Owners of combined refrigerators Liebherr are often faced with the need to change the temperature regime in individual chambers. Situations when it is necessary to turn the freezer compartment into an additional refrigeration compartment or completely stop its operation for defrosting arise regularly. Modern models of the German brand are equipped with complex electronics, which do not always allow you to simply “turn off” the freeze with one button, as was the case in old mechanical devices.
The deactivation procedure depends on the specific series of equipment and the type of cooling system installed. While for models with manual defrosting the process is trivial, devices with technology NoFrost require compliance with a certain algorithm of actions through the control panel. An incorrect sequence can lead to erroneous sensor readings or temporary failure of the compressor.
In this article we will analyze all the available ways to stop the freezer, from using special modes to completely turning off the power. You will learn how to safely change the functionality of your equipment without damaging the cooling circuit or electronic control board. It is important to understand the differences between a temporary increase in temperature and a complete cessation of cooling capacity.
Using the holiday mode (Ferien / Holiday)
The most regular and safe way to change the operation of the refrigerator Liebherr for a long period of inactivity is to activate the “Holiday” function. This mode was developed by engineers specifically for situations when you are leaving, but do not want to defrost and wash the main refrigeration compartment. When this function is activated, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises to +14...+15°C, which prevents the appearance of mold and unpleasant odors, but does not allow storing fresh food.
As for the freezer compartment, the situation here depends on the model. In most modern two-compressor units or devices with a system DuoCooling, the vacation mode allows you to completely turn off one of the chambers while the other continues to operate in economy mode. However, in single-circuit systems, turning off the freezer may not be possible without stopping the entire unit.
To activate the mode, you usually need to press and hold the corresponding button on the control panel for 3-5 seconds. The palm tree symbol or the inscription Ferienwill light up on the display. If your model supports independent control, you may need to additionally select the compartment you want to put into sleep mode through the settings menu.
⚠️ Attention: Before activating the vacation mode, be sure to remove all perishable food from the refrigerator compartment. At a temperature of +15°C, milk, meat and ready meals will spoil within a few hours.
SuperFrost function and temporary increase in temperature
Many users mistakenly believe that the function SuperFrost (or SuperCool) is designed to turn off the freezer. In fact, this is an intensive freezing mode that causes the compressor to work continuously, reducing the temperature in the chamber to the lowest possible values (usually -24°C or -32°C). It is strictly forbidden to use this function to “turn off” the cold - you will achieve the exact opposite effect.
However, knowledge of how temperature conditions work helps in the reverse process. If your goal is to defrost the chamber, then understanding the operation of SuperFrost is useful for checking the serviceability of the defrost heating element (in NoFrost models) or the evaporator. After turning off the intensive freeze, the system will automatically return to the previously set parameters after a certain period of time, usually from 50 to 65 hours, depending on the settings.
To control the temperature in standard mode, use the "Up" and "Down" buttons on the control panel. On some touchscreen models, SmartDevice you must first unlock the panel and then select the desired compartment. The adjustment range in the freezer is typically -15°C to -24°C. By setting the maximum value (-15°C), you minimize the load on the compressor, but do not stop it completely.
Why can’t you just set it to 0 degrees?
In most Liebherr refrigerators, the temperature in the freezer is programmed to decrease above -9°C. This is done for food safety and to protect the compressor from frequent on-off cycles.
Complete shutdown of the freezer compartment in two-compressor models
Owners of equipment with two compressors (often large side-by-side models or wide refrigerators) are luckier. In such devices, the cooling circuits of the refrigerator and freezer compartments are completely independent. This allows you to turn off one of the cameras while the other continues to operate normally. This function is especially useful if you need a lot of space to store vegetables and fruits, and the freezer is temporarily not needed.
The shutdown procedure is usually performed through the settings menu. You need to enter the programming mode, which is often hidden from accidental pressing. The standard algorithm for many models Liebherr series Comfort or Premium looks like this:
- 🔹 Press and hold the freezer on/off button (or the temperature setting button for this chamber) for 5-7 seconds.
- 🔹 The "OFF" indicator or a flashing zero should appear on the display, indicating that the camera has entered shutdown mode.
- 🔹 Confirm the action if the system requires confirmation, or simply wait for the beep.
- 🔹 The freezer compressor will stop working, and after a while the temperature inside will rise grow.
It is important to note that after turning on the camera will not start cooling immediately. The system will conduct a self-diagnosis, and only then start the freezing cycle. If you plan to store food, wait until the temperature drops to nominal before loading.
Features of shutdown in models with the NoFrost system
Technology NoFrost implies the absence of ice on the evaporator due to constant circulation of dry air. In such refrigerators, turning off the freezer has its own nuances associated with the operation of fans and defrosting heating elements. If you simply block the air supply or try to fool the sensors, the system may go into error.
Unlike a “crying” evaporator, where turning off the compressor quickly leads to ice melting, in NoFrost the ice can last longer due to good insulation. Therefore, if your goal is defrosting, you need to keep the doors open for at least 24 hours after turning off the power. Closing the door ahead of time will preserve moisture inside, which will lead to the formation of ice plugs in the air ducts.
It is also worth considering the operation of the fan. On some models, when the freezer compressor is turned off, the fan may continue to run for a while to equalize pressure or dry out the evaporator. This is a normal phenomenon and does not indicate a malfunction.
| Parameter | Models with a drip system | NoFrost models |
|---|---|---|
| Full defrosting time | 12-18 hours | 24-36 hours |
| Presence of defrost heating element | No (or only in the tray area) | Yes (built into the evaporator) |
| Risk of air ducts | Minimum | High with incomplete drying |
| Washing required | Recommended | Required (removing bacteria) |
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects or a hair dryer to speed up defrosting in NoFrost models. Plastic air ducts and thin walls of the evaporator will be damaged, and repairs will cost more than buying a new refrigerator.
Algorithm for complete defrosting by turning off the power
If software shutdown of the freezer is not provided in your model (which is often found in budget single-compressor series), the only way is to completely turn off the device. This is the most radical, but universal method that is suitable for any equipment, be it a classic Liebherr or modern Smart refrigerator.
Before starting the procedure, be sure to empty the refrigerator compartment of food. Even a short-term increase in temperature in the main compartment (if you have one compressor) can spoil the reserves. After this, unplug the power cord from the outlet. Do not rely only on the power button on the case - for complete safety and to stop all processes, it is necessary to physically open the circuit.
☑️ Checklist before defrosting
Open the doors of the freezer and refrigerator compartments. To speed up the process and prevent the doors from slamming, you can insert small wedges or use special clamps if they are included. Leave the unit undisturbed for at least 24 hours. During this time, all the ice will turn into water and flow into a special tray located above the compressor at the back.
After time, wipe the internal surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in a weak soda solution. This will help eliminate bacteria and odors. After washing, leave the refrigerator open for a few more hours to dry completely. Only after this can you turn on the appliance and load food.
Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting (FAQ)
Is it possible to turn off only the freezer in a single-compressor Liebherr?
In most single-compressor models with one cooling circuit, turn off freezer compartment separately, leaving the refrigerator running impossible. The cold is generated in the freezer and then distributed into the upper chamber. Turning off the freezer will stop the entire unit from cooling. The exception is rare models with electronically controlled dampers, but even there, complete “turning off” of the freezer is not provided for by the design.
Why does the freezer not freeze for a long time after switching on?
After a long period of inactivity or defrosting, the system takes time to reach operating mode. The compressor needs to pump refrigerant through the system, and the thermostat needs to fix the desired temperature. In models with NoFrost this process can take from 4 to 12 hours. Do not load food until the temperature has stabilized, otherwise you risk spoiling it and overloading the compressor.
Is the alarm indicator on after switching on - is this normal?
Yes, this is normal. After defrosting or power failure, the temperature inside the chambers is higher than normal, so the red alarm indicator lights up and the buzzer may sound. Press the acknowledgment button to mute the sound. The indicator will go out on its own when the temperature drops to the set values.
How to reset the temperature settings to factory settings?
To reset the settings, it is usually enough to unplug the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. The electronic control board will reboot and return to its default settings. Some models of the series Premium require a combination of buttons, which can be found in the user manual under the term “Factory Reset”.
Is frequent shutdown and startup harmful for the compressor?
Modern compressors Liebherr are designed for a specific resource switching cycles. Frequent shutdowns (several times a day) can really shorten the life of the motor. However, planned defrosting 1-2 times a year or switching to vacation mode does not cause critical harm to the equipment. The main thing is to maintain an interval of at least 10-15 minutes between turning off and turning on again, so that the pressure in the system has time to equalize.