Whirlpool ET18NKXFW, ET18NMXFW Owner's Manual
®
2200797 www.whirlpool.com
TABLE OF
TABLE DES
CONTENTS
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
Removing the Doors ......................................................... 8
Removing the Door Handles............................................. 9
Base Grille ....................................................................... 10
Door Closing and Alignment........................................... 10
Understanding Sounds You May Hear........................... 11
USING YOUR REFRIGERATOR....................................... 12
Ensuring Proper Air Circulation....................................... 12
Setting the Controls ........................................................ 12
Adjusting Control Settings .............................................. 13
Food Storage Guide........................................................ 13
REFRIGERATOR FEATURES........................................... 15
Refrigerator Shelves........................................................ 15
Meat Drawer and Cover.................................................. 15
Crisper and Crisper Cover .............................................. 15
Door Rails........................................................................ 16
Ice Maker Operation ....................................................... 16
Freezer Shelf ................................................................... 17
CARING FOR YOUR REFRIGERATOR ........................... 17
Cleaning Your Refrigerator ............................................. 17
Changing the Light Bulbs ............................................... 18
Power Interruptions......................................................... 18
Vacation and Moving Care ............................................. 18
TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................... 19
REQUESTING ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE .................... 22
WARRANTY....................................................................... 44
MATIÈRES
SÉCURITÉ DU RÉFRIGÉRATEUR .................................23
PIÈCES ET CARACTÉRISTIQUES.................................24
INSTALLATION DU RÉFRIGÉRATEUR .......................... 25
Déballage de votre réfrigérateur ..................................... 25
Espacement requis ......................................................... 25
Spécification électriques................................................. 26
Raccordement du réfrigérateur
à une canalisation d’eau ................................................. 26
Inversion du sen d’ouverture des portes........................ 28
Inversion des poignées de porte .................................... 29
Grille de la base .............................................................. 31
Les bruits de l’appareil que vous pouvez entendre ....... 32
UTILISATION DU RÉFRIGÉRATEUR .............................. 32
Pour s’assurer d’une circulation d’air approprée........... 32
Réglage des commandes ............................................... 33
Réglage des commandes d’ajustement......................... 33
Guide d’entreposage des aliments................................. 34
CARACTÉRISTIQUES DU RÉFRIGÉRATEUR................ 35
Tablettes du réfrigérateur ............................................... 35
Bac à viande et couvercle .............................................. 35
Bac à légumes et couvercle ........................................... 36
Tringles dans la porte ..................................................... 36
Utilisation de la machine à glaçons................................ 37
Clayette du congélateur.................................................. 37
ENTRETIEN DE VOTRE RÉFRIGÉRATEUR ................... 38
Nettoyage du réfrigérateur.............................................. 38
Remplacement des ampoules d’éclairage ..................... 38
Pannes de courant électrique......................................... 39
Entretien avant les vacances
ou lors d’un déménagement........................................... 39
GUIDE DE DÉPANNAGE.................................................. 40
DEMANDE D’ASSISTANCE OU DE SERVICE ............... 43
2
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 extension cord.
■
Disconnect power before servicing.
■
Replace all panels before operating.
■
Remove doors from your old refrigerator.
– To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury when using your refrigerator, follow these basic
follow instructions.
can be killed or seriously injured if you don't
You
follow instructions.
■
Use nonflammable cleaner.
■
Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as
gasoline, away from refrigerator.
■
Use two or more people to move 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
WARNING
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 dangerous – even if they will sit for “just a few
days.” If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator, please
follow the instructions below to help prevent accidents.
—
Before you thro w awa y y our old refrigerator or
freezer:
■
Take off the doors.
■
Leave the shelves in place so that children may not
easily climb inside.
3
PARTS AND FEATURES
This section contains an illustration of your refrigerator. Use it to become more familiar with the parts and features.
NOTE: 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)
4
7. Leveling Rollers (behind base grille)
8. Snap-on Door Rails
9. Utility Compartment (on some models)
10. Drop-in Door Rails
11. Adjustable Wire Shelves
12. Base Grille
INSTALLING YOUR
Space Requirements
REFRIGERATOR
Unpacking Your Refrigerator
Removing P ackaging Materials
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.
■ 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) space 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
refrigerator. 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:
■ Do not remove any permanent instruction labels inside
your refrigerator, or the Tech Sheet that is fastened
behind the base grille.
■ Do not remove the white Styrofoam insert that is
located behind the control panel on the ceiling of the
refrigerator. The insert is part of the refrigerator and not
part of the packing material. If the insert is removed, ice
may migrate 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 installing your refrigerator next to a fixed wall,
leave 2 inches minimum on each side (depending on
your model) to allow for the door to swing open.
NOTE: Do not install the refrigerator near an oven, radiator,
or other heat source, nor in a location where the
temperature will fall below 55°F (13°C).
5
Electrical Requirements
WARNING
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 before y ou begi n.
IMPORTANT:
■ If operating the refrigerator before 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 tubing only in areas where temperatures
will remain above freezing.
■ It may take up to 24 hours for your ice maker to begin
producing ice.
Tools required:
■ Standard screwdriver
Before you move your refrigerator into its final location, it is
important to make sure you have the proper electrical
connection:
Recommended Grounding Method
A 115 Volt, 60 Hz., AC only 15 or 20 ampere fused,
grounded electrical supply is required. 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 type of installation, cleaning,
or removing a light bulb, turn the Thermostat Control (or
Refrigerator Control depending on the model) to OFF and
then disconnect 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 wrenches 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 ¹⁄₄inch saddle-type shut-off valve, a union, and copper tubing. Before purchasing, make 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.
6
Cold Water Supply
The ice maker water valve contains a flow washer which is
used as a water pressure regulator. 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.
Installation is not warranted by refrigerator or ice
maker manufacturer.
Connecting to water line:
1. Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power supply.
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.
7. Slip compression sleeve and compression nut on
copper tubing as shown in diagram. 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.
Connecting to refrigerator:
1. Disconnect the tube clamp on the back of the product
and insert copper through the clamp as shown. Attach
the copper tube to the valve inlet using a compression
nut and sleeve as shown. Tighten the compression nut.
Do not overtighten. Reattach teh tube clamp and tube
to the back of the cabinet. Mover to step 2.
2. Turn shut-off valve ON. CHECK FOR LEAKS.
TIGHTEN ANY CONNECTIONS (INCLUDING
CONNECTIONS AT THE VALVE) OR NUTS THAT
LEAK.
1. Pipe Clamp
2. Copper Tubing or Reinforced Poly-Tubing
3. Compression Nut
4. Compression Sleeve
5. Shut Off Valve
6. Packing Nut
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. Measure from connection on lower left rear of
refrigerator to water pipe. Add 7 feet (2.1 m) to allow for
moving refrigerator for cleaning. This is the length of ¹⁄₄inch O.D. (outside diameter) copper tubing you will
need for the job (length from connection to water pipe
PLUS 7 feet [2.1 m]). 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.
6. Fasten shut-off valve to cold water pipe with pipe
clamp. Be sure outlet end 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.
1. Tube Clamp
2. Copper tubing
3. Compression Nut
4. Valve Inlet
3. The ice maker is equipped with a built-in water strainer.
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 supply.
7
Reversing the Door Swing
1
2
3
4
5
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
T op Hinge
1
2
3
4
1. Top Hinge Cover
2. Hex Head Hinge Screws
3. Top Hinge
4. Sealing Screws
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,
unplug it, and remove any food from door shelves.
To remove doors from hinges:
1. Remove base grille and top hinge cover. See the “Base
Grille” section for instructions.
2. Keep doors closed until ready to lift free from the
cabinet.
3. Start at the top hinge and work your way down to the
center hinge and bottom hinge. Remove all screws and
components as shown.
NOTE: If you are reversing handles, you should move
them while the doors are off of the refrigerator. Follow the
instructions in the “Reversing the Door Handles” section.
To reverse and replace doors on hinges:
1. Remove hole plugs covering the screw holes on the
opposite side of the refrigerator using a flat putty knife.
2. Start at the bottom hinge and work your way up to the
center hinge and top hinge replacing all components
and screws as shown.
3. Line up doors so they are centered between the sides
of the cabinet and parallel with each other.
4. Fill all unused openings with screws or plastic hole
plugs. Moisture will enter any unfilled openings.
Center Hinge
1. Door Stop
2. Door Stop Screw
3. Center Hinge
4. Hex Head Hinge Screws
5. Sealing Screws
Bottom Hinge
1
2
3
4
NOTE: If the doors are not closing on their own, see the
“Door Closing and Alignment” section.
1. Door Stop
2. Door Stop Screw
3. Bottom Hinge
4. Hex Head Hinge Screws
8
Reversing the Door Handles
■ Remove freezer handle assembly as shown. Keep all
parts together.
■ Remove refrigerator handle assembly as shown. Keep
all parts together.
To reinstall freezer handle:
1. Position freezer handle on freezer door.
2. Install top 2 screws.
3. Install bottom 2 screws.
4. Tighten all screws.
To reinstall refrigerator handle:
1. Remove hole plug from refrigerator door and screw it
into place on the opposite side.
2. Position the refrigerator handle on the refrigerator door
and install top 2 screws.
3. Align the lower portion of the handle and install handle
screw.
4. (Style 1) Position screw cover and push/snap into place.
Style 1
5. (Style 2) Align the top edge of the trim with the notches
in the lower part of the handle and slide upward into
place.
1. Plugs
2. Countersink Screw
3. Top Endcap
4. Stick on Shim
5. Bottom Endcap
6. Handle Screw
7. Screw Cover
8. Plug
9
Style 2
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.
1. Plugs
2. Countersink Screws
3. Plug
4. Handle Screw
5. Screw Cover
6. Plug
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.
10
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
■ Contraction and expansion 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.
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 is 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 temperature. 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 defrost heater during a defrost
cycle may cause a sizzling sound.
■ 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 refrigerant flowing in your refrigerator.
11
USING YOUR
REFRIGERATOR
Ensuring Proper Air
Circulation
In order to ensure proper temperatures, you need to permit
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.
Setting the Controls
For your convenience, the refrigerator controls are
preset at the factory. Controls for the refrigerator and
freezer are located in the top of the refrigerator section.
When you first install your refrigerator, make sure that
the controls are still preset. The Refrigerator Control
and the Freezer Control should both be at the “midsettings” (3), as shown in the illustrations below.
WARMER
1
2
REFRIGERATOR
3
RECOMMENDED SETTING
4
5
COLDER
.
WARMER
1
COLDER
2
3
4
5
RECOMMENDED SETTING
FREEZER
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 drying out of
food, wrap or cover foods tightly. (See the “Food Storage
Guide” section for details.)
To set the Refrigerator Control to OFF, turn it one setting
past Warmer until the word OFF appears, as shown below.
NOTE: Your refrigerator will not cool when the Refrigerator
Control is set to OFF.
WARMER
1
O
2
REFRIGERATOR
3
F
RECOMMENDED SETTINGRECOMMENDED SETTING
4
F
5
COLDER
Give your refrigerator time to cool down completely before
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. Tur ning the
Refrigerator and Freezer Controls to a higher (colder)
than recommended setting will not cool the
compartments any faster.
12
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-settings” (3) indicated in the
previous section should be correct for normal household
refrigerator usage. The controls are set correctly when milk
or juice is as cold as you like and when ice cream is firm.
The Refrigerator Control functions as the thermostat for
the entire product (refrigerator and freezer sections). The
higher the number setting, the longer the compressor will
run to keep the temperature colder.
If you need to adjust temperatures in the refrigerator or
freezer, start by adjusting the refrigerator first. 24 hours
after you have made the refrigerator adjustment, check the
freezer temperature. If it is too warm or too cold, then
adjust the Freezer Control as well.
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
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)
ADJUSTMENT:
Turn
REFRIGERATOR
Control to next
higher number,
wait 24 hours,
then check
freezer
temperature
Turn FREEZ ER
Control to next
HIGHER number
Food Storage Guide
Storing Fresh Food
Wrap or store food in the refrigerator 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 dry, 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 areas. Wash in cold water and drain. Place in
plastic bag or plastic container and store in crisper.
■ Heavy ice usage
■ Air diffuser blocked by items
REFRIGERATOR section
too cold
■ Controls not set correctly for
your conditions
FREEZER section too cold
■ Controls not set correctly for
your conditions
Move items out of
airstream
Turn
REFRIGERATOR
Control to next
lower number
Turn FREEZ ER
control to next
lower number
13
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 for storage times. When storing meat
longer than the times given, freeze the meat.
Chicken ........................................................... 1-2 days
Ground beef .................................................... 1-2 days
Variety meats................................................... 1-2 days
Cold cuts.........................................................3-5 days
Steaks/roasts .................................................. 3-5 days
Bacon ..............................................................5-7 days
Cured meats..................................................7-10 days
Leftovers
Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Plastic containers with tight lids can also be used.
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 according to the quality and type of
food, the type of packaging or wrap used, (airtight and
moisture-proof), and the storage temperature. 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 temperature for 30
minutes, then package and freeze. Cooling hot foods
before freezing saves energy.
Storing Frozen Food
NOTE: For further information about preparing food for
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 refrigerator, 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
14
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