ASKO Refrigerator with Freezer User Manual

Introduction

Welcome to the ASKO family! This manual provides essential information for the correct and safe use of your new refrigerator-freezer. Please read these instructions carefully before operating the appliance and keep them for future reference. The manual covers general advice, settings, adjustments, and care instructions.

Important Safety Information: Always read the safety instructions before using the appliance.

EU EPREL Database: Product information is available at www.asko.com/energylabel and the European Product Database for Energy Labelling (EPREL) at https://eprel.ec.europa.eu. Search by model name using the identification label.

Symbols Used:

• INFORMATION! Information, advice, suggestions, or recommendations.
• WARNING! Danger warning.
• FIRE HAZARD! Warning: Risk of fire / flammable materials.

Important Warnings

Before First Use: Read the instructions carefully. Check for any damage or irregularities and report them to the retailer if found. Allow the appliance to stand upright for at least 2 hours before connecting it to the power supply to reduce the risk of transport-related malfunctions in the cooling system.

Electrical Connection and Safety: Ensure the electrical connection and grounding are performed according to current standards and regulations. If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, a service representative, or a similarly qualified person to avoid hazardous situations. Ensure the power cord is not pinched or damaged when positioning the appliance.

General Safety: Do not use electrical appliances inside the refrigerator-freezer unless permitted by the manufacturer. Do not use mechanical or other methods for defrosting that are not recommended by the manufacturer. Install the appliance according to the instructions to avoid instability risks. Do not touch frozen food with wet hands, as it can cause freezing. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless supervised and instructed by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance. Cleaning and maintenance operations should not be performed by unsupervised children. Packaging materials should be kept out of reach of children. When disposing of a used appliance, disconnect the power cord, remove the door, and leave the shelves inside to prevent children from climbing inside and becoming trapped.

European Market Specifics: Children over 8 years and persons with reduced capabilities may use the appliance if supervised and instructed on its safe use. Children must not play with the appliance. Cleaning and maintenance should not be performed by unsupervised children. Children aged 3 to 8 years can load and unload refrigeration appliances.

Refrigerant: The appliance contains a small amount of R600a refrigerant, which is flammable. Be careful not to damage the cooling system components. Gas leaks are not dangerous to the environment but can damage eyes or cause burns. If a leak occurs, ventilate the area, disconnect the appliance from the power supply, and call the service center.

Intended Use: The appliance is intended for domestic and similar environments such as staff kitchens in shops, offices, and other work areas; farmhouses, hotel rooms, motels, and other accommodation facilities; bed & breakfast establishments; and catering or similar non-retail activities.

Ventilation: Ensure ventilation slots are always clean and accessible. Do not use the appliance outdoors or expose it to rain. Do not store explosive substances, such as aerosol cans with flammable propellant, in the appliance.

Long Periods of Non-Use: If the appliance is not used for a long time, switch it off, unplug it, empty it, defrost it, clean the interior, and leave the door slightly ajar.

Power Outage/Malfunction: In case of a fault or power interruption, do not open the freezer compartment unless the interruption lasts longer than 16 hours. After this time, consume the frozen food or ensure it is adequately cooled (e.g., by transferring it to another appliance).

Technical Data: The appliance's technical information, including voltage, net/gross volume, refrigerant type and quantity, and climate class, is found on the identification label inside the appliance. If the label is in the wrong language, replace it with the provided one.

Warning: Do not damage the refrigeration circuit.

Installation and Connection

Selecting the Position: Place the appliance in a dry, well-ventilated room. The ambient temperature range for the appliance depends on its climate class, indicated on the model's rating plate. Avoid placing the appliance near heat sources like gas stoves, radiators, or boilers, and do not expose it to direct sunlight.

Climate Classes and Temperature Ranges:

Important Information: This appliance is not designed for built-in use.

Placement Guidelines:

• Do not place the appliance in locations where the temperature may drop below 5°C, as it may not function correctly or may become defective.
• The appliance is not compatible with outdoor use and should not be exposed to rain.
• Keep a distance of at least 5 cm from electric or gas cookers and at least 30 cm from radiators or stoves. If these distances cannot be maintained, an insulating panel must be installed.
• Position the appliance approximately 5 cm from the wall, at the back and on the sides. If there is a kitchen cabinet above the refrigerator, ensure at least 5 cm of space between the back of the cabinet and the wall for sufficient air circulation for the condenser.
• The appliance plug must remain accessible.
• Ensure the room has sufficient air volume: at least 1 m³ of air for every 8 grams of refrigerant. The refrigerant quantity is indicated on the identification label inside the appliance.
• The kitchen unit where the appliance is installed must have an opening of at least 200 cm² at the base for adequate air circulation.
• The air outlet at the top of the appliance must not be blocked.

Installation: At least two people are required for installation to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance. The appliance should be kept upright or tilted slightly backward and must be stable on a sufficiently resistant surface. Adjustable feet at the front and wheels at the back (on some models) facilitate placement. When adjusting the feet, ensure the supplementary foot also provides stability. The appliance is designed for freestanding installation. To achieve the nominal/minimum current consumption, maintain a 50 mm gap between the wall and the rear of the appliance, and above the appliance. Ensure adequate air circulation on all sides and above. Consider the space needed to open the door when removing drawers and shelves.

Electrical Connection: Connect the appliance to the mains electricity using a grounded plug. The required nominal voltage and frequency are indicated on the identification label. The appliance must be connected to the mains and grounded in accordance with current regulations. It can tolerate small voltage variations of up to +/- 6%.

Extended Non-Use: If the appliance is not used for extended periods, switch it off, unplug it, empty, defrost, and clean it, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Power Outage: In case of a power outage, do not open the freezer compartment unless the appliance has been in operation for longer than the indicated hours for temperature rise. Consume the frozen food or ensure it is adequately cooled.

Before First Use

Read the instructions carefully before connecting the appliance to the mains. Keep these instructions for future use. Inspect the appliance for any damage or irregularities and contact the retailer if any are found. Allow the appliance to stand upright for at least 4 hours before connecting it to the mains. Clean the interior and accessories with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Do not place food inside until the set temperature is reached.

Energy Saving Tips:

• Install the appliance according to the instructions.
• Do not open the door more than necessary.
• Do not cover or obstruct ventilation openings.
• Replace the door seal if damaged or if it prevents proper closure.
• Store food in well-sealed containers or suitable packaging.
• Allow food to cool to room temperature before placing it in the appliance.
• Defrost food in the refrigerator compartment.
• Defrost the freezer when a layer of frost or ice 2-3 mm thick has formed.
• Arrange shelves evenly in the refrigerator compartment, allowing air to circulate freely.
• Ensure ventilation openings are kept clear if the appliance has a fan.
• Lowering the set temperature increases energy consumption.

Changing the Door Opening Direction

The door opening direction can be changed at any time. Warning: The appliance must be disconnected from the power supply before changing the door opening direction.

Tools Required:

• Socket wrench no. 8
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Open-end wrench no. 8
• Torx T25

Procedure:

1. Position the appliance upright, open the top door, remove internal shelves, and close the door.
2. Remove the upper hinge cover (1).
3. Remove screws (2) and hinge (3), supporting the door to prevent it from falling.
4. Remove the top door by lifting it off the central hinge. Place it on a smooth surface.
5. Remove the right cover cap (4) and place it where the upper hinge was removed. Remove and keep the left cover cap (5) for the new hinge location.
6. Remove the cover (6) from the left side of the top door and the cover (7) from the right side. Swap their positions.
7. Remove screws (8) and the door catch block (10) and door retainer (9). Attach the provided catch block and retainer to the opposite side of the door using screw (8). Keep the original catch block for future use.
8. Unscrew and remove the central hinge. Then remove the bottom door from the lower hinge.
9. Place the bottom door on a smooth surface. Remove screw (8) and the door catch block (10) and retainer (9). Attach the provided catch block and retainer to the opposite side of the door using screw (8). Keep the original catch block for future use.
10. Remove the central hinge cover and position it on the opposite side.
11. Tilt the appliance backward and remove the adjustable foot (11).
12. Loosen the three screws on the lower hinge (14) and remove it. Remove the supplementary foot (12) from the lower hinge pin (13). Unscrew pin (13) from the lower hinge and screw it into the opposite side, complete with the supplementary foot (12).
13. Attach the hinge (14) to the opposite side using screws, tightening screw 1 first, then screw 2. Then attach the adjustable feet (11).
14. Position the bottom door on the lower hinge and hold it steady. Rotate the central hinge by 180°, place the washer, and align the hinge to secure the bottom door.
15. Position the top door correctly and hold it steady. Secure the upper hinge (3) with screws (2).
16. Attach the upper hinge cover (1).
17. Open the top door, replace the internal shelves, and close the door. If your model has a handle, move it to the opposite side by removing the caps (1), unscrewing the two screws (2), rotating the handle (3) by 180°, and reattaching it with the screws and caps.

Appliance Description

This product contains a light source of energy efficiency class G.

A Refrigerator Compartment:

1. Control panel
2. LED lighting
3. CoolFlow column
4. Glass shelves
5. Slider for converting the MultiZone drawer into a fruit and vegetable basket
6. MultiZone drawer
7. Vegetable drawer and humidity regulator
8. Lower door shelves
9. Bottle shelf

B Freezer Compartment:

1. Upper drawer for freezing and storage
2. Deep Spacebox drawer for freezing and storage
3. Lower drawer for storage

CoolFlow: This system creates optimal air circulation to maintain a constant temperature throughout the refrigerator compartment. The air mimics natural microclimate to keep food fresh longer. Do not cover or obstruct the fan openings.

NoFrost: Thanks to the NoFrost system, you will no longer need to defrost the freezer.

Shelves

The door shelves are designed for storing cheese, butter, eggs, yogurt, small packets, tubes, and cans. Shelves can be repositioned by lifting them slightly from the grooves and sliding them into desired positions. Ensure they are securely inserted. The bottom shelf is for bottles. The maximum load for each door shelf is 5 kg.

Bottle Shelf

Some models feature a bottle rack with an anti-tip lock. It can only be removed when empty by lifting the rear and pulling it forward. Ensure the bottle rack is positioned so that the bottles do not obstruct the door. The maximum load is 9 bottles of 0.75 liters or 13 kg total weight. Cans can also be placed on the support.

Vegetable Drawer and Humidity Regulator

The drawer at the bottom of the refrigerator is used for storing fruits and vegetables, maintaining humidity and preventing dryness. Humidity is automatically regulated based on the type and quantity of food. To remove the drawer, pull it out to the stop (1), lift the front (2), and pull it out completely.

MultiZone Drawer (on some models)

The MultiZone compartment allows storing a wide variety of fresh foods up to three times longer than in a conventional refrigerator, preserving flavor and nutrients. The temperature in this drawer depends on the refrigerator compartment settings, ambient temperature, door opening frequency, and food quantity. For a temperature around 0°C, set the refrigerator compartment temperature to 4°C or lower. The ZeroZone drawer temperature can drop below 0°C. It is recommended to store temperature-sensitive food in the upper parts of the refrigerator. For optimal performance, the drawer should be fully closed. Check food freshness when purchasing. Store food in closed containers to prevent odor transfer or humidity changes. Remove food from the drawer 30-60 minutes before consumption to allow it to reach room temperature for optimal flavor. Sensitive foods like pineapple, avocado, bananas, olives, potatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, bell peppers, melons, watermelons, pumpkins, and zucchini should not be stored in the MultiZone drawer.

Converting the MultiZone Drawer to a Fruit and Vegetable Drawer: If additional space for fruits and vegetables is needed, the MultiZone drawer can be converted by moving the switch. Move the switch to the right for MultiZone use and to the left for fruit and vegetable drawer use.

INFORMATION! When the Convert function is activated (indicator light above the button), the drawer functions as a fruit and vegetable basket regardless of the slider setting. The temperature in the drawer will not be close to 0°C, which could spoil the food. It is advisable to move temperature-sensitive food to a more suitable location.

CoolFlow

The advanced CoolFlow ventilation system distributes temperature uniformly throughout the refrigerator. The air mimics natural microclimate to keep food fresh longer. This system allows any type of food to be placed on any shelf, as there are no temperature differences between them.

AdaptTech

Innovative sensor technology adapts the appliance's operation to user habits. The intelligent flexible system monitors, analyzes, and records daily and weekly usage, adjusting operation accordingly. For example, if increased door opening frequency is anticipated, the appliance automatically reduces the temperature beforehand. Similarly, if large quantities of food are added, the appliance detects this and increases cooling or freezing intensity.

Appliance Controls

Control Panel Overview:

• A: Refrigerator compartment temperature setting button.
• A1: Refrigerator compartment temperature display (indicator light shows the currently set temperature).
• B: Freezer compartment temperature setting button and extra functions button.
• B1: Freezer compartment temperature display (indicator light shows the currently set temperature).
• C: Super freeze indicator (light above symbol C illuminates when freezing is active).
• D: Convert function indicator (light above symbol D illuminates when the conversion function is active).

Turning the Appliance On/Off: Connect the power cord to turn the appliance on. Unplug the power cord to turn it off.

Setting the Temperature:

• Refrigerator Compartment: Use button A to set the desired temperature. Press A repeatedly to cycle through the settings (2°C, 4°C, 6°C).
• Freezer Compartment: Use button B to set the desired temperature. Press B repeatedly to cycle through the settings (-16°C, -18°C, -20°C).

Recommended Temperatures: The appliance is factory preset to 4°C for the refrigerator and -18°C for the freezer. It may take several hours for the appliance to reach the set temperature. The numbers on the display indicate Celsius (°C).

Super Freeze: Use this setting when first using the appliance, before cleaning, and 24 hours before adding large quantities of food to the freezer. To activate, press button B multiple times until the light above symbol C illuminates. This function lowers temperatures in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments and may cause the appliance to be slightly noisier temporarily. To deactivate, press button B again to return to the desired temperature setting; the light above C will turn off. The function will automatically deactivate after approximately two days if not manually turned off. If the power is interrupted during Super Freeze operation, the function will resume once power is restored.

Convert Function: The entire freezer compartment can be converted into a MultiZone compartment with a temperature at or slightly below 0°C. Do not store temperature-sensitive foods in this compartment. Before converting, empty the freezer compartment to prevent frozen food from thawing and deteriorating. To activate, press and hold button B until an acoustic signal is heard and the light above symbol D illuminates. The freezer compartment temperature will be set to 0°C. The light above D will flash until the compartment reaches this temperature, then it will remain constantly lit. Temperatures are approximate and depend on ambient temperature, door opening frequency, and food quantity. Activating Convert deactivates all other extra functions. To deactivate, press and hold button B again until an acoustic signal is heard and the light above D turns off. The temperature setting will revert to the last selected setting before Convert was activated.

INFORMATION! The Convert function also affects the MultiZone drawer. When activated, the drawer will function as a fruit and vegetable basket regardless of the slider setting, potentially leading to food spoilage. Move temperature-sensitive food to a more suitable location.

High Temperature Alarm: An alarm activates if the appliance does not reach a sufficiently low temperature within 24 hours of being switched on. An acoustic alarm (intermittent tone) will sound, and the light above the set temperature for the affected compartment will flash. If the temperature is too high in the refrigerator compartment, the light above A1 will flash. If the temperature is too high in the freezer compartment, the light above B1 will flash.

Disabling the Alarm: Press button A or B to acknowledge and disable the acoustic alarm. The alarm will sound again every hour for approximately 15 minutes if not turned off. Pressing A or B again will revert to the temperature setting function. The light above A1 or B1 will flash until the appliance reaches a sufficiently low temperature.

Door Open Alarm: If the refrigerator or freezer door remains open for more than 2 minutes, an acoustic alarm will sound repeatedly. If not deactivated, it will sound for 10 minutes. To turn off the alarm, close the appliance door.

INFORMATION! If the alarm is silenced by pressing button B, it will reactivate after 4 minutes if the door is still open. If the door is left open for more than 10 minutes, the alarm will stop, and the light above the -16°C or -18°C display will flash. The appliance will switch to a provisional mode to provide sufficient cooling and prevent food spoilage despite the open door.

Food Preservation and Freezing

Recommended Distribution in Refrigerator Compartment:

• Upper compartment: Canned food, bread, wine, pasta, etc.
• Middle compartment: Dairy products, ready meals, desserts, soft drinks, beer, cooked food, etc.
• Lower compartment: Meat, meat products, dairy products, cured meats.

INFORMATION! Store short-shelf-life foods at the back of a shelf or in a drawer at the lowest temperature.

WARNING! Do not store fruits (bananas, pineapples, papayas, citrus fruits) and vegetables (zucchini, tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, bell peppers, potatoes) sensitive to low temperatures in the refrigerator.

Door Compartment Sections:

• Upper/middle compartments: Eggs, butter, cheese, sauces, and similar items.
• Lower compartments: Beverages, cans, bottles, etc.

Freezer Compartment Sections:

• Upper section: Leftovers, ice, pizza.
• Middle section: Meat, fish, bread.
• Lower section: Frozen food, vegetables, and fruit.

WARNING! Do not store lettuce, eggs, apples, pears, grapes, peaches, yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream, or mayonnaise in the freezer.

Preventing Food Contamination:

• Leaving the door open for extended periods can significantly increase the temperature in the appliance compartments.
• Regularly clean surfaces that come into contact with food and accessible drainage systems.
• Store raw meat and fish in suitable containers to prevent contact or dripping onto other foods.
• If the appliance remains empty for long periods, switch it off, defrost it, clean it, dry it, and leave the door open to prevent mold formation.

Preserving Fresh Food in the Refrigerator:

Ensure food is well-packaged, the appliance is at the correct temperature, and it is clean. Note expiry dates. Store food in sealed containers or suitable packaging to prevent drying out and odor transfer. Do not store flammable, unstable, or explosive materials. Store opened bottles upright and close them securely. Certain organic solutions may consume food and cause premature deterioration if in contact with plastic for extended periods. Unpleasant odors indicate the appliance needs cleaning or contains spoiled food. Remove perishable food if leaving the home for an extended period.

Freezing and Storing Food in the Freezer:

The maximum amount of food that can be placed in the freezer per load is indicated on the identification plate. Overloading will slow down the freezing process, affecting food quality and potentially thawing already frozen food. Use only good quality, freeze-suitable food. Allow hot food to cool to room temperature. Freeze food quickly in small packages. Use airtight packaging to prevent drying and vitamin loss. Label packages with food type, quantity, and freezing date. Prevent fresh food from contacting frozen food. You can remove all drawers to utilize the full freezer capacity, placing food directly on shelves and the base.

Freezing Large Quantities of Fresh Food: Activate the intensive freezing function 24 hours before adding food. For faster freezing, arrange packages as follows: Divide fresh food into smaller packages (1 kg). Place two packages against the back wall on the left and right edges, one in the center at the front, and one in the middle drawer, touching the center of the back wall.

Important Recommendations for Storing Frozen Food:

• Follow manufacturer instructions for storage and use of frozen foods. Note recommended storage temperatures and expiry dates.
• Use only food in intact packaging stored at -18°C or below.
• Do not buy food covered in frost, as this indicates it has thawed or partially thawed multiple times, resulting in lower quality.
• Ensure food does not thaw during transport, as temperature increases reduce shelf life and quality.

Recommended Storage Times for Frozen Foods in the Freezer:

Thawing Frozen Foods:

Proper thawing is crucial. Suitable methods include: in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave or conventional oven with a defrost program. Some frozen products can be prepared without thawing; check the packaging. Thaw food in small portions for faster thawing. Use partially or completely thawed food as quickly as possible, as bacteria can multiply rapidly. Do not refreeze partially or completely thawed food.

Maintenance

Defrosting the Appliance:

• Automatic Defrosting (Refrigerator Compartment): The refrigerator compartment defrosts automatically from time to time.
• NoFrost Freezer Defrosting: The NoFrost freezer defrosts automatically. Any ice deposits will melt. Ice or frost buildup in the freezer can be caused by unusual use (frequent door opening, prolonged open door, improper closure, etc.). Manual defrosting may be required.
• Manual Defrosting (NoFrost Freezer): A layer of frost may accumulate despite the NoFrost function due to abnormal use. To manually defrost, press and hold buttons A and B simultaneously. An acoustic signal will sound, and the lights above displays 2 and will flash until the function is activated. The function automatically deactivates upon completion, and the set temperature will be indicated on displays A1 and B1.

WARNING! Do not use defrosting sprays, as they can melt plastic parts and are harmful. Do not use sharp objects to remove ice, as they can damage the cooling system.

Cleaning the Appliance:

WARNING! Switch off the appliance and unplug it before cleaning. Do not use abrasive detergents, as they can damage the surface.

INFORMATION! Activate the intensive freezing function 24 hours before cleaning the freezer.

Regularly clean the interior with lukewarm water. Add a mild detergent or a specific refrigerator detergent if necessary. Clean all surfaces with a soft cloth. Rinse cleaned parts with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Do not wash appliance components in a dishwasher, as they may be damaged.

The condenser unit mounted on the back wall next to the compressor (on some models) should always be kept clean, free of dust or deposits from cooking fumes or kitchen emissions. Periodically clean dust using a soft, non-metallic brush or a vacuum cleaner.

WARNING! If the appliance is not used for extended periods, switch it off, unplug it, empty, defrost, clean it, and leave the door slightly ajar.

Troubleshooting

If you have doubts about the appliance's correct functioning, check the following table before assuming it is defective.

If you cannot resolve the problem, contact the service center. Provide the type, model, and serial number found on the appliance's label.

Environmental Aspects

Disposal of Packaging and Appliance: This appliance is made with sustainable materials. It must be disposed of responsibly at the end of its life cycle. Contact local authorities for correct disposal methods. Packaging is recyclable and may include cardboard, polyethylene film (PE), or CFC-free polystyrene (PS foam). Dispose of these materials responsibly according to regulations.

The appliance is marked with the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol, indicating separate collection for electrical and electronic equipment. It should not be disposed of with household waste. Take it to a designated collection center or a retailer that offers this service. Separate collection and disposal of domestic appliances help prevent harmful consequences for humans and the environment, allowing materials to be recovered and saving energy and raw materials.

Declaration of Conformity: ASKO declares that its products comply with European Directives, regulations, and applicable requirements, as well as all referenced standards.