The fridge and freezer are perhaps the most important appliances in any household. Without a fridge or freezer, it becomes a lot harder to keep food fresh for a long time. It’s safe to say that a broken fridge is a big problem. Like any appliance, fridges and freezers do not last forever. We have collected the most common questions, and provided answers so you can maximise the lifespan of your fridge and freezer. Should your fridge or freezer unexpectedly break down, you can always visit Fiyo for your spare fridge and freezer parts.
Can you stack a freezer and refrigerator on top of each other?
A common question is whether your fridge and freezer can be stacked on top of each other.
The answer is actually quite simple - no! Refrigerators and freezers give off heat at the back. This will cause the lower appliance to "heat up" the upper appliance which will increase energy consumption. Also, during warmer periods, it will not be possible to achieve the desired temperature inside the appliance, causing excessive humidity, resulting in fogged glass shelves and food spoiling quickly. The motor of the refrigerator has to run much longer than normal which also causes a lot of ice formation. As a result, too much water has to be drained through the small drain in the fridge. That small hose runs to the sump above the compressor and can cause flooding with all its consequences.
In addition, the appliances have to work harder to cool which in turn is bad for the lifespan of the appliances.
What about a two-door combi appliance? Those do not have this phenomenon because they are collectively equipped with 1 large condenser.
Weight can also play a role. A cooler with contents easily could weigh 60 kg. If this constantly pushes on the front of the lower appliance with 2 levelling feet, you risk damaging the electronics and controls on the front of the lower appliance.
If placed side by side, make sure there is at least 3 to 5 cm space between the refrigerator and freezer to prevent condensation.
Can the fridge and freezer be plugged on 1 socket?
When connecting equipment to 1 group, you should always take into account the number of watts that can run through a group. The standard maximum is 3500 Watt. The average fridge-freezer is 150 to 350 Watt and the average freezer is 180 to 350 Watt. So you can connect a fridge and freezer to 1 socket just fine. Only using an extension cord is not recommended.
Do my fridge and freezer need to be level?
Yes, both the fridge and the freezer should be level. This is because levelling the appliances is needed for the door to close properly and also so the appliance can cool and/or freeze better. And of course, it’s also nice when your food does not roll in all directions because your fridge is not level.
To level the appliance properly, place the spirit level on top of the fridge or freezer just behind the door. At the bottom of the appliance are adjustment feet. You can turn these, sometimes you need a flat screwdriver to insert into the slots of the adjustment feet. Turn clockwise to raise the appliance and anti-clockwise to lower it.
Can I transport a fridge or freezer lying down?
It’s possible to transport a fridge while laying it down. After transporting it, immediately put it upright but do not turn it on immediately. Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before turning the fridge on. Then the coolant can settle down and there will be no damage to the engine.
With the freezer, it is a different story. The freezer should always be transported upright. This is due to the fact that oil can leak from the compressor into the evaporator. Transporting it upside down or on its side is also bad and definitely not recommended. If this does happen, put the freezer upright and under no circumstances turn it on within 24 hours.
Where do I place my fridge and freezer?
Most refrigerators and freezers are not suitable to be placed in an unheated room such as a shed, storage room or garage. The ambient temperature is usually too low in winter, causing the appliance to not function properly or even shut down. This is because the compressor does not work properly at temperatures lower than 10℃. However, there are certain freezers that are suitable for low ambient temperatures. These have FreezerGuard or FrostProtect and are suitable down to -15℃. When buying a fridge suitable for the shed, the climate class and ambient temperature are important factors to look out for. It’s best to place it in an environment with a temperature between 15 and 30 degrees. Make sure the room is not damp and connect the appliance to an earthed socket.
Do not place the fridge or freezer directly next to a gas cooker and make sure the appliance is 10 centimetres away from the wall so it can easily lose its heat.
What is the right temperature in the fridge or freezer?
It’s not common to know what the right temperature in the fridge or freezer is. However, it is important to always have the fridge or freezer set at the right temperature.
Food wastage and spoilage can be caused when refrigerators are set too warm. The ideal temperature of the fridge is 4℃. For meat products in particular, 4℃ is the ideal temperature for the longest shelf life. For chicken, even at 4°C, bacteria counts can slowly increase. For other products such as opened jars, sauces or butter and halvarine, 5 to 6℃ is cool enough.
Pay special attention to cold meats, yoghurt, milk, dairy and some vegetables, because the quality deteriorates faster. The ideal temperature for fresh fish is 1℃, and it should not be kept in the fridge for more than 1-2 days. The right temperature in the freezer is between -18℃ and -30℃. However, the colder you set the freezer, the more energy is consumed. Therefore, -18℃ to -20℃ is a fine temperature to store your food. It is important to let food cool down before freezing it. This does not apply to frozen foods you buy in the supermarket. Furthermore, a full freezer uses less energy than a half-full one. Fresh vegetables stay good in the freezer for up to 6 to 12 months. You can also freeze certain dairy, fruit, soups, bread, home-cooked meals etc. However: try to note how long it will stay fresh in the freezer. Our advice is to code or sticker it so you know until when the product can be used.
