HOTPOINT FFA64 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

To ensure your HOTPOINT FFA64 fridge freezer runs reliably and efficiently, please follow these steps:

STEP 1: Choose a location for your fridge freezer, away from any heat sources and allow adequate ventilation. A 100mm (4 inch) gap is required above the appliance.

STEP 2: Move the fridge freezer into position using the sides of the cabinet. Be careful not to damage the refrigerant circuit pipe work on the rear.

STEP 3: Level the fridge freezer by adjusting the front feet. This will prevent rocking or vibration and help keep the door aligned.

STEP 4: Before plugging in and switching on, leave the fridge freezer in its final location for at least 15 minutes to allow it to settle.

STEP 5: Plug in and switch on the appliance. Allow it to cool before placing food inside. The high temperature light will remain on until the fridge freezer has cooled down. All food placed inside should be covered.

STEP 6: If you are freezing fresh food, turn on the fast freeze function by pressing the switch 24 hours before placing the food inside. After placing the fresh food inside, remember to turn the fast freeze off after 24 hours. If you forget, it will automatically cancel after 48 hours.

STEP 7: Your fridge freezer should now be working. If after 24 hours it is not operating as you want, refer to the Troubleshooting section.

For your safety, please read the following advice:

The cooling system of the HOTPOINT FFA64 contains a small amount of environmentally friendly but flammable gas. To avoid any risk, please follow these guidelines:

Installation and Use:

• Install the fridge freezer according to the installation instructions and ensure ventilation openings are kept clear of obstruction.

• Take care when installing or moving the appliance to avoid damaging the pipes on the rear.

• If you suspect a leak, do not switch on the fridge freezer. Instead, open windows and doors to ventilate the room.

• Do not use any electrical devices inside the freezer for defrosting.

• Do not use mechanical devices for defrosting other than those which may have been supplied with the freezer, as they may cause damage.

• Only use this fridge freezer for storing domestic foodstuffs.

When Installing:

• Ensure the mains cable is not trapped underneath or behind the fridge freezer when you install or move it.

• Do not stack any other appliance on top of this fridge freezer as it may cause damage or become unstable.

When Using:

• Do not sit or stand on top of your fridge freezer.

• Do not store poisonous, flammable, or dangerous substances in your fridge freezer.

• Do not use aerosol sprays for defrosting or cleaning your fridge freezer.

If you sell the fridge freezer, please pass on this booklet to the new owner.

For best performance, locate your HOTPOINT FFA64 fridge freezer away from sources of heat such as cookers, radiators, and direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures will affect its performance. You must allow a minimum of 100mm (4 inches) of space between the top of the fridge freezer and the ceiling or the underside of a wall cupboard.

Following these ventilation requirements will:

• Prolong the life of the fridge freezer.

• Minimise the risk of condensation on the outside.

• Minimise running costs.

• Minimise operating sounds caused by vibration.

The HOTPOINT FFA64 fridge freezer requires a space of 600mm (24 inches) in front to allow the door to open fully.

When positioning the appliance next to a unit, a gap of 30mm (1¼ inch) on the hinge side will allow for easy removal of internal furniture. If you prefer not to leave a gap, this will restrict how far the door can open, but the furniture can still be removed.

The door hinge side can be changed (see ‘Door Reversal’ instructions) to make opening easier depending on your kitchen layout.

To level your HOTPOINT FFA64, adjust the front feet when it is in its final location until firm contact is made with the floor. This will stop rocking or vibration and keep the door aligned, helping the appliance run reliably and efficiently.

Note: Before plugging in and switching on, leave the fridge freezer standing in its final location for at least 15 minutes to allow it to settle.

To fit the bottle rack retainer on your HOTPOINT FFA64 (if applicable):

Locate the retainer groove at one end of the bottle rack and then gradually press down along the top edge until the retainer is fully in the home position.

WARNING: This appliance must be earthed. The appliance must be positioned so that the plug is accessible after installation.

Fuses: Your appliance comes fitted with a plug and a 13A fuse. If you need to replace the fuse, only use those rated at 13A and ASTA approved to BS1362.

Changing the Plug: If you need to change the plug, cut off and dispose of the supplied plug. To avoid a shock hazard, do not insert the discarded plug into a socket anywhere else. The wires in the mains lead are coloured as follows:

• Green/Yellow: Earth

• Blue: Neutral

• Brown: Live

You should wire the new plug as shown in the diagram within the PDF. If the wire colours do not match the markings in your plug, wire it as described above.

The left-hand control wheel on the front panel adjusts the internal fridge compartment temperature. The ideal temperature should be 5°C or colder. The normal set point (marked by a 3 on the dial) is usually suitable. To adjust the temperature, use a coin to turn the control wheel to avoid damage:

• Clockwise (higher number): Colder

• Anti-clockwise (lower number): Warmer

The right-hand control wheel on the front panel adjusts the internal freezer compartment temperature. The internal temperature should be -18°C or colder. The normal set point (marked by a 3 on the dial) is usually suitable. To adjust the temperature, use a coin to turn the control wheel:

• Clockwise (higher number): Colder

• Anti-clockwise (lower number): Warmer

WARNING: Do not use a mercury-filled thermometer, as breakage would cause a health hazard.

Your fridge freezer must NOT be placed in a room where the temperature goes below 6°C or above 38°C for prolonged periods, as the internal fridge temperature will not be maintained.

Your HOTPOINT FFA64 has several indicator lights:

Amber Lights:

• Amber fast freeze light: Indicates that the fast freeze button has been pressed on. The freezer motor will run continuously for extra cooling.

• Amber holiday light: Indicates that the holiday mode is set (on applicable models).

Red Lights:

• Red high temperature warning light: This will come on when the fridge freezer is first switched on or when the temperature inside the freezer rises above the correct storage temperature. It will go out as soon as the compartment returns to its normal temperature. It may come on for a short period when loading food or after a power cut.

• Red food defrost alert light: This light will come on when mains power is restored after a power cut that was long enough for the freezer temperature to rise to an unsafe level. If this light is ON, food should be either cooked and eaten within 24 hours, cooked and refrozen, or thrown away. The light remains on until cancelled by pressing the button alongside it.

The bottom compartment drawer should be used to freeze fresh food. Once frozen, you can transfer it to an upper drawer.

• Before loading 2kg or more of fresh food, select fast freeze for the required pre-freeze time (see chart below).

• If freezing up to 2kg of fresh food, just select fast freeze when loading.

Once the fresh food is loaded, leave fast freeze on for 24 hours. Don’t forget to turn fast freeze off after 24 hours. However, if you do forget, it will turn off automatically after 48 hours.

The maximum freezing capacity for the HOTPOINT FFA64 in 24 hours is 8kg.

Pre-Freeze chart when selecting Fast Freeze:

The Rating Plate, which lists the appliance Model Number and Serial Number for your HOTPOINT FFA64, can be found near the bottom of the freezer compartment on the interior wall.

To ensure your HOTPOINT FFA64 operates as efficiently as possible:

• Always use the handle provided to open the fridge/freezer door.

• Follow food packaging “best before/use by” instructions for maximum storage time.

• Keep foods tightly covered to retain moisture and prevent flavour/odour transference. Use plastic bags, aluminium foil, plastic stretch wrap, and containers with lids.

• Select chilled and frozen food last when shopping, transport it in a ‘cool bag’, and place it in the freezer as soon as possible after arriving home.

• Avoid opening the doors unnecessarily or for longer than needed.

• Allow hot or warm food to cool down in covered containers before placing it in the fridge or freezer, as placing hot food inside reduces efficiency.

• Prepare fresh foods for freezing in small quantities to ensure they freeze quickly.

• Ensure that packets/containers of food are dry before freezing to prevent them from freezing together.

For best results, use the different storage zones inside your HOTPOINT FFA64 to store a wide variety of food items.

• Pack and store cooked and fresh food separately.

• Wrap raw or defrosting meat and poultry in polythene or foil and store below cooked foods and dairy products to avoid contamination.

• Wrap cheese in greaseproof paper and place in an airtight container or polythene bag.

• Position food to allow cold air to circulate freely, ensuring nothing touches the back of the fridge compartment or covers the defrost gutter drain hole.

STORAGE ZONES

Commodity and Bottle Racks (in the door):

These can be repositioned to suit your needs. To remove a rack, lift it vertically to release it from its fixing supports. To replace, align the grooves on either side of the rack above the fixing supports and push down until secure.

Adjusting Shelves:

To make the most of the interior space, you can reposition shelves. Ensure the door is open fully. To remove a shelf, slide it forward and then tilt it from its position.

Split glass shelf (not applicable to all models):

This shelf can be used as a standard full shelf or as two half shelves. The front half can be repositioned above or below the back half to enable storage of larger items. Note: Only the front half of the shelf can be repositioned; the back half must remain in its original position.

The salad bin is for storing fruit, vegetables, and salad items. It is advisable to clean it regularly. To remove the salad bin, simply slide it out from its position. Note: Care must be taken to ensure the salad bin is pushed in fully before shutting the fridge door.

Follow these guidelines for storing food in the freezer:

• Freeze and store either fresh food or long-term commercially frozen foods.

• Long-term storage generally means up to 3 months, but always follow your supplier’s recommendations or the pictorial guide on the door liner.

• Place frozen food in the freezer compartment as soon as possible after buying it.

• Liquid-filled bottles or sealed fizzy drinks must not be stored in the freezer, as they may burst.

• Ensure food is labelled and dated before placing it in the freezer.

• When freezing fresh food, follow the instructions for using fast freeze.

• Do not allow fresh food to come into contact with food already frozen, as this could start to defrost the frozen food.

• Once thawed, food should be cooked and eaten within 24 hours or cooked and refrozen.

STORAGE GUIDE for HOTPOINT FFA64

The freezer compartments must be used with the drawers.

To remove a drawer, pull it towards you until it reaches its stop position. Then, hold it securely on both sides, lift the front of the drawer to release, and remove it. Ensure that the frozen food storage drawers are pushed back fully before closing the door.

When lifting or removing the large deep drawer, it is important to hold the side handles and not the front handle.

WARNING: Freezer drawers can become heavy when fully loaded. Care must be taken if attempting to lift or carry a full drawer. It is recommended to remove the required food, rather than the whole freezer drawer.

Note: It is important not to touch or move any of the freezer drawers/parts with wet hands as it may cause freezer burn or discomfort.

Fridge compartment: No manual defrosting is required. The fridge compartment will defrost automatically. During defrost periods, water droplets form on the interior back wall and refreeze afterwards. Ensure stored food does not touch the back wall and that the defrost gutter drain hole is kept clear.

Freezer compartment: This appliance is Frost Free. The frost-free system completely eliminates the need for defrosting. A fan circulates air around the freezer to remove moisture and prevent ice build-up. It is normal to hear the fan when the freezer is cooling.

WARNING: Switch off the electrical supply and pull out the mains plug before cleaning.

Interior:

1. It is recommended to use a straw to keep the defrost gutter drain hole clear of any blockage. DO NOT use sharp metal tools which could cause damage.

2. Remove stored food, wrap or cover it, and place it in insulated containers to keep it cool/frozen.

3. Remove salad bins, racks, shelves, and drawers. Wash them in warm water and washing-up liquid using a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly.

4. Wipe interiors and fittings with a clean cloth wrung out in a solution of either one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to one pint of water or a suitable sterilising fluid diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Dry interior compartments thoroughly with a clean cloth before replacing fittings and food. It is important that all parts are thoroughly dried before refitting.

Exterior:

1. Use a clean soft cloth wrung out in warm water and washing-up liquid to wipe the exterior surface, then dry thoroughly. Do not use abrasive powder, household cleaner, or bleach.

2. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dust from underneath the fridge freezer and from the compressor and condenser at the back. Be careful not to damage the pipework.

Door Seals:

Use warm water and a clean soft cloth to wipe along and in between the creases of the door seals, then dry thoroughly. Take care not to damage the seals and avoid using sharp objects or detergent.

WARNING: Switch off the electricity supply and pull out the mains plug first.

Obtain a replacement SES 15 watt bulb and fit it as follows:

1. Remove any shelves from directly below the interior light to make access easier.

2. Squeeze the side of the lamp guard lightly to unclip it. Remove and retain the guard.

3. Remove the old bulb and fit the new one.

4. Refit the lamp guard.

5. Plug in and switch on the electrical supply.

If you are going away and don’t want to use your fridge freezer, switch off the electricity supply and pull out the mains plug. Remove all food and follow the cleaning instructions. Leave the doors ajar to prevent an accumulation of odours.

If your HOTPOINT FFA64 fridge freezer will not work, please check the following:

1. Check that the plug is firmly positioned in the socket outlet and the power supply is switched on.

2. Check the power supply with another appliance.

3. Check the fuse/circuit breaker.

4. Check that the door is closed properly.

If your HOTPOINT FFA64 is noisy, check these points:

1. Check that the rear pipe work is clear of the wall, skirting board, and other obstacles.

2. Check that all feet/wheels are firmly in contact with the floor and the fridge freezer is level.

3. Some operating sounds are normal. The motor (compressor) makes a buzzing or humming sound, which can be louder when first switched on. Gases flowing through pipes can produce gurgling, bubbling, or humming noises. Expansion and contraction of parts can produce cracking noises. The circulating fan in the freezer can make a whirring or buzzing sound.

If the temperature is too warm, try the following:

1. Turn the control wheel to a higher number. Refer to the CONTROLS section.

2. If the fridge freezer is close to a heat source, move it to another location.

3. Check that there is enough ventilation around the appliance.

4. Check that the doors have been closed properly.

If the temperature is too cold, turn the control wheel to a lower number. Refer to the CONTROLS section for details.

1. Has the fridge freezer just been installed? If so, this is normal and the light will go out when the correct temperature has been reached.

2. Has the fridge freezer been loaded with a large quantity of food? If so, the light will go out when the correct temperature has been reached.

3. Have the doors been closed properly?

This means that the fast freeze function is selected. Remember to turn fast freeze off after 24 hours from the introduction of fresh food to be frozen. However, if you forget, it will automatically cancel after 48 hours.

A well-sealed freezer door can be difficult to open. This is partly due to the difference in temperature between the room and the internal freezer compartment. If you have just closed the freezer door, it may be particularly difficult to open again immediately. Wait 5 minutes for the internal and external pressure to equalise and try again.

1. Check that the defrost gutter drain hole is not covered or blocked. See the ‘Cleaning’ section for advice.

2. Check that nothing has come into contact with the interior back wall of the fridge.

WARNING: Switch off the socket outlet and pull out the mains plug.

1. Check that the bulb is screwed in correctly.

2. If it is still not working, see the ‘Changing the Light Bulb’ instructions in the MAINTENANCE section.

1. Check that nothing is stopping the door from closing properly.

2. Check that foods and liquids are covered to avoid the build-up of moisture inside.

3. If your kitchen becomes exceptionally warm, your fridge may not defrost regularly. Automatic defrosting will return to normal operation when the kitchen temperature cools.

You may notice the cabinet front is sometimes warm. This is normal and is part of the refrigerant circulating system designed to help prevent condensation on the door seal.

WARNING: Do not open the freezer compartment door.

If the power failure lasts longer than the maximum conservation time (14 hours for the HOTPOINT FFA64), frozen food will have started to defrost. The food defrost alert light (if applicable) will be lit when mains power is restored. This indicates that stored food has started to defrost and should either be cooked and eaten within 24 hours, cooked and refrozen, or thrown away.