Danby DCF550W1 User Manual

Danby Products Limited, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1H 6Z9

Danby Products Inc., Findlay, Ohio, USA 45840

Model • Modèle • Modelo

v3 5.10 DM

• Owner’s Use and Care Guide

• Guide d’utilisation et soin de Propriètaire

• Manual de Instructions Pare el Uso y el

Cuidado de su Unidad

COMPACT CHEST FREEZER
CONGÉLATEUR HORIZONTAL COMPACT
CONGELADOR DE ARCON COMPACTO

DCF550W1

COMPACT CHEST FREEZER
Owner’s Use and Care Guide

• Safety Instructions

• Installation Instructions

• Operating Instructions

• Care and Maintenance

• Troubleshooting

• Warranty

CONGÉLATEUR HORIZONTAL COMPACT
Guide d’utiliser et soin de propriètaire

• Consignes de Sécurité Important

• Instructions d’installation

• Consignes d’utilisation

• Soins et entretien

• Dépannage

• Garantie

Contents

1- 7

8-14

CONGELADOR DE ARCON COMPACTO
Guía para utilizar y cuidar del Proprietario

• Instrucciones de Seguridad Importantes

• Instrucciones D’Instalacion

• Instrucciones Operadoras

• Cuidado y Mantenimiento

• Solución Sugerida

• Garantia

15-21

CAUTION:

PRECAUTION:

PRECAUCION:

Read and follow all safety rules and
operating instructions before first use of this
product.

Veuillez lire attentivement les consignes de
sécurité et les instructions d’utilisation avant
l’utilisation initiale de ce produit.

Lea y observe todas las reglas de seguridad
y las instrucciones de operación antes de
usar este producto por primera vez.

Model • Modèle • Modelo DCF550W1

Welcome

Welcome to the Danby family. We’re proud of our quality products, and we believe in dependable service; like you will
find in this owner’s use and care guide, and like you will receive from our friendly customer service department. Best of
all, you will experience these values each and every time you use your Danby Chest Freezer. That’s important, because
your new appliance will be a part of your family for a long time.

For easy reference, may we suggest that you attach a copy of your sales receipt to this page, and note the information
below; you will need this information to obtain service under warranty.

Model No:

Serial No:

Date Purchased:

Before you call for service, there are a few things you can do to help us
serve you better.

Read this Owner’s Use and Care Guide:

It contains instructions to help you use and maintain your appliance
properly.

If you received a damaged appliance:

Immediately contact the builder (or dealer) that sold you the unit.

Save time and money:

Check the Trouble shooting section before calling. This section helps you
solve common problems that may occur.

If you do need service, you can relax knowing help is only a phone call
away.

Need Help?

Tel: 1-800-26-

(1-800-263-2629)

1

Important Safety Information

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

ELECTRICAL
REQUIREMENTS

This appliance must be grounded. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of
electrical shock by providing an escape wire for the electrical current.

This appliance is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire with a
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly
installed and grounded.

An empty refrigerator/freezer is a very dangerous attraction to
children. Remove either the gasket or lid from unused appliances,
or take some other action that will guarantee it harmless.

IMPORTANT WARNING

WARNING

Improper use of the grounding plug can result in a risk of electric
shock. Consult a qualified electrician or serviceman if the ground-
ing instructions are not completely understood, or if doubt exists
as to whether the appliance is properly grounded.

Installation Instructions

Remove exterior and interior packaging, wipe the outside thoroughly with
a soft dry cloth and the inside with a wet, lukewarm cloth. Avoid placing
the unit in a narrow recess or near any heat source, direct sunlight, or
moisture. Let air circulate freely around the unit. Keep the rear of the
freezer 5 inches away from the wall.

1) Locate the freezer in such a manner that extension cords are not

necessary.

2) Due to lid and hinge arrangement, it is impossible to install your freezer

directly against the wall. The spacing on the back is essential for
maintaining proper air circulation around the freezer.

3) Select a location with reasonable year round temperatures. We do not

recommend operating the freezer when surrounding air temperature is
below 0°C (32°F), though it will not harm the freezer to stand in any
temperature below 0°C (32°F), provided the temperature control is set
to avoid running the unit. In order to keep operating cost down, do not
place freezer near a stove, furnace, heat register or in direct sunlight. If
the place selected for your freezer is damp or moist, as in basements,
place freezer on wooden blocks (two or three 2x4’s under entire length
will ensure adequate support).

2

DANGER: Risk off child entrapment. Before you throw away your old

refrigerator or freezer:

• Take off the doors.

• Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb in.

DON’T WAIT DO IT NOW!

DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD

Use an exclusive wall outlet. Do not connect your refrigerator to exten-
sion cords or together with any other appliance in the same wall outlet.

LOCATION

Installation Instructions

FEATURES

1) Front Mounted Thermostat: Easily accessible control knob

controls the desired temperature inside the freezer. The proper
food storage temperature is -18°C (0°F). The thermostat
engages the motor when the temperature rises above the set
temperature.

2) Defrost Drain: For easy removal of melted ice during

defrosting. It is recommended that you defrost your freezer
once or twice a year.

3) Rust Resistant Interior (not shown): Aluminum liner for long

lasting durability.

5.5 cu. ft. (156L)

3

Operating Instructions

STARTING THE
FREEZER

The freezer is ready to operate as received, when connected to the power
supply. After connecting to power supply, close lid and allow freezer to oper-
ate. The unit will run from 1 to 2 hours (possibly longer, depending on condi-
tions) before operating temperature is reached. It will then start and stop
(cycle) at fairly regular intervals. It is recommended that food not be placed in
the freezer until you are satisfied that it is operating (cycling) regularly and no
final adjustments are necessary.

Once your freezer is starting and stopping (cycling) regularly, it is ready to
freeze and store foods. The proper food storage temperature is -18°C (0°F).
Do not operate freezer at temperatures below -19°C (-3°F), as this does not
improve food preservation and only results in longer unit (cycle) running time.
It is not advisable to freeze more than 25 kg.(50 lbs.) of food in any 24 hour
period. It will take 15 or more hours of unit running time to freeze this amount
of food.

When adding fresh, unfrozen food packages, store them against the walls.
The sensing bulb of the thermostat is fastened to the liner wall on the “insula-
tion side” of the freezer. In view of the value of the contents of your freezer, it
is advisable to inspect contents and check freezer operation regularly.

1

2

TEMPERATURE
CONTROL

Care and Maintenance

DEFROSTING

Moisture will be introduced to the liner during lid openings and the addition of
unfrozen food packages. The moisture will accumulate in the form of frost,
mostly on the upper part of the liner walls. Accumulation of frost up to 6 mm
(1/4") on the liner is not harmful. However, when it becomes heavier, it
should be removed as it slows cooling, resulting in longer running (cycle)
times. Under average conditions, defrosting will not be necessary more than
once or twice a year. Besides frost, food particles and other foreign sub-
stances may accumulate and soil the liner.

For proper defrosting and cleaning, the following method is recommended:

a) Unplug freezer.

b) Quickly remove all frozen food and store in baskets, cartons or other

suitable containers. Keep food well covered with blankets to avoid excessive
temperature rise.

c) A kettle/pot of hot water placed in the center of the cabinet will greatly
accelerate defrosting.

d) With the help of a wooden spatula or a plastic defrosting scoop, remove
the frost and ice off the liner walls as soon as it becomes loose (approxi-
mately 15 minutes from start) - do not use any sharp instruments as this
may result in damage to the liner wall and/or sealed system, voiding any
and/or all warranties which may be in effect. Using a piece of cloth soaked in
hot water, the process can be considerably accelerated. As soon as the ice
has fallen to the bottom, remove it. Do not let it melt in the freezer as this will
increase defrosting and cleaning time.

4

Operating Instructions

The temperature of the freezer compartment is controlled by adjusting/
setting the thermostat control knob, located on the front of the freezer
cabinet. To start the freezer and achieve maximum cooling quickly;

• Turn the temperature control knob clockwise to the furthest (maximum)
setting on the darker blue (wide)
section of the graduated control dial.

• Allow the freezer to run at this setting for 3-4 hours.

• When maximum cooling is achieved, turn back the temperature control

knob setting to the 2 o’clock position on the graduated blue control dial.
See Fig.1.

• To turn off the freezer (no cooling), rotate the control knob to the “0” (off)

position. See Fig.2.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

CLEANING

Now the liner is ready to be cleaned. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom
and walls. This will help in cleaning and odor removal. In order to retain
the finish of the freezer cabinet inside and outside, wash only with warm
water and mild soap, then rinse and dry. Do not under any circumstances
use a gritty soap or a kitchen scouring cleanser, as these tend to scratch
the finish.

VACATION TIME

For short vacation periods, leave the control knob at its normal setting.
During longer absences,

(a) remove all foods.
(b) disconnect power cord from electrical outlet.
(c) defrost and clean the freezer thoroughly.
(d) leave lid open to avoid possible formations of condensate, mold or

odors.

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FAILURE

In the event of a general power failure, it is important to keep the contents
of your freezer frozen. For your protection, it is recommended to locate a
dealer of dry ice (solidified carbon dioxide) as soon as possible in order to
know where to go in case of an emergency. Many ice cream manufactur-
ers use dry ice and this will keep the contents of your freezer at safe tem-
peratures until the emergency has passed.

In case of failure, it is recommended to keep the freezer well covered with
blankets. This will help preserve the “cold” inside the freezer. If no help is
available within 12 hours, the freezer contents should be transferred into a
neighbors freezer (if available).

In the event of mechanical or electrical failure of the freezer, contact a
service agent immediately and give complete information of your freezer,
the model number and the serial number. These are shown on the serial
plate located on the exterior (rear) cabinet wall.

POWER FAILURE

Most power failures are corrected within an hour or two and will not affect
your freezer temperatures. However, you should minimize the number of
lid openings while the power is off. During power failures of longer dura-
tion, take steps to protect your food by placing dry ice on top of packages.

IF YOU MOVE

Remove or securely fasten down all loose items inside the unit. To avoid
damaging the leveling legs, turn them all the way into the base.

Care and Maintenance

5

SOME IMPORTANT RULES FOR THE CORRECT USE OF THE
FREEZER

• Never place hot foods in the freezer.

• Never place spoiled foods in the unit.

• Don’t overload the unit.

• Don’t open the lid unless necessary.

• Should the freezer be stored without use for long periods, it is sug-
gested, after a careful cleaning, to leave the lid open to allow the air
to circulate inside the unit in order to avoid the possibility of
condensation, mold or odors.

Troubleshooting

Occasionally, a problem is minor and a service call may not be necessary- use this troubleshooting guide for a possible
solution. If the unit continues to operate improperly, call an authorized service depot or Danby’s Toll Free Number

1-800-263-2629 for assistance.

6

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

1) Does not work.

• No power to unit.

• Power cord is unplugged.

• Wrong voltage is being used.

• Check connection of power
cord to power source.

• Plug in unit.

• Use proper voltage.

2) Freezer runs
continuously.

• Temperature set too low.

• Lid is not closed.

• Hot food inserted.

• Lid opened too long or too
often.

• Close proximity to heat
source or direct sunlight.

• Set temperature control to
warmer setting

• Close lid securely.

• Be sure food is at room
temperature before inserting.

• Minimize lid openings/
duration.

• Do not place unit close to
heat sources or direct
sunlight.

3) Internal temperature not
cold enough.

• No power to unit.

• Power cord is unplugged.

• Temperature set too high.

• Lid is not closed.

• Hot food inserted.

• Lid opened too long or too
often.

• Air flow obstruction.

• Wrong voltage is being used.

• Close proximity to heat
source or direct sunlight.

• Check connection of power
cord to power source.

• Plug in unit.

• Check setting and increase
as needed.

• Close lid securely.

• Be sure that food is at room
temperature.

• Minimize lid openings/
duration.

• Allow room for air to
circulate around unit.

• Use proper voltage.

• Do not place unit close to
heat sources or direct
sunlight.

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

POSSIBLE SOLUTION