Helpful Hints, Storage, Defrosting, Accessories

HELPFUL HINTS

STORAGE

Frozen food can be stored anywhere inside the freezer, but should be kept at least 5 mm below the top edge. Never exceed the maximum storage time for purchased frozen food. When you buy frozen food, make sure that it has been stored at the correct temperature. Do not buy products which have wet or damaged packaging. Place purchased products in your freezer as quickly as possible. We recommend using an insulated bag to bring such products home with you. Never place bottles, warm objects, or fizzy drinks in the freezer.

FREEZING

Only use fresh food of the best quality. Cool hot dishes to room temperature as quickly as possible before placing them in the freezer. Wrap food carefully in freezer foil, or use the special freezer boxes or bags which are on the market. Divide food into small portions before freezing - this ensures that freezing is more rapid, and means that you only need to defrost the amount needed for immediate consumption. Remember that defrosted food must not be re-frozen. However, dishes which have been made using defrosted food may be frozen. Mark the freezer packaging with the date of freezing. We recommend keeping a record of the contents of your freezer. If freezing is too slow, the quality of the food being frozen deteriorates. Consequently, do not freeze larger amounts than stated in the freezer’s data plate. If you wish to freeze food several days in a row,

the maximum freezing capacity stated per day is reduced by about one-third. As far as possible, keep the lid closed during freezing. If you know nothing about home freezing, we recommend that you purchase a book containing advice and guidelines.

DEFROSTING

In general food should not be defrosted at room temperature, since this increases the risk of bacteria growth. It is best to defrost large portions of meat or poultry in the refrigerator, and this also applies to food which is to be consumed as it is (e.g. fruit, butter and sliced meat). Small portions of food can be cooked straight from the freezer. A good number of ready-to- cook dishes can also be cooked without defrosting. Always observe the instructions on product packaging. Bread tastes good when defrosted in a moderate oven. Microwave ovens can be used for the rapid defrosting of most frozen foods. Observe the instructions for use of the microwave oven concerned.

ACCESSORIES

Spare baskets can be obtained from your local Service Centre. The illustrations on this page show how many baskets can be placed in the various freezer models. Measure the length of your freezer and find the appropriate illustration. The number above each illustration indicates its length in millimetres.