HOTPOINT FFA75 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

To ensure your HOTPOINT FFA75 fridge freezer runs reliably and efficiently, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a Location

Select a location for your fridge freezer that is away from any heat sources like cookers or radiators. Ensure there is adequate ventilation, with a 100mm (4 inch) gap above the appliance.

Step 2: Position the Appliance

Move the fridge freezer into its final position using the sides of the cabinet. Be careful not to damage the refrigerant circuit pipe work on the rear of the appliance.

Step 3: Level the Appliance

Level the fridge freezer by adjusting the front feet. This prevents rocking or vibration and helps keep the door aligned correctly.

Step 4: Allow to Settle

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

Step 5: Plug In and Cool Down

Plug in and switch on the appliance. Allow the fridge freezer to cool down before placing any food inside. The high temperature light will remain on until the appliance has reached the correct temperature. All food placed inside should be covered.

Step 6: Use Fast Freeze for Fresh Food

If you are freezing fresh food, press the ‘fast freeze’ switch 24 hours before placing the food inside. After placing the fresh food in the freezer, remember to turn the fast freeze function off after 24 hours. If you forget, it will automatically cancel after 48 hours.

Step 7: Final Check

Your fridge freezer should now be working correctly. If, after 24 hours, it is not operating as you expect, refer to the Troubleshooting section of your manual.

For your safety, please read and follow this advice when using your HOTPOINT FFA75:

General Safety:

• The cooling system contains a small amount of flammable, environmentally friendly gas. To avoid risk, ensure ventilation openings are kept clear and take care not to damage the pipes on the rear of the appliance when installing or moving it.

• If you suspect a gas leak, do not switch on the appliance. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room.

• Do not use 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.

• Do not stack any other appliance on top of the fridge freezer, as this may cause damage or instability.

When Using:

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

• Do not store poisonous, flammable, or dangerous substances inside.

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

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

Location & Air Circulation

Locate your HOTPOINT FFA75 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 FFA75 fridge freezer needs a space of 600mm (24 inches) in front to allow the door to open fully.

• If positioning next to a unit, a gap of 30mm (1 1/4 inch) or more on the hinge side will allow for easy removal of internal furniture like shelves and drawers.

• If the gap is less than 30mm, it will restrict how far the door can be opened, but the furniture can still be removed.

The door hinge side can be changed to make it easier to open. See the ‘Door Reversal’ instructions for more details.

WARNING: This appliance must be earthed.

The appliance must be positioned so that the plug is accessible after installation.

Fuses

Your HOTPOINT FFA75 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 the supplied plug does not fit your socket, cut it off and dispose of it safely. WARNING: To avoid a shock hazard, do not insert the discarded plug into a socket anywhere else.

When wiring a new plug, note the following colour code for the wires in the mains lead:

• Green/Yellow: Earth

• Blue: Neutral

• Brown: Live

If the colours of the wires in the mains lead do not correspond with the markings in your plug, wire it as shown above.

Changing the Mains Lead

The appliance is fitted with a special mains lead. If this lead is damaged and needs replacement, it is strongly advised that this work is carried out by a qualified electrician.

Controlling the Fridge Compartment Temperature

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

• Clockwise (higher number): Colder

• Anti-clockwise (lower number): Warmer

Controlling the Freezer Compartment Temperature

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

• Clockwise (higher number): Colder

• Anti-clockwise (lower number): Warmer

Your HOTPOINT FFA75 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 FFA75 has several indicator lights to show its status:

Amber Lights (Functions Selected)

• 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.

Red Lights (Temperature Warning)

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

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

The Fast Freeze function on your HOTPOINT FFA75 is used to freeze fresh food quickly, preserving its quality. The bottom compartment drawer should be used for freezing fresh food.

• For freezing up to 2kg of fresh food, select fast freeze when you load the food.

• For freezing 2kg or more of fresh food, select fast freeze for the required pre-freeze time according to the chart below before loading.

Once the food is loaded, leave fast freeze on for 24 hours. Don’t forget to turn it off afterwards. If you do forget, it will automatically turn off after 48 hours. The maximum freezing capacity for the HOTPOINT FFA75 in 24 hours is 12kg.

Pre-Freeze chart when selecting Fast Freeze:

Load for freezing	Pre-freeze time	Load position
8 to 12kg max.	24 hours	In the bottom drawer.
6 to 8kg	12 hours	In the bottom drawer.
2 to 6kg	6 hours	In the bottom drawer.
up to 2kg	not required	In the bottom drawer.

The Holiday Function on your HOTPOINT FFA75 allows you to set the fridge compartment to a warmer setting while you are away, reducing running costs without affecting the freezer.

To set up holiday mode:

1. Remove any food from the fridge compartment that will deteriorate while you are away. Ensure the fridge is clean.

2. Close the door.

3. Press the holiday button. The amber holiday indicator light will come on to show that holiday mode is set.

To reset to normal operation:

1. Press the holiday button OR open the fridge door. The amber holiday indicator light will go out.

2. The fridge compartment will return to the temperature set on the fridge temperature control wheel.

Note: Opening the door or pressing the holiday button at any time after holiday mode has been set will turn the function off.

To ensure your HOTPOINT FFA75 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 (e.g., in plastic bags, aluminium foil, or containers with lids) to retain moisture and prevent flavour/odour transference.

• Select chilled and frozen food last when shopping 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.

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

• Ensure 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 FFA75 fridge compartment to store a wide variety of food items. Ensure you position food to allow cold air to circulate freely.

STORAGE ZONES

Zone	Type	Food Storage
A	Cool	Dairy products, Cheese, butter, margarine, Low fat spreads, cooking fats / lards, Preserves – Jam, curd, marmalade, spread, salad dressing or sauces.
B	Colder	General food storage
C	Coldest	Meat fish & poultry, Pre-cooked / chilled food
D	Salad Bins	Vegetables, fruit and salad items (Not recommended for the storage of bananas or onions).

General Fridge Storage Tips:

• Pack and store cooked and fresh food separately.

• Wrap raw meat and poultry in polythene or foil and store below cooked foods to avoid contamination from dripping juices.

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

• Bring food to room temperature before consuming.

• Empty leftover canned food into a covered storage container before placing it in the fridge.

Commodity and Bottle Racks (Door)

These racks can be repositioned in the door to suit your needs. The lidded rack is recommended for dairy items. To remove, lift the rack vertically to release it from its fixing supports. To replace, align the grooves on the rack above the fixing supports and push down until secure.

Adjusting Shelves (Main Compartment)

You can reposition the shelves to accommodate items of various heights. To remove a shelf, ensure the door is fully open, then slide the shelf forward and tilt it to remove it from its position.

Split Glass Shelf (not applicable to all models)

If your HOTPOINT FFA75 has a split shelf, it can be used as a standard full shelf or as two half shelves. The front half can be repositioned above or below 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.

Salad Bins

The salad bins are for storing fruit, vegetables, and salad items. When storing vegetables, remove unusable leaves and soil. It is advisable to clean the salad bin regularly. It can be removed by simply sliding it out from its position. Note: Care must be taken to ensure the salad bin is pushed in fully before shutting the fridge door.

Wine Rack (not applicable to all models)

The wine rack is suitable for cans, wine bottles, and 2-litre bottles. The maximum recommended load is three 2-litre bottles and two wine bottles. For longer bottles, position the rack in the second runner down from the top of the fridge to ensure the door can close properly.

To remove the wine rack, ensure the fridge door is fully open, then slide the rack forward and tilt it from its position. Note: DO NOT remove a fully loaded wine rack; just remove bottles as necessary.

Follow these guidelines for storing food in the freezer compartment of your HOTPOINT FFA75:

• You can store fresh food or long-term commercially frozen foods.

• Generally, long-term storage is 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 as soon as possible after buying it.

• Do not store liquid-filled bottles or sealed fizzy drinks in the freezer, as they may burst.

• Lollipops and water ices should not be given to children directly from the freezer, as the low temperature may cause ‘freezer burns’.

• Store ice cream towards the top front of the freezer and remove it 15-30 minutes before serving.

• 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 that is already frozen.

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

STORAGE GUIDE for HOTPOINT FFA75

Frozen Food Storage Capacity	35kg
Maximum Freezing Capacity in 24 hours	12kg
Maximum Conservation Time from Failure	14 hours

The freezer compartments must be used with the drawers.

The storage drawers can be easily removed. Pull the drawer towards you until it reaches its stop position. Hold it securely on both sides, then 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: The freezer drawers can become heavy when fully loaded with food. Care must be taken if attempting to lift or carry a full freezer 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 for the fridge. The fridge compartment of your HOTPOINT FFA75 will defrost automatically. During defrost periods, water droplets form on the interior back wall and refreeze afterwards. WARNING: Ensure that stored food does not come into contact with the interior back wall and that the defrost gutter drain hole is kept clear.

Freezer Compartment (Frost Free)

The frost-free system in your HOTPOINT FFA75 completely eliminates the need for defrosting. A fan circulates air around the freezer, which helps to remove moisture and prevent the build-up of ice. It is normal to hear the fan when the freezer is cooling.

Additional benefits of the frost-free system include:

• More even temperatures throughout the freezer.

• Faster cooling times.

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

Interior Cleaning

We recommend you use a straw to keep the defrost gutter drain hole clear of any blockage. DO NOT use sharp metal tools which could cause damage.

WARNING: Do not use abrasive powder, household cleaner, bleach, or wax polish to clean the interior.

1. Remove stored food and place it into insulated containers to keep it cool/frozen.

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

3. Wipe the interiors and fittings with a clean cloth wrung out in a solution of one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to one pint of water.

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

Exterior Cleaning

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 powders, cleaner, or bleach.

2. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dust from underneath the appliance and from the compressor and condenser at the back. WARNING: Do not 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. WARNING: Do not use detergent, as it will damage the seals.

If you are going away and don’t want to use your HOTPOINT FFA75, switch off the electricity supply, pull out the mains plug, remove all food, and follow the cleaning instructions. Note: Leave the doors ajar to prevent an accumulation of odours.

Alternatively, if you want to keep your freezer running but empty the fridge, you can set the holiday mode on your HOTPOINT FFA75. See the CONTROLS section for instructions.

WARNING: Switch off the electricity supply and pull out the mains plug before changing the bulb.

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.

You will need a selection of small tools (screwdrivers, spanners etc.) to perform a door reversal. WARNING: Switch off electrical supply and pull out the mains plug before starting. Remove all door furniture and loose items from inside the appliance.

Remove Top Door

1. Open the door as wide as possible.

2. Support the door and, using a screwdriver, remove the screw securing the top hinge. (You may require assistance).

3. Lower the top hinge and carefully tilt the door to remove the top hinge from the cabinet. Lift the door off the centre hinge.

4. Remove the top hinge from the door.

Remove Lower Door

5. Open the lower door and while supporting it, remove the spacing washers and pin from the centre bracket. Note which way up the pin is fitted. (You may require assistance).

6. Lift the door off the bottom hinge.

7. Take the two screw covers off the centre hinge.

8. Unscrew the two screws to remove the centre hinge.

9. Remove any spacing washers fitted to the bottom hinge and store them safely.

Reposition Bottom Hinge

10. Lay the appliance on its back on packaging or a suitable substitute. Ensure pipework is not damaged. Be careful that the appliance does not run away from you when the wheels touch the floor. (You may require assistance).

11. Unscrew the foot and hinge bracket from the bottom right. Unscrew the foot and footplate from the bottom left. Refit the hinge bracket and footplate to the opposite sides. Screw in the feet until they project approximately 35mm. Lift the appliance onto its feet. Refit the spacing washers.

Door Handle Reversal (for HOTPOINT FFA75 model)

12. Remove the hole plugs from the right hand side of the door.

13. Unscrew the handle fixing screws and carefully remove the handle from the door.

14. Turn the handle vertically, top to bottom and place against the right hand side.

15. Secure the handle in place with the original fixing screw.

16. Use the hole plugs to fill the holes on the left.

Refit Lower Door

17. Take off the two screw covers from the left-hand centre panel and remove the two screws. Fit these screws and covers over on the right-hand side.

18. Fit the centre hinge on the left-hand side with the original screws and cover them.

19. Using a thin blunt instrument, remove the hinge bush cap from the top left of the lower door and fit it on the top right.

20. Place the lower door onto the lower hinge pin. (You may require assistance).

21. Offer the door up to the centre hinge. Put the hinge pin through the centre hinge, ensuring it locates into the door and is positioned the right way up.

Refit Top Door

22. Using a thin blunt instrument, remove the hinge bush cap from the top left of the door and refit it on the top right.

23. Replace the spacing washers onto the centre hinge bracket.

24. Place the top door hinge onto the top left of the door, slide the door onto the centre hinge pin. Support the door while screwing the top hinge into position. Ensure the hinge bracket locates correctly. (You may require assistance).

25. If necessary, slacken the screws on the centre hinge pin and adjust the doors so they line up with the cabinet.

26. Adjust the front feet for levelling.

Note: Let the appliance stand upright in its final location for at least 15 minutes before plugging in and switching on the electricity supply.

If your HOTPOINT FFA75 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 FFA75 is making a lot of noise, please check the following:

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. Refer to the ‘OPERATING SOUNDS’ section to see if the noise is a normal sound for the appliance.

If the temperature in your HOTPOINT FFA75 is too warm, please check the following:

1. Turn the relevant temperature control wheel to a higher number. See the CONTROLS section.

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

3. Check that there is enough ventilation around the fridge freezer.

4. Check that the doors have been closed properly.

These are the normal types of sound that your HOTPOINT FFA75 fridge freezer will make:

• Buzzing or humming: The motor (compressor) makes this sound when it is running. It can be louder when first switched on and will reduce over the first few months.

• Gurgling, bubbling, roaring or humming: These noises are caused by the refrigerant gases flowing through the pipes.

• Cracking: Expansion and contraction of parts inside the fridge freezer can produce a cracking noise as they rapidly change temperature.

• Whirring or buzzing: The circulating fan in the freezer can make this sound as it blows cold air around the compartment.

The red food defrost alert light is a warning that the freezer has warmed up to an unsafe level, potentially causing food to defrost.

If you have had a power cut: The light coming on means the power cut was long enough for food to start defrosting. This food should either be cooked and eaten within 24 hours, cooked and then refrozen, or thrown away. The light can be cancelled by pressing the button beside it.

If you haven’t had a power cut: If you switch your freezer off and empty it, or allow it to warm up, the food defrost alert light will come on when you turn the freezer on again. If there is no food inside to defrost, press the button beside the light to cancel it.

The holiday mode setting on your HOTPOINT FFA75 can only be set when the fridge door is closed. Opening the door or pressing any other button on the control panel will turn holiday mode off. Please see the CONTROLS section for details on how to set the holiday mode correctly.

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

If you find water beneath the salad bin and on the floor, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

1. The defrost gutter drain hole is covered or blocked. Please see the ‘Cleaning’ section in your manual for instructions on how to clear it.

2. Something inside the fridge has come into contact with the interior back wall, obstructing the flow of condensation to the drain hole.

WARNING: Do not open the freezer compartment door.

If the power failure lasts longer than the maximum conservation time (14 hours for the HOTPOINT FFA75), frozen food will have started to defrost. When mains power is restored, the food defrost alert light will be lit. This warning light indicates that stored food has started to defrost and should either be cooked and eaten within 24 hours, cooked and refrozen, or thrown away.