How to properly turn off the freezer in the Ariston refrigerator: instructions for all models

Disconnecting the freezer compartment in the refrigerator Ariston may be needed in a variety of situations: when you are away from home for a long time, to save energy, or if the freezer is temporarily not in use. However, incorrect actions can lead to equipment malfunctions, increased compressor wear, or even breakdown. In this article, we will look in detail at how to safely turn off the freezer compartment on models Ariston with one and two compressors, what to do with food before turning it off, and what settings to return after turning it back on.

It is important to understand that the process differs depending on the type of refrigerator: in models with with one compressor (for example, Ariston MBA 2200 or Hotpoint-Ariston BCB 33) turning off the freezer will affect the operation of the entire unit, while in two-compressor (Ariston MRBF 2684, Ariston MBF 2991) the freezer compartment can be deactivated independently. We will consider both options, and also give recommendations for preparing the refrigerator for long periods of inactivity without a freezer.

If you plan to turn off the freezer for a long time (more than 1-2 weeks), be sure to read the section on the rules for storing the refrigerator when not in use - this will help avoid the appearance of mold, unpleasant odors and corrosion of parts. For owners of models with the system No Frost there are certain nuances that we also touch upon.

Why you may need to turn off the freezer compartment

The freezer compartment is one of the most energy-consuming elements of the refrigerator. Disabling it allows you to save up to 20–30% of electricity, which is important at high rates or if the camera is rarely used. Here are the main reasons why users make this decision:

• 💰 Saving electricity — if the freezer is empty or used sporadically (for example, only on holidays), turning it off will reduce electricity bills.
• 🏡 Long absence from home — when leaving for several weeks or months there is no point in maintaining a low temperature in an empty chamber.
• 🔧 Repair or replacement of parts - sometimes the freezer is turned off to diagnose faults (for example, if the compressor is running without stopping).
• 🌡️ Seasonal use - in country refrigerators the freezer compartment is often turned off in winter, when food is stored outside or in the cellar.
• 🚫 Fault - if the freezer does not work properly (for example, it freezes ice or does not cool), it is temporarily deactivated until repaired.

However, before shutting down it is worth assessing the risks. For example, in models with one compressor the refrigerator compartment may begin to cool worse, and in systems No Frost turning off the freezer will lead to the fan stopping and possible icing of the evaporator. Also

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Ariston is equipped with a system Total No Frost (for example, model Ariston MRBF 2684 or Ariston MBF 2991), turning off the freezer will automatically stop air circulation. This may cause condensation to form in the refrigerator compartment. Before turning off, make sure that there are no moisture-sensitive foods in the main chamber (for example, greens or fruits).

How to determine the type of compressor in your Ariston refrigerator

The first step before turning off the freezer is to find out how many compressors are installed in your model. This determines whether the freezer compartment can be deactivated independently of the refrigerator compartment. Here's how to do it:

1. Look at the back wall of the refrigerator. On models with with one compressor you will see one black cylindrical block (usually located at the bottom). In two-compressor refrigerators there will be two of them - separately for the refrigeration and freezer compartments.

2. Examine instructions for the model (it can be found by the name of the refrigerator on the Internet). The technical specifications always indicate the number of compressors. For example, in Ariston MBA 2200 there is one compressor, and in Ariston MRBF 2684 there are two.

3. Pay attention to controls. Dual-compressor models usually have separate temperature controls for the refrigerator and freezer compartments (or two zones on the display). In single-compressor units there is one regulator or a common display.

If you are not sure, use the table below with popular models Ariston and their types of compressors:

If your model is not listed in the table, check its characteristics on the official website Ariston or in the documentation. Double-compressor refrigerators are usually more expensive and have more flexible settings, while single-compressor refrigerators are budget-friendly and less functional in terms of independent control.

Disable the freezer in single-compressor Ariston models

In refrigerators with with one compressor (for example, Ariston MBA 2200 or Hotpoint-Ariston BCB 33) the freezer and refrigerator compartments are connected by a single cooling system. This means that it is impossible to completely turn off the freezer without consequences for the refrigerator compartment. However, you can reduce its activity to a minimum by setting the maximum temperature. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the freezer door and find temperature regulator. In mechanical models, this is usually a rotary dial or slider with marks from 1 (maximum cold) to 5–7 (minimum). In electronic ones - buttons +/– or touch control.

2. Set the regulator to position OFF (if available) or to maximum temperature (for example, 7 or +8°C). In some models, to do this, you need to press and hold the button Super Freeze (if it is active).

3. If your model has a function Holiday (for example, in Ariston RM 6201), activate it. In this mode, the refrigerator compartment maintains a temperature of about +15°C, and the freezer is turned off.

4. Check that the temperature in the refrigerator compartment does not rise higher +5°C. If yes, reduce the cold setting for the main chamber by 1-2 notches.

Please note that in single-compressor refrigerators, the compressor will periodically turn on to maintain the temperature in the refrigerator compartment, so the freezer will still cool a little. To completely stop its operation, you will have disconnect the refrigerator from the network, but this will lead to defrosting of both compartments.

⚠️ Attention: If you decide to completely unplug the refrigerator from the outlet, first defrost both chambers and wipe them dry. Do not leave ice or moisture inside while it is not in use - this will lead to mold and rust. Also, do not forget that when you turn it back on, it will take 4-6 hours for the refrigerator to return to operating mode.

Defrost the freezer|Set the freezer control to maximum (+8°C or OFF)|Activate the Holiday mode (if available)|Check the temperature in the refrigerator|Wipe the door seals-->

Turning off the freezer in two-compressor Ariston models

In refrigerators with two compressors (for example, Ariston MRBF 2684 or Ariston MBF 2991) the freezer can be turned off independently without affecting the refrigeration compartment. This is convenient if you want to save energy or temporarily do not use the freezer. Here are step-by-step instructions:

For models with mechanical control:

1. Find freezer temperature control (usually located inside the freezer or on the top panel of the refrigerator). It may be designated as Freezer or Morozilka.

2. Turn the control to OFF or 0. In some models, to do this, you need to press the button inside the regulator and turn it counterclockwise until it stops.

3. Make sure that the freezer operation indicator (if any) goes off. In models with a display, the inscription should appear on it Freezer Off.

For models with electronic control:

1. Press the button Freezer or Morozilka on the control panel and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the inscription appears OFF or the indicator will not go off.

2. In some models (for example, Ariston MBF 2991you need to go to the menu: press Menu → select Freezer Settings → install Off.

3. Check that that the refrigerator compartment continues to operate (the indicator Fridge should be lit, and the refrigerator compartment compressor should turn on periodically).

After turning off the freezer compartment, its door can be left closed, but it is better to open it slightly by 5-10 cm to avoid the formation of condensation inside. If the freezer was filled with food, they need to be removed and defrosted (if a long shutdown is planned).

What to do with food before turning off the freezer

If the freezer is filled with food, they need to be properly prepared for shutdown to avoid spoilage. Here's what it is recommended to do:

• ❄️ Thaw the food in advance — if you plan to have a long shutdown (more than 1-2 days), remove meat, fish, semi-finished products and other perishable foods. Defrost them in the refrigerator or in a cool place (for example, in a bowl of cold water).
• 🥩 Cook or preserve —meat and fish products can be processed: boil the broth, cook cutlets or freeze in portioned bags (if you are planning a short-term shutdown).
• 🧊 Use cooler bags —if the freezer shutdown is temporary (for 1–2 days), the food can be transferred to a thermal bag with ice or cold batteries.
• 📅 Make a consumption plan —distribute the food so that first use those that spoil faster (for example, minced meat, chicken, seafood).

If the freezer is turned off for a short period of time (for example, at night), and food remains inside, make sure that:

• The temperature in the freezer before turning off was not above –18°C (this will slow down defrosting).
• The door is tightly closed (to keep the cold longer).
• There are no foods with a high water content (for example, berries or vegetables) in the chamber - they thaw faster and may leak.

⚠️ Attention: Do not leave in the disconnected freezer, food in glass containers (for example, cans of preserves or bottles of liquid). When defrosting, ice can expand and cause containers to crack or rupture. Also avoid storing dairy products, sauces and ready-made meals in a freezer without electricity - they quickly deteriorate at positive temperatures.

What will happen if you do not defrost the food before turning it off?

If you leave food in the freezer when it is turned off, they will begin to thaw, and melt water will mix with the juices of meat, fish or vegetables. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria (such as salmonella or listeria) to grow. After 4–6 hours at room temperature, such products become dangerous to eat. In addition, when defrosted foods are re-frozen, their structure is destroyed (meat becomes “rubbery,” vegetables become soft), and the nutritional value is reduced by 30–50%.

How to prepare an Ariston refrigerator for a long-term freezer shutdown

If the freezer will not be used more than 1-2 weeks, the refrigerator needs to be properly prepared for downtime. This will help avoid unpleasant odors, mold and corrosion of parts. Follow this algorithm:

1. Thaw the freezer —unplug the refrigerator, open the freezer door and wait until the ice has completely melted. You can speed up the process by placing a container with warm water (but not boiling water!) in the chamber. Collect melt water with rags or a sponge.

2. Rinse and dry —after defrosting, rinse the internal surfaces of the freezer with a weak solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) or a special product for refrigerators. Wipe thoroughly with a dry cloth, paying attention to the seals and drainage hole.

3. Leave the door ajar —to avoid the formation of condensation and musty smell, fix the freezer door in the half-open position (for example, using an elastic band or a special lock).

4. Remove all food and shelves —if the freezer will not be used for a long time, it is better to remove the shelves, drawers and racks, wash them and store them separately. This will prevent plastic deformation and corrosion of metal parts.

5. Check the seals —wipe rubber door seals with a weak solution of vinegar (1:1 with water) to prevent mold. If necessary, lubricate them with silicone grease.

If the refrigerator remains turned on (for example, only the refrigerator compartment is working), check the condition of the freezer once every 1-2 months: wipe it dry and ventilate it, opening the door slightly for 10-15 minutes. This is especially important for models with No Frost, since without air circulation moisture can accumulate in the chamber.

Common mistakes when turning off the freezer and how to avoid them

Many users make mistakes that lead to breakdowns of the refrigerator or spoilage of food. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• ❌ Turning off the freezer without defrosting - if ice remains in the chamber, when turned off it melts and water flows into the drainage hole, which can lead to clogging or mold. Solution: always defrost the freezer before turning it off.
• ❌ Closed door during idle time - if the freezer is turned off and the door is tightly closed, condensation accumulates inside, smell and mold appear. Solution: leave the door ajar for 5–10 see
• ❌ Ignoring the Holiday mode — in single-compressor models, turning off the freezer without activating this mode can lead to overheating of the refrigeration chamber. Solution: use Holiday, if your model has it.
• ❌ Storing food in a switched-off freezer - even if the chamber is cold, without electricity, food thaws and spoils. Solution: remove all perishables products.
• ❌ Sharp switching on after a long period of inactivity - if the refrigerator has been switched off for more than a day, immediately after turning on the compressor works with increased load. Solution: wait 1-2 hours before turning on for the pressure in the system to has stabilized.

Another common mistake - using sharp objects to speed up defrosting (knives, forks). This may damage the evaporator or the inner lining of the chamber. To speed up the melting of ice, it is better to use a plastic scraper or a container with warm water.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Ariston with electronic control (for example, Ariston MBF 2991) if the freezer is turned off incorrectly, the firmware may be lost. If, after turning on, the camera does not cool or an error flashes on the display (for example, E1 or F4), try resetting the settings to factory settings: unplug the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. If the error remains, contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about turning off the Ariston freezer

Is it possible to turn off the freezer in an Ariston refrigerator with one compressor without turning off the entire refrigerator?

No, in single-compressor models the freezer and refrigerator compartments are connected by a single cooling circuit. You can only increase the temperature in the freezer as much as possible (set the regulator to OFF or +8°C), but it is impossible to turn it off completely without stopping the refrigerator compartment. Some models have a mode Holidaythat turns off the freezer and maintains a temperature in the refrigerator compartment of about +15°C.

What happens if you leave the Ariston freezer turned off for a month?

If the freezer is properly prepared (defrosted, dried, door ajar), then nothing nothing critical will happen. However, if stored incorrectly, the following are possible:

• The appearance of mold or an unpleasant odor (if the chamber is not dry).
• Corrosion of metal parts (for example, the evaporator) due to condensation.
• Deformation of plastic shelves (if they are stored in a compressed state).

To avoid problems, check the condition of the chamber every 2-3 weeks and, if necessary, ventilate it.

How to turn on the Ariston freezer after turning it off?

The turning on process depends on the type of control:

• Mechanical regulator: turn it out of position OFF to range 1–5 (recommended starting position - 3).
• Electronic control: press the button Freezer or On/Off and set the temperature (usually –18°C).

After turning on, wait 4-6 hours until the camera enters operating mode. Do not load it with products immediately - wait until the temperature stabilizes.

Is it possible to turn off an Ariston freezer with the No Frost system?

Yes, but with with reservations. In models with No Frost (for example, Ariston MRBF 2684), the freezer can be turned off, however:

• The fan responsible for air circulation will also stop, which can lead to icing of the evaporator when turned on again.
• Humidity may increase in the refrigerator compartment (due to lack of air circulation).

If you turn off the freezer for a long time, it is recommended to turn it on for a few hours once every 1-2 months so that the system No Frost works normally.

Why after shutdown In the freezer compartment, the Ariston refrigerator began to make noise?

Is this normal if:

• Refrigerator single-compressor —now the compressor works only for the refrigerator compartment, and its on/off cycles may change.
• In the system condensation has accumulated —when the freezer is turned off, moisture can flow into the drainage, causing gurgling sounds.
• Fan No Frost works more intensely (if the freezer is turned off, but the refrigerator compartment is not).

If the noise is accompanied by vibration or errors on the display, check whether the refrigerator is level and there are no foreign objects near the compressor. If the problem persists, contact the service.