Modern refrigerators of the South Korean brand Samsung are equipped with many intelligent technologies designed to extend the shelf life of products. One of such systems is the zone Chilled Room, which often raises questions among users when making their first purchase or studying instructions. This compartment is a specialized chamber that maintains special temperature conditions that differ from the standard refrigerator compartment.
Understanding the operating principle of this zone is critical for the proper operation of household appliances. If you simply put everything there without knowing the microclimate, you can spoil the food or, conversely, not get the expected effect of prolonging freshness. In this article we will analyze in detail what it is Chilled Room, how it differs from the zone Flex Zone or Cool Select+, and which products are best stored there for maximum results.
Equipment owners Samsung often confuse different freshness zones due to the similarity of names in different model series. However Chilled Room this is a specific technical solution that has its own physical and temperature limitations. Having understood the nuances, you can optimize the space inside the chamber and save energy by using the right modes for different types of provisions.
Operating principle and temperature regime of the Chilled Room zone
Zone Chilled Room in refrigerators Samsung designed to create conditions close to zero mark, but with humidity control. Unlike the freezer, where the temperature drops to -18°C or lower, this maintains a range that prevents water in food from freezing, but significantly slows down the growth of bacteria. Typically, the thermometer readings in this compartment vary from -1°C to +1°C.
The technology involves the use of a separate air duct or damper that regulates the flow of cold air from the evaporator. The control system, often called Digital Inverter, constantly monitors the temperature inside the chamber and adjusts the operation of the compressor at the slightest deviation. This avoids sudden changes that are detrimental to the cell structure of meat or fish.
⚠️ Attention: The temperature in the Chilled Room area may not be low enough for long-term storage of perishable food in hot weather if the door is opened frequently. Try to minimize the time of access to this compartment.
It is important to note that in some models with a system Twin Cooling System or Triple Cooling, the zone Chilled Room receives air directly from the freezer compartment, but it is mixed with air from the refrigerator compartment in a certain proportion. This creates a unique microclimate where the humidity is lower than in a regular crisper drawer, but higher than in a freezer. It is this balance that allows you to store food in a chilled, but not frozen state.
Differences between the Chilled Room and other Samsung freshness zones
Users often find it difficult to understand abbreviations Samsung. How is Chilled Room different from the popular zone Flex Zone? The main difference lies in the flexibility of the settings. Flex Zone allows the user to manually select the temperature in a wide range (for example, from -23°C to +3°C), turning the compartment either into a freezer or into a refrigerator. Chilled Room is, as a rule, a fixed or semi-automatic mode, optimized specifically for short-term storage of chilled products.
There is also confusion with zones Cool Select+. While Chilled Room is often a top shelf with enhanced cooling or a separate sealed drawer at the top of the compartment, Cool Select+ is most often a drawer at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment. Physical location affects air circulation: cold air is heavier and sinks down, so lower drawers are often colder than upper shelves without special ventilation.
Let's look at the main differences in the table for clarity:
| Characteristics | Chilled Room | Flex Zone | Regular compartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | -1°C ... +1°C | -23°C ... +3°C | +1°C ... +7°C |
| Setting flexibility | Fixed/Auto | Manual setting | Common for camera |
| Humidity | Low/Medium | Depends on the mode | Medium |
| Main purpose | Chilled meat/fish | Universal | Ready food/drinks |
Thus, Chilled Room is a more specialized solution. If you need to freeze a piece of meat "just in case", you will choose Flex Zone. If you bought fresh fish that you plan to cook this evening or tomorrow morning, the ideal place will be Chilled Roomwhere it will not lose its taste and will not become covered with an ice crust.
Which products are best stored in the Chilled Room
The effectiveness of using the refrigerator directly depends on how correctly the products are distributed. The zone Chilled Room is ideal for food categories that require temperatures below standard refrigeration, but should not freeze. First of all, raw meat, poultry and fish should be placed here if you plan to heat treat them in the next 1-3 days.
In addition, delicacies and ready-made dishes that quickly deteriorate feel great in this compartment. The low temperature inhibits bacterial activity, preserving texture and flavor. However, you should be careful with foods that contain a lot of water, for example, some types of vegetables, since at temperatures around 0°C they can lose turgor or freeze.
- 🥩 Raw meat and offal (beef, pork, liver) retain color and do not oxidize.
- 🐟 Fresh and lightly salted fish, seafood - the smell of “old fish” is prevented.
- 🍖 Sausages and deli meats - mucus does not form on the cut.
- 🍱 Ready-made dishes in containers (soups, side dishes), intended for consumption in the near future.
It is not recommended to put tropical fruits such as bananas or mangoes in Chilled Room as they may turn black from the cold. Also, you should not put drinks in glass bottles here if there is a risk that the temperature will drop below zero - liquid expands when freezing, which can lead to the container bursting. It is better to use this compartment for its intended purpose: for the “freshness zone” of protein products.
⚠️ Attention: Do not store products with a strong odor (for example, smoked meats or blue cheese) in the Chilled Room area without sealed packaging, as the smell may be absorbed into other products lying nearby due to active air circulation.
Instructions for setting and controlling the mode
Function control Chilled Room depends on the specific model of your refrigerator Samsung. In most modern electronically controlled devices, adjustment is made through a panel on the outside of the door. You need to find a button that says Chilled Room, Cool Select or an icon that resembles a snowflake in a square.
Press the corresponding button to activate the mode. The indicator on the display should light up. In some models, for example, in the RB37 or RB38 series, the mode can be switched cyclically: Off (Off) → On (On) → Fast Freeze (if combined). Make sure that the indicator is lit on the display, indicating that the zone is active.
☑️ Checking the Chilled Room activation
If you have a model with a touch panel inside the camera (on some premium models), the algorithm may differ. In this case, touch the button Chilled Room on the internal control panel. The system may prompt you to select a cooling level: Low (Low), Medium (Medium) or High (High). For meat and fish, select maximum cooling.
What to do if the indicator is flashing?
If the Chilled Room mode indicator is flashing, this may mean that the door is not closed tightly or the temperature in the chamber has not yet reached the set value. Wait 1-2 hours for the mode to stabilize.
It is important to understand that after turning on the mode Chilled Room the refrigerator needs time to adjust the operation of the compressor. Don't expect instant results. Complete cooling of the compartment to the specified parameters can take from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the load of the refrigerator and the ambient temperature.
Common problems and their solutions
When operating the zone Chilled Room users may encounter a number of typical situations. One of the most common is the formation of condensation or ice on the rear wall of the compartment. This may happen if the refrigerator door is often left open or if hot food is placed in the compartment. Humid air condenses on cold surfaces.
Another problem is that food in the zone Chilled Room freeze. This is a signal that the temperature is set too low for this type of product, or the cold air damper is not working correctly (stuck in the open position). In some cases, this may indicate a malfunction of the temperature sensor or thermostat.
- ❄️ Problem: Ice on the food. Solution: Check that the food is not pressed against the back wall and reduce the cooling intensity.
- 🌡️ Problem: The temperature does not drop. Solution: Make sure that the ventilation holes are not clogged with packages and the mode is activated on the panel.
- 🔊 Problem: Noise when operation. Solution: Increased air flow through the damper can create noise, this is normal for the active cooling phase.
If you notice that the function Chilled Room stopped working, and indicators behave strangely (blinking in a certain rhythm), refer to the error codes. For example, a code 22C or 23C on the display often indicates an error in the temperature sensor of the refrigerator compartment, which directly affects the operation of all zones inside it.
Rules for maintenance and cleaning of the compartment
To maintain hygienic safety and efficient operation Chilled Room it is necessary to carry out regular cleaning. Since raw food is stored in this area, there is a higher risk of bacterial growth. It is recommended to wipe the shelves and walls of the compartment with a solution of a mild disinfectant or a mixture of water and vinegar once a month.
When cleaning, it is important not to use abrasive materials that can scratch the plastic. Scratches become an ideal place for dirt and germs to accumulate. You should also avoid using hot water to defrost ice if it has formed - a sharp temperature change can damage the plastic elements of the structure.
Be sure to check the drainage hole, if it is provided by the design in the lower part of the zone Chilled Room. It can become clogged with crumbs or mold, causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the shelf. You can clean it using a special soft brush or a cotton swab.
How often do you need to defrost the Chilled Room zone?
Self-defrosting is rarely required, since modern Samsung refrigerators are equipped with a No Frost system. However, if you notice a layer of frost more than 3-5 mm, it is recommended to turn off the refrigerator, completely defrost it and rinse it. Usually this happens no more than 1-2 times a year.
Is it possible to turn off the Chilled Room while on vacation?
Yes, if you are leaving for a long time and the refrigerator remains on but empty, it is better to disable the Chilled Room mode through the control panel. This will reduce the load on the compressor and save energy, since maintaining a temperature of -1°C is more energy-consuming than +4°C.
Does the Chilled Room mode affect the operation of the freezer?
In models with one compressor, active cooling of the Chilled Room zone can temporarily increase the load on the system, but should not critically affect the temperature in the freezer camera. In models with two compressors (Twin Cooling), these systems are completely independent.
Why do food dry faster in the Chilled Room?
Low humidity in this zone is a feature of the technology to prevent the formation of mucus on meat. To avoid drying out, use airtight containers or cling film, especially for foods with a long shelf life.
What does the flashing Chilled Room light mean?
A flashing light usually indicates cooling is in progress (temperature has not yet been reached) or the door is not tightly closed. If the blinking continues for more than 24 hours with the door closed, diagnostics of the sensors may be required.