Purchasing a new refrigerator Beko is always a joyful event, promising freshness of products and convenience in the kitchen. However, joy can quickly give way to disappointment if you ignore the basic rules for the initial launch of equipment. Many users make a critical mistake by turning on the unit immediately after they brought it into the apartment and removed the packaging. This approach can lead to compressor failure or reduced motor life, since internal systems require time to stabilize after transportation.
The process of commissioning refrigeration equipment of the brand Beko has its own technical nuances that directly affect the cooling efficiency. The correct sequence of actions ensures that the refrigerant is in the correct position in the system and the oil is evenly distributed in the compressor. In this article, we will analyze each stage in detail: from unpacking to setting the optimal temperature conditions, so that your new refrigerator operates silently and economically for many years.
It is important to understand that the start-up instructions may vary slightly depending on the type of refrigerator: it is single-chamber, double-chamber or a model with a system. No Frost. However, the fundamental principles of preparation remain the same for the entire line of household appliances Beko. Compliance with these rules is not just a formality, but a necessary condition for maintaining the manufacturer's warranty and preventing costly repairs in the future.
Preparation of the installation site and unpacking
The first and most important step is choosing the right place to place the refrigerator Beko. The unit should not be placed close to a wall or furniture, as the rear grille and side walls (on some models) require free air circulation to dissipate heat. The optimal distance to the back wall should be at least 5-7 centimeters, and it is advisable to leave gaps of 2-3 centimeters on the sides. If you ignore this requirement, the compressor will work with overload, trying to compensate for the insufficient cooling of the condenser.
Once the location has been selected, you must carefully unpack the device. Remove the cardboard box, top foam and protective film. Pay special attention to the interior: remove all fastening elements, tape and paper inserts that secure the shelves and drawers. There may be bags with documentation or an ice scoop inside - these also need to be removed. Do not use sharp objects such as knives or scissors to remove packaging materials to avoid accidentally damaging the enamel or plastic parts.
Carefully inspect the case for any mechanical damage that may have occurred during delivery. Dents, deep scratches or chips of enamel may indicate a violation of transportation conditions. If defects are found, it is better to draw up a report with the courier than to try to start the equipment, since damage to the housing may lead to a violation of the system’s tightness in the future. Cleanliness of the inner chamber is also required - wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth.
☑️ Check before installation
Shipping bolts and body alignment
One of the common causes of noise and vibration upon first start-up is due to improper installation of the refrigerator on the floor. The floor at the installation site must be level and hard. If the floor is uneven, the refrigerator will wobble, which will lead to increased wear on the compressor and an unpleasant hum. To adjust, use the front support feet, which can be twisted or unscrewed. By rotating them, achieve a stable position of the body: it should not swing when lightly pressing on the corners.
To check the horizontal position, you can use a building level, placing it on the top lid of the refrigerator. Many modern models Beko equipped with a system in which the door must close itself when opened less than 45 degrees. This is achieved by slightly tilting the body back. By adjusting the height of the front legs, you can adjust this parameter, which is especially important for models with magnetic seals that must fit tightly.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the refrigerator in a skewed state. The skew of the body creates an uneven load on the frame and the compressor, which can cause premature failure of the shock absorbers and the appearance of strong noise when the motor is running.
It is also worth mentioning the transportation bolts, although in most modern refrigerators Beko they only secure the compressor during transportation. In older models or some specific series, additional fasteners may have been used for the case itself or internal mechanisms. Make sure that all shipping items are removed according to the diagram in the instructions. If the compressor remains fixed with bolts, its operation will be impossible or will lead to instant failure.
Settling time before first switching on
The most critical point in the question of “how to start a Beko refrigerator” is the waiting time before connecting to the power supply. During transportation, especially if the refrigerator was transported lying down or at a strong angle, oil from the compressor could flow into the cooling system circuits (evaporator or condenser). If you turn on the unit immediately, the compressor will try to pump the refrigerant along with the oil, but due to water hammer or dry operation (without lubrication), it may jam or burn out.
The time required for the oil to drain back into the compressor crankcase depends on the transportation conditions and the ambient temperature. If the refrigerator was transported in an upright position and without strong shaking, it is enough to let it stand for 2-3 hours. However, if the exact transportation history is unknown or the device was transported lying down, the settling time should be increased.
Why can’t it be turned on immediately after winter delivery?
If the refrigerator was delivered in the cold in winter, it cannot be turned on immediately even after a long period of settling. Sudden temperature changes can cause condensation inside electrical circuits, resulting in a short circuit. Allow the equipment to warm up to room temperature for 4-6 hours, and only then wait for the oil to drain.
Below is a table of approximate settling time depending on transportation conditions:
| Transportation conditions | Environment temperature | Minimum settling time |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical, without shaking | Summer / Room | 2-3 hours |
| Horizontal (lying) | Summer / Indoor | 8-12 hours |
| Vertical, strong shaking | Summer / Indoor | 4-6 hours |
| Any position | Winter (after being brought into the heat) | 4 hours for warming up + time for oil |
Compliance with these time intervals is the key to the longevity of your refrigerator. There is no need to rush things: it is better to wait an extra couple of hours than to change the compressor after a month of operation.
Primary treatment of the internal chambers
Before loading food, the new refrigerator Beko needs to be prepared hygienically. The factory smell of plastic and grease is normal for new equipment, but it should not remain inside. Start by wiping down all interior surfaces, shelves, drawers, and door seals with a soft cloth soaked in a mild solution of baking soda or warm water and a mild detergent. The use of aggressive chemicals, abrasive powders or solvents is prohibited, as they can damage the coating.
After wet cleaning, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry and leave the refrigerator doors open for 30-60 minutes to completely remove odors and dry moisture. At this time, you can check the equipment: install the shelves on the guides, insert vegetable drawers and containers on the door. Make sure that all elements fit into place smoothly and securely.
The system No Frost deserves special attention (if your model has one). In such refrigerators, air circulates through special channels. Make sure that the ventilation openings inside the camera are not blocked by improperly installed shelves or packing materials. Free air circulation is the key to uniform cooling and no frost.
Connecting to the power supply and setting temperatures
After the refrigerator has stood for the required time and has been processed, you can begin electrical connection. Plug the power cord into a separate grounded outlet. The use of extension cords and tees is not recommended, since the refrigerator is a powerful energy consumer, and poor contact can cause the wires to heat up or spark. Make sure that the mains voltage meets the requirements specified on the technical sticker (usually 220-240 V).
Immediately after switching on, the compressor may not start. This is normal for modern models Bekoequipped with electronic control. The system performs self-diagnosis, and the start delay can range from 5 to 15 minutes. If you hear a quiet click and then the hum of the motor, the process has begun. In the first minutes of operation, the refrigerator may make sounds of gurgling or liquid pouring - this is the refrigerant starting to circulate through the system, which is the normal mode.
Now you need to adjust the temperature mode. For mechanical control, use the rotary control inside the camera (usually numbers from 1 to 5 or Min/Max). For the first run, it is recommended to set the average value. In models with electronic control (Neo Frost, EverFresh), the setting is made through a panel on the door or inside the chamber.
Recommended parameters for initial startup:
- 🌡️ Temperature in the fridge compartment: +4°C (optimal for storing most products).
- ❄️ Temperature in the freezer: -18°C (standard for long-term storage).
- 🚀 Super mode Freeze: can be turned on for 2-3 hours to quickly gain cold, but do not leave it on constantly.
- 💡 Lighting: Check whether the light comes on when the door is opened (in some models the light turns on with a delay).
After setting the parameters, close the doors tightly. The refrigerator will begin to rise in temperature. This process can take from 2 to 6 hours depending on the volume of the chambers and the room temperature. At this time, you should not often open the doors or load a large amount of food, so as not to disturb the process of stabilization of the thermal regime.
Operation control and loading with products
The first day of operation of the refrigerator Beko are test ones. During this period, it is important to control how the unit gains and maintains temperature. It is considered normal if the compressor operates cyclically: it turns on, cools the chamber to the set value and turns off. Pauses in work can be quite long, especially if there are no heat-intensive products in the chamber and the room is cool.
It is better to load products gradually. First, place foods that do not require deep freezing in the refrigerator compartment and wait another couple of hours. It is recommended to fully load the freezer only after the temperature inside has stabilized at -18°C. A sudden load with warm products will force the compressor to work without interruption, which is undesirable in the first days of operation.
Pay attention to the noise level. Modern refrigerators Beko operate quite quietly, but in the first hours you can hear the operation of fans (in No Frost models) and the sounds of freon movement. If you hear loud knocking, metallic clanging, or humming that gets worse over time, check to see if the refrigerator pipes are touching a wall or furniture. Also make sure that nothing inside the chamber vibrates from the air flow.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator runs nonstop for more than 12 hours without turning off and does not reach the set temperature, or if a “coat” of ice forms on the back wall inside the refrigerator compartment (not in the freezer), these are signs of a malfunction. In this case, you must disconnect the device from the network and contact a service center.
An important aspect is the correct placement of products. Do not block the ventilation openings with cold air flows, especially in models with Multi Air Flow. Air must circulate freely around the food to ensure even cooling. Do not place hot dishes inside - this will create an extra load on the system and increase humidity, which will lead to the formation of condensation.
Frequently asked questions when starting up for the first time (FAQ)
Why does the Beko refrigerator make gurgling and pouring sounds?
This is an absolutely normal physical process. The sounds occur due to the circulation of refrigerant (freon) through the pipes of the cooling system. In modern refrigerators with low compressor noise levels, these sounds can be heard especially clearly. Over time, when the system reaches operating mode, the sounds may become less noticeable, but will not disappear completely.
Does the side wall of the refrigerator heat up during operation?
Yes, in most models Beko the capacitor (heat exchanger) is built into the side walls of the case. Therefore, heating the side surfaces to 40-50°C is a normal operating mode, and not a defect. This means that the refrigerator releases the heat received from inside the chambers to the environment. The more intense the compressor works, the more the walls can heat up.
What to do if the refrigerator door does not close tightly?
Check whether anything is interfering with the seal (packaging, edge of a shelf, bottle). Make sure the refrigerator is level and tilted slightly backwards. If the seal is deformed due to long-term storage in a warehouse, try gently warming it with a hair dryer (without overheating!) or applying a warm heating pad for a few minutes, then close the door tightly and leave overnight.
Do I need to defrost a Beko refrigerator with the No Frost system?
System No Frost (or Neo Frost) implies automatic removal of moisture, so such models do not need regular manual defrosting. However, once a year or if a foreign odor appears, it is recommended to carry out a preventive cleaning of the cameras and disconnect them from the network. Also keep an eye on the drainage hole inside the chamber - it should not be clogged with crumbs.
Can a Beko refrigerator be placed next to a stove or radiator?
It is strictly not recommended to place the refrigerator near heat sources. The proximity of a stove, radiator or direct sunlight will cause the compressor to work almost non-stop, trying to compensate for external heat. This will lead to a sharp increase in energy consumption and a reduction in engine life. The minimum distance between doors should be at least 50-60 cm.