Freezing fresh food
The 4-star compartment ( ) is suitable for long term storage of commercially frozen food and for freezing fresh food. To freeze fresh foods it is not necessary to change the setting of the thermostat knob. However, for a quicker freezing operation, turn the thermostat knob to the coldest setting; but remember that, in this condition, the refrigerator compartment temperature might drop below 0°C. If this occurs reset thermostat knob to a warmer setting. To help you make the most of the freezing process, here are some important hints: the maximum quantity of food which can be frozen in 24 hrs. is shown on the rating plate; the freezing process takes 24 hours. No further food to be frozen should be added during this period; only freeze top quality, fresh and thoroughly cleaned, foodstuffs; prepare food in small portions to enable it to be rapidly and completely frozen and to make it possible subsequently to thaw only the quantity required; wrap up the food in aluminium foil or polythene and make sure that the packages are airtight; do not allow fresh, unfrozen food to touch food which is already frozen, thus avoiding a rise in temperature of the latter; lean foods store better and longer than fatty ones; salt reduces the storage life of food; water ices, if consumed immediately after removal from the freezer compartment, can possibly cause the skin to be freeze burnt; it is advisable to show the freezing-in date on each individual pack to enable you to keep tab of the storage time; on the inner door or special card (if supplied) you will �nd sketches of various animals and food types together with the recommended storage time (in months) from the time of freezing; do not put carbonated liquids (�zzy drinks, etc.) in the freezing compartment as they may burst.
Storage of frozen food
The compartment marked is suitable for long-term storage of frozen and deep-frozen food. When �rst starting-up or after a period out of use, before putting the products in the compartment let the appliance run for at least two hours on the coldest setting, then turn the thermostat knob to the normal operating position. To obtain the best performance from this appliance, you should: make sure that the commercially frozen foodstuffs were adequately stored by the retailer; be sure that frozen foodstuffs are transferred from the foodstore to the freezer in the shortest possible time; not open the door frequently or leave it open longer than absolutely necessary. Once defrosted, food deteriorates rapidly and cannot be refrozen. Do not exceed the storage period indicated by the producer of the food.
Important If there is a power failure when food is in the freezer, do not open the door of the freezer compartment. The frozen food will not be affected if the power cut is of short duration (up to 6-8 hours) and the freezer compartment is full, otherwise, it is recommended that the food should be used within a short time (a temperature increase of the frozen food shortens its safe storage period).
Thawing
Deep-frozen or frozen food, prior to being used, can be thawed in the refrigerator compartment or at room temperature, depending on the time available for this operation. Small pieces may even be cooked still frozen, directly from the freezer: in this case, cooking will take longer.
