HOTPOINT FFM84 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

To ensure your HOTPOINT FFM84 fridge freezer runs reliably and efficiently, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a location for your fridge freezer away from any heat sources. Allow for adequate ventilation, which means a 100mm (4 inch) gap above the appliance.

Step 2: Move the fridge freezer into its position using the sides of the cabinet. Be careful to avoid damaging 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 the system to settle.

Step 5: Plug in and switch on the appliance. Allow it to cool down before placing any food inside. The high temperature light will remain on until the fridge freezer has cooled sufficiently. 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 you place the food inside. After placing the fresh food inside, remember to turn ‘fast freeze’ off after another 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 expect, please refer to the Troubleshooting section.

For your safety when using the HOTPOINT FFM84, please read the following advice:

The cooling system contains a small amount of gas that is environmentally friendly but flammable. To avoid any risk:

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

• Be careful 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. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room.

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

• Do not use any 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 your HOTPOINT FFM84:

• 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 your HOTPOINT FFM84:

• 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.

Location & Air Circulation:

Locate your HOTPOINT FFM84 away from heat sources like cookers, radiators, and direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures will affect its performance. 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.

Minimum space required to open door:

The fridge freezer needs a space of 600mm (24 inches) in front to allow the door to open fully. When positioning it next to a unit, a gap of 30mm (1¼ inch) can be left at the hinge side to allow for easy removal of internal furniture. If a gap is not left, it will restrict how far the door can be opened, but furniture can still be removed.

Levelling:

Level the fridge freezer 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.

Bottle Retainer (not applicable to all models):

To fit the bottle rack retainer, 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:

Cut off and dispose of the supplied plug if it does not fit your socket. WARNING: To avoid a shock hazard do not insert the discarded plug into a socket anywhere else.

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

• Green/Yellow: Earth

• Blue: Neutral

• Brown: Live

If you change the plug, ensure you wire it as shown above, as the colour of wires may not correspond with the markings in your plug.

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 Temperature of the Fridge Compartment:

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 control wheel:

• Clockwise (higher number): Colder

• Anti-clockwise (lower number): Warmer

Temperature Indicator (not applicable to all models):

Located on the bottom right-hand side of the fridge wall, this indicator shows if the compartment is at the correct temperature. After plugging in, wait 24 hours for the temperature to stabilise. The indicator should clearly show ‘OK’. If it is completely black, the temperature is too high, and you should adjust the control wheel to a colder setting. After adjusting, wait a minimum of 10 hours before checking the indicator again.

Controlling the Temperature of the Freezer Compartment:

The right-hand control wheel adjusts the freezer temperature. The ideal 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 control wheel:

• Clockwise (higher number): Colder

• Anti-clockwise (lower number): Warmer

Note: 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 temperature will not be maintained.

There are two amber lights for selected functions:

• 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.

There are two red lights that warn of a temperature rise in the freezer:

• Red high temperature warning light: This comes on when the fridge freezer is first switched on or when the internal temperature rises above the correct storage temperature. It will go out once the compartment returns to its normal temperature. It may also come on for a short period after opening the door to load food or after a power cut.

• Red food defrost alert light: This light also comes on when mains power is restored after a power cut, warning that the freezer temperature has risen to an unsafe level, potentially causing partial defrosting of food. If this light is ON, stored food should be 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. Transfer already frozen food 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 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.

Maximum freezing capacity in 24 hours:

• FFA76/FFM76/FFA75/FFA74/FFM74: 12kg

• FFA84/FFM84/FFA64/FFM64: 8kg

Pre-Freeze chart when selecting Fast Freeze:

Model	Load for freezing	Pre-freeze time	Load position
FFA76, FFM76, FFA75, FFA74, FFM74	8 to 12kg max.	24 hours	In the bottom drawer.
FFA64, FFM64, FFA84, FFM84	6 to 8kg max.	24 hours
FFA76, FFM76, FFA75, FFA74, FFM74	6 to 8kg	12 hours
FFA64, FFM64, FFA84, FFM84	2 to 6kg	12 hours
FFA76, FFM76, FFA75, FFA74, FFM74	2 to 6kg	6 hours
All	up to 2kg	not required	In the bottom drawer.

The Holiday Function allows you to set your fridge compartment to a warmer setting while you are away to reduce 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 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. The holiday button works independently of the fridge temperature control wheel.

To ensure your fridge freezer operates as efficiently as possible:

• Follow food packaging “best before/use by” instructions.

• 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.

• Prepare fresh foods for freezing in small quantities to ensure quick freezing and maintain quality.

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

Use the different storage zones inside your fridge 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).

General tips for storing food in the 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.

• 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 contacts the back of the fridge or covers the defrost gutter drain hole.

Commodity and Bottle Racks (in the door):

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

Egg Rack (not applicable to all models):

This can be used with any commodity rack and is easily removed for cleaning. Note: Wipe, don’t wash eggs.

Adjusting Shelves (in the main compartment):

To remove a shelf, ensure the door is fully open. Slide the shelf forward and then tilt it from its position.

Split glass shelf (not applicable to all models):

This 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.

Salad Bins:

Used 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 sliding it out. 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):

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

• 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.

• 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 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 the frozen food could start to defrost.

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

STORAGE GUIDE

	FFA84/FFM84/FFA64/FFM64	FFA76/FFM76/FFA75/FFA74/FFM74
Frozen Food Storage Capacity	23kg	35kg
Maximum Freezing Capacity in 24 hours	8kg	12kg
Maximum Conservation Time from Failure	14 hours	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, lift the front of the drawer to release, and then remove it.

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. 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 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 required):

The fridge compartment defrosts 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 completely eliminates the need for defrosting. A fan circulates air around the freezer, which helps remove moisture and prevent the build-up of ice. It is normal to hear the fan when the freezer is cooling. Additional benefits include more even temperatures and faster cooling times.

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

Interior:

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.

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

2. Remove salad bins, racks, shelves, and drawers. Wash in warm water and washing up liquid using a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly. DO NOT use any cleaning agents on the wine rack; just wipe it with a soft cloth.

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 suitable sterilising fluid, diluted according to instructions.

4. 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:

WARNING: Do not use abrasive powder, household cleaner, or bleach.

1. Use a clean soft cloth wrung out in warm water and washing up liquid to wipe the exterior surface, then dry thoroughly.

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. 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.

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 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, and spanners. WARNING: Switch off the electrical supply and pull out the mains plug before you begin. Remove all door furniture and loose items from inside the appliance.

Remove Top Door:

1. Open the door as wide as possible. (Note: You may require assistance).

2. Support the door and, using a screwdriver, 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. (Note: 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 safely.

Relocate Bottom Hinge:

10. Lay the appliance on its back on packaging or a suitable substitute, ensuring the pipework is not damaged. (Note: You may require assistance).

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

Door Handle Reversal (model FFA75 only):

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

13. Unscrew the handle fixing screws and remove the handle.

14. Turn the handle vertically (top to bottom) and place it against the right-hand side.

15. Secure the handle 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 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. (Note: 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 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. (Note: You may require assistance).

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 fridge freezer is not working, 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 fridge freezer seems 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. Certain sounds are normal for a fridge freezer. The motor (compressor) will make a buzzing or humming sound, which can be louder when first switched on. Gases flowing through pipes can produce gurgling, bubbling, roaring, or humming noises. Expansion and contraction of parts can produce a cracking noise as they change temperature. The circulating fan in the freezer can make a whirring or buzzing sound.

If the temperature is too warm:

1. Turn the relevant control wheel to a higher number (colder setting).

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:

1. Turn the relevant control wheel to a lower number (warmer setting).

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?

The food defrost alert only operates if a power cut has been long enough for the freezer to warm up and start defrosting the food. The freezer insulation will keep food frozen during a short power cut, so the light will not activate.

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, simply press the button beside the light to cancel it.

The amber fast freeze indicator light is on:

This means fast freeze 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.

The amber holiday indicator light is on:

This means holiday mode is selected. Press the holiday button or open the fridge door to cancel this function and return the fridge freezer to normal operation.

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 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.

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 from forming 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), frozen food will have started to defrost. The food defrost alert light 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.