Danby DCFM148A1WDD, DCFM217A1WDD Use & Care Guide

• CHEST FREEZER

• CONGÉLATEUR COFFRE

Owner’s Use and Care Guide
Guide d’utilisation et d’entretien du propriétaire

Model • Modèle
DCFM148A1WDD / DCFM217A1WDD

W10668410A

SAFETY............................................................................................... 2

TA B LE OF C O N TE N T S

SAFETY

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately

You

can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.

All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the
instructions are not followed.

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.

We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol.
This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word “DANGER” or “WARNING.”

These words mean:

follow instructions.

DANGER

WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury when using your freezer, follow these basic precautions:

WARNING:

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

■

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

■

Do not remove ground prong.

■

Do not use an adapter.

■

Do not use an extension cord.

■

Disconnect power before servicing.

■

Replace all parts and panels before operating.

■

Use nonflammable cleaner.

■

Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away
from freezer.

■

Use two or more people to move and install freezer.

■

Keep key away from children.

■

Remove doors or lid from your old freezer or refrigerator.

■

Disconnect power before installing ice maker (on ice maker kit
ready models only).

State of California Proposition 65 Warnings:
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer.
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

INSTALLING YOUR FREEZER ......................................................... 3

Unpacking........................................................................................ 3

Location Requirements.................................................................... 3

Electrical Requirements................................................................... 4

Defrost Drain Cover......................................................................... 4

OPERATING YOUR FREEZER ......................................................... 4

Using the Control............................................................................. 4

Key Eject Lock ................................................................................. 5

Sliding Basket .................................................................................. 5

CARING FOR YOUR FREEZER........................................................ 5

Defrosting and Cleaning Your Freezer............................................ 5

Changing the Light Bulbs ................................................................ 6

Power Interruptions ......................................................................... 6

Moving Care .................................................................................... 6

PROBLEM SOLVER .......................................................................... 6

Freezer Operation ........................................................................... 6

WARRANTY ....................................................................................... 8

PROPER DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD

WARNING

Suffocation Hazard

Remove doors or lid from your old freezer or
refrigerator.

Failure to do so can result in death or brain damage.

Important information to know about disposal of
refrigerants:

Dispose of freezer in accordance with Federal and Local
regulations. Refrigerants must be evacuated by a licensed,
EPA certified refrigerant technician in accordance with
established procedures.

INSTALLING YOUR FREEZER

WARNING

Excessive Weight Hazard
Use two or more people to move and install freezer.
Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

When Moving Your Freezer:

Your freezer is heavy. When moving the freezer for
cleaning or service, be sure to cover the floor with cardboard
or hardboard to avoid floor damage. Always pull the freezer
straight out when moving it. Do not wiggle or “walk” the
freezer when trying to move it, as floor damage could occur.

WARNING

Explosion Hazard

Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as
gasoline, away from freezer.

Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

➧

2" (5 cm)

3" (7.5 cm)

FREEZER OR REFRIGERATOR

IMPORTANT: Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the
past. Junked or abandoned freezers or refrigerators are still dangerous
... even if they will sit for “just a few days.”

Unpacking

Remove Packaging Materials

■ Remove tape and glue residue from surfaces before turning on the

freezer. Rub a small amount of liquid dish soap over the adhesive
with your fingers. Wipe with warm water and dry.

■ Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids, or

abrasive cleaners to remove tape or glue. These products can
damage the surface of your freezer. For more information, see the
front cover for safety instructions.

BEFORE YOU THROW AWAY YOUR OLD FREEZER OR
REFRIGERATOR REMOVE THE DOORS OR LID.

Location Requirements

Ventilation and Clearance

■ Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from

freezer.

■ Do not cover the freezer with items such as blankets, sheets,

tablecloths, etc. This reduces air circulation.

■ Allow at least a 3" (7.5 cm) clearance on both sides of the freezer

and 2" (5 cm) between the back of the freezer and the wall. Leave
room above the freezer to open the lid.

Clean Before Using

After you remove all of the packaging materials, clean the inside of your
freezer before using it. See the cleaning instructions in “Caring for Your
Freezer.”

Te m p e r a t u r e

Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death,

fire, or electrical shock.

WARNING

OPERATING YOUR FREEZER

Your freezer operates most efficiently when located in an area where
the temperature is normally between 32°F (0°C) and 110°F (43°C).
Place your freezer in a location where the temperature will fall between
the low and high recommended temperature.

Upon Moving to Final Location

■ Level the freezer from side to side and front to back so that the lid

will seal properly. Use shims to level the freezer if necessary.
NOTE: It should not be necessary to remove the lid during

installation. If, for any reason, the hinges need adjustment, contact
a designated service company.

Electrical Requirements

Recommended Grounding Method

A 115 Volt, 60 Hz., AC only, 15- or 20-amp fused, grounded electrical
supply is required. It is recommended that a separate circuit serving
only your freezer be provided. Use an outlet that cannot be turned off
by a switch. Do not use an extension cord.

NOTE: Before performing any type of installation, cleaning, or removing
a light bulb, turn the temperature control to the “0” position (align circle
on knob with desired number) to turn off as shown and then disconnect
the freezer from the electrical source.

Defrost Drain Cover

1. Remove defrost drain cover from the literature package.

2. Push drain cover into drain hole as illustrated.

Before you move your freezer into its final location, it is important to
make sure you have the proper electrical connection.

Using the Control

Turn the freezer temperature control to “4” (circle on knob aligns with
“4”), as shown below. This setting is designed to maintain the
temperature at or near 0°F (-17.8°C) under normal operating
conditions.

Allow the freezer to cool 6 to 8 hours before filling with frozen food.

NOTES:

■ When the freezer is first started, the compressor will run constantly

until the cabinet is cooled. It may take 6 to 8 hours (or longer),
depending on room temperature and the number of times the
freezer lid is opened.

■ After the cabinet is cooled, the compressor will turn on and off as

needed to keep the freezer at the proper temperature.

■ The outside of your freezer may feel warm. This is normal. The

freezer’s design and main function is to remove heat from the
contents and air inside the freezer. The heat is transferred to the
room air, making the outside of the freezer feel warm.

Adjusting the Control

■ Turn control to a higher number for colder temperatures. “7” is the

coldest setting.

■ Turn control to a lower number for less cold temperatures. “0” is off

or defrost mode.

Key Eject Lock (on some models)

CARING FOR YOUR FREEZER

WARNING

Explosion Hazard
Use nonflammable cleaner.
Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

Sliding Basket

To lock or unlock the freezer, you must hold the key in the lock while
turning. The lock is spring loaded, so the key cannot be left in the lock.

If the key is lost, contact your dealer for a replacement. Always give the
model and serial number of your freezer when requesting a
replacement key.

Store small packages in the upper baskets to avoid losing them in the
bottom of the freezer. The baskets can then be moved from side to side
or removed when loading or unloading the food below them.

To remove basket, lift it straight up and out. To replace basket, lower
basket back into place.

NOTE: Check the drain pan frequently to avoid water overflow.
Have a second pan handy for easier emptying.

Defrosting and Cleaning Your Freezer

Defrost and clean your freezer when frost has built up to about ¹⁄₄"
(6 mm) thickness, and thoroughly defrost and clean your freezer at
least once a year. In high humidity areas, a freezer may need more
frequent defrosting and cleaning.

Do not use abrasive cleaners on your freezer. Do not use cleaning
waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches, or cleaners containing
petroleum on plastic parts. Damage can occur.

NOTE: The drain cap must be removed before defrosting the freezer
and replaced securely afterward.

1. Unplug freezer or disconnect power.

2. Remove all frozen food. Wrap frozen food in several layers of

newspaper and cover with a blanket. Food will stay frozen for
several hours. You may also store frozen food in a cooler,
additional refrigerator-freezer, or in a cool area.

3. Remove the drain cover by pulling it straight out. Then insert the

hose adapter (provided) into the drain outlet. Remove the plastic
cap from inside the bottom of the freezer. Place a pan under the
drain, or attach a hose to the threaded end of the hose adapter
and direct the water into a separate drain.

4. Place pans of hot water in freezer with lid open to speed melting.

Directing air from an electric fan into freezer will also help. Do not
place fan or any electrical device in freezer.

5. Use a plastic scraper to remove frost.
NOTE: Do not use an ice pick, knife, or other sharp-pointed tool to

defrost freezer. Damage can occur.

6. Wipe water from walls with a towel or sponge.

7. Wash the inside walls with a solution of mild detergent in warm

water or 2 tbs (26 mg) baking soda to 1 qt (0.95 L) warm water. Do
not use abrasive or harsh cleaners.

8. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.

9. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water

to clean outside of freezer, door liner, and gasket.

10. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth.

11. Wax painted metal surfaces on the outside of freezer to avoid rust.
NOTE: Do not use wax on plastic parts. Wax may damage them.

12. Remove the hose adapter and replace the drain cover and the

plastic cap in the bottom of the freezer.

13. Replace all frozen food.

14. Plug in freezer or reconnect power. See “Using the Control.”