You opened the instructions for the refrigerator, flipped through the pages with a description buttons - and came across a mysterious function Cool Plus. Or suddenly you notice that the corresponding icon is blinking on the display, but it is not clear what it means. This option is found in models Samsung, LG, Beko and other brands, but its purpose is rarely explained in detail. Meanwhile, improper use Cool Plus can lead to freezing of food, increased energy consumption, or even breakdown of the compressor.
In this article we will figure out why the mode is needed, how it works at the physical level, and in what situations it should be activated. You will learn how it differs from standard refrigeration, how it affects the shelf life of products, and why some users disable this feature permanently. And also - detailed setup instructions for popular models and answers to frequently asked questions. Cool Plus, how it works on the physical level, and in what situations it should be activated. You will learn how it differs from standard refrigeration, how it affects the shelf life of products, and why some users disable this feature permanently. And also - detailed setup instructions for popular models and answers to frequently asked questions.
What is Cool Plus in the refrigerator: technical explanation
Mode Cool Plus (sometimes referred to as Cool+, Power Cool or Fast Cool) is function intensive coolingwhich temporarily reduces the temperature in the refrigerator compartment by 2–4°C below the set norm. Unlike the mode Super Freeze (which works with the freezer), Cool Plus affects only the main compartment.
Physically this is realized due to:
- 🔄 Increasing the compressor operating time without pauses for rest.
- ❄️ Activation of an additional fan (in models with the system No Frost).
- ⚡ Supplying refrigerant under high pressure to the evaporator.
It is important to understand that Cool Plus is temporary mode. It automatically turns off after 2-6 hours (depending on the model) or when the temperature reaches the target value. Some refrigerators (for example, Samsung RB30A3200SAallow you to manually prolong the function, but this is fraught with icing). evaporator.
Why do you need the Cool Plus mode: 5 practical scenarios
Manufacturers position this function as “accelerated cooling,” but in practice its application is wider. Here are typical situations when Cool Plus is really useful:
- Loading warm products. For example, after shopping in a store or preparing a large volume of dishes (soups, compotes, semi-finished products). The mode will help to quickly reduce the temperature inside the chamber and prevent spoilage of neighboring products.
- Hot weather. In the summer, when the temperature in the kitchen exceeds 30°C, the refrigerator operates at its maximum capacity. Cool Plus compensates for heat inflows from the outside.
- Frequent opening of the door. If you are hosting a house party or preparing a multi-component dish, the mode will help restore the temperature after each opening.
- Defrosting the freezer compartment. In models with a common cooling system (Frost Free) turning on Cool Plus in the refrigerator compartment accelerates the circulation of cold air and evenly distributes the load.
- Storage of perishable products. For example, fresh fish, seafood or dairy desserts that require a temperature close to 0°C.
However, there are also contraindications:
- ❌ Constant use - leads to increased wear on the compressor and increased energy bills.
- ❌ Storage of sensitive products (leafy vegetables, tropical fruits, some cheeses) - they may freeze.
- ❌ Low temperature in indoors (below 16°C) - mode may cause icing of the drainage system.
How to turn Cool Plus on and off: step-by-step instructions
The activation algorithm depends on the refrigerator model. Below are instructions for the most common brands. If your brand is not in the list, look for a button with an icon snowflakes with a “+”**strong> sign or an inscription Cool+ on the control panel.
For refrigerators (RB, RS, RF series) data-i="116">buttons Samsung (RB, RS, RF series)
☑️ Enable Cool Plus on Samsung
Disables automatically after 2 hours or manually by pressing again Cool Select+. In models with a display (Samsung Family Hub), the mode status is displayed in the upper corner of the screen.
For refrigerators LG (GC, GB series, GR)
Press and hold the button Express Freeze (it is also responsible for Cool Plus) for 3 seconds until the indicator lights up. It turns off automatically after 6 hours or with the button Cancel.
For refrigerators Beko And Vestfrost
Use the combination Super Cool + Mode (hold both buttons for 5 seconds). In models with touch controls (Beko CNPE5532X), the mode is activated by touching the icon snowflakes with lightning.
If, after activation Cool Plus the refrigerator makes unusual sounds (humming, clicking), this is normal - this is how the compressor operates at high power. But if the noise does not stop after turning off the mode, check whether the fan is clogged with ice.
What to do if the Cool Plus button does not respond?
If the indicator does not light up, check:
1. Is the Vacation mode (Holiday) activated - it blocks all additional functions.
2. Is the network overloaded (voltage below 200V may block switching on).
3. Are there any errors on the display (codes E1, E2 indicate a malfunction of the sensors).
If the problem remains, diagnostics of the control board is required.
Temperature standards: how many degrees does Cool Plus give
The effect of the mode depends on the initial temperature in camera. The table below shows the average values for class refrigerators A+++ (data based on model tests Samsung RB37J5240SA, LG GC-B247JLVL and Beko CN335220X):
| Initial temperature | Temperature after Cool Plus | Time to reach | Energy consumption per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| +8°C (after loading warm products) | +2°C | 40–50 minutes | 0.12 kWh |
| +6°C (standard mode) | +1°C | 30–40 minutes | 0.09 kWh |
| +4°C (already cooled chamber) | 0°C | 20–25 minutes | 0.07 kWh |
| +10°C (after defrosting) | +3°C | 1 hour 10 minutes | 0.15 kWh |
Critical information: If your refrigerator's Cool Plus temperature drops below 0°C for more than 15 minutes, this is a sign of a faulty thermostat or sensor. Immediately turn off the function and call a technician.
For comparison: in the Super Freeze mode, the freezer is cooled to -24°C (versus standard -18°C), but energy consumption increases by 1.5–2 times. Cool Plus in this regard, it is more economical, but less powerful.
Is Cool Plus harmful for a refrigerator: myths and reality
On the Internet you can find statements that regular use Cool Plus “kills the compressor” or “spoils freon.” Let's figure out what is true and what is an exaggeration.
Myth 1: “The mode shortens the life of the compressor.”
Partially true, but only if you turn it on continuously. Modern compressors (inverter or linear) are designed for short-term peak loads. For example, in refrigerators LG with technology Smart Inverter the compressor life is up to 20 years even with active use Cool Plus (provided that it turns off automatically).
Myth 2: “Cool Plus spoils freon.”
Wrong. The refrigerant (usually R-600a or R-134a) circulates in a closed circuit, and its properties do not change from a short-term increase in pressure. The risk of leakage appears only when mechanical damage tubes (for example, during inaccurate defrosting).
Myth 3: “The mode is useless in No Frost refrigerators.”
Not quite so. In systems No Frost Cool Plus accelerates air circulation, which is useful for uniform cooling. However, in models with Low Frost (for example, Liebherr CNef 4315) the effect is less noticeable due to a different operating principle of the evaporator.
⚠️ Attention: if your refrigerator was manufactured before 2015, before use Cool Plus check the condition of the door seal. Worn rubber can lead to icing of the drain hole due to condensation.
Cool Plus alternatives: when is it better to use other modes
Function Cool Plus is not always optimal. In some cases, it is more advisable to use other options:
- 🥶 Vacation mode (
Holiday) — if you are leaving for a long time, it maintains a minimum temperature (+12–15°C) and saves energy. - ❄️ Super Freeze — for quick freezing (for example, berries or meat). Cools freezer to –24°C.
- 🌡️ Manual temperature setting — if you need constant cooling to +2–3°C (for example, for storing wines or cheeses).
- 🔄 Smart Cooling (in premium models) —automatically adjusts the temperature to the load in the chamber.
For example, to cool beer or carbonated drinks to +3°C, it is better to set the temperature manually than to use Cool Plus - this way you will avoid the risk of frostbite. And if you need to freeze 5 kg of fresh strawberries, Super Freeze it will cope more efficiently.
B. refrigerators with double cooling system (for example, Samsung Twin Cooling Plus) Cool Plus works independently of the freezer compartment, which allows you to combine it with Super Freeze without risk to the compressor.
Common mistakes when using Cool Plus and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to food spoilage or breakdowns:
- Ignoring refrigerator signals. If after activation Cool Plus the indicator blinks
Alarmor a sound signal is heard, this means that the temperature has dropped below a safe level. Turn off the mode immediately! - Loading hot food without pre-cooling. The temperature difference is more than that. 30°C (for example, if you put a pot of soup +60°C in the refrigerator) can cause thermal shock to the compressor. Cool the food to room temperature.
- Using the mode in an empty chamber. Without food, cold air circulates ineffectively and Cool Plus will not work. idling, wasting energy.
- Combination with other energy-intensive functions. Simultaneous switching on Cool Plus and Super Freeze can lead to network overload (especially in houses with old wiring).
Another typical mistake is incorrect placement of products. In the Cool Plus mode, cold air is distributed unevenly:
- 🥩 Meat and fish Put on the middle shelf (there is the most stable temperature).
- 🥛 Dairy products - on the top shelf (less cold zone).
- 🍎 Fruits and vegetables - in special containers (even in mode Cool Plus they should not be kept on open shelves).
⚠️ Attention: if after switching off Cool Plus ice remains on the back wall of the refrigerator, this is a sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system. Do not try to remove the ice mechanically - you risk damaging it. evaporator.
FAQ: answers to popular questions about the Cool Plus mode
Can Cool Plus be turned on at night?
Not recommended if delicate foods are stored in the refrigerator (for example, greens or some fruits). during the day, when you can control the process. The exception is models with intelligent control (for example, Samsung AI Cooling), which automatically adjust the temperature.
Why does Cool Plus not cool to the specified temperature?
Reasons may be as follows:
- The drainage hole is clogged (check if water is flowing under the vegetable drawer).
- The temperature sensor is faulty (replacement is required).
- There are too many products in the chamber, blocking the air circulation.
- Door not tightly closed (check the seal).
If this is not the problem, the fan may have failed (in models. No Frost).
How much electricity does Cool Plus consume?
On average, per hour of operation, the mode consumes 30-50% more energy than standard cooling. For example, if a refrigerator class A+++ consumes 0.8 kWh per day, then when activated Cool Plus for 2 hours the consumption will increase by ~0.1–0.15 kWh. For comparison: Super Freeze "consumes" 2 times more.
Is it possible to use Cool Plus for defrosting the freezer?
No, this is pointless. Cool Plus works only with the refrigerator compartment. To speed up the defrosting of the freezer, use the Super Freeze before start of the process mode (this will help keep the cold longer after turning off).
Is Cool Plus harmful to products?
If used correctly, no. However, some products may be harmed:
- 🍌 Bananas, avocados, mangoes —they will turn black at temperatures below +5°C.
- 🧀 Soft cheeses (brie, camembert) - will lose texture.
- 🥬 Leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce) - will become limp.
For them it is better to use the freshness zone or turn off Cool Plus after 1–1.5 hours.