Refrigeration equipment of the Belarusian brand Atlant is deservedly popular due to its reliability and functionality. One of the key features that ensure long-term preservation of product freshness is a special freezing mode. Many owners are faced with a situation where they need to quickly cool a large amount of fresh food or prepare semi-finished products for the winter, and the standard compressor operating mode may not be enough for this.
In this article we will analyze in detail how exactly the intensive freezing function works, how it differs from conventional refrigeration and why its proper use is critical to the structure of foods. Understanding how this mode works will help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to damage to equipment or deterioration in the taste of food. We will consider both mechanical and electronic control systems found in various series of units.
It is worth noting that activating this function puts the device into high load mode. Compressor begins to work continuously or with minimal interruptions, ignoring thermostat signals about reaching the set temperature in the main chamber. This is necessary to create extremely low temperatures in the freezer compartment in a short period of time.
Principle of operation and purpose of the Super Freeze function
The mode, often referred to as Super Freeze or "Super Freeze", is designed to quickly reduce the temperature in freezer to minimum values, usually between -24°C and -30°C. The main purpose of this process is to prevent the formation of large ice crystals inside the cells of the food. With slow cooling, the water contained in the tissues of meat, fish or vegetables turns into large sharp crystals that rupture the cell walls.
When you defrost such a product, a significant amount of juice flows out of it along with useful substances, and the structure itself becomes flabby and dry. Fast freezing allows the water to crystallize into microscopic granules that do not damage cells. As a result, after defrosting, the product retains its original texture, taste and nutritional value.
In refrigerators Atlant with a system No Frost this mode also helps to quickly cool the walls of the evaporator, ensuring uniform distribution of cold throughout the entire volume of the chamber. In models with manual defrosting, intensive operation of the compressor contributes to deeper freezing of stored supplies, which is especially important when the freezer is fully loaded.
It is important to understand that this mode is a temporary measure. It is not intended for continuous use, as it leads to increased energy consumption and increased wear of the motor-compressor. After completing the freezing process for new products, the function must be turned off so that the refrigerator returns to normal operation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the super freezing mode on for longer than 24-48 hours unless necessary. Prolonged operation of the compressor at maximum load can lead to overheating of the motor windings and shorten the service life of the unit.
Modern models Atlant are equipped with automatic shutdown of this function. The timer automatically deactivates the intensive mode after a certain time (usually from 20 to 72 hours depending on the model), returning control to the thermostat. However, in simpler modifications, shutdown must be done manually.
How to activate the freezing mode on different models
The process of enabling the intensive freezing function depends on the type of control panel of your refrigerator Atlant. Older or budget models use mechanical control, where adjustment is made by turning the knob. In modern series with electronic control, activation occurs through a touch panel or push-button interface.
For models with a mechanical thermostat, a separate button or switch is often provided, which can be located on the body or inside the refrigerator compartment. Pressing this button closes the contacts, forcing the compressor to start. Indication of switching on is usually carried out by the lighting of a special light indicator yellow or orange color.
In refrigerators with electronic control, the algorithm of actions looks different. You need to find a button on the display with the corresponding icon (often depicted as a snowflake or the inscription “Freeze”). Pressing this button puts the system into forced cooling mode. A flashing indicator or digital code may appear on the display, indicating that the function has been activated.
If you cannot find the button, refer to the instructions, since in some models Atlant with a display, activation is performed by long-holding the temperature setting button or through a key combination. For example, in some series you need to simultaneously press the buttons for setting the temperature of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
☑️ Check before turning on super freezing
When the mode is activated, you can hear a change in the sound of the engine - it will become louder and smoother, without characteristic pauses. This is normal and indicates that the system has entered maximum performance mode. Don’t be alarmed if after a while the side walls of the case heat up - this heat is removed from the intensively working circuit.
Temperature indicators and time intervals
The effectiveness of the freezing mode directly depends on the temperature indicators that your refrigerator is capable of providing. Atlant. The standard freezer operating mode maintains a temperature of approximately -18°C. When the function is activated Super Freeze the temperature drops to -24°C...-30°C.
The time required for complete freezing varies depending on the volume and initial temperature of the products. For small quantities of semi-finished products, 3-5 hours may be sufficient. If you load your freezer completely, the process may take up to 24 hours. That is why manufacturers recommend turning on the mode in advance, before loading products.
Below is a table showing approximate temperature conditions and operating times for various use scenarios:
| Usage scenario | Target temperature | Recommended operating time | Type of products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Re-freezing defrosted | -24°C | 3-4 hours | Meat, fish, berries |
| Preparing fresh products | -28°C...-30°C | 12-24 hours | Fresh meat, mushrooms, herbs |
| Maintaining stock | -18°C | Continuously | Finished frozen products |
| Express cooling | -22°C | 2-3 hours | Semi-finished products, dough |
It is important to consider that the temperature inside the chamber may be unevenly distributed during the first hours of operation of the mode. The lowest values are recorded at the back wall and in the lower drawers (depending on the design). Therefore, for high-quality freezing, it is recommended to place new products in close proximity to cold source or the evaporator.
After the products have frozen, it is necessary to return the temperature to standard values (-18°C). Long-term storage at extremely low temperatures does not make sense and leads to excessive energy consumption. In most cases, the structure of the products does not improve with further cooling below -25°C.
Why can’t you load warm products?
Loading room temperature products in super freezing mode is permissible, but the volume should be limited (no more than 2-3 kg). If you load a large volume of warm meat, the compressor will work hard for days, trying to compensate for the heat, which can lead to its breakdown. It is better to cool the food to +4...+6°C in the refrigerator before moving it to the freezer.
Indication and interpretation of symbols on the panel
Understanding the signals that your refrigerator gives Atlantis the key to proper control of the equipment. The display panel can report not only about the enabled mode, but also about possible malfunctions or critical conditions.
The main indicator of the freezing mode is a yellow (orange) light signal. In some models, it flashes while the temperature is being set and is constantly on when the mode is activated. The red light, often shaped like an exclamation point or a thermometer, signals that the temperature in the freezer has risen above the permissible limit.
If, after turning on the super freeze mode, the red light continues to light or flash for a long time (more than 6-8 hours), this may indicate the following problems:
- ❄️ Loose closure door of the freezer, which causes warm air to enter.
- 🥩 Loading too much food at the same time, which the compressor cannot cope with.
- 🔌 Power surge or temporary power outage.
- 🛠️ Malfunction of the exhaust system heat or refrigerant leak.
On models with a display, digital error codes or text messages may be displayed instead of lamps. For example, the “F” symbol may indicate a malfunction of the temperature sensor, and flashing numbers may indicate a deviation from the set parameters. Always check the meaning of the symbols with the user manual of your specific model, as the markings may differ.
⚠️ Attention: If the red emergency temperature indicator is constantly on even when the refrigerator is empty and the door is tightly closed, do not attempt to disassemble the unit yourself. Contact the service center, as this may indicate a serious technical malfunction.
You should also pay attention to the sound alarm. Many modern Atlanta equipped with an audible buzzer that starts beeping when the door is open or when the temperature rises critically. You can usually turn off the sound by pressing any button on the control panel, but this will not eliminate the cause of the alarm.
Energy consumption and resource saving
Using the intensive freezing mode inevitably leads to an increase in electricity consumption. In this mode compressor works almost non-stop, consuming the maximum number of watts provided for in the technical documentation of the model. If in normal mode a refrigerator can consume, for example, 220-250 kWh per year, then frequent use of super freezing can increase this figure by 15-20%.
To minimize costs, it is recommended to plan the load of the freezer. Instead of turning on the freezing mode for each purchased piece of meat separately, it is better to accumulate products in the refrigerator compartment (at a temperature of +2...+4°C) and load them all at once. This will allow you to carry out one cycle of powerful freezing instead of several.
In addition, proper packaging contributes to savings. Food packaged in thin layers or vacuum bags freezes faster than larger pieces in thick packaging. Using special containers for quick freezing, which often come with refrigerators Atlant or are purchased separately, also speeds up the process.
Modern models of class A+ and higher have improved thermal insulation and more efficient compressors that consume less energy even in super-freeze mode compared to older counterparts. If you often use this function, it makes sense to think about upgrading your equipment to a more energy-efficient model.
Typical errors and safety rules
Operating a refrigerator under high load conditions requires compliance with certain safety rules. One of the most common mistakes is trying to freeze hot or warm foods. This not only disrupts the temperature regime in the chamber, but also creates a colossal load on the compressor, which may not withstand the temperature difference.
Another mistake is setting the freezing mode “just in case” and forgetting about it. As already mentioned, long-term super-freezing mode is harmful to equipment. In addition, with constant ultra-low temperatures, some types of products (for example, baked goods or certain types of vegetables) may lose their properties faster.
Do not forget about ventilation. When the refrigerator is actively operating, heat transfer increases. Make sure that the gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and the kitchen wall is at least 5-7 cm. If the refrigerator is built into a niche, make sure that the ventilation grilles are not closed.
- 🚫 Do not open the freezer door frequently during the super freeze mode. Each intake of warm air negates the efforts of the compressor.
- 🧊 Do not fill the chamber with products above the “Maximum Load” line (if so marked). Air circulation must be free.
- 🔌 Do not plug in the refrigerator immediately after defrosting or moving it. Let the oil in the compressor drain into the crankcase (15-30 minutes).
Following these simple rules will extend the life of your Atlanta and ensure the ideal quality of frozen food. Remember that equipment lasts longer when it is used in accordance with its intended functions.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
How long should the super-freezing mode operate before loading products?
The optimal time for pre-starting the mode is from 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the freezer has time to cool down to a temperature of -24°C...-27°C, which provides a shock freezing effect for the loaded products. If there is less time, the effect will be lower, but everything is better than nothing.
Is it possible to store food in super-freezing mode constantly?
No, it is not recommended to constantly store food in super-freezing mode. Temperatures of -24°C and below are excessive for most products, which are perfectly preserved at -18°C. Constant operation in this mode will lead to excessive energy consumption (up to 30% more than normal) and accelerated wear of the compressor. Use this mode only for freezing, and switch to standard mode for storage.
What to do if the super-freezing indicator is on, but the food is not frozen?
If the indicator is on, this means that the electrical circuit of the mode is closed (the mode is on), but this does not guarantee the operation of the compressor. Check if you can hear the sound of the engine running. If the compressor is silent or clicks but does not start, the start relay, thermostat, or the compressor itself may be faulty. A freon leak may also be the cause. In this case, you need to call a specialist.
Does the freezing mode affect the food in the refrigerator compartment?
Yes, it does. Since the compressor runs continuously, the main evaporator is also cooled. In refrigerators Atlant with one compressor, this can lead to a decrease in the temperature in the refrigerator compartment below +2°C, which sometimes leads to freezing of vegetables or milk at the back wall. Keep an eye on the food in the main chamber during long-term operation of super freezing.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before turning on the super freezing mode?
If a “fur coat” (ice crust) thicker than 5 mm has formed on the walls of the freezer, defrost required. The layer of ice acts as a heat insulator, preventing the food from cooling effectively and causing the compressor to run on empty. For systems No Frost defrosting is not required, since they use an automatic moisture removal system.