
- Bottle Holder (in some models): Prevents bottles from slipping or falling.
- Fresh Dial: Located in front of the crisper, it controls air and humidity levels to extend the storage life of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially when the crisper is full. Opening the dial helps prevent condensation on glass shelves.
- Adjustable Door Shelf: Offers six different height adjustments for flexible storage. To adjust, hold the bottom of the shelf, pull the side buttons, move the shelf up or down, and ensure it is fixed before releasing the buttons. Always support the shelf from the bottom when moving it to prevent damage.
- Food Storage Guidance:
- Refrigerator Compartment: Food should be wrapped or in closed containers. Hot food and drinks must be cooled before placing them inside. Fruits and vegetables should be stored loose in crisper containers. Specific recommendations are provided for storing various food types (e.g., vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, butter, milk, eggs, cooked food) with maximum storage times and ideal placement.
- Freezer Compartment: Used for long-term storage of frozen food and ice production. New food to be frozen should be placed in the upper basket, not near already frozen food, and should freeze for at least 24 hours before being moved. Food should be portioned before freezing. Refreezing thawed food is not recommended due to health risks. Hot meals should be cooled before freezing. Frozen food packages should be intact and stored according to instructions. Door shelves are not for freezing.
- Thawing Guidance: Detailed tables provide maximum storage times, thawing times at room temperature, and thawing times in an oven for various frozen foods (e.g., bread, biscuits, pastry, meat, fish, vegetables, dairy products).
Maintenance Features
- Cleaning:
- Always disconnect from power before cleaning.
- Do not clean by pouring water directly onto the appliance.
- Ensure no water enters the lamp housing or electrical components.
- Clean periodically with a solution of bicarbonate of soda and lukewarm water.
- Clean accessories separately with soap and water; do not use a dishwasher.
- Avoid abrasive products, detergents, or soaps. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Reconnect the plug with dry hands after cleaning.
- Clean the condenser with a broom at least twice a year to save energy and increase productivity.
- Important: The power supply must be disconnected during cleaning.
- Defrosting: The refrigerator features fully automatic defrosting. Water from defrosting flows into a vaporisation container below the condenser and evaporates.
- Replacing LED Lighting: If LED strips need replacement, contact a service technician.
- Shipment and Repositioning:
- Retain original packaging and foamed polystyrene if needed.
- Secure the appliance with a wide string or rope during transportation.
- Remove or fix all moving objects (shelves, crispers) with bands to prevent damage.
- Carry the fridge-freezer in an upright position.
- After transportation or initial installation, keep the appliance upright for at least 3 hours before plugging it in to allow efficient operation and prevent compressor damage.
- Energy Saving:
- Install away from heat sources and direct sunlight, in a well-ventilated room.
- Cool hot food before placing it in the refrigerator.
- Avoid overstuffing to ensure proper air circulation.
- Defrost the appliance if ice builds up (though this model has automatic defrosting, this advice may apply to specific situations or older models).
- Keep the refrigerator door closed during power outages.
- Open doors as little as possible.
- Avoid setting temperatures too cold.
- Regularly remove dust from the rear of the appliance (condenser).
- Scrapping Old Appliances:
- The appliance is marked according to the European directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
- WEEE contains polluting substances and basic components that can be reused. It must be subjected to specific treatments to remove pollutants and recover materials.
- WEEE should not be treated as household waste but handed over to relevant collection points or returned to the retailer when purchasing a new appliance.
- If an old fridge has a lock, break or remove it before discarding to prevent children from getting trapped.
- Old fridges may contain CFC or HFC refrigerants; dispose of them responsibly to avoid environmental harm.
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