GE Side by Side 19' Series, Side by Side 20' Series, Side by Side 22' Series, Side by Side 24' Series Use And Care & Installation Manual

Refrigerator

Safety Instructions....................... 3

Operating Instructions, Tips

ApplianceRegistration................................. 2

Energy-SavingTips........................................ 2

FoodStorageSuggestions.......................... 6

IceService..................................................... 8

ShelfPositions................................................ S

StorageDrawers............................................ 7

TemperatureControl................................... 4

ProblemSolver....................... 16,16

More auestions?...call
GE Answer Center" 800.626.2000

Preparation

Clearances................................................... 11

Location......................................................... 1t

VacationandMoving................................ 11

R0{lers............................................................ 1t

WaterSupplytoIcemaker ....................... 11

_ Care and Cleaning

Condenser...................................................... S

DrawerRemoval.......................................... 10

LightBulbReplacement............................ 10

WaterFilterAccessory.................................. 8

ConsumerServices.................. 19

Modeland SerialNumbers......................... 2

ImportantPhoneNumbers....................... 19

RepairService................................................ 2

Warranty...................................... BackCover

Installation

installation............................................. 12-14

AdapterPlug............................................. 12

ElectricalRequirements......................... 12

ExtensionCord.......................................... 12

Grounding.................................................. 12

Water Line Installation 13, 14

Models: Side by Side 19, 20', 22", &24' I

GE Appliances

HELP US HELP YOU...

Read this book carefully.

It is intended to help you operate and maintain your
new refrigerator properly.

Keep it handy for answers to your questions.
If you don't understand something or need more help,

write (include your phone number):

Consumer Affairs
GE Appliances

Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225

If you received a damaged refrigerator...

hnmediately contact the dealer (or builder) that sold
you the refrigerator.

Save time and money.

Before you request service...

Check the Problem Solver in the back of this book. It lists
minor operating problems that you can correct yourself.

Write down the model and serial numbers.

You'll see them on a label on the wall beside the top
drawer or at the bottom, inside the fresh food

compartment door.
These numbers are also on the Consumer

Product Ownership Registration Card that came
with your refrigerator.

Before sending in the card, please write these
numbers here:

Model Number

Serial Number

Use these numbers in any correspondence or service
calls concerning your refrigerator.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

• Location of your refrigerator is important. Avoid

locating it next to your range, a heating vent or

where the sun will shine directly on it.

• Close the doors as soon as possible, particularly in
hot, humid weather.

• Be sure the doors are closed tightly. Before leaving
the house or retiring for the night, check to be sure

the doors haven't been left open accidentally.

• Keep foods covered to reduce moisture buildup
inside the refrigerator.

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

To obtain service, see the Consumer Services page in
the back of this book.

We're proud of our service and want you to be
pleased. If for some reason you are not happy with the

service you receive, here are 3 steps to follow for

further help.
FIRST, contact the people who serviced your

appliance. Explain why you are not pleased. In most
cases this will solve the problem.

NEXT, if you are still not pleased, write all the
details--including your phone number--to:

Manager, Consumer Relations
GE Appliances

Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225

2

FINALLY, if your problem is still not resolved, write:

Major Appliance Consumer

Action Panel
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

To obtain a Spanish language version of this
book, call

GE Answer Center ®

800.626.2000

consumer information service.
Para obtener la versidn en espafiol de este manual,

name a

GE Answer Center ®,servicio de information para

el consumidor,

tel_fono 800.626.2000.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all instructions before using this appliance.

A ARNING--When using this

appliance, always exercise basic safety

precautions, including the following:

•Use this applianceonly for its intended purpose
as described in this Use and Care Guide

,._.z;t_a . This refrigerator must be properly

installed and located in accordance

with the Installation Instructions

before it is used. If you did not receive an

Installation Instructions sheet with your

refrigerator, you can obtain one by calling, toll

free, the GE Answer Center®, 800.626.2000.

•Never unplug your refrigerator
by pulling on the power cord, Always

r_P p!ugfirmly and pull straight out

m the outlet.

•Repair or replace immediately all electric
service cords that have become frayed or
otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord that

shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length
or at either the plug or connector end

.When moving your refrigerator away from

the wall, be careful not to roll over or damage
the power cord.

.Do not allow children to climb, stand or

hang on theshelves in the refrigerator. They
could damage the refrigerator and seriously
injure themselves.

.If your old refrigerator is still around

the house but not in use, be sure to

removethe doors. This will reduce the
possibility of danger to children,

.Don't refreeze frozen foods which have

thawed completely, The United States

Department of Agriculture in Home and Garden
Bulletin No. 69 says:

"... You may safely reffeeze frozen foods that

have thawed if they still contain ice crystals or if
they are still coN--below 40°E

"... Thawed ground meats, poulUy or fish that
have any off-odor or off-color should not be
refrozen and should not be eaten. Thawed ice

cream should be discarded, If the odor or color
of any food is poor or questionable, get rid of it.

The food may be dangerous to eat.

"Even partial thawing and refreezing reduces the
eating quality of foods, particularly fruits,
vegetables and prepared foods, The eating quality

of red meat is affected less than that of many other
foods, Use refrozen foods as soon as possible to

save as much of their eating quality as you can,"

,Unplug your refrigerator before

cleaning and making repairs. NOTE:

We strongly recommend thatanyservicing
be performed by a qualified individual.

•Before replacing a burned-out light bulb,

unplug the refrigerator or turnoff power at the
circuit breaker or fusebox in order to avoid
contact with a live wire filament. NOTE:

Turning control to OFF position does not
remove power to the light circuit.

•Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any

other appliance.

•After your refrigerator is in operation, do
not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer

compartment, particularly when hands
are damp or wet. Skin may adhere to these

extremely cold surfaces,

• If your refrigerator has an automatic icemaker,

do not place fingersor hands on the automatic
icemakingmechanism while the refrigerator is

plugged in. This will prevent contact with the

moving parts of the ejector mechanism, or with
the heating element that releases the cubes.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

3

OPERATING YOUR REFRIGERATOR

Set the Temperature Controls

Two controls let you regulate the temperature in the
fresh food and freezer compartments.

At first, set the fresh food control to "5" and the freezer
control to "C".

Allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize, whether
you are setting the controls for the first time or adjusting

them later. Then, if you want colder or warmer
temperatures in either compartment, adjust the controls

one step at a time.

NOTE: Moving the fresh food control to OFF turns off

cooling in both compartments-fresh food and
freezer--but does not shut off power to the refrigerator.

How to Test Temperatures

Use the milk test for the fresh food compartment.
Place a container of milk on the top shelf in the fresh

rood'compartment. Check it a day later• If the milk is
too warm or too cold, adjust the temperature controls.

Use the ice cream test for the freezer compartment.
Place a container of ice cream in the center of the

freezer compartment• Check it after a day• If it's too
hard or too soft, adjust the temperature controls.

Always allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach
the temperature you set.

Automatic Energy Saver System

You won't find an "energy saver" switch
on this refrigerator.

Warm liquid from the refrigerator's condenser
is automatically circulated around the front edge

of the freezer compartment to help keep moisture
from forming on the outside of the refrigerator

during humid weather.
Many refrigerators use special electric heaters•

This refrigerator needs none. That's why there
is no "energy saver" switch.., there's no need for it•

No Defrosting

It is not necessary to defrost the freezer or fresh food compartments.
Your refrigerator is designed and equipped to defrost itself automatically.

If you turn your household thermostat below 60°F. at night...

•. you may want to turn the lettered
control one step colder, as from "C"
to "D'.' Cooler temperatures in

house may cause the compressor

operate less frequently, thus

allowing the freezer compartment to
warm somewhat. To protect your frozen food supply,

leave your lettered setting at this colder setting for

the entire winter or for whatever period of time you

are turning down your thermostat. This is especially
important when the thermostat is turned down for
an extended period.

This change should have no effect on your flesh food
compartment. However, if freezing occurs, turn the

numbered control one step warmer, as from "5" to "4".
When you stop turning the thermostat down, turn

temperature controls back to their regular setting.

4

FOOD STORAGE SUGGESTIONS

Suggested Storage Times for Meat and Poultry*

Eatingquality DAYSIN MONTHSIN

dropsafter REFRIGERMOR FREEZER
timeshown AT35° to 40°F. AT0° F.

(2°to 4°c.) (-lS° C.)

FreshMeats

Roasts (Beet & Lamb) 3 to 5

Roasts (Pork & Veal) 3 to 5
Steaks (Beef) 3 to 5

Chops(Lamb)................................... 3to5

Chops (Pork) 3 to 5
Ground & Stew Meats 1 to 2

VarietyMeats.................................... l t02

Sausage(Pork).................................1to2

ProcessedMeats

Bacon 7

Frankfurters.......................................... 7

Ham (Whole)........................................7

Ham (Half) .........3 to 5

Ham(Slices)......................................... 3

Luncheon Meats 3 to 5

Sausage(Smoked)...............................7

Sausage(Dry & Semi-Dry).............14to 21

6 to 12

4 to8

6 to 12

6to9
3to4
3to4
3to4
1 to2

1

lh

Ito 2
I to2

I to2

Freezing

not recom-

mended,

Eatingquality DAYSIN MONTHSIN

dropsafter REFRIGERATOR FREEZER
timeshown AT35° to 40° F. AT0°F.

(2" to 4° c.) (-18° C.)

FreshPoultry

Chicken & Turkey (Whole) ................1 to 2 12

Chicken(Pieces)...............................1 to 2 9

Turkey (Pieces) ..... 1 to 2 6

Duck& Goose (Whole).....................1to 2 6

Giblets 1to 2 3

CookedPoultry

Pieces(Coveredwith Broth) ..............1 to2 6

Pieces(NotCovered)........................ 3 to4 1

Cooked Poultry Dishes 3 to 4 4to6

Fried Chicken ....... 3 to 4 4

(01herthanfor meats&poultry) FREEZER

Most fruitsand vegetables................................................8-12 months

Leanfish .............................................................................6-8 months

Fattytish, rollsand breads,soups, stew,casseroles.........2-3 months

Cakes,pies,sandwiches,leltovers(cooked),

icecream (originalcarton) ............................................1monthmax.

CookedMeats

CookedMeatsand MeatDishes........ 3 to 4 2to3

Gravy & Meat Broth 1 to 2 2to3

* {LS.Department qfAgricldmre
Meats,fish and poultry purchased from the store vary in quality and

age; consequently, safe storage time in your refrigerator wilt vary.

Fresh Food Storage Tips

To store vegetables:

• Use the vegetable drawers. They have been designed to

preserve the natural moisture and freshness of produce.

• Covering vegetables with a moist towel helps

maintain crispness.

• As a further aid to freshness, prepackaged vegetables

can be stored in their original wrapping.

Unfrozen meats, fish, and poultry:

•Always remove store wrappings.

• Rewrap in foil, plastic wrap or wax paper and

refrigerate immediately.

Cheese:

•Wrap well with wax paper or aluminum foil, or put

in a plastic bag.

• Carefully wrap to expel air and help prevent mold.

•Store prepackagedcheese in its own wrappingif you wish.

Tips on Freezing Foods

There are three essential requirements for efficient

home freezing.

1. Initial quality. Freeze only top-quality foods,
Freezing retains quality and flavor; it cannot

improve quality.

2. Speed. The quicker fruits and vegetables are frozen
after picking, the better the frozen product will be.

You'll save time, too, with less culling and sorting
to do.

3. Proper packaging. Use food wraps designed
especially for freezing.

To freeze meat, fish and poultry, wrap well in freezer-
weight foil (or other heavy-duty wrapping material),
forming it carefully to the shape of the contents. This
expels air. Fold and crimp ends of the package to provide

a good, lasting seal. Don't refreeze meat that has been
completely thawed; meat, whether raw or cooked, can
be frozen successfully only once.

Fine-quality ice cream, with high cream content, will
normally require slightly lower temperatures than more
"airy" already-packaged brands with low cream content.

•It will be necessary to experiment to determine the

freezer compartment location and temperature

control setting to keep your ice cream at the right

serving temperature.

• The rear of the freezer compartment is slightly
colder than the front.

New techniques are constantly being developed.

Consult the County Extension Service or your local
Utility (bmpany jor the latest injormation on

j?eezing and storing joods.

5

SHELF POSITIONS

How to Rearrange Your Shelves

Some models have adjustable shelves in the fresh food and freezer
compartments, enabling you to make efficient shelf arrangements

to fit your family's food storage needs.

Adjustable Shelves in Fresh Food Compartment

To remove

shelves: Tilt the

shelf up at front,

then lift it up and
out of the tracks

on the rear wall of
the refrigerator.

Lift up Tilt up

and out I

(on some models)

To relocate shelves:
Select desired shelf []

height. With shelf front Engage
raised slightly, engage top

the top lugs in the tracks []

at the rear of the cabinet. Cowerto
Then lower the front of into place

the shelf until it locks

into position.

Tempered glass shelves (on some models) are

adjustable in the same manner.

Multi-Position Shelves in Freezer Compartment (on some models)

Shelf supports at various levels in the freezer

compartment let you reposition the shelves from time
to time to better accommodate your variable inventory

of frozen foods.

To reposition shelves:

1. While pressing tabs on shelf
supports on right wall, lift shelf
out of grooves in supports.

2. Pull shelf sideways until shelf

rods come out of holes on left wall.

3. Select desired shelf height and
insert shelf rods into holes on left

wall. If shelf supports at desired

level on right wall have tabs,
lower shelf into grooves on

support while pressing tabs. Be
sure shelf wire is fully inserted into grooves.

If shelf supports at desired
level on right wall do not have

tabs, merely lower shelf into place
on supports.

Juice-Can Rack (on some models)

Cans of frozen juice
are easily accessible

when stored in the
rack on the freezer

compartment door.
To load it, place first can

in bottom of rack. Then
load additional cans into

the rack from the top.

[]

Additional

cans go here

[]

Place first

can here

6

Freezer Baskets (on some models)

Wire slide-out freezer

baskets can be pulled
out for easy access to

frozen foods.

I