Freezer compartment, Freezing fresh food

The freezer compartment

The four-star freezer compartment is suitable for storage of commercially frozen food and for freezing fresh foods.

Freezing fresh food

When freezing fresh foods set the slider control to the “min” position and turn the thermostat control to a higher setting.

In any 24 hours you can freeze up to 6 kg. of fresh food.

Place food to be frozen in the upper drawer of the freezer as this is the coldest part.

After 24 hours reposition the slider control and thermostat control to previous setting.

Important

To ensure correct operation of the appliance do not use the appliance with the basket or drawers removed.

Frozen food storage

Frozen food can be stored in any basket or drawer of the freezer compartment, including the fast freeze compartment.

Do not exceed the storage period indicated by the manufacturer.

Do not open the door frequently or leave it open longer than is absolutely necessary.

Warning

Do not put carbonated liquids, (fizzy drinks etc.), in the freezer compartment.

Ices Iollies, if consumed immediately after removal from the freezer, can cause low temperature skin burns.

Do not remove items from the freezer if your hands are damp/wet, as this could cause skin abrasions or “frost/freezer burns”.

Making ice cubes

The appliance is provided with one or more trays for ice-cubes trays.

Fill the tray(s) 3/4 full to give the ice space to expand and place them in the freezer compartment.

To release the ice cubes simply give the tray a slight twist.

Do not use sharp or metallic instruments to remove the trays from the freezer.

Thawing

Frozen food can be thawed in the fridge or at room temperature depending on the time available. Small food items may even be cooked from frozen; in this case cooking will take longer.

Any frozen food which is allowed to thaw accidentally should either be eaten as soon as possible or thrown away. Alternatively, if the food is uncooked and has not been completely defrosted it can be cooked and then refrozen.

Meat, fish and fruit should be thawed in the refrigerator compartment and small pieces of meat can even be cooked while still frozen, but you must ensure that it is thoroughly cooked through.

Vegetables should be directly immersed in boiling water; ready-cooked dishes can be placed directly in the oven in their aluminium wrapping.

A microwave oven is particularly suitable for thawing frozen food: follow the oven instructions, particularly regarding the placement of aluminium wrapping or containers in the oven.

Defrosted cooked food must never be refrozen.

Important

In the event of a power failure - DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR, the food in the freezer will not be affected if the power cut is short and the freezer is full.

If the temperature in the freezer rises, and the food begins to thaw, do not re-freeze the food without checking its condition.

The following guidelines should assist you. Ice-cream: once thawed should be discarded. Fruits & Vegetables: if soft should be cooked and used up.

Breads & Cakes: can be re-frozen without danger.

Shellfish: should be refrigerated and used up quickly.

Cooked Dishes: i.e. casseroles should be refrigerated and used up.

Large Pieces of Meat: can be re-frozen providing there are still ice crystals remaining within them. Small Joints: should be cooked and can then be re- frozen as cooked dishes.

Chicken: should also be cooked and re-frozen as a cooked dish.