[. . . ] Disposal must be carried out in accordance with local environmental regulations for waste disposal. The appliance must be delivered to an authorised collection centre for the recovery of refrigerant gas. PRECAUTIONS AND GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS • Only use the freezer for storing frozen food, freezing fresh food and making ice cubes. • Do not store liquids in glass containers in the freezer: risk of bursting. • Do not eat ice cubes or ice lollies immediately after taking them out of the freezer: risk of "cold" burns. [. . . ] After placing fresh food in the freezer, 24 hours on fast freeze function is generally sufficient. After 24 hours, deactivate the fast freeze function, or turn the knob back to its original position. Important: When freezing only small amounts of food, the food can be placed in any compartment, with the exception of the bottom drawer. Furthermore, in order to save energy, when freezing small amounts of food the fast freeze function need not necessarily be activated. 14 6gb33043. fm Page 15 Monday, May 5, 2003 9:57 AM Tips for freezing and storing fresh food. • Before freezing, wrap and seal fresh food in: aluminium foil, cling film, air and water-tight plastic bags, polythene containers with lids or freezer containers suitable for freezing fresh food. • Food must be fresh, mature and of prime quality in order to obtain high quality frozen food. • Fresh vegetables and fruit should preferably be frozen as soon as they are picked to maintain the full original nutritional value, consistency, colour and flavour. Important: The table alongside shows the recommended maximum storage time for frozen fresh foods. Classification of frozen foods Put the frozen products into the freezer and classify them. The storage date should be indicated on the packs, to allow use within expiry dates. MONTHS FOOD Advice for storing frozen food When purchasing frozen food products: • ensure that the packaging is not damaged (frozen food in damaged packaging may have deteriorated). If the package is swollen or has damp patches, it may not have been stored under optimal conditions and defrosting may have already begun. • When shopping, leave frozen food purchases until last and transport the products in a thermally insulated cool bag. • Always observe the storage information on the package. 15 6gb33043. fm Page 16 Monday, May 5, 2003 9:57 AM Removing the baskets • Pull the baskets out fully, then lift them up slightly in order to remove. Note: Drawers and runners may be removed in order to obtain increased storage space (Fig. Ensure that the load does not exceed the limit (if present) indicated on the side walls of the appliance. Making ice cubes • Fill the ice cube tray 2/3 full and place it in the special freezer compartment. • Do not use sharp or pointed instruments to detach the tray if it is stuck to the bottom of the freezer. Note: The freezer door will not re-open easily immediately after closing. Wait a few minutes before opening again in order to allow for compensation of the vacuum created. Fig. 1 16 6gb33043. fm Page 17 Monday, May 5, 2003 9:57 AM HOW TO DEFROST AND CLEAN THE FREEZER Before any cleaning or maintenance operation, unplug the appliance from the mains or disconnect the electrical power supply. Defrost the freezer once or twice a year, or when the formation of ice on the refrigeration grilles is excessive. The amount of ice which forms and the rate at which it accumulates will depends on room temperature and humidity, and on the frequency with which the door is opened. [. . . ] Installation in a hot environment, direct exposure to the sun or installation near heat sources (heaters, radiators, cookers) will increase power consumption and should therefore be avoided. • If this is not possible, the following minimum distances must be respected: • 30 cm from coal or paraffin stoves; • 3 cm from electric and/or gas stoves. • Clean the interior (see "How to clean and defrost the freezer"). 1, 2 or 3, depending on model). Electrical connection • Electrical connections must be made in accordance with local regulations. [. . . ]