Whirlpool 2199011 User Manual

T OP-MOUNT

REFRIGERATOR

Use & Care Guide

RÉFRIGÉRATEUR

SUPERPOSÉ

Guide d’utilisation

et d’entretien

Table of Contents/T able des matières................ 2

2199011 www.roperappliances.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE DES MATIÈRES

REFRIGERATOR SAFETY ............................................... 3

PARTS AND FEATURES................................... ............... 4

INSTALLING YOUR REFRIGERATOR .............................. 5

Unpacking Your Refrigerator........................................... 5

Space Requirements ....................................................... 5

Electrical Requirements................................................... 6

Connecting the Refrigerator to a Water Source ............ 6

Reversing the Door Swing............................................... 8

Reversing the Door Handles ........................................... 9

Base Grille ...................................................................... 10

Door Closing and Alignment ......................................... 10

Understanding Sounds You May Hear......................... 11

USING YOUR REFRIGERATOR....................................... 11

Ensuring Proper Air Circulation..................................... 11

Setting the Control......................................................... 12

Adjusting Control Settings............................................. 12

Food Storage Guide....................................................... 12

REFRIGERATOR FEATURES........................................... 14

Refrigerator Shelves ...................................................... 14

Meat Drawer and Cover................................................. 14

Crisper and Crisper Cover............................................. 14

Door Rails ....................................................................... 15

Ice Maker Operation ...................................................... 15

Freezer Shelf................................................................... 16

CARING FOR YOUR REFRIGERATOR........................... 16

Cleaning Your Refrigerator............................................ 16

Changing the Light Bulbs.............................................. 17

Power Interruptions ....................................................... 17

Vacation and Moving Care............................................ 17

TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................... 18

ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE ............................................. 21

WARRANTY....................................................................... 44

SÉCURITÉ DU RÉFRIGÉRATEUR.................................23

PIÈCES ET CARACTÉRISTIQUES.................................24

INSTALLATION DU RÉFRIGÉRATEUR .......................... 25

Déballage de votre réfrigérateur................................... 25

Espacement requis........................................................ 25

Spécifications électriques............................................. 26

Raccordement du ré fr igé ra teu r

à une canalisation d’eau................................................ 26

Inversion du sens d’ouverture des portes.................... 28

Inversion des poignées de porte .................................. 29

Grille de la base ............................................................. 30

Fermeture et alignement des portes ............................ 30

Les bruits de l’appareil que vous pouvez entendre .... 31

UTILISATION DU RÉFRIGÉRATEUR .............................. 31

Pour s’assurer d’une circulation d’air appropriée ....... 31

Réglage des commandes.............................................. 32

Ajustement des réglages de commande ..................... 32

Guide d’entreposage

des aliments ................................................................... 33

CARACTÉRISTIQUES DU RÉFRIGÉRATEUR................ 34

Tablettes du réfrigérateur.............................................. 34

Bac à viande et couvercle............................................. 34

Bac à légumes et couvercle.......................................... 35

Tringles dans la porte.................................................... 36

Utilisation de la machine à glaçons.............................. 36

Clayette du congélateur................................................ 37

ENTRETIEN DE VOTRE RÉFRIGÉRATEUR ................... 37

Nettoyage du réfrigérateur............................................ 37

Remplacement des ampoules d’éclairage................... 38

Pannes de courant......................................................... 38

Entretien av ant les vacances

ou lors d’un déménagement ......................................... 39

DÉPANNAGE..................................................................... 40

ASSISTANCE OU SERVICE............................................. 43

GARANTIE.......................................................................44

REFRIGERATOR SAFETY

Your safety and the safety of others is 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 hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety messages will be preceded by the safety alert symbol and the word “DANGER” or

“WARNING.” These words mean:

You will be killed or seriously injured if you don't

DANGER

WARNING

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

precautions:

■

Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

■

Do not remove ground prong.

■

Do not use an adapter.

■

Do not use an extensio n cord.

■

Disco n n e c t po wer be fo re se r v icing.

■

Replace all panels before operating.

■

Remove doors from your old refriger a tor.

To reduce the ris k of fire, electric shock , or injury when using your refrige r ato r, follow thes e ba s ic

follow instructions.

can be killed or seriously injured if you don't

You follow instructions.

■

Use nonflammable cleaner.

■

Keep flammable mater ials and vapor s , such as gasoline, aw ay from refr iger ato r.

■

Use two or mo re peop le to mov e and install refrigerator.

■

Disconnect power before installing ice maker .

■

Use a sturdy glass when dispensing ice or water (on some models).

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Proper Disposal of

Your Old Refrigerator

W ARNING

Suffocation Hazard

Remove doors from your old refrigerator.

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

IMPORTANT – Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators are still d a ngerous – even if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator, please follow these instructions to help prevent accidents.

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 inside.

PARTS AND FEATURES

This section contains an illustration of your refrigerator. Use it to become more familiar with the parts and features. The drawings in this book may vary from your refrigerator model.

1. Freezer Shelf (on some models)

2. Control Panel

3. Model and Serial Number Label

4. Meat Drawer (on some models)

5. Crisper Cover (on some models)

6. Crispers (on some models)

7. Leveling Rollers (behind base grille)

8. Snap-on Door Rails

9. Utility Compartment (on some models)

10. Drop-in Door Rails

11. Adjustable Glass or Wire Shelves

12. Base Grille

Other parts and features

(not shown in the illustration above/optional on some models)

Automatic ice maker Ice cube trays Egg/utility bin

INSTALLING YOUR

Space Requirements

REFRIGERATOR

Unpacking Your Refrigerator

WARNING

Excessive Weight Hazard

Use two or more people to move and install refrigerator.

Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

Removing P ackaging Materials

■ Remove tape and any labels from your refrigerator

before using (except the model and serial number label).

To remove any remaining tape or glue, rub the area briskly with your thumb. Tape or glue residue can also be easily removed by rubbing a small amount of liquid dish soap over the adhesive with your fingers. Wipe with warm water and dry.

WARNING

Explosion Hazard

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

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

■ To ensure proper ventilation for your refrigerator, allow

for a .5" (1.25 cm) spa ce on each side and at the top.

.5" (1.25 cm)

■ 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 refrigerat or. For more information, see “Important Safety Instructions” in the “Refrigerator Safety” section.

■ On some models, shelves, bins, door shelf rails, and

other feature parts may be packaged in the Finishing Touches™ FeaturePak. Follow the instructions contained in the package for proper assembly.

IMPORTANT:

■ Depending on your model, do not remove any

permanent instruction labels inside your refrigerator, or the Tech Sheet that is fastened behind the base grille.

■ Depending on your model, do not remove the white

Styrofoam insert that is located behind the control panel on the ceiling o f the r efr igerat or. The insert is part of the refrigerator and not part o f the packing material. If the insert is r emoved , ice may migr ate down from the freezer and cause icicles to form.

2" (5.08 cm)

■ If your refrigerator has an ice maker, make sure you

leave some extra space at the back for the water line connections. The refrigerator can be flush against the back wall if you do not have an ice maker installed.

■ If you are installin g your refr igerator n ext to a fixed wall,

leave 2" (5.08 cm) minimum on each side (depending on your model) to allow for the door to swing open.

NOTE: Do not install the r efrig erator near an ove n, radiator, or other heat source, nor in a location where the temperature will fall below 55°F (13°C).

Electrical Requirements

W ARNING

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.

Connecting the Refrigerator

to a Water Source

Read all directions carefully bef ore y ou begin. IMPORTANT :

■ If operating the refrigerator befor e installing the water

connection, turn ice maker to the OFF position to prevent operation without water.

■ All installations must be in accordance with local

plumbing code requirements.

■ Use copper tubing and check for leaks.

■ Install copper tu bing only in areas where temperatures

will remain above freezing.

■ It may take up to 24 hours for your ice maker to begin

producing ic e.

Tools required:

■ Standard screwdriver

Before you move your refrigerator into its final location, it is important to make sure you have the p roper electrical connection:

Recommended Grounding Method

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

NOTE: Before performing any t ype of installation, cleaning , or removing a light bulb, turn the Thermostat Control (or Refrigerator Control depending on the model) to OFF and then disconne ct the refrigerator from the electrical source. When you are finished, reconnect the refrigerator to the electrical source and reset the Thermostat Control (or Refrigerator Control) to the desired setting.

■ ⁷⁄₁₆-inch and ¹⁄₂-inch open-end wr enches or two

adjustable wrenches

■ ¹⁄₄-inch nut driver

■ ¹⁄₄-inch drill bit

■ Hand drill or electric drill (properly grounded)

NOTE: Your refrigerator dealer has a kit available with a

¹⁄₄-inch saddle-typ e sh ut-o ff valve, a uni on , and co pp e r tubing. Before purchasing, mak e sure a saddle-type valve complies with your local plumbing codes. Do not use a piercing-type or ³⁄₁₆-inch saddle valve which reduces water flow and clogs more easily.

Cold Water Supply

The ice maker water valve contains a flo w washer whic h is used as a water pressu re r egulator. The ice maker needs to be connected to a cold water line with water pressure between 30 and 120 psi. If a problem occurs, call your utility company.

Connecting to water line:

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2. Turn OFF main water supply. Turn ON nearest faucet

long enough to clear line of water.

3. Find a ¹⁄₂-inch to 1¹⁄₄-inch vertical COLD water pipe near the refrigerator.

NOTE: Horizontal pipe will work, but the following precaution must be taken: Drill on the top side of the pipe, not the bottom. This will help keep water away from the drill. This also keeps normal sediment from collecting in the valve.

4. To determine the length of copper tubing you will need, measure from connection on lower left rear of refrigerato r to water pi pe. Add 7 fee t (2.1 m) to allow f or moving refrigerator for cleaning. Use ¹⁄₄-inch O.D. (outside diameter) copper tubing. Be sure both ends of copper tubing are cut square.

5. Using a grounded drill, drill a ¹⁄₄-inch hole in the cold water pipe you have selected.

Connecting to refrigerator:

1. Attach the copper tube to the valve inlet using a

compression nut and sleeve as shown. Tighten the compression nut. Do not overtighten. Use the tube clamp on the back of the refrigerator to secure the tubing to the refrigerator as shown. This will help prevent damage to the tubing when the refrigerator is pushed back against the wall. Move to step 2.

2. Turn shut-off valve ON. Check For Leaks. Tighten any connections ( in cl udi ng co nn ect io ns a t th e v alv e) or nuts that leak.

1. Cold Water Pipe

2. Pipe Clamp

3. Copper Tubing

4. Compression Nut

5. Compression Sleeve

6. Shut Off Valve

7. Packing Nut

6. Fasten shut-off valve to cold water pipe with pipe clamp. Be sure outlet en d is solidly in the ¹⁄₄-inch drilled hole in the water pipe and that washer is under the pipe clamp. Tighten packing nut. Tighten the pipe clamp screws carefully and evenly so washer makes a watertight seal. Do not overtighten or you may crush the copper tubing, especially if soft (coiled) copper tubing is used. Now you are ready to connect the copper tubing.

7. Slip compression sleeve and compression nut on copper tubing as shown. Insert end of tubing into outlet end squarely as far as it will go. Screw compression nut onto outlet end with adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten.

8. Place the free end of the tubing into a container or sink, and turn ON main water supply and flush out tubing until water is clear . Turn OFF shut-off valve on the water pipe. Coil copper tubing.

1. Tube Clamp

2. Copper tubing

3. Compression Nut

4. Valve Inlet

3. The ice maker is equi pped wi th a buil t-in wate r strai ner. If local water conditions require periodic cleaning or a well is your source of water supply, a second water strainer should be installed in the ¹⁄₄-inch water line. Obtain a water strainer from your nearest appliance dealer. Install at either tube connection.

4. Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.

Rev ersing the Door Swing

TOOLS NEEDED:

⁵⁄₁₆-inch hex-head socket wrench, No. 2 Phillips screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver, ¹⁄₂-inch open-end wrench, flat 2-inch putty knife.

⁵⁄₁₆

inch Hex Head Hinge Screw

Door Stop Screw

Sealing Screw (use on top of doors)

SUGGESTION: Reversing the door swing should be performed by a qualified person.

IMPORTANT: Before you begin, turn the refrigerator OFF and unplug it. Move food from the refrigerator, freezer and both doors to another refrigerator or cooler. On some models, you will need to remove the adjustable door bins.

To remove doors from hinges:

1. Open the refrigerator door and remove the base grille

from the bottom front of the refrigerator. (See “Base Grille” section .)

2. Close the ref rigera tor door and keep both door s clos ed until you are ready to lift them free from the cabinet.

NOTE: Do not depend on the door magnets to hold the doors in place while you are working. Provide additional support for the doors while the hinges are being moved.

3. Remove the screws and components for the top hinge as shown.

4. Lift the freezer door free from the cabinet.

5. Remove the freezer door stop from the bottom of the

freezer doo r as shown in the Center Hinge illustration. Replace the door stop on the opposite side of the freezer door.

9. Remove the screws and components for the bottom hinge as shown.

NOTE: If you are reversing the door swing, you should move the handle s while the do ors ar e of f of t he re frigera tor. Follow the instructions in the “Reversing the Door Handles” section before replacing the doors.

To replace doors on hinges:

1. Using a flat putty knife, remove the hole plugs from the

top of the refrigerator cabinet that cover the screw holes on the opposite side of the refr igerator.

2. Replace the components and screws for the bottom hinge. Tighten screws with a wrench.

3. Replace the refrigerator door. NOTE: Do not depend on the door magnets to hold the

doors in place while you are working. Provide additional support for the doors while the hinges are being moved.

4. Replace the components and screws for the center hinge as shown. Do not tighten completely.

5. Remove the top hinge hole plug from the top of the freezer door and replace it on the other side.

6. Replace the freezer d oor.

7. Replace the components and screws for the top hinge

as shown. Do not tighten completely.

8. Line up doors so they are centered between the sides of the cabinet and parallel with each other. Adjust the center and top hi nge s if n ece ssar y. Tighten all scr ews.

NOTE: If the doors are not closing on their own, see the “Door Closing and Alignment” section.

9. Be sure to fill all openings with either the prop er scr ews or hole plugs. Moisture will enter any unfilled opening.

10.Replace the door bins and base grille. (See the “Base Grille” section .)

11.Plu g in the refriger a tor an d reset the controls. (Se e “Setting the Controls” section.) When the refrigerator cools down, return the food to the refrigerator.

Top Hinge

NOTE: Be sure to place the door stop in the correct position, using the hole nearest the front of the door.

6. Remove the screws and components for the center hinge as shown.

7. Lift the refrigerator door free from the cabinet.

8. Remove the refrigerator door stop from the bottom of

the refrigerator door as shown in the Bottom Hinge illustration. Replace the refrigerator door stop on the opposite side of the refrigerator door.

NOTE: Be sure to place the door stop in the correct position, using the hole nearest the front of the door.

1. Top Hinge Cover

2. Hex Head Hinge Screws

3. Top Hinge

4. Sealing Screws

Center Hinge

1. Freezer Door Stop

2. Freezer Door Stop Screw

3. Center Hinge

4. Hex Head Hinge Screws

5. Sealing Screws

Bottom Hinge

3. Align the lower portion of the handle and attach it to the refrigerator with the handle screw.

4. Position screw cover over the screw and push it into place.

1. Refrigerator Door Stop

2. Refrigerator Door Stop Screw

3. Bottom Hinge

4. Hex Head Hinge Screws

Reversing the Door Handles

1. Remove freezer handle assembly as shown. Keep all parts together.

2. Pry off scr ew cover and remove screw.

3. Remove refrigerator handle assembly as shown. Keep

all parts toget h er.

To reinstall freezer handle:

1. Position freezer handle on opposite sid e of freezer door

and install top two countersink screws.

2. Install bottom two countersink screws.

3. Tighten all screws.

To reinstall refrigerator handle:

1. Unscrew hole plug from the front of the refrigerator

door and screw it into place on the opposite side.

2. Position the refrigerator handle on the refrigerator door and attach it at the top with two countersink screws.

1. Plugs

2. Countersink Screw

3. Handle Screw

4. Screw Cover

5. Hole Plug

Base Grille

To remove the base grille:

1. Open the refrigerator door.

2. Grasp the grille with both hands.

3. Lift up and tilt the bottom of the grille up toward you.

NOTE: Do not remove the Tech Sheet that is fastened

behind the grille.

To replace the base grille:

1. Open the refrigerator door.

2. Place upper clips in openings in the metal panel.

3. Roll the grille down toward the refrigerator until it snaps

into place.

Door Closing and Alignment

Door Closing

Your refrigerator has 2 front adjustable rollers – one on the right and one on the left. If your refrigerator seems unsteady or you want the doors to close easier, adjust the refrigerator's tilt using the instructions below:

1. Plug refrigerator power cord into a 3-prong grounded outlet. Move the refrigerator into its final position.

2. Remove the base grille (see “Base Grille” earlier in this section). The two leveling screws are part of the front roller assemblies which are at the base of the refrigerator on either side.

3. Use a screwdriver to adjust the leveling screws. Turn the leveling screw to the right to raise that side of the refrigerator or turn the leveling screw to the left to lower that side. It may take several turns of the leveling screws to adjust the tilt of the refrigerator.

NOTE: Having someone push against the top of the refrigerator takes some weight off the leveling screws and rollers. This makes it easier to adjust the screws.

4. Open both doors again and check to make sure that they close as easily as you like. If not, tilt the refrigerator slightly more to the rear by turning both leveling screws to the right. It may take several more turns, and you should turn both leveling screws the same amount.

5. Replace the base grille.

Door Alignment

If the space between your doors looks uneven, you can adjust it using the instructions below:

1. Pry off the top hinge cover.

2. Loosen the top hinge screws using a ⁵⁄₁₆-inch socket or

wrench.

3. Have someone hold the door in place or put a spacer between the doors while you tighten the top hinge screws.

4. Replace the top hinge cover.

Understanding Sounds

You May Hear

Your new refrigerator may make sounds that your old one didn’t make. Because the sounds are new to you, you might be concerned about them. Most of the new sounds are normal. Hard surfaces, like the floor, walls, and cabinets, can make the sounds seem louder than they actually are. The following describes the kinds of sounds and what may be making them.

■ If your product i s equipped with an ice maker, you will

hear a buzzing sound when the water valve opens to fill the ice maker for each cycle.

■ The defrost timer will click when the automatic defrost

cycle begins and ends. Also, the thermostat refrigerator control, will click when cycling on and off.

■ Rattling noises may come from the flow of refrigerant,

the water line, or items stored on top of the refrigerator.

■ Your refrigerator is designed to run more efficiently to

keep your food items at the desired te mperature. The high efficiency compressor may cause your new refrigerator to run longer than your old one, and you may hear a pulsating or high-pitched sound.

■ Water dripping on the defr ost heater during a defrost

cycle may cause a sizzling sound.

USING YOUR

REFRIGERATOR

Ensuring Proper Air Circulation

In order to ensur e prop er temperatur es, you need to permi t air flow between the refrigerator and freezer sections. As shown in the illustration, cool air enters through the bottom of the freezer section and moves up. Most of the air then flows through the freezer section vents and recirculates under the freezer floor. The rest of the air enters the refrigerator section through the top vent.

■ You may hear the evaporator fan motor circulating the

air through the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

■ As each cycle ends, you may hear a gurgling sound

due to the ref r igerant flowing in your refrigerator.

■ Contraction and exp a nsion of the inside walls may

cause a popping noise.

■ You may hear air being forced over the condenser by

the condenser fan.

■ You may hear water running into the drain pan during

the defrost cycle.

Do not block any of these vents with food packages. If the vents are blocked, airflow will be prevented and temperature and moisture problems may occur.

IMPORTANT: Because air circulates between both sections, any odors formed in one section will transfer to the other. You must thoroughly clean both sections to eliminate odors. To prevent odor transfer and dryi ng ou t o f food, wrap or cover foods tightly. (See the “Food Storage Guide” section for details.)

Setting the Control

For your convenience, the r efriger ator contr ol is pre set at the factory. The control for the refrigerator and freezer

is located in the top of the refrigerator section. It controls the temperature in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

When you first install your refrigerator, make sure that the Temperature Control is still preset. The Temperature Contr ol should be at the “mid-settin g” (3), as shown in the illustration below.

Use the settings listed in the chart below as a guide.

Always remember to wait at least 24 hours between adjustments.

RECOMMENDED

CONDITION/REASON:

REFRIGERATOR section too warm

■

Door opened often

■

Large amount of food added

■

Room temperature very warm

ADJUSTMENT:

Turn TEMPERATURE Control to next higher number, wait 24 hours, then re-check

NOTE: Turning the Temperature Control to OFF stops cooling in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments, but does not disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply.

Give your refri gerator time to coo l down co mpletely befor e adding food. It is best to wait 24 hours before you put food into the refrigerator.

IMPORTANT: If you add food before the refrigerator has cooled completely, your food may spoil. Turning the

Temperature Control to a higher (colder) than recommended setting will not cool the compartments any faster.

FREEZER section too warm/ice not made fast enough

■

Door opened often

■

Large amount of food added

■

Very cold room temperature (can’t cycle often enough)

■

Heavy ice usage

■

Air diffuser blocked by items

REFRIGERATOR section too cold

■

Control not set correct ly for your conditions

FREEZER section too cold

■

Control not set correct ly for your conditions

Turn TEMPERATURE Control to next HIGHER number, wait 24 hours, then re-check

Move items out of airstream

Turn TEMPERATURE Control to next lower number, wait 24 hours, then re-check

Turn TEMPERATURE control to next lower number, wait 24 hours, then re-check

Adjusting Control Settings

Give the refrigerator time to cool down completely before adding food. It is best to wait 24 hours before you put food into the refrigerator. The “mid-setting” (3) indicated in the previous section should be correct for normal household refrigerator u sage. The contr ol is set corre ctly when milk or juice is as cold as you like and when ice cream is firm.

The Temperature Control functions as the ther mostat for the entire product (refrig erator and freezer sections). The higher the number setting, the longer the compressor will run to keep the temperature colder.

Food Storage Guide

Storing Fresh Food

Wrap or store food in the re frigerator in airtight and moisture-proof material unless otherwise noted. This prevents food odor and taste transfer throughout the refrigerator. For dated products, check code date to ensure freshness.

Butter or margarine

Keep opened butter in covered dish or closed compartment. When storing an extra supply, wrap in freezer packaging and freeze.

Cheese

Store in the original wrapping until you are ready to use it. Once opened, rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Milk

Wipe milk cartons. For best storage, place milk on interior shelf.

Eggs

Store in original carton on interior shelf.

Fruit

Wash, let d ry, and store in refrigerator in plastic bags or crisper. Do not wash or hull berries until they are ready to use. Sort and keep berries in original container in a crisper, or store in a loosely closed paper bag on a refrigerator shelf.

Leafy vegetables

Remove store wrapping and trim or tear off bruised and discolored ar eas. Wash in cold water and drain. Place in plastic bag or plastic conta i ne r an d sto re in crisp er.

Vegetables with skins (carrots, peppers)

Place in plastic bags or plastic container and store in crisper.

Fish

Use fresh fish and shellfish the same day as purchased.

Meat

Store most meat in original wrapping as long as it is airtight and moisture-proof. Rewrap if necessary. See the following chart fo r storage times. When storing meat longer than the times given, freeze the meat.

Chicken ...........................................................1-2 days

Ground beef ....................................................1-2 days

V ariety meats (liver, heart, etc.)........................1-2 days

Cold cuts.........................................................3-5 days

Steaks/roasts ..................................................3-5 days

Cured meats..................................................7-10 days

Leftovers

Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Plastic containers with tight lids can also be used.

Storing Frozen Food

NOTE: For further information a bout preparing food fo r freezing or food storage times, check a freezer guide or reliable cookbook.

Packaging

Successful freezing depends on the correct packaging. When you close and seal the package you must not allow air or moisture in or out. If you do, you could have food odor and taste transfer throughout the refrigerato r, and also dry out frozen food.

Packaging recommendations:

■ Rigid plastic containers with tight-fitting lids

■ Straight-sided canning/freezing jars

■ Heavy-duty aluminum foil

■ Plastic-coated paper

■ Non-permeable plastic wraps (made from saran

film)

■ Specified freezer self-sealing plastic bags

Follow package or container instructions for proper freezing methods.

Do not use:

■ Bread wrappers

■ Non-polyethylene plastic containers

■ Containers without tight lids

■ Wax paper or wax-coated freezer wrap

■ Thin, semi-permeable wrap

Freezing

Your freezer will not quick-freeze any large quantity of food. Put no more unfrozen food into the freezer than will freeze within 24 hours (no more than 2 to 3 lbs of food per cubic foot [907-1,350 g per liter] of freezer space). Leave enough space in the freezer for air to circulate around packages. Be careful to leave enough room at the front so the door can close tightly.

Storage times will vary ac cor ding to t he qu ality and t ype of food, the type of p ackaging or wrap used, (airt ight and moisture-proof), and the storage temp erature. Ice crystals inside a sealed package are normal. This simply means that moisture in the food and air inside the package have condensed, creating ice crystals.

NOTE: Allow hot foods to cool at room tempe ratu r e for 3 0 minutes, then package and freeze. Cooling hot foods before freezing saves energy.

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