Sub-Zero 500 Series Information Manual
This manual provides detailed information on the operation, care, and service of Sub-Zero 500 Series refrigerator and freezer models.
Warranty
Sub-Zero offers comprehensive warranty coverage for its products. Please log your model and serial number for service calls.
Full Five Year Warranty
For five years from the date of original installation, Sub-Zero covers all parts and labor to repair or replace any components within the sealed system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier, and connecting tubing) that prove defective in materials or workmanship.
Full Two Year Warranty
For two years from the date of original installation, Sub-Zero covers all parts and labor to repair or replace any part of the product that proves defective in materials or workmanship.
Limited 6th Through 12th Year Warranty
From the 6th through the 12th year from the date of original installation, Sub-Zero covers parts only that prove defective in materials or workmanship within the sealed system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier, and connecting tubing).
Terms Applicable to Each Warranty
All service must be performed by authorized Sub-Zero service representatives unless otherwise specified. Service is provided in the home during normal business hours. This warranty applies only to products installed for normal residential use. The warranty is valid only in the fifty states of the United States and the ten provinces of Canada. It does not cover defects caused by negligence, accident, improper use, maintenance, installation, service, or repair, including improper removal and reinstallation of the condensing unit.
The remedies described are the only ones Sub-Zero will provide. Sub-Zero is not responsible for any consequential or incidental damages. Some states do not allow limitations on incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation may not apply to you. This warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state.
To receive parts and/or service or the name of the nearest authorized representative, contact your Sub-Zero dealer or distributor, or contact Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Service Department, PO. Box 44130, Madison, Wisconsin, 53744-4130, or call (800) 222-7820.
Model Features
Models 532, 542 and 561 Features
- 1) Adjustable Dairy Compartment w/Magnetic Gasket (Dairy Compartment of Model 561 has one section)
- 2) Egg Trays (Model 561 has one egg tray)
- 3) Adjustable Door Shelves
- 4) Four-Sided Magnetic Gaskets
- 5) Door Closers on Freezer and Refrigerator Doors
- 6) Removable Toe Plate
- 7) Deluxe Crispers with Rollers and Humidity Controls (Models 542 and 561 have two crispers)
- 8) Adjustable Roll-Out Refrigerator Basket
- 9) Adjustable Glass Shelves Refrigerator
- 10) Lighted Ceiling - Refrigerator and Freezer
- 11) Lighted Refrigerator Control
- 12) Roll-Out Freezer Baskets (Model 542 has three baskets)
- 13) Pull-Out Ice Drawer / Automatic Ice Maker
- 14) Lighted Freezer Control
- 15) Ice Maker On/Off Switch
- 16) Adjustable Wire Shelves Freezer (Model 542 has three shelves)
- 17) Serial and Model Number Plate
- 18) Hermetically Sealed Refrigeration Units
- 19) Front Venting allows unit to be completely built-in
Models 511 and 550 Features
- 1) Adjustable Dairy Compartment w/Magnetic Gasket
- 2) Egg Trays
- 3) Adjustable Door Shelves
- 4) Four-Sided Magnetic Gaskets - Refrigerator and Freezer
- 5) Door Closers on Refrigerator Door and Freezer Drawer
- 6) Removable Toe Plate
- 7) Deluxe Crispers with Rollers and Humidity Controls
- 8) Adjustable Roll-Out Refrigerator Basket
- 9) Adjustable Glass Shelves Refrigerator
- 10) Lighted Ceiling
- 11) Lighted Freezer Control
- 12) Lighted Refrigerator Control
- 13) Hermetically Sealed Refrigeration Units
- 14) Front Venting allows unit to be completely built in
- 15) Serial and Model Number Plate
- 16) Automatic Ice Maker
- 17) Two Tier Wire Storage Baskets - Freezer
- 18) Roll-Out Freezer Drawer
Model 501F and Model 501R Features
Model 501F Features
- 1) Adjustable Door Shelves
- 2) Four-Sided Magnetic Gasket
- 3) Door Closer
- 4) Removable Toe Plate
- 5) Roll-Out Freezer Baskets
- 6) Pull-Out Ice Container / Automatic Ice Maker
- 7) Adjustable Wire Shelves
- 8) Lighted Ceiling
- 9) Lighted Freezer Control
- 10) Serial and Model Number Plate
- 11) Hermetically Sealed Refrigeration Unit
- 12) Front Venting allows unit to be completely built in
Model 501R Features
- 1) Adjustable Dairy Compartment w/Magnetic Gasket
- 2) Egg Trays
- 3) Adjustable Door Shelves
- 4) Four-Sided Magnetic Gasket
- 5) Door Closer
- 6) Removable Toe Plate
- 7) Deluxe Crispers with Rollers and Humidity Controls
- 8) Adjustable Roll-Out Refrigerator Basket
- 9) Adjustable Glass Shelves
- 10) Lighted Ceiling
- 11) Lighted Refrigerator Control
- 12) Hermetically Sealed Refrigeration Unit
- 13) Front Venting allows unit to be completely built in
- 14) Serial and Model Number Plate
- 15) Optional O-Style Handle
Model 590 Features
- 1) Adjustable Dairy Compartment w/Magnetic Gasket
- 2) Egg Tray
- 3) Adjustable Door Shelves
- 4) Four-Sided Magnetic Gaskets (Refrigerator and Freezer)
- 5) Door Closers on Freezer and Refrigerator Doors
- 6) Removable Toe Plate
- 7) Deluxe Crispers with Rollers and Humidity Controls
- 8) Adjustable Roll-Out Refrigerator Basket
- 9) Adjustable Glass Shelves (Refrigerator)
- 10) Lighted Ceiling (Refrigerator and Freezer)
- 11) Lighted Refrigerator Control
- 12) Roll-Out Freezer Baskets
- 13) Bulk Ice Dispenser
- 14) Lighted Freezer Control
- 15) Icemaker On/Off Switch w/Indicator Light
- 16) Adjustable Wire Shelves (Freezer)
- 17) Model and Serial Plate
- 18) Hermetically Sealed Refrigeration Units
- 19) Self-Vented Panellized Grille Allows Unit to be Completely Built-In
- 20) Freezer Utility Rack
- 21) Master Power Switch
- 22) Automatic Icemaker
- 23) Ice and Water Dispenser
Product Operation
Temperature Controls
Your Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer was preset to maintain approximately 38°F in the refrigerator section and 0°F in the freezer section. To adjust, turn the control dial from #1 (warmest) to #10 (coldest). Allow 24 hours for the unit to reach the set temperature. Temperatures may fluctuate slightly due to external influences like door openings, humidity, and room temperature.
Models 532, 542 and 561
The refrigerator control is on the back wall of the refrigerator near the top right. The freezer control is on the freezer panel above the ice drawer; pull the drawer out to access the dial on the left side.
Models 511 and 550
Both refrigerator and freezer controls are on the back wall of the refrigerator near the top, with the refrigerator control on the right and the freezer control on the left.
Models 501F and 501R
The temperature control for each model is located on the back wall of the unit near the top right.
Model 590
Refrigerator and freezer controls are located inside the refrigerator section on the left-hand side.
Crisper Drawers
To remove a crisper drawer, pull it open until it stops, then raise the front and pull it out. To reinstall, raise the front and insert into the tracks.
Humidity Control
Adjust the slide on the front of the crisper drawer: slide left for higher humidity (for vegetables) or right for lower humidity (for fruits).
Adjustable Shelves
To remove or adjust shelves, tilt the shelf up at the front, then lift it out of the rear tracks. To replace, insert the shelf into the tracks at the desired height and lower the front until it locks. Exercise caution with glass shelves.
Roll-Out Refrigerator Basket
This basket slides out for easy access. To remove, pull it out, lift the front, and then lift it out. To replace, insert the roller into the tracks with the front raised and push in.
Door Shelves and Dairy Compartment
These are adjustable within the door liner guides. To remove, lift straight up and out from the bottom. To reinstall, select the desired position and push down into the guides.
Freezer Drawer Removal
Models 511 and 550
The freezer drawer stops before fully extending. Lift evenly on each side of the drawer while holding the top basket in place, then pull out. The drawer and basket come out together. Ensure the drawer is unloaded before removal and keep feet clear.
Models 532, 542, 561 and 590
Pull the drawer open until it stops, raise the front, and pull out. If the door only opens 90°, a specific procedure is recommended: pull the ice drawer out, lift the back up clearing the carrier assembly, pivot the right side toward you, and lift out. Remove remaining drawers similarly by lifting up and out, tilting sharply as rollers leave tracks. Reverse procedure to reinstall. For the ice drawer, ensure the white carrier assembly is fully forward and hang the drawer's back lip on the carrier.
Model 501F
Pull the drawer open until it stops, raise the front, and pull up and out. Reverse procedure to reinstall.
Door Closing
Models 532, 542, 561, 501F, 501R and 590
These models feature a spring-loaded door closure mechanism that assists in closing and sealing the doors.
Model 550 and 511
The refrigerator door has a closing cam that assists closing. The freezer drawer uses gravity via an incline on the roller assemblies for self-closing.
Fan Motor Operation
A fan behind the grille cools the compressor area and runs with the compressor.
Ice Maker Operation
The icemaker is fully automatic and requires a connection to the house water supply. Ice production is controlled by an ice level arm; when the container is full, production stops, and resumes as ice is used.
Models 532, 542 and 561
The icemaker can be turned on or off using the switch on the front of the freezer control panel.
Models 501F, 511 and 550
The icemaker is shut off when the ice container is removed. Ice production resumes when the container is replaced.
Ice Production All Models
The icemaker produces ice approximately every 2 hours, varying with load conditions, door openings, and ambient temperatures. If ice is not used regularly, it may fuse together; empty the container periodically.
Automatic Defrost
The refrigerator section defrosts automatically during each off cycle. The freezer section uses a timer for defrosting as needed.
Master Power Switch
Model 590
A Master Power Switch, located behind the top grille, turns off all electrical power to the unit for servicing or extended vacations. The front inner grille panel must be removed to access it.
Sounds
Normal operating sounds may include gurgling refrigerant, ice dispenser valve snapping shut (Model 590), ice dropping or solenoid valve sounds during icemaker cycles, crackling/sizzling during freezer defrost, and a slight hum or vibration from the compressor during operation.
Product Care
Maintenance and Cleaning
⚠️ For maintenance and cleaning, shut off the circuit breaker or master power switch and wear protective gloves when cleaning the condenser.
Condenser
Clean the condenser every 3 to 6 months for proper performance. Remove the grille first.
Standard Grille Removal (Models 532, 542, 561, 511 and 550)
Remove the center grille screw. Tilt the grille forward at the top and release the spring(s) to lift it off. Reverse to reinstall.
Panellized Grille Removal
Lift the optional panellized grille up, pull out at the bottom, and then down to release from the mounting bracket.
Grille Removal Models 501F and 501R
Remove two black screws in the lowest louver. Tilt the bottom of the grille out and away; it will release from the top. Reverse to reinstall.
Cleaning Procedure
Use a soft bristle brush and vacuum hose to remove dust and lint from the condenser (radiators).
Interior
Wash interior surfaces and removable parts with a mild solution of soap and lukewarm water with a small amount of baking soda. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid getting water on lights or control dials.
Exterior Surfaces (Model 590)
Clean factory-supplied exterior surfaces the same way as the interior.
Glasswell Cleaning (Model 590)
Wipe spills after removing the dispenser spill tray. Clean with a mild soap and water solution with baking soda. ❗Shut off electrical power before cleaning with soap and water.
Cleaning Out the Ice Chute (Model 590)
The ice chute, located behind the freezer control panel, can become blocked. To access, remove the side panel by holding the bottom, pushing rearward, and pulling out. To remove the ice chute side cover, depress the two locking tabs, then pull up and out. Reinstall by inserting the bottom section first, then pushing assemblies together and securing tabs.
Lighting Information
❗ If refrigerator or freezer doors are left open for extended periods, lights may turn off to prevent overheating. To reset, close the doors for 15-30 minutes. ⚠️ Shut off electrical power before replacing bulbs. Wear protective gloves.
Refrigerator Lighting
Remove the light shield in the top of the refrigerator by pulling towards you from the back edge, then dropping the front edge out of the channel. Bulbs are now accessible. Reinstall by engaging the front edge into the channel and snapping the back edge up.
Freezer Lighting Models 532, 542, 561 and 501F
Overhead lighting is accessed the same way as refrigerator lighting.
Freezer Control Lighting Models 532, 542 and 561
Additional freezer lighting is behind the control panel. Remove the ice container, reach behind the panel, and unscrew the bulb.
Freezer Lighting Models 511 and 550
Lighting is in the top of the freezer, accessible by opening the drawer and unscrewing the bulb from the top of the freezer.
Freezer Basket Lighting Models 532, 542 and 561
Lower freezer lighting is below the icemaker, mounted on the back wall. Gently compress the shield to release the top and then the bottom. Reinstall by engaging the bottom first, then compressing and inserting the top.
Freezer Lighting Model 590
Overhead lighting is accessed the same way as refrigerator lighting.
Vacation Time
For extended vacations: Turn off controls or circuit breaker (or Model 590 Master Power Switch). Empty all contents. Block doors open slightly (about one inch) to allow fresh air circulation and keep the interior dry.
For short vacations: Remove perishables. Shut off the icemaker switch and dump unused ice. Do not change control settings.
Vacant Homes
If the unit is shut off temporarily, block doors open for air circulation. Shut off the circuit breaker (or Model 590 Master Power Switch). ⚠️ Moisture can damage metal surfaces.
Food Storage Suggestions
Suggested Storage
Consult local services for the latest food storage information. Shelf life of fresh foods varies by freshness at purchase.
Fresh Food Storage
- Vegetables: Wash, drain, store in air-tight containers or plastic wrap. Store in higher humidity.
- Fruits: Wash, dry, store in crisper compartment. Aromatic fruits in plastic bags. Store in lower humidity.
- Prepackaged Meats: Store in original packaging. Rewrap tightly after opening.
- Unfrozen Fish, Meats, and Poultry: Remove store wrappings, rewrap tightly, and refrigerate immediately.
- Eggs: Store unwashed in carton or tray. Use within 2 weeks.
- Milk, Cream, Cottage Cheese: Keep carton closed. Store on shelf, use within 5 days.
- Cheese: Store in original packaging. Rewrap tightly after opening.
- Leftovers: Cool, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Airtight containers prevent drying and odor transfer.
Freezer Storage
Wrap foods in material designed for frozen food storage, sealed to prevent air/moisture transfer. DO NOT refreeze thawed meats.
Ice Cream: Firmness depends on cream content; higher quality ice cream may require colder temperatures.
Product Loading Suggestions
Items that inhibit proper door closing can affect temperatures. Do not let food extend beyond shelves or door shelf assemblies. Do not fill the freezer with large quantities of unfrozen foods expecting fast freezing; space out new items for air circulation.
Eating quality drops after time shown in chart:
| IN REFRIGERATOR AT 35°F to 40°F | IN FREEZER AT 0°F | ||
| Fresh Meats | Freezer Storage | ||
| Roasts (Beef and Lamb) | 3 to 5 days | Most fruits and vegetables | 6 to 12 months |
| Roasts (Pork and Veal) | 3 to 5 days | Lean fish | 4 to 8 months |
| Steaks (Beef) | 3 to 5 days | Fatty fish, rolls and breads, soups, stew, casseroles | 6 to 12 months |
| Chops (Lamb) | 3 to 5 days | Cakes, pies, sandwiches, leftovers (cooked), ice cream (Original carton) | 6 to 9 months |
| Chops (Pork) | 3 to 5 days | 3 to 4 months | |
| Ground and Stew Meats | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months | |
| Variety Meats | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months | |
| Sausage (Pork) | 1 to 2 days | 2 to 3 months | |
| Processed Meats | |||
| Bacon | 7 days | 1 month max. | |
| Frankfurters | 7 days | ||
| Ham (Whole) | 7 days | ||
| Ham (Half) | 3 to 5 days | ||
| Ham (Slices) | 3 days | ||
| Luncheon Meats | 3 to 5 days | ||
| Sausage (Smoked) | 7 days | ||
| Sausage (Dry and Semi-Dry) | 14 to 21 days | ||
| Cooked Meats | |||
| Cooked Meats and Meat Dishes | 3 to 4 days | ||
| Gravy and Meat Broth | 1 to 2 days | ||
| Fresh Poultry | |||
| Chicken and Turkey (Whole) | 1 to 2 days | ||
| Chicken (Pieces) | 1 to 2 days | ||
| Turkey (Pieces) | 1 to 2 days | ||
| Duck and Goose (Whole) | 1 to 2 days | ||
| Giblets | 1 to 2 days | ||
| Cooked Poultry | |||
| Pieces (Covered with Broth) | 1 to 2 days | ||
| Pieces (Not Covered) | 3 to 4 days | ||
| Cooked Poultry Dishes | 3 to 4 days | ||
| Fried Chicken | 3 to 4 days |
Service Information
Before calling for service, check the following to potentially save time and expense.
Troubleshooting
If Refrigerator/Freezer is not operating
- Is there electrical power?
- Is the home fuse blown or circuit breaker off?
- Is the refrigerator/freezer control on?
- Is the condenser clean?
- Has a door been left open? Ensure no foods obstruct proper door closing.
- If still not running, the unit may be in defrost; wait 30 minutes.
If Refrigerator/Freezer is warmer than usual
- Is the control set properly?
- Has a door been open too long?
- Have you recently added a large quantity of food?
If Refrigerator/Freezer runs too much
- Is the condenser behind the grille clean?
- On hot days, the motor runs longer.
- Have doors been open for extended times or large amounts of food added?
If Refrigerator/Freezer is frosted up
- Have doors been left open?
- Are doors closing and sealing properly? Contact your dealer if the door is not adjusted properly.
- Side-to-side motion in the freezer drawer when opening is normal; it will align when closed.
If you hear unusual noises
These may be normal operating sounds (see page 13, "Sounds").
If condensation forms inside the unit
This is normal during high humidity and frequent door openings. Ensure doors are closing and sealing properly.
If condensation forms on the outside
Some condensation may appear during high humidity periods; it should subside when humidity drops. If excessive, contact service. Ensure doors are closed and gaskets are sealing.
If it is too hot around freezer compartment
Clean the condenser (see pages 13 and 14).
If no ice
- Models 511, 550 and 501F: Is the ice container in position?
- Models 532, 542 and 561: Is the icemaker switch turned on?
- Model 590: Is the icemaker switch turned on?
If there is odor in the unit
- Completely clean the product.
- Cover all food tightly.
If light bulb needs replacing
❗ Turn off circuit breaker to refrigerator, wear gloves to protect against broken glass (see pages 15 and 16).
If you hear occasional buzzing
Is the water supply connected to the icemaker and turned on?
If you need product information
Please call 1-800-222-7820 for information on planning, installation, or product knowledge.
If you need product service
Have model and serial number available (refer to plate located on top frame of unit inside door). Call your nearest Sub-Zero Factory Authorized Service Center. For location, contact your dealer or: Sub-Zero Freezer Co., Inc., Service Department, PO. Box 44130, Madison, WI 53744-4130, Telephone 1-800-222-7820.
Due to our continuous improvement program, models and specifications are subject to change without notice.
