Owners of household appliances of the brand Atlant often face a situation when on the control panel or inside the refrigerator they notice a button with a picture of a snowflake or the inscription “Freezing”. Many users ignore this function, believing that it is intended only for rare cases, or, conversely, keep it on all the time, not understanding the principle of operation of the compressor. In fact, this control element plays a critical role in preserving the quality of products and extending the life of the unit under certain operating conditions.
The main purpose of this switch is to activate the mode intensive freezing, which is in the technical documentation often denoted as Super Freeze. When activated, the refrigerator compressor goes into continuous operation mode, ignoring the standard shutdown cycles that are triggered when the set temperature is reached. This allows you to quickly reduce the temperature in the freezer to extremely low values, which is necessary to create an “ice crust” on products, preventing the destruction of their cellular structure.
Understanding exactly how this system works and when its use is really justified will help you not only save on electricity, but also significantly extend the life of the motor of your refrigerator. In this article, we will analyze in detail the technical aspects of the operation of the mode, typical user errors and algorithms for action in various everyday situations.
The principle of operation of the intensive freezing mode
When you turn the switch to the "On" position (the corresponding one usually lights up indicator on the front panel), the electronics or mechanical control circuit blocks the signal from thermostat to turn off the compressor. In normal operation, the refrigerator gains temperature, the thermostat opens the circuit, and the motor rests. In the mode Super Freeze this rest cycle is forcibly excluded.
Technically, this means that the refrigerant continuously circulates through the system, pumping out heat from the evaporator of the freezer. The temperature inside can drop to -24...-26 degrees Celsius, which is significantly lower than the standard -18 degrees. Such a low temperature is necessary for rapid crystallization of the moisture contained in the products.
It is worth noting that in different models Atlant implementation may differ. In older mechanical models, the button may be combined with a thermostat, and turning it on simply sets the maximum cooling power without the possibility of an automatic timer. In modern models with electronic control, this process is often automated: after reaching a certain temperature or expiration of a specified time (usually 24-48 hours), the system itself will return to normal mode.
⚠️ Attention: Long-term operation of the compressor without interruptions leads to increased wear of rubbing parts and overheating of the motor windings. Do not keep the freezing mode turned on constantly unless absolutely necessary.
It is important to understand that the function intensive cooling is not intended to maintain normal storage temperature. This is an emergency or situational tool that should be used in doses. Constant operation at the limit of capabilities reduces the service life of the equipment, so knowing the exact time of switching on is critically important.
When it is necessary to turn on the freeze button
There are several specific scenarios when using the function Super Freeze is not just useful, but necessary. This primarily applies to situations where you plan to load a large amount of fresh, unfrozen food into the freezer.
If you place warm or room temperature food in a regular compartment, the temperature inside will increase sharply. This can lead to partial defrosting of stocks already lying there, which will negatively affect their taste and safety. The fast freezing mode allows you to compensate for this thermal shock.
- 🥩 Preparing meat and fish: During fast freezing, small ice crystals form in the muscle tissue, which do not damage the cell walls. During slow freezing, the crystals are large and tear the cells, which is why, when defrosting, the meat loses juice and becomes dry.
- 🍓 Seasonal berries and fruits: To preserve vitamins and the shape of berries (strawberries, raspberries), shock cold is needed, which instantly “grabs” the surface.
- 🥟 Hand-made semi-finished products: Dumplings, dumplings or stuffed peppers need to harden quickly so as not to stick together into one lump and become deformed.
Another important scenario is preparing for a long power outage or a trip. If you know that the refrigerator will be de-energized for a long time, preliminary activation of the freezing mode will help create a larger reserve of “cold” in the form of ice masses, which will extend the time of safe storage of products.
The button should also be used if you notice that the products in the freezer have begun to thaw or become covered with frost unevenly, which may indicate a temporary decrease in the efficiency of the system (for example, due to high ambient temperature in the kitchen in the summer).
Quick freezing technology and preservation of vitamins
The key advantage of using the freezing button is the biochemical process occurring inside the products. As the temperature slowly decreases, the water contained in the cells of vegetables, meat or fruits begins to freeze gradually. The resulting ice crystals have sharp edges and are large in size; they literally pierce the cell membranes.
When you subsequently defrost such a product, the cell juice flows out, taking with it dissolved vitamins, minerals and flavoring substances. The product becomes flabby, tasteless and less healthy. The shock freezingmode, activated by a button, changes the physics of the process.
At extremely low temperatures, moisture freezes almost instantly. The ice crystals are microscopic and do not have time to damage the tissue structure. As a result, after defrosting, the product retains its elasticity, color and maximum amount of nutrients, approaching the properties of its fresh counterpart.
| Parameter | Regular freezing | Super Freeze mode |
|---|---|---|
| Process speed | Slow (several hours) | Fast (30-60 minutes before) |
| Size of ice crystals | Large, sharp | Microscopic |
| Cell safety structure | Low (membrane ruptures) | High (integrity) |
| Juice loss during defrosting | Significant | Minimal |
That is why the freeze button in refrigerators Atlant is not just a marketing ploy, but a really working tool for those who care about the quality of their family’s food. This is especially true for families with children, where the nutritional value of products is important.
How long to keep the button on
One of the most common questions that users have is: “When should I turn it off?” The answer depends on the type of control of your refrigerator Atlant and the volume of food loaded. In most mechanical models, the manufacturer recommends turning on the mode several hours before loading the products and leaving it running for some time after.
The standard algorithm of actions is as follows: turn on the freezing button approximately 3-4 hours before the expected loading of a fresh batch of products. This will allow the freezer to accumulate the necessary cold. After you have loaded the products, leave the mode on for another 12-24 hours.
If you have an electronically controlled model, it is often enough just to activate the function, and the timer itself will turn it off after the optimal time (usually the cycle is about a day). However, if automation is not provided, you cannot rely on it.
☑️ Quick freezing algorithm
⚠️ Attention: If you forgot to turn off the freezing mode, this will not lead to a disaster instantly, but after 2-3 days of continuous operation the compressor may go into thermal overheating, which will trigger an emergency shutdown or breakdown.
The optimal time for forced shutdown is considered to be the moment when you are visually convinced that the products are completely frozen (have become hard as a stone). After this, be sure to return the temperature regulator to the standard position (usually number 3 or 4 on the mechanical switch).
Common errors when using the function
Despite the simplicity of control, users often make mistakes that negate the efficiency of the refrigerator or harm it. The most common mistake is using mode Super Freeze as the main storage method.
Some users believe that “the colder the better,” and keep the button on for months. This leads to excessive consumption of electricity (up to 30% above normal) and accelerated wear of the motor-compressor. In addition, excessive drying of the air in the chamber can lead to “burning” of food, even if they are packaged.
- 🚫 Loading hot products: Never place hot pots or pans in the chamber, even with the freeze button on. This creates a colossal load on the system and can lead to the formation of an ice coat on the evaporator, which will worsen heat transfer.
- 🚫 Overflowing the chamber: If you fill the freezer to capacity, cold air will not be able to circulate. As a result, the products in the center may not freeze, and the compressor will work in vain.
- 🚫 Ignoring packaging: Freezing products without packaging or in an open container leads to their dehydration and absorption of foreign odors, regardless of the power of the mode.
Another mistake is expecting an instant result. The button does not turn the refrigerator into an industrial-scale cryogenic chamber. The process still takes time, and you need to add reasonable volumes (usually no more than 3-5 kg of fresh food at a time, unless the instructions indicate otherwise).
What happens if you do not turn off the mode after 24 hours?
If you forget to turn off the button, the refrigerator will continue to freeze. In the short term (1-2 days) this is not a problem, but the food may dry out. In the long term, there is wear and tear on the compressor and the risk of failure of the thermostat or start relay due to the lack of rest cycles.
Diagnostics: the indicator is on, but there is no freezing
There are situations when you turn on the button, the light (operation indicator) lights up, but there is no expected effect: the food does not freeze, but the chamber is warm. First of all, check that the freezer door is closed tightly. A loose fit of the seal negates the operation of any mode.
If everything is in order with the door, pay attention to the amount of ice on the evaporator. If the chamber requires defrosting, the thick ice crust acts as a heat insulator, preventing cold from penetrating into the chamber. In this case, it is useless to turn on the freeze button - first completely defrost the unit.
It is also worth checking the position of the thermostat. In some models Atlant the freeze button only works in conjunction with a certain position of the temperature regulator. If the regulator is set to minimum (number 1), there may not be enough power even in boost mode.
⚠️ Attention: If after defrosting and checking the settings the mode does not work, the start relay itself, the thermostat may be faulty, or a refrigerant leak has occurred. In this case, a call to the technician is required.
It is important to distinguish normal operation from a malfunction. When the freezing mode is turned on, the refrigerator may operate louder than usual, and the side walls may become noticeably warm - this is normal, since there is active heat removal.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to turn on the freeze button in the summer when it is hot?
Yes, you can, but with caution. In summer, heat exchange is difficult, and the compressor already works with increased load. Enabling the mode Super Freeze will create extreme conditions. It is recommended to take breaks between freezing cycles and ensure that the refrigerator is kept away from heat sources (stove, radiator, direct sunlight).
Why does the freeze button not turn off automatically?
In most budget and mid-range models Atlant with mechanical control, this function is implemented manually. Engineers assume that the user knows best when he has finished downloading products. Automatic shutdown is only available in models with an electronic display.
Does the mode affect the formation of ice?
Yes, it does. Since the mode assumes a lower evaporator temperature, moisture from the air (when the door is opened) will condense more actively and freeze on the walls. Therefore, if you use this function frequently, you will have to defrost the refrigerator more often.
How much electricity does the refrigerator consume with the button on?
In continuous operation mode, the compressor consumes electricity constantly, without going into standby mode. Consumption can increase by 1.5–2 times compared to the usual cyclic operating mode, depending on the thermal insulation of the chamber and the room temperature.
Does it need to defrost the refrigerator before turning on the mode?
Desirable. If the ice layer on the evaporator exceeds 5 mm, freezing efficiency drops by 20-30%. To achieve the best result and save energy, it is better to start with a clean, defrosted chamber.