Montpellier Tall Fridge Freezer
Installation & Operating Instructions
Model: MDAS186W
Welcome
Thank you for choosing this Montpellier appliance. Your appliance has been designed to provide you with the best combination of style, reliability and performance, to give you years of trouble-free use. Please read these instructions carefully before installing or using your appliance to ensure that you get the most from your purchase and keep the manual for future reference.
The design and specifications are subject to change without prior notice for product development.
Your appliance is covered by a comprehensive two year Parts & Labour Guarantee. To activate your guarantee, you will need your product serial number, which can be found inside your appliance. Please make sure that you keep a copy of your original sales invoice as this will be needed if any service call is required.
There are three ways to register your Guarantee:
- Online: Visit the Support page on our website and complete the online Product Registration form: www.montpellier-appliances.com
- By Post: Simply detach and fill in the form provided, attach a stamp and send it in the post. Include your e-mail address for confirmation.
- By Phone: Contact our warranty registration department on 08081 961 388
Safety Icons:
Icon | Type | Meaning |
---|---|---|
⚠️ | Warning | Serious injury or death risk |
⚡ | Risk of electric shock | Dangerous voltage risk |
? | Fire | Warning, risk of fire / flammable materials |
❗ | Caution | Injury or property damage risk |
⚙️ | Important | Operating the system correctly |
Safety Information
Read this user manual carefully, including hints and warnings, to avoid unnecessary mistakes and accidents. Save these instructions for future reference.
Children and vulnerable people safety
- This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
- Children aged from 3 to 8 years are allowed to load and unload this appliance.
- Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
- Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children unless they are aged from 8 years and above and supervised.
- Keep all packaging well away from children. There is risk of suffocation.
- If discarding the appliance, pull the plug out of the socket, cut the connection cable and remove the door to prevent children from suffering electric shock or closing themselves into it.
- If replacing an older appliance with a spring lock, make the spring lock unusable before discarding the old appliance to prevent it becoming a death trap for a child.
General safety
- WARNING! Keep ventilation openings clear of obstruction.
- WARNING! Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate defrosting, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
- WARNING! Do not damage the refrigerant circuit.
- WARNING! Do not use other electrical appliances inside unless approved by the manufacturer.
- WARNING! Do not touch the light bulb if it has been on for a long period of time as it could be very hot.
- WARNING! Ensure the supply cord is not trapped or damaged when positioning the appliance.
- WARNING! Do not locate multiple portable socket-outlets or portable power suppliers at the rear of the appliance.
- Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant.
- The refrigerant isobutane (R600a) is flammable. During transportation and installation, ensure no components of the refrigerant circuit are damaged. Avoid open flames and sources of ignition, and thoroughly ventilate the room.
- It is dangerous to alter or modify this product. Any damage to the cord may cause a short circuit, fire and/or electric shock.
- This appliance is intended for household and similar applications (staff kitchens, farm houses, hotels, B&Bs, catering).
- WARNING! Electrical components must be replaced by a certified service agent or qualified service personnel.
- WARNING! The light bulb is a “special use lamp bulb” usable only with this appliance.
- Power cord must not be lengthened.
- Make sure the power plug is not squashed or damaged by the back of the appliance.
- Ensure you can access the mains plug.
- Do not pull the mains cable.
- If the power plug socket is loose, do not insert the power plug. There is a risk of electric shock or fire.
- Do not operate the appliance without the lamp.
- This appliance is heavy. Care should be taken when moving it.
- Do not remove or touch items from the freezer compartment with damp/wet hands, as this could cause skin abrasions or frost/freezer burns.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Daily Use
- Do not put hot items inside the appliance.
- Do not place food products directly against the rear wall.
- Frozen food must not be re-frozen once thawed.
- Store pre-packed frozen food according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Adhere strictly to manufacturer's storage recommendations.
- Do not place carbonated fizzy drinks in the freezer compartment as it creates pressure which may cause it to explode.
- Ice lollies can cause frost burns if consumed straight from the appliance.
- To avoid contamination of food, follow instructions carefully.
- Opening the door for long periods can cause a significant increase in temperature.
- Clean regularly surfaces that come in contact with food and accessible drainage systems.
- Clean water tanks if not used for 48h; flush water system if water has not been drawn for 5 days.
- Store raw meat and fish in suitable containers to prevent contact with or dripping onto other food.
- Two-star frozen-food compartments are suitable for storing pre-frozen food, storing or making ice-cream and making ice cubes.
- One-, two- and three-star compartments are not suitable for freezing fresh food.
- If the appliance is left empty for long periods, switch off, defrost, clean, dry and leave the door open to prevent mold developing.
Care and cleaning
- Before maintenance, switch off the appliance and disconnect the mains plug.
- Do not clean the appliance with metal objects.
- Do not use sharp objects to remove frost. Use a plastic scraper.
- Regularly examine the drain in the refrigerator for defrosted water. If the drain is blocked, water will collect in the bottom of the appliance.
Installation
Important! For electrical connection carefully follow the instructions given in specific paragraphs.
- Unpack the appliance and check for damages. Do not connect if damaged. Report damages immediately to the place of purchase. Retain packing.
- It is advisable to wait at least four hours before connecting the appliance to allow the oil to flow back in the compressor.
- Adequate air circulation should be around the appliance; follow installation instructions for sufficient ventilation.
- Position the spacers against a wall to avoid touching warm parts (compressor, condenser).
- The appliance must not be located close to radiators or cookers.
- Make sure the mains plug is accessible after installation.
Positioning
Install the appliance where the ambient temperature corresponds to the climate class indicated on the rating plate:
- Extended temperate (SN): 10 °C to 32 °C
- Temperate (N): 16 °C to 32 °C
- Subtropical (ST): 16 °C to 38 °C
- Tropical (T): 16 °C to 43 °C
Location
Install the appliance well away from sources of heat (radiators, boilers, direct sunlight). Ensure air circulation around the back. If positioned below an overhanging wall unit, the minimum distance must be at least 50 mm. Accurate leveling is ensured by adjustable feet at the base.
This appliance is not intended to be used as a built-in appliance.
Warning! The plug must be easily accessible after installation.
Electrical connection
Ensure the voltage and frequency on the rating plate correspond to your domestic power supply. The appliance must be earthed. If the domestic power supply socket is not earthed, connect the appliance to a separate earth in compliance with current regulations, consulting a qualified electrician.
The manufacturer declines all responsibility if safety precautions are not observed. This appliance complies with the E.E.C. Directives.
Overview
Diagram showing the parts of the refrigerator and freezer:
- Thermostat and Light
- Glass Shelves
- Crisper Cover
- Crisper
- Freezer Drawers
- Leveling Feet
- Upper Balconies
- Bottom Balconies
This illustration is for hinting; please check your appliance for details.
Reverse Door
Tool required: Philips screwdriver, Flat bladed screwdriver, Hexagonal spanner.
- Ensure the unit is unplugged and empty.
- To take the door off, tilt the unit backwards, resting it on something solid.
- Save all removed parts for reinstallation.
- Do not lay the unit flat as this may damage the coolant system.
- It is recommended that 2 people handle the unit during assembly.
- Unscrew and remove the hinge cover.
- Unscrew and remove the hinge.
- Unscrew the middle hinge. Lift the lower door and place it on a soft pad to avoid scratch.
- Move the hinge hole covers from left side to right side.
- Unscrew the bottom hinge. Remove the adjustable feet from both sides.
- Unscrew and remove the bottom hinge pin, turn the bracket over and replace it.
- Refit the bracket fitting the bottom hinge pin. Replace both adjustable feet. Transfer the lower door to the correct position.
- Detach the Fridge and Freezer door gaskets and attach them after rotating.
- To reverse the direction of the middle hinge, unscrew the fixing screws, transfer it to the left side. Fix the middle hinge pin in the upper hole of the lower door, then tighten the screws.
- Place the upper door back on. Ensure the door is aligned horizontally and vertically so that the seals are closed on all sides before finally tightening the top hinge. Then insert the hinge and screw it to the front of the unit.
- Unscrew the hinge pin and reverse the hinge, then reinstall the hinge pin.
- Remove the hinge hole cover.
- Fix the hinge on the left.
- Fix the hinge cover on the left and the hinge hole cover on the right.
Installation
Space Requirement
- Keep enough space for the door to open.
- Keep at least 50mm gap at two sides and back.
Diagram showing required clearances:
Dimension | Value |
---|---|
A | 600 mm |
B | 605 mm |
C | 1858 mm |
D | min=50 mm |
E | min=50 mm |
F | min=50 mm |
G | 1200 mm (90° door opening) |
H | 1205 mm (135° door opening) |
Levelling the unit
Adjust the two levelling feet at the front of the unit. If the unit is not level, the doors and magnetic seal alignments will not be correct.
Diagram showing how to adjust levelling feet (lengthen/shorten).
Daily Use
First use
Cleaning the interior
Before first use, wash the interior and all internal accessories with lukewarm water and neutral soap. Dry thoroughly. Do not use detergents or abrasive powders.
Temperature Setting
- Plug in the appliance. The internal temperature is controlled by a thermostat with settings 1 (warmest) to 7 (coldest). Setting 0 switches the appliance off. Setting max means the compressor will not stop.
- The appliance may not operate at the correct temperature if it is in a particularly hot environment or if the door is opened frequently.
Daily use
Position different food in different compartments:
Refrigerator compartments | Type of food |
---|---|
Door or balconies of fridge compartment | Foods with natural preservatives (jams, juices, drinks, condiments). Do not store perishable foods. |
Crisper drawer (salad drawer) | Fruits, herbs and vegetables. Do not store bananas, onions, potatoes, garlic. |
Fridge shelf – middle | Dairy products, eggs. |
Fridge shelf – top | Foods that do not need cooking (ready-to-eat foods, deli meats, leftovers). |
Freezer drawer(s)/ tray | Foods for long-term storage. Bottom drawer for raw meat, poultry, fish. Middle drawer for frozen vegetables, chips. Top tray for ice cream, frozen fruit, frozen baked goods. |
Temperature setting recommendation
Recommendations based on environment temperature:
Environment Temperature | Freezer compartment | Fridge compartment |
---|---|---|
Warm (29 °C - 38 °C) | / | Set on 4~6 |
Normal (21 °C - 28 °C) | / | Set on 4 |
Cold (16 °C - 20 °C) | / | Set on 2~4 |
Impact on Food Storage: Under recommended settings, fridge storage is no more than 3 days, and freezer storage is no more than 1 month. Storage time may reduce under other settings.
Freezing fresh food
- The freezer compartment is suitable for freezing fresh and frozen food.
- Place fresh food to be frozen in the freezer compartment.
- The maximum amount of food that can be frozen in 24 hours is specified on the rating plate.
- The freezing process lasts 24 hours; do not add other food during this period.
Storing frozen food
When first starting up or after a period out of use, let the appliance run at higher settings for at least 2 hours before loading.
Important! In the event of accidental defrosting, defrosted food must be consumed quickly or cooked immediately and then re-frozen (after cooked).
Thawing
Deep-frozen or frozen food can be thawed in the fridge compartment or at room temperature. Small pieces may be cooked directly from the freezer, but will take longer.
Door open alarm
If the fridge door is not closed for 60 seconds, the LED light will flash 3 times and then light for 3 seconds, repeating this cycle until the door is closed.
Ice-cube
This appliance may be equipped with ice-cube trays to produce ice.
Accessories
Movable shelves
The walls of the refrigerator are equipped with runners so shelves can be positioned as desired.
Positioning the door balconies
To store food packages of various sizes, door balconies can be placed at different heights. Pull the balcony until it comes free, then reposition as required.
Helpful hints and tips
- 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 rapid and complete freezing and to make it possible subsequently to thaw only the quantity required.
- Wrap food in aluminium foil or polythene and ensure packages are airtight.
- Do not allow fresh, unfrozen food to touch food which is already frozen, to avoid a rise in temperature of the latter.
- Lean foods store better and longer than fatty ones; salt reduces storage life.
- Water ices, if consumed immediately after removal from the freezer, can cause skin freeze burn.
- Show the freezing in date on each pack to keep track of storage time.
Hints for storage of frozen food
- Ensure commercially frozen foodstuffs were adequately stored by the retailer.
- Ensure frozen foodstuffs are transferred from the food store to the freezer in the shortest possible time.
- Do 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 food manufacturer.
Hints for fresh food refrigeration
- Do not store warm food or evaporating liquids in the refrigerator.
- Cover or wrap food, particularly if it has a strong flavour.
- Meat (all types): wrap in polythene bags and place on the glass shelves above the vegetable drawer. Store for no more than one or two days.
- Cooked foods, cold dishes, etc.: should be covered and may be placed on any shelf.
- Fruit and vegetables: should be thoroughly cleaned and placed in the special drawer(s) provided.
- Butter and cheese: should be placed in special airtight containers or wrapped in aluminum foil or polythene bags to exclude as much air as possible.
- Milk bottles: should have a cap and be stored in the balconies on the door.
- Bananas, potatoes, onions and garlic, if not packed, must not be kept in the fridge.
Cleaning
Caution! The appliance may not be connected to the mains during cleaning. Danger of electrical shock! Switch off the appliance and remove the plug from the mains, or switch off the circuit breaker or fuse. Never clean with a steam cleaner. Moisture could accumulate in electrical components, danger of electrical shock! Hot vapors can damage plastic parts. The appliance must be dry before use.
Important! Ethereal oils and organic solvents can attack plastic parts (e.g., lemon juice, orange peel juice, butyric acid, cleanser with acetic acid).
Clean drain hole
To avoid defrost water overflowing into the fridge, periodically clean the drain hole at the back of the fridge compartment using a cleaner.
Daily Use
Defrosting of the freezer
The freezer compartment will progressively be covered with frost. This should be removed. Never use sharp metal tools to scrape off frost from the evaporator. If the ice becomes very thick, complete defrosting should be carried out as follows:
- Pull out the plug from the socket.
- Remove all stored food, wrap it in newspaper and put it in a cool place.
- Keep the door open, and place a basin underneath to collect defrost water.
- When defrosting is completed, dry the interior thoroughly.
- Replace the plug to run the appliance again.
Replace the lamp
The internal light is a LED type. To replace the lamp, please contact a qualified technician.
Troubleshooting
Caution! Before troubleshooting, disconnect the power supply. Only a qualified electrician or competent person must do troubleshooting not covered in this manual.
Important! Some sounds during normal use are normal (compressor, refrigerant circulation).
Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Appliance does not work | Temperature regulation knob is set at number "0". | Set the knob at another number to switch on the appliance. |
Mains plug is not plugged in or is loose. | Insert mains plug. | |
Fuse has blown or is defective. | Check fuse, replace if necessary. | |
Socket is defective. | Mains malfunctions are to be corrected by an electrician. | |
The food is too warm. | Temperature is not properly adjusted. | Please look in the initial Temperature Setting section. |
Door was open for an extended period. | Open the door only as long as necessary. | |
A large quantity of warm food was placed in the appliance within the last 24 hours. | Turn the temperature regulation to a colder setting temporarily. | |
Appliance cools too much | The appliance is near a heat source. | Please look in the installation location section. |
Temperature is set too cold. | Turn the temperature regulation knob to a warmer setting temporarily. | |
Unusual noises | Appliance is not level. | Re-adjust the feet. |
The appliance is touching the wall or other objects. | Move the appliance slightly. | |
A component, e.g. a pipe, on the rear of the appliance is touching another part of the appliance or the wall. | If necessary, carefully bend the component out of the way. | |
Water on the floor | Water drain hole is blocked. | See the Cleaning section. |
Side panel is hot | Condenser is inside the panel. | It's normal. |
If the malfunction shows again, contact the Service Center.
Here For You
After-sales assistance
If you experience problems with your appliance, please call the Montpellier customer service helpline on: 03333 234473 opt 3
Please have all your product details available, including the model number, serial number, original sales invoice (showing model number, date of purchase and retailer's details) before registering a fault.
Your 2 year Manufacturer's guarantee
This does not affect your statutory rights. Your Montpellier appliance carries a free guarantee for the first 24 months from date of purchase, provided that any claim is accompanied by evidence of the model reference, model serial number and proof of purchase.
What is not covered under the Guarantee
- Any appliance not correctly installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Any appliance used for anything other than domestic purposes.
- Any defect caused by accident, misuse, unauthorised modification or inexpert repair.
- Cost of Call-out where a fault cannot be found or for routine maintenance (e.g., cleaning filters or defrosting).
- Cost of Call-out for work required to correct door alignment following door reversal procedures carried out by you.
- Use of the appliance by anyone other than the Householder. Use in any commercial environment.
- Consumable items (fuses, bulbs, breakable items requiring routine replacement).
- Repair costs incurred that have not been authorised by Montpellier service and/or carried out by a non-approved Montpellier engineer.
- Montpellier Appliances do not accept claims for consequential loss, rusting, corroding, delivery damage or scratches.
YOUR GUARANTEE IS VALID ONLY IN THE UK & THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND.
To register your appliance, complete the card in your appliance pack and return it with a stamp, or register online at: montpellier-appliances.com/support
Alternatively, call our warranty registration department on 08081 961 388.
SERVICE HELP-LINE
Should your appliance develop a fault, please call the Montpellier customer service helpline on: 03333 234473 opt 3
Please remember to have all your product details available, including the model number, serial number, date of purchase and your retailer's details before registering a fault.
Environmental Protection
This appliance does not contain gasses which could damage the ozone layer. The appliance shall not be discarded with urban refuse. The insulation foam contains flammable gases and shall be disposed of according to local authority regulations. Avoid damaging the cooling unit, especially the heat exchanger.
Materials marked with the ♻️ symbol are recyclable.
The symbol on the product or packaging indicates that this product may not be treated as household waste. Instead, it should be taken to the appropriate collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health.
For more detailed information about recycling, please contact your local council, household waste disposal service, or the shop where you purchased the product.
Packaging materials
The materials with the ♻️ symbol are recyclable. Dispose of the packaging in suitable collection containers.
Disposal of the appliance
- Disconnect the mains plug from the mains socket.
- Cut off the mains cable and discard it.
WARNING! During use, service, and disposal, pay attention to the ? symbol, located on the rear of the appliance (rear panel or compressor) and colored yellow or orange. It's a fire warning symbol. There are flammable materials in refrigerant pipes and compressor. Keep far away from fire sources during use, service, and disposal.