Refrigerator
Safety Instructions....................... 3
Operating Instructions, Tips
ApplianceRegistration................................. 2
Energy-SavingTips........................................ 2
FoodStorageSuggestions.......................... 6
IceService..................................................... 8
ShelfPositions................................................ S
StorageDrawers............................................ 7
TemperatureControl................................... 4
_ Care and Cleaning
Condenser...................................................... S
DrawerRemoval.......................................... 10
LightBulbReplacement............................ 10
WaterFilterAccessory.................................. 8
ConsumerServices.................. 19
Modeland SerialNumbers......................... 2
ImportantPhoneNumbers....................... 19
RepairService................................................ 2
Warranty...................................... BackCover
ProblemSolver....................... 16,16
More auestions?...call
GE Answer Center" 800.626.2000
Preparation
Clearances................................................... 11
Location......................................................... 1t
VacationandMoving................................ 11
R0{lers............................................................ 1t
WaterSupplytoIcemaker ....................... 11
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.
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
• 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.
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.
2
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 thatany servicing
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 doesnot
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.
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
CookedMeats
CookedMeatsand MeatDishes........ 3 to 4 2to3
Gravy & Meat Broth 1 to 2 2to3
(2°to 4°c.) (-lS° C.)
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 to2 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)........................ 3to4 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.........2-3months
Cakes,pies,sandwiches,leltovers(cooked),
icecream (originalcarton) ............................................1 month max.
* {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 prepackagedcheesein 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.
cans go here
[]
Additional
[]
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