HOTPOINT FFM64 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

To ensure your HOTPOINT FFM64 fridge freezer runs reliably and efficiently, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a location. Select a location for your fridge freezer that is away from any heat sources. Ensure there is adequate ventilation, allowing for a 100mm (4 inch) gap above the appliance.

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

Step 3: Level the appliance. Adjust the front feet to level the fridge freezer. This prevents rocking or vibration and helps keep the door aligned.

Step 4: Let it settle. 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. Allow the fridge freezer to cool down before placing any food inside. The high-temperature light will remain on until the appliance has cooled. 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 inside, remember to turn the fast freeze function off after 24 hours. If you forget, it will automatically cancel after 48 hours.

Step 7: Check operation. 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 regarding your HOTPOINT FFM64:

General Safety:

• 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 gas leak, do not switch on the fridge freezer. 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 any 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 they may damage the fridge 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 this booklet to the new owner.

Locate your HOTPOINT FFM64 away from heat sources like cookers, radiators, and direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures will affect its performance.

For proper air circulation, 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 FFM64 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) on the hinge side will allow for easy removal of internal furniture (shelves, drawers).

• If preferred, you can position the appliance without a gap. This will restrict how far the door can be opened, but the furniture can still be removed.

The door hinge side can be changed by following the ‘Door Reversal’ instructions.

Level your HOTPOINT FFM64 when it is in its final location by adjusting the front feet 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.

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, the wires in the mains lead are coloured according to the following code:

• Green/Yellow: Earth

• Blue: Neutral

• Brown: Live

Wire the plug as shown in the diagram in the manual. WARNING: To avoid a shock hazard do not insert a discarded plug into a socket anywhere else.

Changing the Mains Lead: This appliance is fitted with a special mains lead. If it needs to be replaced due to damage, 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 should be 5°C or colder. The normal set point is marked by a 3 on the dial. To adjust, use a coin to turn the 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 freezer temperature. The internal temperature should be -18°C or colder. The normal set point is marked by a 3 on the dial. To adjust, use a coin to turn the wheel:

• Clockwise (higher number): Colder

• Anti-clockwise (lower number): Warmer

Important: 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.

There are amber and red indicator lights on your HOTPOINT FFM64 that indicate different functions and warnings.

Amber Lights (Functions Selected):

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

Red Lights (Temperature Warnings):

• 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 also come on for a short period when opening the freezer door to load or unload food.

The bottom compartment drawer should be used to freeze fresh food. When freezing, transfer already frozen food to one of the upper drawers.

• 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 to freeze the food as quickly as possible.

Note: Don’t forget to turn fast freeze off after 24 hours from the introduction of fresh food to be frozen. However, fast freeze will turn off automatically after 48 hours if you do forget.

The maximum freezing capacity for the HOTPOINT FFM64 in 24 hours is 8kg.

Pre-Freeze chart when selecting Fast Freeze:

Model	Load for freezing	Pre-freeze time	Load position
FFA64/FFM64/FFA84/FFM84	6 to 8kg max.	24 hours	In the bottom drawer.
FFA64/FFM64/FFA84/FFM84	2 to 6kg	12 hours	In the bottom drawer.
All	up to 2kg	not required	In the bottom drawer.

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

To ensure your HOTPOINT FFM64 fridge freezer operates as efficiently as possible, always use the handle provided to open the door and follow these tips:

• Follow food packaging “best before/use by” instructions or your supplier’s advice on a suitable maximum storage time.

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

• Select chilled and frozen food last when shopping, transport in a ‘cool bag’, and place 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 this reduces efficiency.

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

• Ensure that packets/containers of food are dry before freezing; otherwise, they may freeze together.

For best results, store food correctly within your HOTPOINT FFM64 fridge:

• 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 from dripping juices.

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

• Bring cheese to room temperature before consuming.

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

• 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.

Use the different storage zones for a wide variety of food items:

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).

Commodity and Bottle Racks (in the door):

These can be repositioned to suit your storage requirements. To remove, lift the rack vertically to release it from the 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 storage space, reposition shelves to suit the various heights of items you wish to store. To remove, ensure the door is fully open, then slide the shelf forward and tilt it from its position.

Split glass shelf (not applicable to all models):

This shelf can be used as a standard 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.

The salad bins are for storing fruit, vegetables, and salad items. When storing vegetables, remove unusable leaves and soil. Leave lettuce, cabbage, and cauliflower on the stem. It is advisable to clean the salad bin regularly; it can be removed by sliding it out from its position.

Note: Care must be taken to ensure that the salad bin is pushed in fully before shutting the fridge door.

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

• Generally, long-term storage means up to 3 months, but this can vary. Always follow your supplier’s recommendations or refer to 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.

• 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 in the CONTROLS section.

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

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

STORAGE GUIDE for HOTPOINT FFM64:

Frozen Food Storage Capacity	23kg
Maximum Freezing Capacity in 24 hours	8kg
Maximum Conservation Time from Failure	14 hours

The freezer compartments must be used with the drawers. Food can be separated into different storage drawers for easy identification.

To remove a drawer, pull it towards you until it reaches its stop position. Hold it securely on both sides, lift the front of the drawer to release it, and then remove.

Ensure that the frozen food storage drawers are pushed back fully before closing the freezer door.

WARNING: The freezer drawers can become heavy when fully loaded. 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. The fridge compartment will defrost automatically. During defrost periods, water droplets form on the interior back wall of your fridge 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 completely eliminates the need for defrosting. A fan circulates air around the freezer, which helps to remove moisture from the compartment, preventing 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 and faster cooling times.

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

Interior Cleaning:

• Note: 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; they will leave a smell.

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

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

3. 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 diluted sterilising fluid.

4. Dry interior compartments thoroughly with a clean cloth before replacing fittings and food.

Note: It is important to ensure that cleaned shelves, racks, drawers, and bins are thoroughly dried before refitting.

Exterior Cleaning:

• 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.

• Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dust from underneath the fridge freezer 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. WARNING: Do not use detergent, as it will damage the seals.

Going Away:

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 food and follow the cleaning instructions. Note: Leave the doors ajar to prevent an accumulation of odours.

Changing the Light Bulb:

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

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.

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

4. Refit the lamp guard.

5. Plug in and switch on the electrical supply.

WARNING: Switch off the electrical supply and pull out the mains plug before starting. You will need a selection of small tools like screwdrivers and spanners. Remove all door furniture and loose items from inside the fridge freezer.

Remove Top Door:

1. Open the door as wide as possible.

2. Support the door and remove the screw securing the top hinge.

3. Lower the top hinge and carefully tilt the door to remove it 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).

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 from the bottom hinge and store safely.

Relocate Bottom Hinge:

10. Lay the appliance on its back on packaging or a suitable substitute, ensuring the pipework is not damaged. Be careful that it does not run away when the wheels touch the floor.

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

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 with the original covers.

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.

21. Offer the door up to the centre hinge. Put the hinge pin through the centre hinge and ensure it locates into the door. Check the hinge pin 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 and slide the door onto the centre hinge pin. Support the door while screwing the top hinge into position, ensuring the hinge bracket locates correctly.

Final Adjustments:

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 FFM64 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 FFM64 is making a lot of noise, 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. Refer to the ‘OPERATING SOUNDS OF A FRIDGE FREEZER’ section to see if the noise is normal.

Normal sounds include:

• A buzzing or humming sound from the motor (compressor), which can be louder when first switched on and reduces over the first few months.

• Gurgling, bubbling, roaring, or humming noises from gases flowing through the pipes.

• A cracking noise from the expansion and contraction of parts as they change temperature.

• A whirring or buzzing sound from the circulating fan in the freezer.

If the temperature inside your HOTPOINT FFM64 is too warm, try the following:

1. Turn the relevant control wheel to a higher number to make it colder. 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 inside your HOTPOINT FFM64 is too cold, turn the relevant control wheel to a lower number. Refer to the CONTROLS section for details.

There are a few reasons the red high temperature warning light might stay on:

1. Has the fridge freezer just been installed? If so, this is normal. 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? Ensure both doors are fully closed.

The amber fast freeze indicator light is on because the fast freeze function has been 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 then try again.

If you find water under the salad bin or on the floor, check the following:

1. Check that the defrost gutter drain hole is not covered or blocked. Refer to the ‘Cleaning’ section for how to clear it.

2. Check that nothing has come into contact with the interior back wall of the fridge, as this can divert condensation away from the drain hole.

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

1. Check if the bulb is screwed in correctly.

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

If ice is building up rapidly inside the fridge compartment, check these possible causes:

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 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 FFM64), frozen food will have started to defrost. Stored food has started to defrost and should either be cooked and eaten within 24 hours, cooked and refrozen, or thrown away.