How to properly freeze an Atlant refrigerator: a complete guide

Belarusian refrigerators production Atlant are deservedly popular due to their reliability and affordable price, however, most models, especially the classic series MXM, require regular manual defrosting.

Many owners mistakenly believe that to switch to the freezing mode it is enough to simply turn the thermostat knob, ignoring the physical need to remove ice crust from the evaporator.

In this article we will look in detail at how to properly prepare the unit, how long the process takes and what actions will help extend the life of the compressor.

Preparation for the defrosting procedure

Before starting the process, it is necessary to free refrigerator compartment from all products, since even a short-term increase in temperature can spoil perishable goods.

Prepare a container for collecting water and absorbent rags in advance so that liquid does not fall on the floor or under the bottom of the equipment, where important electrical components are located.

If your model provides a function Fast Freeze or superfreeze mode, it must be turned off several hours before the start of the procedure to allow the system to return to normal operation.

⚠️ Attention: Never try to speed up defrosting by using a hairdryer, hot water or sharp objects to chip the ice, this may damage the evaporator tubes.

To speed up the process, you can place a bowl of warm water inside the chamber, closing the door tightly, but this should only be done if there is severe icing.

Make sure that the power cord is unplugged, since operating the compressor while water is flowing into the housing is unacceptable.

Algorithm of actions for models with drip system

Refrigerators Atlant with a drip defrosting system (No Frost in the refrigerator compartment) require less time, but have their own characteristics in maintenance.

In such models, the main ice build-up is formed only on rear wall freezer chamber, if it is single-compressor.

The defrosting process occurs automatically when the power is turned off, but you need to manually remove residual moisture from the grooves and channels.

• ❄️ Open all doors and remove shelves for better air access.
• ❄️ Wait until the water has completely drained into the drain pan.
• ❄️ Wipe the internal surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• ❄️ Leave the unit open for 1-2 hours to dry completely.

It is important to check the condition sealing rubber bands, since it is their tightness that affects the rate of ice formation in the future.

After cleaning the condensate drainage channels, the preparatory stage can be considered complete.

☑️ Preparation for defrosting

Disconnect from the networkRemove productsPrepare ragsOpen the doors

Done: 0 / 4

Features of defrosting two-compressor models

Two-compressor refrigerators Atlant allow you to defrost the chambers separately, which greatly simplifies the storage of food.

You can turn off only the refrigerator compartment, leaving the freezer to operate in normal mode, or vice versa.

For this, electronic control or separate mechanical switches located inside the chambers or on the front are used panels.

When defrosting one chamber, make sure that the temperature in the second has not lost due to heat exchange between the compartments.

If you are defrosting only freezer chamber, keep the refrigerator compartment door closed as often as possible.

This will help keep the cold inside and minimize the load on the operating compressor.

⚠️ Attention: In two-compressor models, the chamber drainage systems may be independent, check both water collection trays.

The electronics of such models may require error reset after switching on if the downtime process lasted more than 24 hours.

📊 What kind of Atlant refrigerator do you have?

Single-compressor

Two-compressor

With No Frost system

I don’t know exactly

How long does freezing take?

The time required for the refrigerator Atlant to reach operating mode and freeze the food depends on several factors.

First of all, this is the volume of the chamber, the number of loaded products and the temperature in the room.

Usually the initial cooling of an empty chamber takes from 2 to 4 hours, but it takes longer to completely freeze the products.

Model type	Time to first turn on	Complete time freezing	Recommended load
Single compressor	3-4 hours	12-24 hours	No more than 5 kg
Two-compressor	2-3 hours	8-12 hours	Up to 10 kg
With No Frost system	2-3 hours	6-10 hours	Gradually
Freezer (chamber)	4-5 hours	24 hours	Minimum

Do not load warm products immediately after switching on, this will create a critical load on the compressor.

It is better to let the unit run idle for at least one hour so that the refrigerant is evenly distributed throughout the system.

Why can’t you load a lot of products at once?

A sharp increase in temperature inside the chamber forces the thermostat to keep the compressor on continuously, which can lead to overheating of the windings and failure of the motor in the first hours of operation.

Setting the thermostat after turning on

After you have turned on the refrigerator into the network, you need to correctly configure the thermostat to enter the mode.

For mechanical regulators Atlant it is recommended to initially set the knob to the middle position, usually number 3.

Do not immediately turn the regulator to the maximum, as this will not speed up freezing, but is guaranteed to overload the system.

Electronic models allow you to select the exact temperature, the optimal value for the refrigerator compartment is +4°C.

In the freezer compartment, the standard mode is considered -18°C, which ensures long-term storage of products.

If the model has function fast freezing, turn it on for 2-3 hours, after which be sure to return to normal mode.

• 🌡️ Set the regulator to the middle position.
• 🌡️ Wait until it stops compressor.
• 🌡️ Load food in small portions.
• 🌡️ Check the temperature after a day.

Temperature stability is a key factor in the long life of your refrigerator.

Sudden changes in settings are harmful to electronics and mechanics of the device.

Typical mistakes during first operation

Often users make mistakes that negate all efforts to properly defrost and setting.

The most common of them is to turn on the unit immediately after transportation.

If the refrigerator Atlant was transported lying down, oil could get into the refrigerant circuit.

⚠️ Attention: After horizontal transportation, the refrigerator must stand vertically for at least 4-6 hours before turning on for the first time.

Ignoring this rule can lead to water hammer in the compressor and its breakdown.

It is also a mistake to load a large volume of room temperature products into a refrigerator that has just been turned on.

The system will work for wear, trying to cool the warm mass, which can cause thermal breakdown.

Care for seals and cleanliness inside

The quality of freezing directly depends on the tightness of the chamber, for which the sealing rubber bands are responsible.

After each defrosting, wipe them with a soft damp cloth, removing dirt and food debris.

Once every six months is recommended lubricate the seal with silicone grease or a special rubber care product.

This will prevent the material from drying out and the appearance of cracks through which the cold escapes.

Internal shelves and walls also require regular cleaning, since greasy deposits impair heat transfer.

Use only mild detergents that do not contain abrasives and aggressive acids.

• 🧼 Wipe the seal after each defrosting.
• 🧼 Lubricate the rubber with silicone once every 6 months.
• 🧼 Wash the shelves with warm water and soda.
• 🧼 Check the tightness of the door.

Cleanliness inside the chamber is not only hygiene, but also energy efficiency.

Dirty walls conduct cold worse, forcing the compressor to work more often.

What to do if, after turning on, the refrigerator does not freeze?

If, after turning on and going through a full cycle (about 2-3 hours), the temperature does not drop, check the position of the thermostat. If it is installed correctly, listen to the compressor: if it is silent, the thermal relay may have tripped or there is a problem with the starter. If the compressor hums, but there is no cold, this may indicate a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube. In such cases, you need to call a specialist.

Is it possible to speed up freezing with a fan?

Using a household fan directed inside the open chamber can slightly speed up air circulation and evaporation of moisture after defrosting. However, directing a stream of hot air (for example, from a heater) is strictly prohibited. Cold air from the fan is safe, but make sure that dust and moisture from the street do not get inside.

Do you need to wash the refrigerator before turning it on for the first time?

Yes, a new refrigerator must be washed with warm water and a mild detergent before use. This will remove factory dust, technical lubricants and plastic odors. After washing, thoroughly wipe the surfaces dry and leave the doors open for a couple of hours for ventilation.