This document is a user manual for a Zanussi freezer, model ZFT11110WA.
The freezer is designed for keeping foodstuffs and beverages in a normal household and similar applications, such as staff kitchen areas, farmhouses, hotels, motels, bed and breakfast establishments, and catering. It is not intended for commercial or industrial use. The appliance uses isobutane (R600a) as a refrigerant, which is a natural gas with high environmental compatibility, but is flammable.
Function Description
The freezer compartment, specifically the top box, is suitable for freezing fresh food and storing frozen and deep-frozen food for extended periods. To freeze fresh food, the fast freeze function must be activated. The freezing process typically lasts 24 hours, during which no other food should be added for freezing. The appliance is equipped with a temperature regulator and an on/off switch, a yellow fast freeze indicator light, an acoustic signal stop and fast freeze switch, and a red alarm indicator light.
Usage Features
- Switching On/Off: After installation, allow the appliance to stand for 4 hours before plugging it into a wall socket. Turn the temperature regulator clockwise to a temperature lower than -16 °C. The green on/off indicator light will illuminate, and the red alarm indicator light will blink, indicating the appliance is switched on and the internal temperature is not yet at the required level for safe frozen food conservation. To turn off the appliance, turn the temperature regulator to the "O" position. To disconnect from power, unplug it from the wall socket.
- Temperature Regulation: The internal temperature is controlled by the temperature regulator on the control panel. Turning the regulator towards lower settings provides minimum coldness, while higher settings provide maximum coldness. A medium setting is generally recommended. The exact setting depends on room temperature, door opening frequency, quantity of food stored, and appliance location.
- Red Alarm Indicator Light: Under normal conditions, the freezer maintains a temperature suitable for long-term food conservation. If the temperature rises above -12 °C, an acoustic and light alarm (blinking red light) will activate. The acoustic alarm can be stopped by pressing the Acoustic Signal Stop Switch once.
- Fast Freeze Function: To freeze more than 3-4 kg of food, press the Fast Freeze Switch for 2-3 seconds, 6-24 hours before placing fresh food in the freezer. The yellow fast freeze indicator light will illuminate, and the compressor will run continuously for rapid freezing. The function can be deactivated at any time by pressing the Fast Freeze Switch for 2-3 seconds. If left on, it will automatically switch off after 48 hours. For maximum freezing performance, especially for larger volumes, remove the drawer from the top compartment and place food directly on the evaporator. For smaller volumes, removing the drawer is not necessary. Once food is frozen (up to 24 hours), move it to other storing compartments to make room for new freezing.
- Storage of Frozen Food: When starting the appliance for the first time or after a period of disuse, let it run for at least 2 hours on higher settings before loading products.
- Thawing: Deep-frozen or frozen food can be thawed at room temperature before use. Small pieces can be cooked directly from frozen, though cooking time will be longer.
- Hints for Freezing: Freeze top-quality, fresh, and thoroughly cleaned foodstuffs. Prepare food in small portions for rapid and complete freezing, and to thaw only the required quantity. Wrap food in aluminum foil or polythene, ensuring airtight packages. Avoid contact between fresh, unfrozen food and already frozen food to prevent temperature rise. Lean foods store better and longer than fatty ones; salt reduces food storage life. Water ices consumed immediately from the freezer can cause frost burns. Label packs with the freezing date to track storage time.
- Hints for Storage of Frozen Food: Ensure commercially frozen foodstuffs were adequately stored by the retailer. Transfer frozen foodstuffs from the store to the freezer as quickly as possible. Avoid frequent or prolonged door openings. Once defrosted, food deteriorates rapidly and cannot be refrozen. Do not exceed the storage period indicated by the food manufacturer.
Maintenance Features
- Cleaning the Interior: Before first use, wash the interior and all accessories with lukewarm water and neutral soap, then dry thoroughly. Avoid detergents or abrasive powders, as they can damage the finish.
- Periodic Cleaning: Regularly clean the inside and accessories with lukewarm water and neutral soap. Check and wipe door seals clean to ensure they are free from debris. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Do not use metal objects, sharp objects, hair dryers, or other heating appliances for cleaning or defrosting. Avoid detergents, abrasive powders, highly perfumed cleaning products, or wax polishes on the interior. Clean the condenser (black grill) and compressor at the back of the appliance with a brush to improve performance and save electricity.
- Defrosting the Freezer: Defrost when the frost layer reaches 3-5 mm thickness. Approximately 12 hours before defrosting, set the temperature regulator to higher settings to build up sufficient chill reserve. To defrost, switch off the appliance, disconnect the mains plug, remove stored food (wrap in newspaper and place in a cool spot), leave the door open, and insert the plastic scraper at the bottom center, placing a basin underneath to collect defrost water. To speed up defrosting, place a pot of warm water in the freezer compartment. After defrosting, dry the interior thoroughly, switch on the appliance, set the temperature regulator to -18 °C, and let it run for at least 4 hours in quick freeze mode before reloading food.
- Door Reversibility: The door opening direction can be changed. This process involves removing the plug, tilting the appliance, unscrewing feet and hinges, removing the door, repositioning hinge pins, reattaching the door, and then screwing in the feet and hinges on the opposite side. The handle (if present) also needs to be moved. After reversing, level the appliance, wait at least four hours, and then connect to power.
- Electrical Connection: Any electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician. The appliance must be earthed. The wires in the mains lead are colored green and yellow (earth), blue (neutral), and brown (live). Ensure connections are correct and secure. The appliance is supplied with a 13 amp plug; if the fuse needs changing, use a 13 amp ASTA approved (BS 1362) fuse.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides solutions for common issues such as noisy operation, continuous compressor operation, excessive frost/ice, inadequate temperature (too warm or too cold), and the appliance not working or cooling. For issues not covered, or if the problem persists, contact service personnel.
- Service: Any electrical work for servicing must be carried out by a qualified electrician or competent person. Only genuine spare parts from an authorized Service Centre should be used.