The Kogan 91L Top Mount Fridge (KAM91LTMSFA) is a compact, stainless steel refrigerator designed for domestic use, offering both a freezer and a refrigerator compartment. This appliance is ideal for individuals or small households seeking a functional and efficient cooling solution.
Function Description:
This top mount fridge serves the primary function of preserving food by maintaining low temperatures in both its freezer and refrigerator sections. The freezer compartment is located at the top, providing dedicated space for frozen goods, while the larger refrigerator compartment below is designed for fresh food storage. The appliance utilizes a refrigerant circuit with isobutane (R600a), an environmentally compatible gas, to achieve its cooling effect. It operates on an air-cooling principle, incorporating an automatic defrosting function for convenience. A temperature control mechanism allows users to adjust the internal temperature settings to suit their needs, with a "MAX" setting recommended for initial use or in colder ambient conditions to ensure optimal freezing.
Usage Features:
The Kogan 91L Top Mount Fridge is designed with user convenience and safety in mind.
- Compartments and Storage: The fridge features a freezer compartment (1) with its own door (2) and a refrigerator compartment below. Inside the refrigerator, there are multiple shelves (4) for organizing food items, a fruit and vegetable crisper (6) at the bottom, and a bottle rack (7) on the refrigerator door (5). The shelves are adjustable, allowing users to customize the storage space to accommodate items of varying sizes. To adjust or remove a shelf, it should be pulled forward until it can be swiveled upwards or downwards.
- Temperature Control: A temperature control dial (3) is provided to manage the cooling intensity. For first-time use or after defrosting, it is recommended to set the control to "MAX" for at least two hours before introducing food, ensuring the appliance reaches its optimal operating temperature. In low ambient temperatures, switching the controller to "MAX" is also advised for the coldest settings.
- Door Reversibility: A key feature of this model is the ability to reverse the door swing. This allows the user to change the direction the doors open, providing flexibility in placement within different kitchen layouts. The process involves unscrewing brackets and hinges from one side and reattaching them to the other, ensuring the door is properly aligned and the seals are closed before tightening.
- Levelling: The unit comes with two adjustable feet at the front, which can be turned clockwise to extend or counter-clockwise to reduce, allowing for proper levelling of the appliance. Correct levelling is crucial for the doors and magnetic seals to align properly, ensuring efficient freezing performance.
- Food Storage Guidelines: To maximize food preservation and appliance efficiency, several tips are provided. Cooked meats and fish should be stored on a shelf above raw meat/fish to prevent bacterial transfer, with raw items kept in covered containers on the lowest shelf. Adequate space around food items is recommended for air circulation. Food should be packed or covered to prevent flavour transfer and drying out, though fruits and vegetables typically do not require wrapping. Pre-cooked food should be cooled to room temperature before being placed in the fridge to help maintain internal temperature. Limiting door openings helps prevent cold air from escaping.
- Safety Precautions: The manual emphasizes several safety warnings, particularly regarding the flammable refrigerant (R600a). Users are cautioned not to damage the refrigerant circuit and to avoid open flames or ignition sources near the appliance if damage occurs. Ventilation openings must be kept clear. The appliance requires a standard 220-240V AC 50Hz electrical outlet and must be properly earthed. Extension cords, inverters, or ungrounded adapters should not be used. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and efficient operation of the Kogan 91L Top Mount Fridge.
- Cleaning: Before any cleaning, the fridge must be unplugged to prevent electric shock. The interior should be wiped with a damp cloth soaked in a weak solution of bicarbonate soda (approximately 2 tablespoons to 2L of water), followed by rinsing with warm water. Shelves and drawers can be washed with mild detergent. The exterior should be cleaned with mild detergent and warm water, then dried with a soft cloth. The door seals should be kept clean to maintain efficiency and should be cleaned every three months with the same warm water solution. Condenser coils should be vacuumed when dusty or dirty.
- Defrosting: The appliance features an automatic defrosting function. However, if frost builds up due to seasonal changes or temperature fluctuations, it can be manually removed by disconnecting the appliance from the power supply and wiping with a dry towel. It is recommended to clean the unit each time it is defrosted to keep it odour-free and efficient.
- Long Periods of Non-Use: If the unit will not be used for an extended period, it should be disconnected from the mains supply, emptied of all food, cleaned thoroughly, and the door left ajar to prevent unpleasant smells and mould growth.
- Energy Saving Tips: To optimize energy consumption, users are advised to avoid frequent door openings, especially in warm and humid weather. Ensuring adequate air circulation behind the appliance is important. Setting the thermostat to a middle setting under normal temperature conditions is also recommended. Preventing frost build-up by properly wrapping foods and wiping containers dry helps maintain efficiency. The appliance should be located in the coolest area of the room, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
- Handling and Moving: When moving the unit, it should be held around its sides or base, never by the edges of the top surface.
- Servicing: Any servicing or repairs should only be carried out by an authorized engineer using genuine spare parts. Users are strongly advised not to attempt repairs themselves to avoid injury or malfunction.
- Disposal: The appliance should not be disposed of with normal household waste. It should be delivered to a collection and recycling centre for electric and electronic equipment. The materials used are recyclable, and proper disposal contributes to environmental protection. Before disposing of an old unit, any locks or latches should be broken off, and the door removed as a safeguard, especially if children might access it.