Maytag Performa Refrigerator

This document is a user's guide for a Maytag Performa™ Top Mount Refrigerator, providing comprehensive information on its operation, maintenance, and features.

Function Description:

The Maytag Performa™ Top Mount Refrigerator is designed to store fresh and frozen foods, maintaining optimal temperatures in both compartments. It features an automatic defrost system, eliminating the need for manual defrosting. The appliance is equipped with various storage solutions to organize different types of food efficiently and keep them fresh for longer periods.

Important Technical Specifications:

Electrical Requirements: Operates on a normal 115 volt, 15 amp, 60 cycle line. A separate, grounded circuit is recommended.
Grounding: Equipped with a three-pronged grounding plug for electrical shock protection.
Temperature Controls:
- Fresh Food Compartment: Recommended temperature range is 34°F to 40°F, with an optimum of 37°F.
- Freezer Compartment: Recommended temperature is approximately 0°F.
- Controls vary by model, including double dial, separate single dial, or slide controls. Initial settings are typically mid-range (e.g., 4 for dials, 5 for slides).
Condenser: Features a "No Clean™ Commercial-Duty Condenser" designed for normal home usage without routine cleaning, though periodic cleaning may be necessary in dusty or greasy environments.
Lighting: Uses standard 40 or 60 watt appliance bulbs for both refrigerator and, on some models, freezer compartments.
Ice Maker (Optional/Select Models): Automatic ice makers are available, either factory-installed or as a kit. Some models include an adjustable ice level sensor arm.
Dimensions/Clearance: Requires a minimum 1/2" clearance on the sides, top, and back for ease of installation and air flow. Additional space may be needed if the door hinge side is against a wall.

Usage Features:

Temperature Adjustment: Controls allow users to adjust the temperature in both fresh food and freezer compartments. Adjustments should be made one number at a time, allowing 24 hours for stabilization.
Storage Solutions (Fresh Food Compartment):
- Full Width Shelves: Rest on linear support rails, removable for cleaning.
- Adjustable Shelves (Cantilever): Allow for flexible storage configurations. Some models feature an "Elevator™ Shelf" that can be adjusted up or down without unloading, and slides out for easy access.
- Pick-Off Door Bins: Adjustable and removable, designed for gallon-plus sized containers.
- Fixed Door Shelves: Durable shelves with gallon-plus storage capacity.
- Keepers: Fit in door shelves/bins to secure bottles.
- Snack Center Drawer: Provides short-term storage for meats, cheeses, and luncheon meats, positionable on either side of the cabinet.
- Crispers: Provide storage for fruits and vegetables, with some models featuring humidity slide controls for optimal preservation.
- Dairy Compartment: Covered section for dairy products.
- Egg Cradle: Holds "dozen-plus" eggs, removable for washing or transport.
- Multi-Use Rack: For horizontal storage of wine, canned beverages, or egg cartons (cannot be used on Elevator™ shelf).
- Tilt Out Refrigerator Door Bins: Ideal for awkward containers, tilting outward for easy loading/retrieval.
- Multi-Can Rack: Suspends from spill-proof shelves, sloped design allows cans to roll forward.
Storage Solutions (Freezer Compartment):
- Adjustable Freezer Shelf: Accommodates various frozen food loads.
- Drop Down Freezer Basket: Located on the lower shelf of the freezer door, for items that tend to shift or slide.
Energy Saving Tips: Includes advice such as locating away from heat sources, leveling, covering liquids, keeping the freezer full, wiping moisture from containers, and avoiding frequent door openings.
Food Storage Guidelines: Provides detailed tips for storing fresh food (meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, dairy) and frozen food (packaging, loading, placement). Includes a comprehensive "Food Storage Chart" with approximate refrigeration and freezer times for various items.
Vacation Mode: Instructions for preparing the refrigerator for short or long absences, including food removal, ice maker shutdown, disconnection from power, cleaning, and leaving doors open.
Moving Instructions: Steps for preparing the refrigerator for relocation, including securing removable items and taping doors shut.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning:
- General: Disconnect power cord before cleaning. Avoid touching cold surfaces with wet hands.
- Exterior: Base grille, condenser (if needed), door handles, painted metal surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water or mild liquid sprays. A vacuum cleaner attachment or cleaning brush (Part No. 20001017) is recommended for the base grille/condenser.
- Interior: Door gasket, glass shelves, interior liner, drawers, bins, and egg cradle can be cleaned with baking soda and water solution or soap and water. Glass shelves should warm to room temperature before immersing in warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, concentrated detergents, bleaches, cleaning waxes, solvents, or polish cleaners for the interior.
- Under the Refrigerator: Can be rolled out for floor cleaning after disengaging locking feet.
Light Bulb Replacement: Instructions for replacing light bulbs in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments, requiring removal of specific covers. Users are advised to wear gloves to protect against broken glass.
Automatic Defrost: The refrigerator automatically defrosts. Users may notice a red glow/reflection and water droplet sounds during the defrost cycle, which is normal.
Troubleshooting ("Before You Call" section): A comprehensive guide to common issues (e.g., won't run, runs too long, noisy, odors, warm cabinet, moisture, food drying out, light not working, temperature issues, ice maker problems) with corresponding solutions, helping users diagnose and resolve minor problems before contacting service.
Warranty Information: Details a full one-year warranty and a limited warranty (second through fifth year) for major refrigeration components. Specifies what is covered and not covered, and how to obtain warranty service.