Samsung Vacation Mode refrigerator: a complete guide to "Vacation" mode

Mode Vacation (or “Vacation”) in refrigerators Samsung is a special function designed for situations when you leave the house unattended for a long time. It allows you to maintain the minimum required temperature in the main chamber, saving energy, but at the same time preventing the appearance of mold, unpleasant odors or spoilage of leftover products. Many users either do not know about its existence or are afraid to turn it on for fear of damaging the equipment.

In this article we will look at how to properly activate Vacation mode on different models Samsung, what settings are optimal for long periods of inactivity, and what to do if the refrigerator does not work as before after returning home. You will also learn which foods are safe to leave in the refrigerator during the holidays and which are absolutely not. The information will be useful both to owners of new models with touch controls, and to those whose refrigerator was released 5-10 years ago.

What is Vacation mode in Samsung refrigerators

Mode Vacation (sometimes indicated as Holiday Mode or Eco Vacation) is an energy-saving feature that automatically adjusts the temperature in the main compartment of the refrigerator, while turning off the freezer (if there is one). The main goal is to reduce energy consumption to 30-50% with minimal risk to equipment.

In this mode, the refrigerator maintains a temperature of about +15°C low enough to prevent the growth of bacteria, but not so cold as to waste energy on intensive cooling. The freezer (if it is separate) is usually is completely turned off, since if left idle for a long time, the food in it will still defrost, and there is no need for extra energy consumption.

• 🔹 Saving energy: up to 50% compared to the normal mode.
• 🔹 Protection against mold: air circulation is maintained, preventing dampness.
• 🔹 Safety: the risk of compressor failure from overheating is reduced.
• 🔹 Convenience: no you need to completely defrost and turn off the refrigerator.

It is important to understand that Vacation Mode is not intended for storing perishable foods! It is only suitable for situations when the refrigerator is almost empty (for example, there are only sauces, canned food or bottled drinks left).

Which Samsung models support Vacation Mode

The function Vacation is not available on all refrigerators Samsung. It appeared in mid- and premium-segment models released after 2015. Below is a list of series where this option is most often found:

If your model is not listed in the table, check the instructions or look for a button with an image on the control panel palm trees (🌴) or inscription Vacation. On older refrigerators (before 2015), a similar mode may be called Eco Mode or Power Save, but it will work differently - for example, simply reduce the compressor power without turning off the freezer.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung with the system No Frost mode Vacation can automatically start defrosting after 2-3 days of inactivity. Check this in the instructions for your model!

How to enable Vacation mode: step-by-step instructions

The activation process depends on the type of control of your refrigerator. Below are universal instructions for the most common options.

1. Refrigerators with a touch screen (RB, RF, RS, Bespoke series)

On models with a screen, the algorithm is usually as follows:

1. Press the button Menu or Settings (can be indicated by a gear ❤ set the number of days of absence (from 1 to 30).
2. Select section Eco Mode or Special Modes.
3. Find the option Vacation or Holiday and confirm your choice.
4. On some models, you will need to set the number of days of absence (from 1 to 30).
5. Confirm activation - the indicator VACATION or 🌴 will light up on the display.

2. Refrigerators with mechanical controls (RT series, older models)

If you have a refrigerator with rotary controls or buttons without a display:

• Find the button Eco or Power Save (can be combined with the temperature regulator).
• Press it for 3-5 seconds until a beep sounds or the indicator blinks.
• If there is a separate button Vacation, press it once.

3. Smart refrigerators with SmartThings support (Bespoke, Family Hub series)

For models with Wi-Fi and the application SmartThings:

1. Open the application SmartThings on your phone.
2. Select your refrigerator from the list of devices.
3. Go to section Modes or Special Features.
4. Activate Vacation Mode and set the return date.

Make sure there is no products|Check the door for tightness|Leave the refrigerator empty or with a minimum amount of food|Install a container with baking soda to absorb odors|Close the water supply tap (if you have an ice maker)-->

After activating the mode, the refrigerator may emit a characteristic sound signal (a melody on new models) and begin to gradually increase the temperature. This process can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on Vacation Mode the refrigerator continues to operate as usual (the compressor does not turn off, the display does not change), it means that the function is not supported by your model or a reset is required. Try unplugging the refrigerator from the outlet for 10 minutes and repeating the procedure.

What can and cannot be left in the refrigerator in the Vacation mode

Even in the Vacation mode, the refrigerator does not become a “magic box” where you can store everything in a row. Temperature +15°C is not suitable for all products. Below is a checklist of what can be left and what is absolutely not allowed.

✅ Allowed to leave (for up to 2 weeks):

• 🥫 Canned food: closed jars of fish, meat, vegetables (if not opened).
• 🍺 Drinks: water, juices in closed bottles, beer, wine.
• 🧂 Spices and sauces: ketchup, mayonnaise (closed), mustard, soy sauce.
• 🧀 Hard cheeses: parmesan, cheddar (vacuum packed).
• 🍎 Fruits/vegetables with thick skin: apples, onions, potatoes.

❌ It is forbidden to leave (they will spoil in 1-3 days):

• 🥛 Dairy products: milk, sour cream, yogurt, cottage cheese.
• 🍗 Meat and fish: even in vacuum packaging will begin to deteriorate.
• 🥚 Eggs: at +15°C salmonella multiplies actively.
• 🥬 Greens and lettuce: yellow and rot.
• 🍰 Desserts with cream: