Hotpoint Ariston BCB 311/HA

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features
Precautions and Tips

This document provides operating instructions for a Hotpoint Ariston refrigerator/freezer combination, model BCB 311/HA. It covers installation, appliance description, start-up and use, maintenance and care, precautions and tips, troubleshooting, and assistance.

Function Description

The Hotpoint Ariston BCB 311/HA is a combined refrigerator and freezer appliance designed for domestic, non-professional use. Its primary functions are to preserve and freeze food. The refrigerator compartment features automatic temperature regulation based on a thermostat knob, and an automatic defrosting function. The freezer compartment allows for manual defrosting when the frost layer exceeds 5 mm.

Important Technical Specifications

The appliance operates within a voltage range of 220-240V, as indicated on the data plate. The maximum power consumption is 150W. The maximum daily freezing capacity is specified on the data plate (e.g., 4 Kg/24h). The internal refrigerant gas is R 134 a, with a quantity of 0.090 kg. The appliance is designed to be CFC-free. The light bulb in the refrigerator compartment should not exceed 15W.

Usage Features

Temperature Control: The refrigerator temperature is regulated by a thermostat knob with settings from 1 (warmest) to 5 (coldest). A medium setting is generally recommended. The cooling section is located on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, which may show frost or water droplets during operation, indicating normal functioning.
Refrigerator Compartment:
- Shelves: Removable and height-adjustable shelves (with or without grill) allow for flexible storage of various-sized containers and food items.
- Bins: Dedicated bins for fruit and vegetables are provided.
- Door Shelves: Removable lidded shelves include an egg tray and butter dish (on some models), multipurpose shelves, a compartment for a 2-litre bottle, and general bottle shelves.
- Food Placement: Fresh fish and meat should be stored above the fruit and vegetable bins. Fresh cheese also goes above these bins. Cooked food, salami, bread, and chocolate can be placed on any shelf. Eggs, butter, margarine, bottles, drinks, and milk have designated spots on the door shelves.
- Best Practices: Only place cold or lukewarm foods in the refrigerator. Cooked foods have a shorter shelf life than raw foods. Avoid storing liquids in open containers to prevent increased humidity and condensation.
Freezer Compartment:
- Storage: The freezer compartment is designed for freezing and long-term storage of food. Fresh food should be placed on the freezer grid, ideally in contact with the side and rear walls, where temperatures drop below -18°C for rapid freezing.
- Ice Care Tray: A removable ice tray located at the top of the freezer drawers provides improved hygiene and ergonomics. To use, fill with water through the designated opening, ensuring not to exceed the MAX WATER LEVEL. Rotate the tray 90° to fill the ice cube molds, then close the opening with the provided lid. Once frozen (approximately 8 hours), tap the tray against a hard surface and wet the outside to release the ice cubes.
- Best Practices: Do not refreeze defrosted food; it must be cooked and consumed within 24 hours. Avoid placing glass bottles containing liquids in the freezer to prevent breakage. Do not open the freezer door during freezing. In case of a power cut or malfunction, keep the freezer door closed to maintain temperature for 9-14 hours. If the room temperature is consistently below 14°C, the freezer may not reach optimal temperatures for long-term preservation.

Maintenance Features

Switching Off: To perform cleaning or maintenance, disconnect the appliance from the electricity supply by pulling out the plug. Setting the temperature knob to 0 (appliance off) is not sufficient to eliminate all electrical contact.
Cleaning:
- Exterior and Interior: Use a sponge soaked in lukewarm water and bicarbonate of soda or neutral soap. Avoid solvents, abrasive products, bleach, or ammonia.
- Removable Accessories: Soak in warm water and dishwashing liquid, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Rear of Appliance: Dust on the back of the appliance can be removed with a vacuum cleaner set to medium power, after switching off and unplugging the appliance.
Avoiding Mould and Odours: The appliance is made of hygienic, odour-free materials. To maintain this, always cover or seal food properly. If the appliance is switched off for an extended period, clean the interior and leave the doors open.
Defrosting:
- Refrigerator: The refrigerator has an automatic defrosting function. Water is directed to a discharge hole at the back, where the heat from the compressor causes it to evaporate. Regularly clean this discharge hole to ensure proper water flow.
- Freezer: Manual defrosting is required if the frost layer exceeds 5 mm. Set the temperature knob to 0, wrap frozen foods in newspaper, and place them in a cool location. Leave the freezer door open until the frost melts, possibly accelerating the process by placing containers of lukewarm water inside. Clean and dry the compartment before restarting. Some models have a DRAIN SYSTEM; use the provided scraper to direct water into a container. Wait approximately 2 hours after defrosting before placing food back into the freezer.
- Caution: Do not use sharp or pointed objects to defrost the appliance, as this can damage the refrigeration circuit.
Replacing the Light Bulb: Unplug the appliance. Unscrew the fixing screw (B) located at the back of the lamp cover to access the light bulb (A). Replace it with a similar bulb, not exceeding 15W.

Precautions and Tips

General Safety: The appliance is designed for domestic use. It should only be used by adults for food preservation and freezing, following the instructions. Do not install outdoors, even in a sheltered area. Avoid touching the appliance with bare feet or wet hands/feet. Do not touch internal cooling parts to prevent burns or injuries. Always pull the plug, not the cable, to disconnect. In case of malfunction, do not attempt internal repairs. Do not use sharp objects or unapproved electrical appliances in the freezer. Do not put ice cubes directly into your mouth from the freezer. Prevent children from playing with the appliance, sitting on drawers, or hanging on the door. Packaging materials are not toys.
Disposal: Dispose of packaging materials according to local regulations for recycling. Old appliances must be collected separately as per European Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE) to optimize material recovery and recycling, and reduce environmental impact. Contact local authorities or retailers for proper disposal information.
Environment and Energy Saving: Install the appliance in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Open doors for the shortest possible time to minimize energy loss. Do not overload the appliance to allow proper cold air circulation. Avoid placing hot food inside, as this increases the compressor's workload. Defrost the appliance when ice builds up, as thick ice layers reduce cooling efficiency and increase energy consumption. Keep door seals clean and in good condition to ensure a tight seal.