Refrigeration equipment Liebherr is famous for its reliability and thoughtful functionality, but sometimes owners are faced with a non-standard task - to completely turn off the freezer. This may be required to store vegetables and fruits at temperatures above freezing, to save energy, or in case of temporary malfunction of the freezer compartment. Understanding how control system your unit works is the first step to proper setup.
It is important to immediately note that it is technically impossible to “turn off” the compressor, leaving only the refrigerator running, in most single-compressor models, since they have a common cooling capacity. However Liebherr offers a number of solutions that allow you to change the temperature regime or stop the ice formation process. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for different series of equipment.
Before starting to manipulate the control panel, it is worth assessing the feasibility of such actions. If your goal is defrosting, then modern models do this automatically. If you need to turn the freezer into an additional refrigerator, you will need to change the thermostat settings or use special modes. NoFrost do this automatically. If you need to turn your freezer into an additional refrigerator, you will need to change the thermostat settings or use special modes.
Design features of Liebherr refrigerators
Technique Liebherr is based on various types of cooling, and the possibility of isolated control of the chambers directly depends on this. Most budget and mid-range models use one compressor and one refrigerant that circulates through both circuits. In such systems temperature conditions it is regulated proportionally: changing the settings in one compartment affects the other.
More advanced models, especially built-in series and premium class, can be equipped with a system DuoCooling or two independent circuits. This theoretically allows for more flexible control of cooling, but even here, completely turning off the freezer while the refrigerator is running is often limited by the design features of the evaporators. Digital control systems and electronic panels allow precise values to be set, but they also have software safety restrictions. Manufacturers prevent freezer temperatures from being set too high to prevent food spoilage if the user accidentally forgets to switch the mode.
Digital control systems SmartDevice and electronic panels allow precise values to be set, but they also have software safety restrictions. Manufacturers prevent freezer temperatures from being set too high to prevent food spoilage if the user accidentally forgets to switch the mode.
Understanding the type of unit you have is key. If you have a model with a mechanical regulator, the options will be limited to physically turning the knob. Electronics provide more options, but require careful study of the instructions, since interfaces may differ depending on the year of manufacture.
Mechanical control: thermostat adjustment
In models with mechanical control, the temperature mode is set by a rotary regulator, usually located inside the refrigerator camera or on the front panel. To “turn off” the freezer as much as possible, you need to set the regulator to the minimum cold position. Usually this is a number 1 or a special designation Min.
When setting the minimum value, the compressor will turn on less often, and the temperature in the freezer will begin to rise. However, it will not rise to the positive values necessary for storing fresh food, but will stop at -6..-10°C. This is not enough to defrost, but it is enough to stop deep freezing.
It is worth considering that with this mode of operation refrigerator compartment it will also become less cold, the temperature can rise to +10..+12°C, which is dangerous for perishable products. Mechanical thermostats do not have high accuracy, and the temperature balance is upset in favor of the freezer with any increase in cold.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to forcibly jam the mechanical regulator in the extreme position. This can lead to breakage of the plastic rod and loss of seal of the control unit.
If your goal is temporary storage of products that do not require freezing but need to be kept cool, mechanical adjustment is the only available method. However, for full use of the compartment as a refrigerator, this method is ineffective due to the inability to raise the temperature above zero.
Electronic control and operating modes
In refrigerators with electronic control, the setup process looks different. The panel Display allows you to set the temperature with an accuracy of a degree. To simulate turning off the freezer, you need to enter the settings menu and select the maximum possible temperature for this compartment. Typically the upper limit is -6°C or -8°C.
Some models Liebherr equipped with a EcoMode or “Vacation” mode. In this mode, the refrigerator compartment switches to economical energy consumption (temperature about +14..+15°C), and the freezer continues to operate in normal mode. This is the opposite task, but it demonstrates the flexibility of electronics.
To turn off the freezer in electronic models, you often need to activate the function SuperFrost on the contrary - that is, cancel it and allow the temperature to equalize. In some professional series, it is possible to programmatically turn off the circuit, but this is a hidden function of the service menu.
If you set the freezer to -5°C and the refrigerator to +5°C, the system will strive to fulfill both conditions. Since the cold comes from the freezer, the compressor will work in a gentle mode, but will not stop completely if the refrigerator becomes warmer than normal.
Using the SmartDefrost mode
One of the unique functions of many models Liebherr is SmartDefrost. This mode does not turn off the freezer permanently, but allows you to temporarily stop ice formation to simplify defrosting or change the purpose of the chamber. Activating this mode puts the camera into a defrost cycle.
Enabling SmartDefrost usually requires pressing and holding the appropriate button on the control panel for 3-5 seconds. The mode indicator will begin to flash, signaling the start of the process. The temperature in the chamber will begin to rise smoothly.
- 🧊 The mode automatically turns off the fan and compressor to naturally increase the temperature.
- ⏱️ The duration of the cycle depends on the amount of ice and the ambient temperature, usually takes several hours.
- 🔄 After the process is completed or manual shutdown the system will return to the previous settings.
Use SmartDefrost is the best way to safely “defrost” the camera without unplugging the refrigerator from the outlet. However, you cannot use this mode for permanent storage of vegetables, since the temperature will fluctuate, which will lead to spoilage of the products.
☑️ Check before changing the mode
After using the defrost mode, you must thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces. The moisture remaining on the walls can quickly turn into an ice crust when returning to normal operation, which will reduce the efficiency of heat transfer.
Algorithm of actions for different series
Different lines of refrigerators Liebherr have their own characteristics interface. Below is a table to help you navigate depending on the series of your device. The exact sequence of actions may vary, so always check the product data sheet.
| Refrigerator series | Control type | Max. freezer temperature | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liebherr CT / CTP | Mechanical | Depends on the thermostat (~ -6°C) | Adjustment with one handle, it is difficult to separate the contours |
| Liebherr CN / CND | Electronic (Touch) | -6°C (adjustable) | Fine adjustment is possible, there is an Eco mode |
| Liebherr CB / CBN | Touch / Smart | -6°C (via menu) | Integration with SmartDevice, advanced settings |
| Liebherr Premium | Advanced Electronics | Individually | It is possible to configure zones, but not completely turn off the compressor |
For series CN i CND a combination of buttons is often available to enter the extended menu. For example, pressing the refrigerator and freezer temperature buttons at the same time can provide access to hidden parameters, but this requires caution.
Secret button combinations
On some models, holding the "OK" or "Menu" button for 10 seconds opens the service menu, where you can find the option to turn off the freezer circuit, but this may void the warranty.
If you have a built-in model, the control panel may be located on the cabinet door or located inside. In the latter case, to change the settings you will have to open the door every time, which disrupts temperature mode during setup.
Nuances of storing food at elevated temperatures
If you managed to raise the temperature in the freezer to -5..-8°C, The question arises: what should be stored there? Ordinary frozen foods (meat, fish, berries) at this temperature will begin to deteriorate, since the activity of bacteria is not completely suppressed.
In this “warm” mode, the chamber can be used to store:
- 🥫 Canned foods that do not require strict cold.
- 🍺 Drinks that are best kept cool, but not in the cold.
- 🧀 Some types of cheeses or sausages that require a temperature of about 0..+4°C (risky).
However, the most rational use is to simply store an empty, clean and dry chamber to save energy if you do not need a freezer temporarily. An empty freezer uses less electricity, especially if it is filled with “warm” air rather than frozen blocks of ice.
⚠️ Attention: Never store food that requires deep freezing in a “warm” freezer. Temperatures above -12°C are considered a dangerous zone for long-term storage of meat and fish.
Humidity should also be taken into account. At elevated temperatures, condensation may form inside the chamber, especially if the door is often opened. This can lead to the appearance of mold on the seals and shelves, therefore hygiene in this mode requires special control.
Frequent errors and precautions
Users often try to “deceive” the system by covering the sensors temperature or using external timers to periodically turn on the outlet. Such methods are categorically not recommended for modern technology Liebherr.
Artificial cooling of the sensor will lead to the compressor working continuously, trying to cool the “warm” chamber, which will cause the motor to overheat and fail. The use of external timers disrupts the defrosting algorithms, and the evaporator may become covered with ice, blocking the air circulation channels.
Another mistake is trying to turn off the freezer while there is food in it. A sudden change in temperature (if it were possible) or prolonged operation in borderline mode will lead to rapid deterioration of the contents. Always empty the chamber before experimenting with the settings.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to completely turn off the freezer while leaving the refrigerator work?
In most single-compressor models Liebherr this is impossible. Cold is generated in the freezer and partially transferred to the refrigerator. Unplugging the freezer will stop the entire unit. In two-compressor models (rare) it is theoretically possible, but requires individual settings.
Why does the temperature not change immediately after changing the settings?
The system requires time to stabilize refrigerant and equalize the temperature fields inside the chambers. This process can take from 6 to 24 hours. Do not change the settings again during this period.
Is it harmful for the compressor to keep the freezer in the minimum cold mode?
No, this is the normal operating mode. However, if, due to the high temperature in the chamber, the compressor starts to turn on too often (short cycles), this may reduce its life. Monitor the operating intervals.
What to do if the freezer stops freezing after setting?
Return the settings to factory values (usually -18°C). If the cold does not appear within 24 hours, there may be an electronics failure or a freon leak. A call from a specialist is required.
Is it possible to use the freezer as a refrigerator for vegetables?
Only if you can raise the temperature to +2..+6°C, which is extremely difficult to do in the freezer. Vegetables at temperatures below zero will freeze and lose their structure. For vegetables, it is better to use the zone Liebherr extremely difficult to do. Vegetables at temperatures below zero will freeze and lose their structure. For vegetables it is better to use the zone BioFresh in the refrigerator compartment.