16
Freezing fresh food
The 4-star compartment (
) is suitable for long
term storage of commercially frozen food and for
freezing fresh food.
To freeze fresh foods it is not necessary to move the
thermostat knob from the normal setting.
However, for a faster freezing operation, turn the
thermostat knob to the coldest setting; but
remember that, in this condition, the refrigerator
compartment temperature might drop below 0
°
C.
If this occurs reset thermostat knob to a warmer
setting.
Place the food to be frozen on the freezer shelf as
this is the coldest part.
To help you make the most of the freezing process,
here are some important hints:
the maximum quantity of food which can be frozen in 24
hrs. is shown on the rating plate;
the freezing process takes 24 hours. No further food
to be frozen should be added during this period;
only freeze top quality, fresh and thoroughly
cleaned, foodstuffs;
prepare food in small portions to enable it to be
rapidly and completely frozen and to make it
possible subsequently to thaw only the quantity
required;
wrap up the food in aluminium foil or polythene and
make sure that the packages are airtight;
do not allow fresh, unfrozen food to touch food which
is already frozen, thus avoiding a rise in
temperature of the latter;
lean foods store better and longer than fatty ones;
salt reduces the storage life of food;
water ices, if consumed immediately after removal
from the freezer compartment, can possibly cause
the skin to be freeze burnt;
it is advisable to show the freezing-in date on each
individual pack to enable you to keep tab of the
storage time;
on the inner door or special card (if supplied) you
will find sketches of various animals and food types
together with the recommended storage time (in
months) from the time of freezing;
do not put carbonated liquids (fizzy drinks, etc.) in the
freezer compartment as they may burst.
Storage of frozen food
When first starting-up or after a period out of use,
before putting the products in the compartment let
the appliance run for at least two hours on the
coldest setting, then turn the thermostat knob to
the normal operating position.
To obtain the best performance from this appliance,
you should:
make sure that the commercially frozen foodstuffs
were adequately stored by the retailer;
be sure that frozen foodstuffs are transferred from
the foodstore to the freezer in the shortest possible
time;
not open the door frequently or leave it open longer
than absolutely necessary.
Once defrosted, food deteriorates rapidly and
cannot be refrozen.
Do not exceed the storage period indicated by the
food manufacturer.
Important
If there is a power failure when food is in the freezer, do
not open the door of the freezer compartment. The frozen
food will not be affected if the power cut is of short
duration (up to 6-8 hours) and the freezer compartment is
full, otherwise, it is recommended that the food should be
used within a short time (a temperature increase of the
frozen food shortens its safe storage period).
Thawing
Deep-frozen or frozen food, prior to being used, can
be thawed in the refrigerator compartment or at
room temperature, depending on the time available
for this operation.
Small pieces may even be cooked still frozen,
directly from the freezer: in this case, cooking will
take longer.
Ice-cube production
This appliance is equipped with one or more trays
for the production of ice-cubes.
Fill these trays with water, then put them in the
freezer compartment.
Do not use metallic instruments to remove the trays
from the freezer.
