Refrigeration equipment brand Atlant is deservedly popular due to its reliability and thoughtful ergonomics of the internal space. However, owners are often faced with a situation where standard dismantling methods do not work, and there is a risk of damaging fragile glass or plastic elements. Correct understanding of the design of a particular unit is the key to successful maintenance without unnecessary costs for replacing parts.
In this article we will look in detail at how to safely remove various types of shelves, including glass surfaces, lattice holders and complex retractable systems. Improper dismantling can lead to breakage of the guides, so it is important to consider the features of each model.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to empty the internal space of products. Heavy pots or glass jars can become a serious obstacle and source of danger during the work process. Make sure your hands are clean and dry to ensure a secure grip on a slippery surface.
Types of shelf structures in Atlant refrigerators
The internal space of refrigerators Atlant is organized using several types of support systems. Most often, there are classic glass shelves that rest on plastic stops built into the side walls of the chamber. Such models are the most common in the series MXM and KSH.
The second type is pull-out shelves made in the form of baskets or drawers on telescopic guides. They are usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment or in the freshness area. The mechanism for fastening them is significantly different from stationary analogues and requires a special approach when removing them.
There are also combined options where the glass surface is inserted into a metal or plastic frame. Frame design may have special latches that block the movement of the glass during a sharp jerk. Understanding what type is installed in your unit determines the further strategy of action.
- 🔹 Stationary glass shelves on plastic stops
- 🔹 Retractable systems on telescopic guides
- 🔹 Removable grilles with metal edging
- 🔹 Bottle holder shelves with locks
⚠️ Attention: The glass in the refrigerators is tempered. Despite its high strength, it does not tolerate targeted impacts to the end and sudden temperature changes. Do not try to remove the shelf if intensive cooling is still running in the chamber and the glass is covered with frost.
It is important to note that in some models the stops may not be removable, being part of the molding of the inner wall. In such cases, only the glass panel itself is removed, and the plastic elements remain in place. An attempt to pick out such stops with a screwdriver will lead to irreversible damage to the plastic.
Preparation for dismantling and safety measures
Before starting any manipulations with the internal structure of the refrigerator Atlant careful preparation is necessary. This will not only simplify the task, but also minimize the risk of injury or property damage. The first step should always be to completely empty the shelf of its contents.
If you plan to wash the removed items, prepare a place on the floor or table in advance, covered with a soft towel. The fall of even a small part onto a hard tile can be fatal to its integrity. Tempered glass When destroyed, it crumbles into many small but safe fragments, but it is better not to allow this.
Particular attention should be paid to the temperature regime. If you have just defrosted the refrigerator or, conversely, it was running at full capacity, give the parts time to warm up to room temperature. The sudden movement of cold glass in a warm room can cause microcracks due to thermal expansion.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Remove rings and bracelets from your hands. Metal jewelry can scratch plastic or glass and interfere with your grip. In addition, the rings can get stuck in the fastening points, which will lead to a finger injury during sudden movement.
How to remove a regular glass shelf
The most common scenario is the need to remove a standard glass shelf. In refrigerators Atlant they usually lie on four plastic tabs. The process seems simple, but has its own nuances, ignoring which leads to breakdowns.
Stand exactly in front of the shelf and grab the front edge of the glass on both sides with both hands. Do not grab one side - this will create a distortion, and the opposite edge may jump off the stop and fall. Smoothly lift the front part up 2-3 centimeters, then pull it towards you.
In models with the system No Frost or in older units, the stops may “stick” due to moisture or dirt. If the shelf does not budge, check for ice in the contact area with the side wall. Sometimes it is enough to warm up the problem area a little with a hairdryer (not with hot air, but with warm air) or just wait.
They prevent the shelf from accidentally falling out when the door slams. Carefully inspect the front supports: if you see a lever or button, press or move them before lifting the glass.
Removing drawers and shelves
Drawer systems in refrigerators Atlant are often equipped with stoppers that prevent the drawer from being removed during normal use. This is done for safety so that the heavy structure does not fall on your feet when opening the door. To remove such an element, you need to know the location of the latches.
Pull out the drawer or shelf until it stops. In most cases, the locking mechanism is activated automatically when you extend the structure completely. However, complete removal often requires lifting the front edge of the drawer up at an angle of 15-20 degrees, and then pulling further.
| System type | Latch location | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic slide | Inside the side grooves | Press the tongue inside |
| Metal rails | At the end of the guide | Pull the stopper up |
| Glass shelf in frame | Rear stops | Lift and pull out |
| Freshness zone | Side clips | Squeeze clips fingers |
If the drawer is equipped with telescopic guides, make sure that you extend them to their maximum length. Often there is a plastic stop inside the mechanism that needs to be pressed or moved to unlock further movement. Telescopic systems require caution: do not jerk them sharply so as not to tear the fasteners from the refrigerator body.
⚠️ Attention: When removing heavy drawers, always support them from below. Plastic handles may not withstand the weight of a full box (or leftover products), and the structure may slip out of your hands.
Some modern models Atlant use systems with closers. When removing such a shelf, it may be necessary to overcome the resistance of the mechanism. Do this smoothly, without jerking, so as not to damage the closer gears.
Removing shelves from the refrigerator door
The shelves on the door, or bottle holders, are attached differently than the shelves in the main chamber. They are installed in special grooves on the inner door panel. The design usually allows you to change their height or remove them for washing.
To dismantle, grasp the bottom of the shelf with both hands. Lift it strictly vertically up. Some models require you to first press the shelf down lightly to disengage from the lock and then lift it up. If the shelf fits very tightly, you can use a flat object (for example, a plastic card) to gently pry up the edge.
What to do if the shelf on the door is cracked?
If a crack appears on the shelf, it cannot be used. Even microscopic damage in tempered glass or durable plastic under the stress of bottles can cause sudden failure. Replace the part immediately.
Pay special attention to the upper shelves on the door, which often have a cover. The cover can be removed separately or be part of the structure. If the cover is removable, first remove it to reduce the weight and dimensions of the structure before removing the main part.
When installing it back, make sure that the shelf fits into the guides until you hear a characteristic click. A shelf on the door that is not screwed in or not fully inserted can cause the contents to fall when opening the refrigerator.
Features of models with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Atlant with the system No Frost have their own characteristics of the internal structure. In such models, the shelves are often perforated for better circulation of cold air. The fastenings can be hidden behind decorative elements or integrated into the overall airflow system.
The main difficulty when dismantling in such models is the possible icing of the fastenings, even despite the defrosting system. If the drain hole is clogged, moisture can accumulate and freeze around the stops. Before removing the shelves, make sure that there is no ice in the contact area.
Air circulation is critical in such refrigerators. After installing the shelves, make sure that they do not block the ventilation holes on the back wall. An incorrectly installed shelf can disrupt the distribution of cold, which will lead to spoilage of products.
Also in models with No Frost complex retractable systems in the freshness zone are more common. It is important here not to confuse the direction of movement when removing. Usually a combination of actions is required: lifting + pulling or pressing the latch + pulling.
Cleaning and maintaining removed elements
After you have managed to remove the shelf, the maintenance stage begins. Glass surfaces and plastic frames should be washed with warm water and mild detergents. Abrasive sponges and aggressive chemicals are prohibited, as they can damage the protective coating or make the plastic cloudy.
Allow all parts to dry completely before reinstalling. Water that gets into the fastening grooves can freeze and “lock” the shelf again, making the next dismantling a difficult task. Wipe the fastening points in the refrigerator itself with a dry cloth.
When installing, be careful not to use excessive force. If the shelf does not click into place the first time, check that it is oriented correctly and that there are no obstructions. A correctly installed part should fit tightly, but without tension.
What to do if the plastic stop breaks during removal?
If you damage the plastic holder during dismantling, it must be replaced. Operating a shelf without reliable support is dangerous. Order an original spare part according to the catalog number of your model Atlant or contact the service center. The use of temporary solutions (for example, linings) is not recommended due to the risk of structural collapse.
Can shelves be washed in the dishwasher?
Glass shelves, as a rule, can be washed in the dishwasher at a temperature not exceeding 40-50 degrees. However, it is better to wash plastic frames, especially if they have rubber seals or stickers, by hand. High temperatures and aggressive detergents can deform the plastic or cause it to become cloudy.
Why does the shelf get stuck and cannot be removed?
The main reasons: ice freezing in the grooves, sticking due to sticky contaminants (syrups, juices), or the presence of a hidden latch that you did not notice. Also, in older models, the plastic could be deformed by time and temperature, changing the geometry of the seats.
How to replace broken glass on a shelf?
Only the glass part can be replaced if it is inserted into the frame. If the shelf is all-glass, the entire structure changes. To order a new part, you will need the exact model of the refrigerator (indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber or on the back wall) and, preferably, a photograph of the broken shelf.