If you become the proud owner of a refrigerator Indesit s technology Flexi Use Box, but you still don’t fully understand how this box differs from regular departments - you are not alone. Many users mistake it for a standard freshness zone or simply ignore its unique features. In fact, Flexi Use Box is an innovative solution that allows you to flexibly adjust the temperature depending on the type of product.
In this article we will analyze why did the manufacturer allocate this compartment into a separate categorywhich products are best stored in it, and how to avoid common mistakes during operation. You will learn how Flexi Use Box he differs from classic vegetable boxes, how to properly regulate the temperature, and why some models Indesit equipped with two such compartments at once. And also - we will reveal secrets that are not always mentioned in the official instructions!
What is Flexi Use Box and how does it work?
Flexi Use Box (literally - “flexible box for use”) - this is a specialized compartment in refrigerators Indesit, which supports adjustable microclimate. Unlike standard fruit boxes or a freshness zone, here you can manually set the temperature in the range from 0°C to +7°C, adapting the conditions for specific products.
The technology is based on isolated air circulation and precise humidity control. An optimal balance is maintained inside the compartment, which prevents:
- 🍎 Drying of fruits and herbs (due to moderate humidity)
- 🥩 Spoilage of meat and fish (due to consistently low temperature)
- 🧀 Formation of condensation on cheeses and sausages (due to the uniform distribution of cold)
Important: Flexi Use Box is not a full-fledged “freshness zone” (as, for example, BioFresh at Liebherr), but in functionality it is close to her. The main difference is the possibility manual temperature settings, whereas in the classic freshness zones the mode is fixed.
Differences between Flexi Use Box and regular vegetable boxes
Many people confuse it Flexi Use Box with standard plastic containers at the bottom of the refrigerator. However, it has several key advantages:
| Parameter | Regular box for vegetables | Flexi Use Box |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature mode | Depends on the overall temperature of the refrigerator compartment (+4°C…+6°C) |
Adjustable separately (0°C…+7°C) |
| Humidity | High (suitable only for vegetables/fruits) | Adjustable (can be reduced for meats/cheeses) |
| Insulation | None (air circulates freely) | Partial (slows down the oxidation of foods) |
| Recommended products | Vegetables, fruits, herbs | Meat, fish, cheeses, delicacies, some fruits |
For example, if you put fresh. meat in a regular box, it will begin to deteriorate within 1-2 days due to insufficiently low temperature. Flexi Use Box at 0°C…+2°C the shelf life will increase to 3–5 days without the risk of bacterial growth.
What products are best stored in the Flexi Use Box?
The manufacturer recommends using the compartment for products sensitive to temperature fluctuations. However, not everyone knows that some categories contraindicated keep in this box. Here is the optimal list:
- 🥩 Meat and poultry (fresh, no more than 3-5 days for
0°C…+2°C) - 🐟 Fish and seafood (up to 2 days for
0°C…+1°C) - 🧀 Cheeses (hard and semi-solid, with
+3°C…+5°C) - 🥓 Sausages and delicacies (vacuum - up to 7 days, sliced - up to 3 days)
- 🍷 Wine and champagne (with
+5°C…+7°Cfor slow cooling) - 🍓 Berries and fruits (except bananas and citrus fruits, with
+4°C…+6°C)
What DO NOT store in the Flexi Use Box:
- 🥬 Lettuce (wither quickly due to lack of moisture)
- 🍌 Bananas and avocados (the texture deteriorates at low temperatures)
- 🥔 Potatoes and onions (require dry storage at
+10°C…+15°C) - 🥛 Milk and yoghurts (it is better to keep them on the shelves of the refrigerator)
Why can’t you store milk in a Flexi Use Box?
At temperatures below +4°C milk may begin to separate, and the taste will deteriorate due to disruption of the protein structure. The optimal temperature for milk is +4°C…+5°C on the middle shelves, where there are no sharp changes.
How to correctly set the temperature in the Flexi Use Box?
Temperature adjustment depends on the refrigerator model IndesitIn most cases, control is carried out through:
- Touch panel on the door (models Indesit ITF 118, Indesit ITS 5180 W).
- Mechanical regulator inside the drawer (series Eco Time).
- Mobile application Indesit Connect (for smart refrigerators).
General setting rule:
- For meat/fish: set
0°C…+2°C. - For cheeses/sausages:
+3°C…+5°C. - For fruit/wine:
+5°C…+7°C.
Set the temperature 0°C…+2°C|
Place the meat in a vacuum package or container|
Do not fill the box more than 70%|
Check the shelf life every 2 day-->
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Flexi Use Box does not cool to 0°C, check:
- Is the drawer overloaded (air circulation should be free).
- Is the mode turned on
EcoorVacation(they limit the cooling power). - Is the ventilation grill blocked by products on the upper shelves.
Typical mistakes when using Flexi Use Box
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that negate all the advantages of the compartment. Here are the most common:
- Storing food without packaging. Unlike the freshness zone, Flexi Use Box does not protect against cross-contamination with odors. For example, fish. “infuses” cheeses and fruits with aroma.
- Ignoring temperature adjustment. Many leave the factory settings (
+5°C), although this is critical for meat. - Overloading the box. If food lies tightly, the cold is distributed unevenly, and some of the food spoils faster.
- Washing the box with aggressive agents detergents. Plastic Flexi Use Box is sensitive to abrasives and chlorine - over time it becomes cloudy.
⚠️ Attention: If after washing the box there is a persistent smell, wipe it with a solution of soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) or vinegar (1:1 with water). Do not use bleach —it will be absorbed into the plastic and transferred to the products.
Comparison of Flexi Use Box in different Indesit models
Not all refrigerators Indesit are equipped with the same Flexi Use Box. In budget models (for example, Indesit ITS 5180 W) this is a simple box with a mechanical regulator, while in premium series (Indesit ITF 118) added:
- 🌡️ Electronic temperature control steps
1°C. - 💧 Automatic humidity control (depending on workload).
- 📱 Control via application (scheduled setting).
| Model | Control type | Minimum temperature | Additional functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indesit ITS 5180 W | Mechanical regulator | +2°C |
— |
| Indesit ITF 118 | Touch panel | 0°C |
Auto defrost, humidity control |
| Indesit EWT 81052 | Mobile application | -1°C |
Smart sensors, shelf life notifications |
⚠️ Attention: In models with No Frost (for example, Indesit EWT 81052) Flexi Use Box may dry out the food a little. If you store greens or berries, use airtight containers.
How to care for the Flexi Use Box: cleaning and disinfection
Plastic Flexi Use Box requires careful care, as bacteria and mold quickly form on it. data-i="207">Wipe the box with a damp cloth and soapy water (no abrasives!).
- Weekly cleaning: Wipe the box with a damp cloth and soapy water (no abrasives!).
- Deep disinfection: Wash once a month with a vinegar solution or a specialized product for refrigerators (for example, Topperr 3101).
- Drying: After washing, leave the drawer open for 10-15 minutes so that the moisture evaporates.
- Protection from odors: Place a bag of activated carbon or soda inside.
⚠️ Attention: If a black coating (mold) appears on the walls of the box, immediately wash it with a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and dry it with a hair dryer in cold mode. The mold may spread to the food! Flexi Use Box can switch to groceries!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Flexi Use Box
Is it possible to turn off Flexi Use Box if it is not needed?
Yes, in most models Indesit you can set the temperature to the level of the main chamber (+4°C…+6°CHowever, you cannot completely “turn off” the box - it will always cool, just less intensively.
Why does ice form in the Flexi Use Box, although No Frost works?
This is normal if the box is set to 0°C…+2°C. Moisture from food condenses and freezes. To avoid frost, store food in airtight containers and wipe the walls with a dry cloth once a week.
Can frozen food be stored in the Flexi Use Box for defrosting?
No! You cannot defrost meat or fish in this compartment - the temperature is too high, and the food will begin to spoil. Use the bottom shelf of the refrigerator or a special mode for this Super Cool (if available).
How much electricity does the Flexi Use Box consume?
Consumption is minimal - about 5–10 W/hour (depending on the model). For comparison: the main compressor of the refrigerator consumes 100–200 W/hour. Energy consumption per box is insignificant.
Can Flexi Use Box be installed in a refrigerator of another brand?
No, this is not possible. Flexi Use Box integrated into the cooling system Indesit and connected to the electronic control unit. Attempts to transfer it to another refrigerator will lead to breakdown.