Owners of German equipment often wonder how to turn off the freezer in a Liebherr refrigerator in order to use the device exclusively for storage chilled products. This need arises when it is necessary to increase the useful volume of the main compartment or reduce energy consumption if freezing food is temporarily not needed. Depending on the type of cooling system and the specific model, this process can vary from simply switching settings to completely physically turning off the compressor.
Modern units Liebherr are equipped with complex electronics that control temperature conditions in different zones independently of each other. If you try to simply set the maximum temperature in the freezer, this will not lead to its complete shutdown, but will only change the climate class of storage. To correctly carry out the procedure, it is necessary to understand the difference between the “Vacation” program mode and the actual cessation of operation of the evaporator.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for various series of equipment, explain why you cannot simply unplug the cord from the outlet to temporarily turn it off, and consider the nuances of the NoFrost system. You will learn how to safely manage climate zones so as not to spoil food or damage the compressor.
Fundamental differences between NoFrost and Drop cooling systems
The first step in setting up a refrigerator is to determine the type of defrosting system, since the very principle of turning off the freezer compartment depends on this. Models with technology NoFrost have a common air circulation system or separate circuits, where the evaporator is often located behind the rear wall. In such devices, “turning off” the freezer programmatically, leaving the refrigerator running, is technically difficult without special modes, since the refrigerant circulates through a single circuit or is controlled by complex valve logic.
In units with a drip system (Drop), the freezer often has its own, independent evaporator and, in some cases, even a separate compressor (in two-compressor models). Here, shutting down is much simpler: you simply stop supplying power to the freezer compressor or switch it to “Off” mode through the control panel. It is important to understand that in single-circuit systems with drip defrosting, complete shutdown of one zone without stopping the entire machine is physically impossible.
Electronic control allows you to flexibly configure parameters, but it also imposes restrictions. If your model has one compressor and system NoFrost, then when you try to turn off the freezer, you will most likely stop cooling in the entire device. Dual-compressor models Liebherr give complete independence: you can turn off the freezer while the refrigerator continues to operate normally.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to mechanically block the cold air supply channels in NoFrost models with one compressor. This will lead to overheating of the motor and failure of the condensate drainage system.
Using the Holiday Mode as an alternative
Many users are looking for a way to turn off the freezer to save electricity while they are away, but forget about the built-in functions "Vacation". This mode is specially designed by engineers Liebherr
for situations when the refrigerator remains turned on for a long time without loading food. When “Holiday” is activated, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment rises to +14..+15°C, which prevents the appearance of mold and unpleasant odors, and the freezer (if it is double-circuit) or the entire unit goes into economy mode.If your goal is to leave only the freezer empty and use the refrigerator, then the "Vacation" mode may not be suitable, since it often affects the entire fresh food compartment. However, in some advanced models with a zone Liebherr BioFresh you can adjust the climate so that the freezer stops freezing by switching to storage mode at above-zero temperatures, although formally this will not be a complete shutdown of the compressor of this zone.
To activate the mode, you usually need a long press on the corresponding button on the display or in the menu. On touch panels this is often a palm tree icon. After turning on, the corresponding indicator lights up on the screen, confirming that the energy saving algorithm is running.
Instructions for models with electronic control (SensorTouch)
Refrigerators Liebherr with a panel SensorTouch allow you to configure in detail the operation of each chamber. To try to disable the freezer compartment, you need to go into the settings menu. First, press the on/off button of the corresponding zone to change the temperature setting. If the model supports independent control, you will be able to set the freezer temperature to the maximum (usually +14°C or +15°C), which will actually turn it into an additional refrigerator compartment.
In some series, for example CBN or HC, it is possible to completely programmatically turn off the freezer through a hidden menu or a combination of buttons. To do this, you often need to hold the freezer temperature setting button for 5-10 seconds until the “0” symbol or a dash appears on the indicator. This indicates that the supply of cold to this zone has been stopped.
If the letter “F” or a flashing snowflake symbol lights up on the display, this means that the shutdown mode is not supported by this particular electronic modification. In this case, the system will maintain the lowest possible temperature, but will not turn off completely. Always check the manual for your specific series, as firmware may differ even within the same model range.
☑️ Check before disconnecting
Mechanical shutdown in old and simple models
In older models Liebherr or budget series, control is often carried out by mechanical temperature controllers. There are no complex electronics here, and there is only one way to “turn off” the freezer - by completely stopping the operation of the compressor, if there is only one. If you have a two-compressor device, then there may be a separate switch on the back wall or inside the chamber.
Sometimes such a switch is hidden. It may be located next to the refrigerator compartment temperature control and may be labeled “Freezer Off” or a cross-out snowflake symbol. When this toggle switch is switched, the freezer compressor stops receiving power, and it begins to gradually warm up to room temperature.
This may create additional noise, since vibration is transmitted through the common body. Ensure that the unit is level to minimize resonance.
| Liebherr model type | Number of compressors | Ability to turn off the freezer | Control method |
|---|---|---|---|
| C Series (NoFrost) | 1 | No (only the whole unit) | Electronic |
| CN Series (NoFrost) | 1 | No (only the whole unit) | Electronic |
| CBN Series (BioFresh) | 2 | Yes (independent) | Sensory/Mechanical |
| CT Series (Budget) | 1 | No | Mechanical |
| SBS series (Side-by-Side) | 2 | Yes (independent) | Electronic |
What to do if the shutdown function is not provided
If you find out that your model Liebherr does not support software shutdown of the freezer, and it is necessary to use it in this form, the only safe option is to completely defrost and leave the door ajar. However, this requires constant monitoring of the humidity in the room.
Some craftsmen suggest installing additional time relays or smart sockets that will cyclically turn on and off the power to the freezer. Such modernization is categorically not recommended for Liebherr equipment, since frequent start-stops of the compressor without observing technological breaks will lead to rapid wear and tear of the start relay.
The best solution in case of frequent need to use only the refrigeration compartment is to purchase a specialized chest or a separate refrigerator, or using the “Super Cooling” mode with a maximum temperature, if the model allows you to set values above +10°C, although this is not a standard operating scenario.
Why can’t you just unplug it?
Frequently turning off the refrigerator from the outlet without first defrosting and drying leads to oxidation of the compressor contacts and disruption of oil circulation in the lubrication system, which reduces the service life of the unit by 30-40%.
Safety rules and care after shutdown
After you have managed to turn off the freezer, whether programmatically or physically, you need to properly prepare it for the new operating mode. The remaining ice will begin to melt and water will flow down. In models with a condensate drainage system, water will go into the evaporator, but if the chamber is completely turned off, the drainage system may not work and water will pour onto the floor.
Be sure to place a tray or place an absorbent cloth in front of the bottom of the refrigerator. Wipe all interior surfaces with a dry cloth to prevent bacteria from growing in a damp environment. It is better to leave the freezer door slightly ajar, using a special latch or inserting a folded cloth between the seal and the body to ensure air circulation.
If you plan not to use the freezer for a long time, once a month carry out a preventive operation for 1-2 hours so that the lubricant in the compressor (if it is not dismantled) does not thicken and the seals do not lose elasticity. This is especially true for two-compressor models, where the freezer motor is idle.
⚠️ Attention: During prolonged idle time, do not close the freezer door tightly. Without air circulation, mold quickly forms inside, which is then very difficult to remove from porous plastic panels.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can a Liebherr freezer be used as a refrigerator by simply raising the temperature?
Yes, in most models with electronic control you can set the temperature in the freezer to +14°C or +15°C. This will turn it into an additional refrigerator compartment. However, make sure that the shelves can support the weight of the food, as they are designed to hold frozen goods.
Why is the red alarm light on after the freezer is turned off?
A red light or beep indicates that the temperature has risen above the safe limit. If you deliberately turned off the camera or raised the temperature, this signal can be ignored. In some models, the sound alarm function can be temporarily disabled with the “Alarm Off” button.
Is it harmful for a Liebherr compressor to work only on the refrigeration chamber?
For two-compressor models, this is the normal operating mode, it is absolutely safe. For single-circuit systems with one compressor, the concept of “turning off the freezer” is conditional - the compressor still works at its entire volume, it’s just that the thermostat does not allow it to go into deep minus, so the load on the unit does not change.
How to defrost a freezer without turning off the entire refrigerator?
In NoFrost models, manual defrosting is not required. If sludge has formed, you can activate the mode SuperFrost for 24 hours, and then let the system automatically go away. Complete defrosting with water is only possible if the power to the device is completely turned off for at least 10 hours.