The brand's refrigeration equipment Atlant is deservedly popular due to its reliability and functionality, but many owners do not fully understand the purpose of all the controls on the panel. Particular questions are often raised by the button or switch responsible for freezing mode, which in the documentation may be designated as Super Freeze. This function is not a standard mode of operation of the compressor during normal storage of products, but is a special algorithm for accelerated cooling.
Understanding that what is the freezing mode button for?is critical for the proper operation of the equipment and maintaining the quality of the loaded products. Activating this option puts the refrigerator compartment into intensive operation mode, bypassing standard on and off cycles, allowing you to quickly reduce the temperature to extreme values. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the process, the time frame for use and the technical features of implementing this function in various models of the Belarusian manufacturer.
Incorrect use of accelerated freezing can lead to increased energy consumption or even breakdown of the compressor during prolonged operation without a break. That is why it is important to clearly know when this mode should be activated, how it is indicated on the control panel and after what time it must be turned off manually or automatically. Let's consider all the nuances of operation so that your Atlant refrigerator serves for many years without failures.
The principle of operation of the accelerated freezing function
When you activate the freezing mode button, you forcibly change the logic of the thermostat or electronic control module. In normal mode, the compressor turns on and off depending on the temperature inside the chambers, maintaining the specified range. When the function is turned on Super Freeze the system blocks the shutdown signal, forcing the compressor to work continuously.
This is necessary in order to quickly freeze a large volume of products, without giving them time to form large ice crystals that destroy the structure of the tissues of meat or fish. Atlant refrigerators with mechanical control, a simple switch is used that opens the thermostat circuit, and in electronic models this is a software command for maximum power.
⚠️ Attention: Continuous operation of the compressor in freezing mode creates an increased load on the motor. Do not leave this function on longer than it takes to freeze food, usually no more than 24 hours.
Technically, the process looks like this: the refrigerant begins to circulate through the system at maximum intensity, removing heat from the freezer. If your model has a separate evaporator for the fast freezing zone, the cold will concentrate there. It is important to understand that at this moment temperature the main refrigeration chamber can also drop significantly, which sometimes leads to freezing of products not intended for storage at subzero temperatures.
What happens to the refrigerant during continuous operation?
When During long-term operation without stopping, the pressure in the system may fluctuate, and the oil in the compressor may not have time to return to the crankcase, which theoretically reduces the life of the unit. That is why the freezing mode is considered emergency or auxiliary, and not the main one.
When it is necessary to activate the freezing mode
The main purpose of this function is to prepare the freezer compartment for loading a large amount of fresh, warm food. If you plan to purchase meat, fish, berries or mushrooms in large quantities, the standard cooling mode will not be enough to quickly pass through the “critical point” of crystallization.
Use the button freezing mode in the Atlant refrigerator in the following situations:
- 🥩 You loaded more than 2-3 kilograms of fresh food into the freezer at the same time, which exceeds the usual daily norm.
- 🍓 It is necessary to preserve the structure of berries or vegetables, preventing juice from leaking out during defrosting in the future.
- ❄️ You need to cool the chamber as quickly as possible after defrosting or a long power outage.
- 🍖 You want to create an “ice cushion” around already frozen products before loading a new batch.
If you just put a couple of bags of dumplings or a bottle of water, using the accelerated mode does not make sense and will only lead to unnecessary electricity consumption. Electronic control in modern models automatically optimizes the operation, but in mechanical models the decision is made by the user.
Instructions: how to turn the function on and off
The activation process depends on the control type of your model Atlant. In refrigerators with mechanical controls, there is usually a switch on the front panel with the designation “snowflake” or inscription Super. To turn it on, you must move the lever to the appropriate position. At this moment, the control light will light up, indicating operation in enhanced mode.
In models with an electronic display, control is carried out via the touch panel. The algorithm of actions usually looks like this:
- Press the function or mode selection button on the control panel.
- Look for an icon resembling a snowflake or an inscription
Fast Freeze. - Confirm the selection, if necessary, or simply touch the indicator.
- Check if the indicator lights up the corresponding indicator is on the display.
You will have to monitor the time yourself and after 12-24 hours return the switch to its original position. Electronic models often have a timer that turns off the function automatically, but you should not rely on this without checking the instructions for the specific model.
☑️ Algorithm for turning on the freezing mode
Time frames and operational safety
Question “how much "You can keep the freeze mode button on" is one of the most important for longevity equipment. Manufacturers recommend not to exceed a time interval of 24 hours. During this time, even a large volume of food manages to completely freeze to the center.
If you leave the mode on for several days, the following problems may arise:
- 📉 Overheating of the compressor due to the lack of rest cycles, which can lead to its failure.
- 💸 Significant increase in electricity bills, since consumption increases by 1.5-2 times.
- ❄️ Excessive formation of ice on the evaporator, which in models with manual defrosting will require more frequent maintenance.
- 🥶 Refreezing of food in the main chamber if it is not properly isolated from the freezer.
⚠️ Attention: If the freeze mode indicator is constantly on and you do not activate the function, this may indicate a malfunction of the thermostat or control module. In this case, contact the service center.
The optimal time to enable the function is 2-3 hours before the expected loading of the products. This will allow the chamber to cool to the lowest possible temperature, creating a cold reserve. After loading the products, the mode operates for some time, recording the result, after which it must be deactivated.
Comparison of operating modes in different Atlant models
Different series of refrigerators Atlant can implement the quick freezing function in different ways. In old mechanical models, this is simply a thermostat bypass, while new inverter models use complex algorithms.
| Control type | Designation | Automatic shutdown | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Switch / Button | No (manual only) | Indicator lamp |
| Electronic (budget) | Touch button | Often not | Indicator light |
| Electronic (premium) | Menu / Smart | Yes (after 24-48 hours) | Display / Sound |
| Inverter models | Automatic mode | Yes (adaptive) | Digital display |
Owners of models with mechanical control should be especially careful. The absence of a timer means that only your discipline saves the compressor from overload. In electronic models Atlant there is often a “vacation” or “eco” function, which, on the contrary, turns off the freezer, so do not confuse them with the freezing mode.
The influence of the mode on the safety of products
The use of the quick freezing mode directly affects the organoleptic properties of the products. When cooling slowly, large ice crystals with sharp edges form inside the cells of meat or vegetables. These crystals rupture cell membranes.
During rapid freezing, which is provided by the button Super Freeze, the water in the products crystallizes instantly, forming many microscopic crystals. They do not damage the fabric structure. As a result, after defrosting:
- 🩸 The meat retains its original juice and color without becoming dry.
- 🍅 Vegetables and fruits do not turn into porridge, maintaining elasticity.
- 🐟 Fish does not lose its taste and aroma.
- 🦠 The activity of bacteria and enzymes stops, prolonging the shelf life.
However, it is worth remembering that even quick freezing does not make products eternal. The optimal shelf life of deep-frozen products at a temperature of -18°C and below is from 3 to 12 months depending on the type of product. The freezing mode only helps to enter this storage mode correctly, but does not extend the shelf life.
Common problems and their solution
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the freeze mode button is “stuck” or the indicator is on, but there is no cold. This may be due to a malfunction of the switch itself or an open circuit. In mechanical models, the switch may physically wear out.
If, after turning on the mode, the compressor does not start or operates intermittently, check the following parameters:
- 🔌 Availability of voltage in the network (at least 190-200V for stable operation).
- 🌡️ Thermostat position (it should not be unscrewed to the minimum).
- ❄️ No excessive ice blocking the sensors.
- 🔊 Extraneous sounds indicating problems with the start relay.
If the refrigerator Atlant stops freezing Even in normal mode, after attempting to use the freeze function, the compressor may have overheated and the thermal protection has tripped. Let the equipment rest for 2-3 hours with the power turned off before trying to turn it on again.
Why does the refrigerator not turn off for a long time after turning off the freezing mode?
This is normal. After intensive operation, the system takes time to stabilize the temperature and return to the standard cycle. The thermostat needs to “sense” that the temperature has reached an upper threshold before it commands the engine to stop. If the compressor operates for more than 2 hours without stopping in normal mode, this is a cause for concern.
Is it possible to leave the freezing mode on during vacation?
Absolutely not. This will lead to excessive energy consumption and equipment wear. For a long absence, it is better to use the “Vacation” mode (if available) or simply defrost the refrigerator, turn it off and leave the doors ajar.
Does the fast freezing mode affect the formation of ice?
Yes, it does. Intensive operation of the compressor leads to more active freezing of moisture from the air entering the chamber. In models with manual defrosting, ice will form faster, so watch the thickness of the ice on the walls.
What to do if the freeze mode button is not pressed?
Do not use excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic rod. Try pressing gently next to it or tapping lightly. If the button is mechanical and stuck, moisture or grease may have gotten inside. In this case, a specialist will need to disassemble the control panel.
Is there a difference between Super Freeze and a regular freezer?
Difference in time to reach temperature. Normal mode maintains -18°C, but slowly. Super Freeze forces the temperature to drop to -24°C and below in a short time, which is critical for the quality of fresh food.