Freezing mode in the Atlant refrigerator: what it is, how it works and when to use

If you are the owner of a refrigerator Atlant and noticed in the instructions or on control panel has a mysterious “freeze mode”, but you don’t fully understand why it is needed - this article is for you. Many people confuse it with the normal operation of the freezer or function superfreezing, but in fact it is a separate tool with unique tasks. Let's figure out how it works, when it is really useful, and when it is better not to activate it, so as not to overload the compressor and not waste extra electricity.

The Belarusian brand Atlant has been equipping its refrigerators with this mode for more than 10 years, but users still ask the same questions same questions: “Can I leave it on overnight?”, “Does food spoil if you forget to turn it off?”, “Why does the freezer become louder after activation?” We have collected answers to all these questions - and added practical tips that are not in the standard instructions. For example, how to use the freezing mode to quickly cool drinks to −18°C without the risk of defrosting other products.

What is the freezing mode in the Atlant refrigerator?

Freezing mode (sometimes indicated as Freeze or the snowflake icon ❄️) - this temporarily increasing the operation of the freezer compartment to quickly lower the temperature to −24...−30°C. Unlike the standard mode (−18°C), here the compressor operates at maximum power without pauses, and the fan (if it is in the model) accelerates the circulation of cold air.

The main task of the function is to preserve their structure, taste and beneficial properties. For example, if you bought 10 kg of fresh strawberries or brought a catch from fishing, a regular freezer will handle it in 6–8 hours, and in freezing mode the temperature inside the packages will drop to a safe −18°C in just 1–2 hours. instant freezing of a large volume of foodto preserve their structure, taste and beneficial properties. For example, if you bought 10 kg of fresh strawberries or brought a catch from fishing, a regular freezer will handle it in 6–8 hours, and in freezing mode the temperature inside the packages will drop to a safe −18°C in just 1–2 hours.

• ❄️ Temperature range: from −24°C to −30°C (depending on the model)
• ⏱️ Operating duration: up to 72 hours (then automatically turns off)
• ⚡ Energy consumption: 30–50% higher than standard mode
• 🔄 Automatic shutdown: available in all models Atlant after 2015

It is important not to confuse this mode with with the super freezing function (if it is in your model). Super freezing usually works at −24°C and is turned on for 24 hours, and the freezing mode is more “aggressive” and is intended for emergencies.

Differences from the normal operation of the freezer

In standard freezer mode the chamber Atlant maintains a temperature of −18°C with periodic compressor shutdowns (approximately 10–15 minutes of operation and 5–10 minutes of pause). This saves energy and reduces the load on the engine. The freezing mode disables these pauses:

Another key difference - cold distribution. In normal mode, cold air circulates evenly, and when freezing is activated, the main flow is directed to the area of freshly loaded products (usually the upper shelves or a special compartment Fresh Freeze in models Atlant XM 6025-031 and newer).

When should you turn on the freezing mode?

This mode is not intended for constant use. It should be activated only in three cases:

1. Bulk loading of products. For example, you bought berries, mushrooms or meat in bulk at a sale. Quick freezing will prevent the formation of large ice crystals inside the tissues, which preserves texture and taste.
2. Preparation for long-term storage. If you plan to store food for more than 3 months (for example, fish or game), the freezing mode will help “preserve” them in ideal condition.
3. Emergency cooling. Do you urgently need to cool drinks to −18°C (for example, for cocktails) or freeze ice for a party? This mode will handle it in 30–40 minutes.

But when not worth turn it on:

• 🍦 For freezing ice cream or fruit ice (standard mode is sufficient).
• 🥩 If you load less than 2 kg of food (excessive energy consumption is not justified).
• ⏳ At night, if the refrigerator does not have an automatic shutdown function (risk of freezing).

What happens if you leave the freezing mode on a week?

If your model Atlant is not equipped with an automatic shut-off (valid for refrigerators before 2015), continuous operation of the compressor at maximum power can lead to:

1) Freezing of food (the temperature will drop below −30°C, which will ruin the texture of the meat and vegetables).

2) Increased wear of the compressor (engine life is reduced by 10–15% when operating without breaks for longer than 72 hours).

3) Icing of the evaporator (in models without No Frost you will have to defrost manually).

How to turn the freezing mode on and off?

The activation procedure depends on the refrigerator model. In most cases, you need to:

1. Press the button Freeze (or hold it for 3 seconds in models Atlant XM 4021-000).
2. Wait for a sound signal or blinking indicator ❄️ on panel.
3. Close the door - the mode will start working in 5-10 minutes.

To turn it off:

• Briefly press the same button (in models with an automatic machine).
• Or hold for 5 seconds (in refrigerators without auto-shutdown).
• In some series (Atlant MXM 2835), the mode turns off itself after 24/48/72 hours (depending on the setting).

Make sure the freezer door is closed tightly|Check for open liquids on the shelves (they may burst if sharp cooling)|Arrange the food in one layer for uniform freezing|Turn off the mode after 2-3 hours if you are freezing less than 5 kg-->

In refrigerators with an electronic display (for example, Atlant XM 6026-031), you can set the operating time of the mode:

Menu → Modes → Freezing → Set timer (from 1 to 72 hours)

⚠️ Attention: In models Atlant 2010–2014 release button Freeze may be missing. Instead, the mode is activated by the combination Super + Temp Down (hold for 5 seconds). Check this point in the instructions for your model.

How much electricity does the freezing mode consume?

According to laboratory tests, the refrigerator Atlant XM 4425-089 in standard mode consumes ~1 kW/h per day, and when freezing is activated, this figure increases to 1.8–2.2 kW/h. That is, in 3 hours of continuous operation you will spend the same amount of energy as in a whole day in normal mode.

To reduce costs:

• 💡 Use the mode only when the freezer is fully loaded (from 70% of the volume).
• ⏲️ Set the timer for the minimum required time (for example, 2 hours instead of 4).
• 🌡️ Before loading food, cool it in the main compartment until +4°C.

For comparison: for 1 hour of operation in freezing mode, a refrigerator Atlant spends the same amount of energy as:

• 💻 A laptop for 5 hours of operation.
• 📺 55" diagonal TV in 3 hours.
• 💡 100 W light bulb in 20 hours.

Common mistakes when using the freezing mode

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to food spoilage or breakdowns. Here are the most common ones:

1. Overloading the freezer. If you put too much food (for example, 15 kg in a 10 kg chamber), cold air will not circulate, and freezing will take a while. 2 times longer. As a result, the upper layers will freeze, and the lower ones will remain half-raw.
2. Ignoring packaging. Products in open containers or thin bags will weather and lose moisture. Use vacuum bags or cling film in 2-3 layers.
3. They forget to turn off the mode. In models without automatic shutdown, this leads to icing of the evaporator and increased load on the compressor. On some refrigerators (Atlant MHM 2831), after 72 hours of continuous operation, an emergency shutdown is triggered, and the chamber can only be defrosted manually.

Another typical mistake is freezing hot products. If you put a pan of hot soup in the freezer, the freezing mode will work idle, trying to cool the steam, rather than the products themselves. In addition, a sharp temperature change can damage the enamel of the chamber.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Atlant with a system No Frost it is not recommended to freeze liquids in glass jars (for example, compotes or sauces at lower temperatures). −24°C the glass may burst, and the fragments will block the ventilation holes, which will lead to a failure of air circulation.

How to care for the refrigerator after using the mode?

After intensive work of the freezer, you should take a few simple steps to extend its life techniques:

Wipe the door seals (use a weak vinegar solution)|Check the drainage hole for ice (if necessary, clean with a cotton swab)|Leave the freezer door open for 10-15 minutes to equalize the temperature|Sort through the food: remove any that are stuck together or covered with frost-->

If your refrigerator Atlant does not have a system No Frost, after 2-3 freezing cycles it is recommended to carry out partial defrosting:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains.
2. Take out all the products and put them in the refrigerator bag.
3. Leave the door open for 1-2 hours (the ice on the walls should melt naturally).
4. Wipe the chamber with a dry cloth and turn on the refrigerator again.

On models c No Frost defrosting is not required, but once every six months it is worth cleaning the ventilation grilles from dust with a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle. This will prevent the compressor from overheating the next time you turn on the intensive mode.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to turn on the mode. freezing in the Atlant refrigerator in the summer, when the room is +30°C?

Yes, but with reservations. At high room temperatures, the compressor already works with increased load. If you activate freezing, the risk of overheating increases.

• Do not turn on the mode for more than 2 hours.
• Make sure that the back of the refrigerator does not touch the wall (a gap of 5–10 cm is needed).
• After use, let the compressor “rest” for 4–5 hours.

Why did ice appear in the freezer after the freezing mode, although I had it No Frost?

This is normal for models Atlant with a system Frost Free (hybrid No Frost and drip system). At temperatures below −24°C, moisture from the products condenses on the walls and freezes. To avoid icing:

• Use. sealed containers for wet foods (soups, berries).
• Do not store open liquids (milk, juices) in the freezer.
• Once a month, wipe the walls with a dry cloth.

How long does it take to freeze 5 kg of meat in the freezer mode freezing?

At a temperature of −24°C:

• Pieces up to 3 cm thick: 1–1.5 hours.
• Pieces 4–6 cm: 2–2.5 hours.
• Whole poultry carcass (up to 2 kg): 3–4 hours.

To speed up the process, divide the meat into portions and place on a wire rack (not in a stack!).

Is it possible to use the freezing mode to make homemade ice cream?

Technically, yes, but there are nuances: −24°C is suitable for freezing. mixture, but:

• In models without No Frost ice cream may absorb foreign odors.
• If you leave the mode on for more than 3 hours, the texture of the ice cream will become too hard.
• It is better to use special containers with a lid (for example, silicone molds).

Ideal algorithm: freeze the mixture for 2 hours in freezing mode, then transfer it to the main chamber (−18°C) for ripening.

Why did the refrigerator begin to hum loudly after turning on the freezing mode?

This is normal: at maximum load the compressor runs at power limit, and in models with a fan (No Frost), noise from increased air circulation is added. Dangerous signs in which you should turn off the refrigerator:

• A metallic grinding sound appears (may indicate a compressor breakdown).
• The refrigerator vibrates and “bounces” (incorrect). installation).
• The humming does not stop after the mode is turned off (diagnostics required).

In other cases, increased noise is a temporary phenomenon.