Kenmore Chest Freezer - Use & Care Guide

This guide provides essential information for the safe operation, maintenance, and care of your Kenmore Chest Freezer. Please read and save these instructions before operating your appliance.

Record Model/Serial Numbers

Please record your model and serial numbers below for future reference. This information is typically found on the left exterior wall of chest models.

Model Number: 111.

Serial Number:

Date of Purchase:

Important Safety Instructions

Safety items throughout this manual are labeled with a Danger, Warning, or Caution based on the risk type.

Definitions

! (Safety Alert Symbol): Used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
IMPORTANT: Indicates installation, operation, or maintenance information that is important but not hazard-related.

Safety Precautions

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
Do not operate the unit in the presence of explosive fumes.
Remove and discard any spacers used to secure the basket during shipping. Small objects are a choke hazard to children.
Remove all staples from the carton. Staples can cause severe cuts and also destroy finishes.

Child Safety

Destroy or recycle the carton, plastic bags, and any exterior wrapping material immediately after the unit is unpacked. Children should never use these items to play.

Proper Disposal of Your Appliance

DANGER: Risk of child entrapment! Before throwing away your old unit:

Remove lid.
Leave basket in place within freezer so children may not easily climb inside.
Have refrigerant removed by a qualified service technician.

Refrigerant Information

Your old unit may have a cooling system that used CFCs or HCFCs. CFCs and HCFCs are believed to harm stratospheric ozone if released to the atmosphere. If you are throwing away your old unit, make sure the refrigerant is removed for proper disposal by a qualified technician.

Electrical Information

The unit must be plugged into its own dedicated 10 amp, 115 Volt, 60 Hz. AC only electric outlet.
The power cord is equipped with a three-prong grounding plug for your protection against shock hazards. It must be plugged directly into a properly grounded three-prong receptacle.
Do not use an extension cord or adapter plug.
Immediately repair or replace any power cord that becomes frayed or damaged.
Never unplug the appliance by pulling on the power cord. Always grip the plug firmly, and pull straight out from the receptacle.
Unplug the appliance before cleaning and before defrosting to avoid electrical shock.
Performance may be affected if the voltage varies by 10% or more.
Do not plug the unit into an outlet controlled by a wall switch or pull cord.
Avoid connecting unit to a Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor (GFCI).

Grounding type wall receptacle: Do not, under any circumstances, cut, remove, or bypass the grounding prong.

Power cord with 3-prong grounded plug

First Steps

Installation

Choose a place that is near a grounded electrical outlet. Do Not use an extension cord or an adapter plug.
For the most efficient operation, the freezer should be located where surrounding temperatures will not exceed 110°F (43°C). Temperatures of 32°F (0°C) and below will NOT affect freezer operation.
Allow space around the unit for good air circulation. Leave a 4-inch (101.6 mm) space on all sides of the freezer for adequate circulation.

Leveling

The freezer must have all bottom corners resting firmly on a solid floor. The floor must be strong enough to support a fully loaded freezer. If needed, add metal or wood shims between foot pads and floor.

NOTE: It is Very Important for your freezer to be level in order to function properly. If the freezer is not leveled during installation, the lid may be misaligned and not close or seal properly, causing cooling, frost, or moisture problems.

Cleaning

Wash any removable parts, the freezer interior, and exterior with mild detergent and warm water. Wipe dry. Do not use harsh cleaners on these surfaces.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp instruments, which can scratch the appliance surface when removing adhesive labels. Any glue left from the tape can be removed with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, or touch the residue with the sticky side of tape already removed. Do not remove the serial plate.

Energy Saving Ideas

The freezer should be located in the coolest area of the room, away from heat producing appliances or heating ducts, and out of direct sunlight.
Let hot foods cool to room temperature before placing in the freezer. Overloading the freezer forces the compressor to run longer. Foods that freeze too slowly may lose quality or spoil.
Be sure to wrap foods properly, and wipe containers dry before placing them in the freezer. This cuts down on frost build-up inside the freezer.
Freezer shelves should not be lined with aluminum foil, wax paper, or paper toweling. Liners interfere with cold air circulation, making the freezer less efficient.
Organize and label food to reduce lid openings and extended searches. Remove as many items as needed at one time, and close the lid as soon as possible.

Freezer Use

To turn the freezer on, plug the power cord into a properly grounded 3 prong electrical outlet. The green Power On light located on the temperature control will illuminate.
For safe food storage, allow four hours after plugging in for the freezer to cool down completely. The freezer will run continuously for the first several hours. Foods that are already frozen may be placed in the freezer after the first few hours of operation. Unfrozen foods should NOT be loaded into the freezer until the freezer has operated for four hours.
When loading the freezer, freeze only three pounds of fresh food per cubic foot of freezer space at one time. Distribute packages to be frozen evenly throughout the freezer.

Temperature Control

The temperature control is located on the front exterior wall. There are 8 positions on the control dial. Position 8 is the coldest and 1 is the least cold setting.
The Recommended Setting, indicated on the dial midway between positions 4 and 5, should provide optimum frozen food storage within normal operating conditions in most situations.
If a colder temperature is desired, turn the temperature control knob toward position 8. For a less cold temperature, turn the dial toward 1. Adjust the temperature gradually, in small increments, and allow several hours for temperatures to stabilize between adjustments.

Power On Light

The green Power On light indicates that the freezer is properly connected to electrical power. The light glows even when the temperature control is turned to OFF. If the light goes out, refer to Freezer does not run section in the Troubleshooting Guide. If the freezer appears to be operating, the light element may be burned out. To schedule light element replacement, call 1-844-553-6667.

Special Features

Defrost Drain

The defrost drain provides a method of draining the water during defrosting and cleaning. See Defrosting in Care & Cleaning section.

Wheels

The right side of the freezer is equipped with wheels so that you can roll the freezer into location. Raise up the left side of the freezer to push the freezer along on the wheels. CAUTION: Obtain the aid of an assistant if the freezer feels too heavy for you to safely lift it up on its left side.

Freezer Lid Handle

The freezer lid has a built-in handle to aid in the raising and lowering of the lid.

CAUTION: Be careful when the freezer lid is raised that it doesn't close on you while you are inserting or removing items.

Storage Basket

The convenient top storage basket for smaller items hangs on the front and back edges of the freezer compartment.

Care & Cleaning

Between Defrostings

To avoid frequent defrosting, occasionally use a plastic scraper to remove frost. Scrape with a pulling motion. Never use a metal instrument to remove frost.

Defrosting

WARNING: DO NOT use a sharp or metallic instrument to remove frost from the refrigerator interior, as damage to refrigerant tubing (located behind interior walls) may occur. Tubing damage may allow flammable refrigerant gas leakage, which can result in personal injury.

It is important to defrost and clean the freezer when ¼ to ½ inch of frost has accumulated. Frost may tend to accumulate faster on the upper part of freezer due to warm, moist air entering when lid is opened. Always unplug freezer, remove food and leave lid open when defrosting.

If frost is soft, remove by using a plastic scraper (included). If frost is glazed and hard, place a shallow pan beneath the drain outlet at front of freezer (Fig. 1). Pull the drain outlet plug forward enough to expose the drain hole in the plug shaft (Fig. 1). Rotate plug so that hole faces straight down. The arrow on the plug will also face straight down (Fig. 2).

Use a thin bladed tool to carefully pry up and remove the drain plug inside the freezer (Fig. 4). Defrost water will drain out through the hole in the outside drain plug (Fig. 3). Check pan occasionally so water does not overflow.

Replace the drain plugs when defrosting and cleaning are completed. If the drain is left open, warm air may enter the freezer.

Cleaning the Inside

After defrosting, wash inside surfaces of the freezer with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda in one quart (1.1 liters) warm water. Rinse and dry. Wring excess water out of the sponge or cloth when cleaning in the area of the controls, or any electrical parts.

Wash the removable parts and baskets with the baking soda solution mentioned above, or mild detergent and warm water. Rinse and dry. Never use metallic scouring pads, brushes, abrasive cleaners, or alkaline solutions on any surface. Do not wash removable parts in a dishwasher.

NOTE: If unit is turned off or unplugged for several hours, do not open freezer lid unnecessarily. This will maintain the coldest temperature inside and reduce the recovery time to desired temperature once the unit is turned back on.

Cleaning the Outside

Wash the cabinet with warm water and mild liquid detergent. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.

Vacation and Moving Tips

WARNING: If leaving the freezer lid open while on vacation, make certain that children cannot get into the freezer and become entrapped.

Short Vacations: Leave the freezer operating during vacations of less than three weeks.
Long Vacations: If the freezer will not be used for several months: Remove all food and unplug the power cord. Clean and dry the interior thoroughly. Leave the freezer lid open slightly, blocking it open if necessary, to prevent odor and mold growth.
Moving: When moving the freezer, follow these guidelines to prevent damage: Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet. Remove foods, then defrost, and clean the freezer. Secure all loose items such as base panel, baskets, and shelves by taping them securely in place to prevent damage. In a moving vehicle, secure freezer in an upright position to prevent movement. Also protect outside of freezer with a blanket, or similar item.

Power Failure/Freezer Failure

If a power failure occurs, frozen foods will stay frozen for at least 24 hours if the freezer is kept closed. If the power failure continues, pack seven or eight pounds of dry ice into the freezer every 24 hours. Look in the Yellow Pages under Dry Ice, Dairies, or Ice Cream manufacturers for local dry ice suppliers. Always wear gloves and use caution when handling dry ice.

If the freezer has stopped operating, see Freezer does not run in the Troubleshooting Guide. If you cannot solve the problem, call an authorized servicer immediately. If the freezer remains off for several hours, follow the directions above for the use of dry ice during a power failure. If necessary, take the food to a local locker plant until the freezer is ready to operate. Look in the Yellow Pages under Frozen Food Locker Plants.

Before You Call

PROBLEM	POTENTIAL CAUSE	COMMON SOLUTION
Freezer does not run.	1. Freezer is plugged into a circuit that has a ground fault interrupt. 2. Temperature control is in the OFF position. 3. Freezer may not be plugged in or plug may be loose. 4. House fuse blown or tripped circuit breaker. 5. Power outage.	1. Use another circuit. If you are unsure about the outlet, have it checked by a certified electrician. 2. See Setting the Temperature Control Section. 3. Ensure plug is tightly pushed into outlet. 4. Check house fuse or circuit breaker. 5. Check house lights. Call local Electric Company.
Freezer runs too much or too long.	1. Room or outside weather is hot. 2. Freezer has recently been disconnected for a period of time. 3. Large amounts of warm or hot food have been stored recently. 4. Lid is opened too frequently or too long. 5. Lid may be slightly open. 6. Temperature Control is set too low. 7. Freezer gasket is dirty, worn, cracked, or poorly fitted.	1. It is normal for the freezer to work harder under these conditions. 2. It takes 4 hours for the freezer to cool down completely. 3. Warm food will cause freezer to run more until the desired temperature is reached. 4. Warm air entering the freezer causes it to run more. Open lid less often. 5. See Lid Will Not Close in this Before You Call Section. 6. Turn control knob to a warmer setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize. 7. Clean or change gasket. Leaks in the lid seal will cause freezer to run longer in order to maintain desired temperature.
Interior Freezer temperature is too cold.	Temperature Control is set too cold.	Turn the control to a warmer setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize.
Interior Freezer temperature is too warm.	1. Temperature Control is set too warm. 2. Lid is kept open too long, or is opened too frequently. 3. Lid may not be seating properly. 4. Large amounts of warm or hot food may have been stored recently. 5. Freezer has recently been disconnected for a period of time.	1. Turn control to a colder setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize. 2. Warm air enters the freezer every time the lid is opened. Open the lid less often. 3. See Lid Will Not Close in this Before You Call section. 4. Wait until the freezer has had a chance to reach its selected temperature. 5. Freezer requires 4 hours to cool down completely.
Freezer external surface temperature is warm.	The external freezer walls can be as much as 30°F warmer than room temperature.	This is normal while the compressor works to transfer heat from inside the freezer cabinet.
Louder sound levels whenever freezer is on.	Modern freezers have increased storage capacity and more stable temperatures. They require a high efficiency compressor.	This is normal. When the surrounding noise level is low, you might hear the compressor running while it cools the interior.
Longer sound periods when compressor comes on.	Freezer operates at higher pressures during the start of the ON cycle.	This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as freezer continues to run.
Popping or cracking sound when compressor comes on.	Metal parts undergo expansion and contraction, as in hot water pipes.	This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as freezer continues to run.
Bubbling or gurgling sound, like water boiling.	Refrigerant (used to cool freezer) is circulating throughout the system.	This is normal.
Vibrating or rattling noise.	1. Freezer is not level. It rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly. 2. Floor is uneven or weak. Freezer rocks on floor when it is moved slightly. 3. Freezer is touching the wall.	1. Level the unit. Refer to Leveling in the First Steps section of this Use & Care Guide. 2. Ensure floor can adequately support freezer. 3. Move freezer slightly. Refer to Leveling in the First Steps section after moving if necessary.
Moisture forms on inside freezer walls.	1. Weather is hot and humid, which increases internal rate of frost build-up. 2. Lid may not be seating properly. 3. Lid is kept open too long, or is opened too frequently.	1. This is normal. 2. See Lid Will Not Close in this Before You Call section. 3. Open the lid less often.
Moisture forms on outside of freezer.	Lid may not be seating properly, causing the cold air from inside the freezer to meet warm moist air from outside.	See Lid Will Not Close in this Before You Call section.
Odors in freezer.	1. Interior needs to be cleaned. 2. Foods with strong odors are in the freezer.	1. Clean interior with sponge, warm water, and baking soda. 2. Cover the food tightly.
Lid will not close.	1. Freezer is not level. It rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly. 2. Floor is uneven or weak. Freezer rocks on floor when it is moved slightly.	1. This condition can force the cabinet out of square and misalign the lid and lid seal. Refer to Leveling in the First Steps section of this Use & Care Guide. 2. Consult the “Nivelación” in the section Primeros pasos.

Kenmore Limited Warranty

With proof of original sale, the following warranty coverage applies when this appliance is correctly installed, operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions.

One Year on Appliance

For one year from the date of original sale, this appliance is warranted against defects in material or workmanship. A defective appliance will receive free repair. If the appliance cannot be repaired, it will be replaced free of charge.

Lifetime on Storage Bins

For as long as it is used from the date of original sale, a free replacement will be supplied for a defective refrigerator or freezer compartment storage bin.* If the defect appears within the first year, a new bin will be installed at no charge. If the defect appears after the first year, a new bin will be supplied but not installed at no charge. This Lifetime warranty covers only storage bins, and does not apply to any other related component or mechanism. You are responsible for the labor cost of bin installation after the first year from the date of original sale. *Warranty coverage applies to door bins, drawer bins and basket bins. Defects must be verified by a Sears authorized service representative.

For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, visit the web page: www.kenmore.com/warranty

All warranty coverage applies for only 90 DAYS from the date of original sale if this appliance is ever used for other than private household purposes.

This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship, and will NOT pay for:

Expendable items that can wear out from normal use, including but not limited to filters, belts, bags or screw-in base light bulbs.
A service technician to clean or maintain this appliance, or to instruct the user in correct appliance installation, operation and maintenance.
Service calls to correct appliance installation not performed by Sears authorized service agents, or to repair problems with house fuses, circuit breakers, house wiring, and plumbing or gas supply systems resulting from such installation.
Damage to or failure of this appliance resulting from installation not performed by Sears authorized service agents, including installation that was not in accord with electrical, gas or plumbing codes.
Damage to or failure of this appliance, including discoloration or surface rust, if it is not correctly operated and maintained according to all supplied instructions.
Damage to or failure of this appliance, including discoloration or surface rust, resulting from accident, alteration, abuse, misuse or use for other than its intended purpose.
Damage to or failure of this appliance, including discoloration or surface rust, caused by the use of detergents, cleaners, chemicals or utensils other than those recommended in all instructions supplied with the product.
Damage or failure of parts or systems resulting from unauthorized modifications made to this appliance.
Service to an appliance if the model and serial plate is missing, altered, or cannot easily be determined to have the appropriate certification logo.

Disclaimer of implied warranties; limitation of remedies

Customer's sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty shall be product repair or replacement as provided herein. Implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year on the appliance and for as long as used on the storage bins, or the shortest period allowed by law. Seller shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitation on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so these exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.

This warranty applies only while this appliance is used in the United States. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Transform SR Brands Management LLC, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Customer Care Hotline

To schedule in-home repair service or order replacement parts:

1-844-553-6667

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