Defrosting the freezer compartment of an Atlant refrigerator separately: instructions for all models

Owners of refrigerators Atlant with two compressors are often faced with the need to defrost only the freezer compartment without affecting the main compartment. This is relevant when the ice “coat” in the freezer reaches a critical thickness (usually 5-7 mm), and the food in the refrigerator does not require removal. However, not everyone knows that Atlant allows you to do this selectively - without completely turning off the device.

In this article we will examine three official methods defrosting the freezer separately (depending on the model and system cooling), we’ll tell you how to speed up the process without risking the equipment, and we’ll give you a checklist for preparation. We will pay special attention to the nuances for refrigerators with No Frost in the freezer compartment - they are defrosted differently than drip models. You will also learn why you cannot use sharp objects to remove ice and how to properly dry the chamber after the procedure.

Why the Atlant freezer needs to be defrosted separately

In refrigerators Atlant with two compressors (series XM, NM, MXM) the freezer and refrigerator compartments operate autonomously. This means that if the power to one compartment is turned off, the second continues to function. Advantages of selective defrosting:

• 🍎 Safety of food —no need to unload the entire contents of the refrigerator compartment.
• ⏱️ Time saving —the process takes 2-4 hours instead of 8-12 with complete defrosting.
• ⚡ Less power consumption —the refrigerator compartment does not heat up and restores the temperature faster.
• 🛠️ Prevention of breakdowns —frequent complete defrosting increases the load on the compressor.

However, there are risks. For example, if there is too much ice accumulated in the freezer (thick more than 10 mm), defrosting it can take up to 6-8 hours - longer than the complete procedure for the entire refrigerator. In this case, it is more advisable to turn off both compartments.

⚠️ Attention: In models with one compressor (series X, MX without letter M at the end) defrosting the freezer separately is technically impossible - if the power is turned off, the refrigerator compartment will also stop. Check the markings on the nameplate (usually on the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment).

Preparing for defrosting: checklist and safety measures

Before starting the procedure make sure you take into account all the details. Improper preparation can lead to overheating of the compressor (if you do not turn off the freezer power completely) or damage to the seal (when using a hair dryer).

Remove all products from freezer compartment

Disconnect the freezer from the mains (pull out the plug or use the button on the panel)

Put towels or a tray to collect melt water

Prepare containers for ice (if there is a lot of it)

Check the temperature in the fridge compartment (should not be higher than +5°C)-->

If you stored perishable products (meat, fish, ice cream) in the freezer, it is better to temporarily transfer them to a thermal bag with cold accumulators or to the refrigerator compartment (if there is enough space there). To speed up the process, you can use:

• 🧊 Hot water containers - place them on the freezer shelves (not on plastic parts!).
• 💨 Fan - direct the air flow into the chamber (but do not use a hair dryer - it can melt seal!).
• 🧽 Plastic scraper —for careful removal of ice (metal objects are prohibited!).

⚠️ Attention: Do not pour boiling water directly onto the ice or chamber walls - this can damage the plastic and cause deformation of the sealing rubber. Maximum water temperature to speed up defrosting: 60-70°C.

Once every 3-6 months

Once a year

Only when ice forms

Never defrost-->

Methods defrosting the Atlant freezer separately

The method depends on cooling systems your model. Refrigerators Atlant use three types:

1. Drip system (in the freezer) - ice forms on the back wall, requiring manual defrosting.
2. No Frost (in freezer) - ice accumulates only when there is a malfunction or improper operation.
3. Combined - drip refrigeration chamber, freezer with No Frost.

Let's consider each option in detail.

1. Defrosting a drip freezer (models without No Frost)

This is the most common type in refrigerators Atlant series XM, NM, MXM (if there is no designation in the labeling NF). Procedure:

1. Turn off the freezer:
   • If there are two compressors: press the button O/ON FREEZER (usually located on the control panel inside the refrigerator).
   • If there is only one plug: remove it from the socket (the refrigerator will also turn off, but this is temporary).

Wait for the ice to melt —usually takes 3-5 hours. To speed up, use containers with warm water (see tips above).

Remove the water —wipe the walls with a soft cloth, drain the water from the pan (it is located at the back of the refrigerator).

Dry the chamber — leave the door open for 30-60 minutes, then wipe with a dry cloth.

Turn on freezer —wait 15-20 minutes before loading food to allow the temperature to stabilize.

2. Defrosting a freezer with No Frost (models marked NF)

In refrigerators Atlant with a system No Frost in the freezer compartment (series XM-6021 NF, NM-6207 NF etc.), ice is formed only when malfunction or improper operation (for example, if the door does not close well). Defrosting is rarely needed here, but if it is required, proceed as follows:

1. Disconnect freezer using the button on the panel or pull out the plug (if there is one compressor).
2. Wait for the fan to defrost —in systems No Frost ice often accumulates on the blades. Do not try to split it!
3. Check the drainage hole —it is located on the back wall of the freezer. If it is clogged, water will accumulate inside. Clean it with a cotton swab.
4. Dry the chamber —after defrosting, turn on the freezer for 1 hour in the Super Freezemode to evaporate the moisture.

If ice in the freezer No Frost forms more often than every 6 months, this is a sign of a malfunction. Possible reasons:

• 🔌 Door not closing tightly —check the seal and hinges.
• 🌡️ High temperature in indoors (more than 30°C).
• ❄️ Drainage system clogged —requires professional cleaning.

3. Defrosting the freezer in combined models

If your Atlant has a refrigeration chamber with a drip system and a freezer No Frost (for example, ATLANT MXM 2835-080 NF), defrost the freezer as described in point 2. However, please note:

• 🔄 The refrigerator compartment will continue to workif the model has two compressors.
• ⏳ Defrosting time is reduced up to 2-3 hours thanks to ventilation in No Frost.
• 🚫 Sharp objects must not be used to remove ice from the fan.

What to do after defrosting: startup and care

When the freezer is completely defrosted and dried, turn it on and follow a few important steps:

1. Check the temperature — set the mode -18°C (optimal for storage). In models with electronic control (for example ATLANT XM 6025-031), use the buttons Temp or Freezer.
2. Load the products gradually - do not put everything at once, so as not to overload the compressor. Start with the most frost-resistant (meat, fish).
3. Monitor operation —after 2-3 hours, check whether the temperature reaches -18°C. If not, repeated defrosting or service may be required.

To extend the time between defrosts:

• 📦 Use containers — store food in airtight bags or boxes to reduce humidity.
• 🔍 Check the seal —once a month, clean it of crumbs and grease, lubricate it with silicone grease if necessary.
• 🌡️ Do not place hot products —let them cool to room temperature before freezing.

Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when defrosting, which lead to breakdowns or damage to the refrigerator. Let's look at the most common:

1. Using a knife or fork to chip ice:

   This leads to piercing the evaporator (thin tube on the back wall), after which expensive repairs are required. Instead, use plastic scraper or a wooden spatula.

2. Forgetting to drain the water from the pan:

   Water accumulated in the drain pan (at the back of the refrigerator), may become a source of mold or unpleasant odor. After defrosting, be sure to drain it and wipe the tray.

3. Turn on the freezer immediately after washing:

   If there is moisture left on the walls, it will freeze when turned on, and ice will form again. Always dry the camera at least 30 minutes.

4. Ignore error signals:

   In models with a display (for example, ATLANT XM 6026-089a code may appear after defrosting E1 or E2. This indicates problems with sensors diagnosis is required.

What to do if after defrosting the freezer does not freeze?

If the temperature in the freezer does not fall below 0°C, check:

1. The tightness of the door closure (perhaps the seal or food is in the way).

2. Temperature settings (should be -18°C or lower).

3. Fan operation (in models with No Frost) - listen to see if the noise is heard.

If the problem persists, turn off the refrigerator and call a technician - there may be a freon leak or a compressor breakdown.

How long does it take to defrost an Atlant freezer

The time depends from thickness of the ice layer, type of cooling system and external conditions (room temperature, humidity). Below is an indicative table:

To speed up the process without risk to equipment, follow these tips:

• 🔥 Do not use a hairdryer or heater —they can melt the plastic.
• 🧊 Change the water in containers every 20-30 minutes (it cools down and stops helping).
• 🚪 Do not close the door - leave it slightly open for circulation air.

⚠️ Attention: If the ice in the freezer has uneven structure (lumps, depressions) or color (yellow, gray), this may indicate data-i="277">or contamination of the drainage system or oil leakage from the compressor. In this case, defrosting will not help - repair is needed.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about defrosting the Atlant freezer

Is it possible to defrost the Atlant freezer separately if the refrigerator has one compressor?

No. In models with one compressor (for example ATLANT X 1601-000), both chambers stop when the power is turned off. To defrost only the freezer, you will have to unload food from the refrigerator compartment or use thermal containers for temporary storage.

Why does the Atlant freezer not turn on after defrosting?

Possible reasons:

1. It worked thermal protection of the compressor —wait 1-2 hours and try to turn it on again.
2. Problems with starting relay or thermostat —replacement required.
3. In models with a display it may have gone wrong mode operation —check the settings.

If the freezer does not turn on for more than 3 hours, contact the service center.

How often do you need to defrost the Atlant freezer with No Frost?

Under normal conditions - every 1-2 years. However, if:

• The door does not close tightly,
• The refrigerator is in a hot room (above 30°C),
• You often open the freezer,

then ice may form more often. In this case, defrost as needed (if the ice layer is more than 3-5 mm more than 3-5 mm).

Is it possible to wash the Atlant freezer with dishwashing detergent?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Use neutral agents (without abrasives and chlorine).
• After washing thoroughly rinse the walls with clean water.
• Do not use products with a strong odor - it can be absorbed into the plastic.

It is better to use specialized compounds for refrigerators or a soda solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water).

Why does ice quickly accumulate in the Atlant freezer after defrosting?

Reasons:

• 🔌 Leaky seal —check for gaps.
• 💧 High humidity —store food in airtight containers.
• 🌡️ Frequent opening of the door —warm air condenses and freezes.
• ❄️ Clogged drainage hole requires cleaning.

If the problem persists, it is possible defrosting system malfunction (for No Frost) or freon leak.