This document describes the Russell Hobbs 48cm Wide Under Counter Fridge Freezer, model number RH48UCFF2 W/B/R/SS/C. It is an instruction manual providing details on installation, usage, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the appliance.
Function Description:
The Russell Hobbs 48cm Wide Under Counter Fridge Freezer is a combined refrigeration appliance designed for domestic use. It features both a refrigerator compartment for fresh food storage and a freezer compartment for long-term storage of frozen foods. The appliance uses natural refrigerant gas R600a (Isobutene) as part of its cooling system, which is environmentally friendly. The temperature inside the fridge is controlled by a thermostat knob, allowing users to regulate the cooling level. The appliance is designed to be placed under a counter, making it suitable for kitchens with limited space. It includes features like glass shelves, a crisper cover, a crisper drawer, and door balconies for organized storage. The door is reversible, offering flexibility in placement.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model Number: RH48UCFF2 W/B/R/SS/C
- Rated Voltage: 220V – 240V ~ 50Hz
- Capacity: 85L (Total Storage Volume)
- Fresh Food Storage Compartment Volume: 61L
- Frozen Food Storage Volume: 24L
- External Dimensions (HxWxD): 850mm x 480mm x 500mm
- Energy Consumption (kWh/per year): 207Kwh/y (based on standard test results for 24 hours)
- Energy Rating: F
- Light Energy Efficiency Class: Exempt (LED light source)
- Defrosting Type: Static
- Climate Class: N (Normal), intended for ambient temperatures between 16°C and 32°C. Other climate classes (SN, ST, T) are also mentioned, indicating suitability for broader temperature ranges:
- Extended Temperate (SN): +10°C to +32°C
- Temperate (N): +16°C to +32°C
- Subtropical (ST): +16°C to +38°C
- Tropical (T): +16°C to +43°C
- Airborne Acoustical Noise: 40 dB
- Temperature Rise Time: 7H
- Freezing Capacity: 2.4kg/24h
- Rated Current: 0.6A
- Net Weight: 24 KG
- Refrigerant Gas: R600a (31g)
- Light Source: LED, to be replaced only by a qualified engineer.
Usage Features:
- Installation: The appliance requires a minimum of 3 hours to stand upright before plugging in to allow the coolant to settle. It should be placed in a cool, well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight and heat sources (stoves, ovens), with at least 10cm clearance from other appliances and 30cm above the unit. A 5cm gap from kitchen cabinets and 6cm from the back wall is recommended. It must be plugged into an earthed socket.
- Temperature Control: The temperature is regulated by a knob inside the fridge. Settings range from 1 (warmest) to 7 (coldest). For normal conditions, settings 5 to 6 are recommended. Setting 7 is for rapid cooling/freezing and should only be used 2 hours before placing a large amount of food, then returned to 5 or 6 to prevent temperatures from dropping below 0°C.
- Door Reversal: The appliance's doors can be reversed to open from the left or right, providing flexibility for kitchen layouts. This process involves tilting the appliance, removing hinges, and repositioning components. It requires a cross-headed screwdriver and a flat-headed screwdriver, and a minimum of two people for safe handling. After reversal, the appliance must stand upright for at least 3 hours before being turned on.
- Food Storage Guidelines:
- Refrigerator Compartments:
- Door or balconies: Jams, juices, drinks, condiments (non-perishable).
- Crisper drawer: Fruits, herbs, vegetables (excluding bananas, onions, potatoes, garlic).
- Bottom shelf: Raw meat, poultry, fish (short-term storage).
- Middle shelf: Dairy products, eggs.
- Top shelf: Ready-to-eat foods, deli meats, leftovers.
- Freezer Compartments:
- Bottom drawer/shelf: Raw meat, poultry, fish.
- Middle drawer/shelf: Frozen vegetables, chips.
- Top drawer/shelf: Ice cream, frozen fruit, frozen baked goods.
- Energy Saving Advice: Avoid installing near heat sources, ensure proper ventilation, minimize door opening duration, keep door seals clean, do not overload, and allow hot food to cool before placing it in the fridge or freezer. The factory shelf arrangement is designed for energy efficiency.
- Power Failure: In case of power failure, keep the door closed. If food thaws, check its condition before refreezing. Ice cream should be discarded, soft fruits/vegetables cooked, shellfish refrigerated and used quickly, and cooked dishes/meat refrigerated and used quickly. Bread and cakes can be refrozen without danger.
Maintenance Features:
- Internal Cleaning: Disconnect from power. Clean periodically with a solution of bicarbonate of soda (5ml to 0.5 litre of warm water) and a damp cloth. Clean accessories separately with soap and water (do not use a dishwasher). Avoid abrasive products, detergents, or soaps. Rinse with clean water and dry carefully. Reconnect with dry hands.
- External Cleaning: Wash the outer cabinet with warm soapy water. Do NOT use abrasive products. Exercise care due to sharp edges on the underside. Dust the rear of the appliance and the compressor once or twice a year with a brush or vacuum cleaner to maintain performance and energy efficiency.
- When Not in Use: For long periods of disuse, disconnect from electricity, empty all food, clean the interior, and leave the door open to prevent odor build-up.
- Defrosting: Defrost twice a year or when a frost layer of approximately 7mm (1/4") has formed.
- Two hours before defrosting, set the thermostat to "7" to pre-cool food.
- Wrap frozen food in newspaper and store in a cool place.
- Place layers of paper or towels underneath and next to the freezer door.
- Switch off and unplug the appliance.
- Remove drawers/baskets and leave the door open.
- Place containers of warm (not hot) water in the freezer to speed up defrosting.
- NEVER use hairdryers, electrical heaters, or sharp metal tools for defrosting, as this can damage the appliance or cause electric shock.
- Once ice has melted, clean and dry the interior.
- Switch the appliance on and replace frozen food.
Troubleshooting:
The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues such as:
- Appliance not working (check power, fuse, voltage, socket).
- Temperature not cold enough (check food load, thermostat setting, placement, ambient temperature, door opening frequency).
- Temperature too cold (adjust thermostat to a lower setting).
- Wet inner/outer surfaces (caused by condensation, dry carefully).
- Smell/odor (check food expiry, packaging, spills, drainage pipe).
- Doors not closing properly (check for obstructions, correct placement of compartments, door seal condition, appliance level).
- Unusual noises (bubbling/gurgling from coolant, water flowing during defrosting, compressor noise are normal).
- Error Codes:
- Fridge not cooling: Check temperature dial, contact customer services.
- Fridge smells: Remove food, turn off, clean with mild soap, air dry for 2 hours, then restart.
- Burning smell: Immediately turn off, unplug, move to a safe location, contact customer services.
Safety Instructions:
The manual emphasizes critical safety instructions, including warnings about the natural refrigerant gas R600a (combustible), avoiding obstruction of ventilation openings, not placing the appliance on its power cord, and not using mechanical devices or electrical appliances for defrosting. It also advises removing locks from old refrigerators before disposal to prevent child entrapment and proper disposal of old units due to insulation gases and refrigerants. Users are warned against using adaptors or extension leads and to ensure the supply cord is not trapped or damaged. Children aged 8 and above can use the appliance with supervision, but it is not a toy. Explosive or flammable materials should not be stored inside. Bottles with high alcohol content must be sealed and placed vertically. The appliance should not be covered. Accessories should be fixed during transport. Food contamination prevention includes regular cleaning, storing raw meat/fish in suitable containers, and being aware of temperature increases from prolonged door opening.
Guarantee:
The product comes with a 12-month guarantee from the original purchase date, covering defects due to faulty materials or workmanship. A valid proof of purchase is required for replacement or refund, which is at the discretion of Product Care. The guarantee applies to domestic use, provided the appliance is installed and used according to instructions. It does not cover wear and tear, damage, misuse, or consumable parts. Statutory rights are unaffected.
Customer Support:
For customer services and spare parts, contact 0345 208 8750 or visit mda.russellhobbs.com.
The 'Crossed-out wheelie bin Symbol' indicates that the product/batteries should not be disposed of with general household waste but through separate collection schemes for recovery and recycling. For disposal facilities, visit www.recycle-more.co.uk. SEDEX information is provided for ethical data sharing and performance improvement.
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