Modern refrigerators Atlant are reliable units that can ensure long-term storage of products at optimal temperatures. However, to preserve the vitamins and structure of fresh foods such as meat, fish or berries, conventional refrigeration is often not enough. In such situations, owners are faced with the need to activate the intensive cooling function, known as fast freeze mode.
Incorrect activation of this function can lead to excessive energy consumption or even damage to the compressor if the time intervals are not followed. In this article we will look in detail at how to turn on freezing in the Atlant refrigerator, taking into account the features of various models and types of control.
Understanding the principles of operation Super Freeze mode will allow you to effectively use the potential of your equipment. We will look at mechanical and electronic control systems, and also give recommendations for preparing products for long-term storage.
The principle of operation and purpose of the fast freezing mode
The fast freezing mode is designed to sharply reduce the temperature in the freezer to extreme values, usually ranging from -24°C to -30°C. Under normal conditions, the freezer maintains about -18°C, which is good for storage, but not enough for rapid crystallization of moisture inside the cells of the product. During slow freezing, large ice crystals form, which break the cell walls, which is why, after defrosting, the product loses its juice and taste.
Activating the function intensive freezing forces the compressor to work continuously, without turning off due to a thermostat signal. This creates a powerful stream of cold that instantly “grabs” the product, forming many tiny ice crystals. This ice structure does not damage the tissues of meat or vegetables, preserving their beneficial properties almost completely.
It is important to understand that this mode is a temporary measure. Constant operation of the compressor at its limit leads to increased wear of parts and an increase in electricity bills. Therefore, refrigerator manufacturers Atlant provide for automatic or manual disabling of this function after achieving the result.
⚠️ Attention: Do not load warm food into the freezer even in fast freezing mode. This will place a critical load on the compressor and may lead to its failure. Cool the food to room temperature before storing.
Using this function is especially important when preparing seasonal berries, mushrooms or large quantities of semi-finished meat products. Correct use of the mode allows you to extend the shelf life of products without losing their nutritional value.
Differences in control in models with mechanics and electronics
Refrigerators Atlant are divided into two main categories according to the type of control: mechanical and electronic. In mechanical models, which are often equipped with one compressor, the freezing mode is controlled through a special switch or the position of the thermostat. Electronic models, usually two-compressor, have a digital control panel, where all processes are controlled by a microprocessor.In devices with mechanical control you will not see digital temperature indicators on the door. The key element here is the thermostat, often located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the cabinet. Switching to the freezing mode is done by turning the knob or pressing a key with the corresponding symbol (often a snowflake or the number 7).
Electronic models Atlant provide more precise control. The external panel displays the current temperature, and the user can set a specific value or activated programs. Such systems often have a timer that will automatically turn off the mode after a certain time, protecting the system from overload.
Understanding the type of your unit is the first step to proper operation. If you are not sure which model you have, refer to the product data sheet or find the markings on the inner wall of the chamber.
Instructions for refrigerators with mechanical controls
In most mechanical models Atlant (KShD, KXM series and others), the thermostat is located inside the refrigerator compartment, often in the upper right corner or on the ceiling. It is a round knob with numbers from 0 to 7 or from Min to Max. The numbers do not indicate degrees, but the intensity of cooling.
To turn on the fast freezing mode, you need to turn the thermostat knob to position maximum cold. Usually this is the number 7 or the "Max" position. In some modifications, to activate ultra-low temperatures, the handle must be turned counterclockwise until it stops, overcoming the slight resistance of the spring. In this position, the thermostat stops opening the circuit, and the compressor operates without stopping.
After setting the handle to the desired position, the control light will light up (if provided by the design), indicating operation in enhanced mode.
☑️ Switching algorithm mechanics
After the food has frozen (usually after 12-24 hours), you must manually return the thermostat knob to the operating position, usually number 3 or 4. If you forget to do this, an excessive layer of ice will form in the chamber, and the compressor may fail due to overheating.
⚠️ Attention: Mechanical models do not have an automatic shutdown timer. You must independently monitor the operating time in the maximum freezing mode so as not to freeze the food into stone and not break the equipment.
Setting up the electronic control panel
In refrigerators Atlant with electronic control (XM series, two-compressor models), the process looks more technologically advanced. On the front panel of the door there is a display and control buttons. Here you can see the exact temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
To activate the function, you need to find a button with the designation "Super Freeze", a snowflake or the inscription "Frozen". Pressing this button puts the freezer into intensive mode. The corresponding indicator usually lights up on the display, and the temperature begins to drop to -24..-26°C.
The main advantage of electronic systems is the presence automatic timer. After activating the mode, the refrigerator will work in enhanced mode for a certain time (usually from 8 to 24 hours, depending on the model), and then independently return to the previously set settings. You do not need to remember to turn off the function.
If for some reason you need to turn off the mode ahead of time, just press the activation button or the mode selection button again until the indicator goes out. The system will immediately switch to maintaining the standard temperature.
Operating time and temperature indicators
The duration of operation in the fast freezing mode directly depends on the volume of loaded products and the initial temperature. For small quantities of products (up to 2 kg) 3-4 hours may be sufficient. If you loaded a full shelf with meat, the process may take up to 24 hours.
The table below shows the approximate operating parameters of the mode for different load volumes:
| Load volume | Recommended time | Internal temperature | Control type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 kg | 3-4 hours | up to -24°C | Any |
| 2-5 kg | 6-8 hours | up to -26°C | Electronic/Fur |
| More than 5 kg | 12-24 hours | up to -30°C | Electronic/Mech |
| Empty chamber | Not recommended | Low | Any |
It is worth noting that freezing a large volume of food at once can lead to the stocks already in the freezer being partially defrosted due to the heat generated by new products. Therefore the rule of the golden mean says: do not load more than 2-3 kg of products on one shelf at a time.
What will happen if you overextend the mode?
If you leave the fast freezing mode on for several days, a thick ice crust even in No Frost systems. The compressor will work without rest, which will reduce its service life by 30-40%. Food may dry out (freezer burn).
Common mistakes when using freezing
One of the most common mistakes is turning on the mode Super Freeze in an empty freezer "just in case." This does not make sense, since the mode is created for the rapid passage of precisely the mass of products through crystallization. Idle operation will only waste electricity.
Another mistake is packaging food in sealed bags without pre-cooling. The warm steam inside the bag will instantly turn into an ice crust, which will prevent further freezing of the center of the piece of meat. Always let the food cool and remove excess air from the packaging.
Also, users often forget to check the tightness of the door. During intensive operation, ice may accumulate on the seal, causing the door to no longer close tightly. This will lead to freezing of the “fur coat” and loss of cold.
⚠️ Attention: Do not open the freezer door frequently while the fast freezing mode is operating. A sudden influx of warm, humid air will negate all the efforts of the compressor and lead to the formation of ice on the evaporator.
Following simple loading rules and operating time control will avoid these problems and extend the life of your refrigerator Atlant.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long can you keep the mode on quick freezing?
For mechanical models - no more than 24 hours, after which it is necessary to manually return the regulator to the normal position. For electronic models, the refrigerator will turn off the mode itself after 8-24 hours (depending on the model), but it is not recommended to keep it forcibly for longer than a day.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator hum more strongly in freezing mode?
This is a normal phenomenon. In fast freezing mode, the compressor operates continuously, without rest cycles. An increased hum indicates maximum load on the system. If, after turning off the mode, the noise does not subside or knocking noises appear, contact the service.
Is it possible to turn on freezing if there are already food items in the freezer?
Yes, it is possible and even necessary if you add new products. The mode will help you freeze a new bookmark faster, preventing it from defrosting old stocks. However, do not load warm food.
What does the flashing freeze indicator mean?
In electronic models, a flashing indicator often means that the cooling process is in progress or the temperature in the chamber is higher than the set one. If the blinking does not stop after a cycle of operation, the seal may be broken or the sensor is faulty.