Whynter FM-45CAM - Portable Freezer Manual

Additional protection and insulation can be provided for your Whynter portable freezer with a Whynter insulated flexible transit bag. The transit bag comes custom tailored with openings for your freezer's handle grips, air vents, and power cords to allow operation with the bag in place. The transit bag also comes with a fast open top flap for quick and easy access to the freezer compartment. A convenient side pocket also allows you to tote any cords and accessories with the bag.

If you are interested in purchasing optional accessories, please contact support@whynter.com for retail sales information.

Product Features / Technical Data

Wrapped with the industry's leading camouflage pattern, Woodland Camo, this Whynter Portable Fridge / Freezer offers premium quality and innovative design to your frozen/refrigerated needs. Making this perfect for any passionate outdoor enthusiast, this freezer is great for RVs, boats, campsites, fishing trips and truly portable so you can take your fridge/freezer anywhere! All you need is either a standard household 110 Volt outlet or a 12 Volt power source, like an automotive battery.

Whether on a day trip or major expedition, you can easily keep your food and beverages chilled, or frozen with this benchtop freezer. The Whynter portable freezers should not to be confused with less effective 12 volt novelty and beverage type "coolers", the Whynter portable freezer fridge is a true freezer/refrigerator which cools between –8°F to 50°F. A cost effective and mobile solution for your recreational and critical freezing requirements.

• Operates as a refrigerator or freezer
• Compressor Cooling System
• 8' AC power cord and 10' DC power cord are included
• "Fast Freeze" mode rapidly cools to -8°F
• LED temperature display
• Open-door warning system
• Power low indicator
• Insulated lid and walls
• 2 removable wire basket (1 Large, 1 Small)
• Side handles for easy mobility
• Functions even when tilted 30°
• Tough and solid outer casing
• ETL approved

TECHNICAL DATA

Installation

BEFORE USING YOUR APPLIANCE

• Remove the exterior and interior packing.

Do not remove any permanent instruction labels or the data label on your freezer

• To remove any remaining tape or glue, rub the area briskly with your thumb. Tape or glue residue can also be easily removed by rubbing a small amount of liquid dish soap over the adhesive with your fingers. Wipe with warm water and dry.
• Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids, or abrasive cleaners to remove tape or glue. These products can damage the surface of your freezer.
• Before connecting the appliance to the power source, let it stand upright for approximately 4 hours. This will reduce the possibility of a malfunction in the cooling system from handling during transportation.

PROPER LOCATION

• The appliance is designed for free standing installation.
• The normal operation of the freezer depends on heat radiation from the condenser. Allow at least 6 inches of space between the back and sides of the appliance, which allows the proper air circulation to cool the compressor and condenser. The air vent at the front of the appliance must never be covered or blocked in any way.
• Do not install the appliance near an oven or other heating source. Direct sunlight may affect the acrylic coating and heat sources may increase electrical consumption. For best performance, do not install the appliance behind a cabinet, door or block the air vents.
• This portable freezer is suitable for vehicle use and outdoor use such as camping.
• Avoid locating the appliance in area that may be exposed to excessive moisture or rain.

MOVEMENT AND INSTALLATION OF YOUR APPLIANCE

• Position the freezer in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep the freezer away from direct sunlight, heaters, and corrosive gases or chemicals.
• Clean the interior surface with lukewarm water using a soft cloth.
• Place your appliance on a hard and level floor that is strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.
• We do not recommend installing the appliance on carpet.
• To level your appliance, install fixed legs at the bottom of the appliance if needed.
• When inserting the AC power-cord into the power socket, make sure the power socket is a grounded 115V~AC / 60Hz socket. Also, make sure that the unit's grounding prong has not being tampered with. NOTE: When inserting the DC power-cord, make sure the input is a 12V~DC / 24V power source.

TEST RUN

DC INPUT POWER

• When powering your portable freezer with a standard 12 V socket, the unit will not work if socket has a voltage of less than 10.4 V. The unit will restart when the voltage is 11.8V or greater.
• When powering your portable freezer into a standard 24 V socket, the unit will not work if the socket has a voltage of less than 22.5 V. The unit will restart when the voltage is 24.2 V or greater.

Operation and Controls

CONTROL PANEL GUIDE

To obtain the best possible results for your freezer, it is important that you operate it properly. Your portable freezer uses a digital control system for adjusting the thermostat.

1. Set Button
   Press the Set Button to select desired temperature.
   Battery cut-out voltage setting:
   This function sets the minimum voltage that the unit will run if 12 volt connection is active and DC Cord is plugged in. Press the SET button 3 times to set the Battery cut-out voltage. To select different cut-out voltage (10V/ 10.7V/ 11.8V), press the +/- buttons.
2. & 3. Temperature Control Buttons
   The temperature setting can be set within a range of –8°F to 50°F in 1°F increments. Press the Set button and choose your desired temperature setting. For lower temperature setting, press the Down button and set to a lower temperature value. For higher temperature setting, press the Up button and set to a higher temperature value.
   Once the desired temperature is set, the temperature display will flash 4 times confirming the chosen temperature and then it will revert back to current temperature setting. The set temperature can be check by pressing the Set Button again.

NORMAL SOUNDS

Your new freezer may make sounds that are not familiar to you. Hard surfaces like the floor, walls can make the sounds seem louder than they actually are. The following describes the kinds of sounds that might be new to you and what may be making them.

• Ratting noises may come from the flow of the refrigerant or the water line, items stored on top of the freezer can also make noises.
• The surface temperature of the compressor can reach 158 - 194°F when running.
• The high efficiency compressor may make a pulsating or high-pitched sound.
• The noise emitted by the cooling fan on the condenser is a normal function.
• It is normal for the fan in the power supply to run all the time.
• As each cycle ends, you may hear a gurgling sound due to the refrigerant flowing in your freezer.

OPEN-DOOR WARNING SYSTEM

This portable freezer has an open-door warning system feature which alarms if the freezer door is left unopened for more than 1 minute. Close the freezer door to turn the alarm off.

STORING FROZEN FOOD

When using the freezer for the first time or after defrosting, turn the temperature setting to set "-8°F " for at least two hours before introducing the food to be stored.

• All frozen food products purchased should be placed in the freezer as soon as possible to avoid the frozen food from defrosting.
• Storage recommendation printed on the packaging of frozen food by the manufacturers should be always be followed.

FREEZING FRESH FOOD

Ensure that your freezing operations are carried out under the most hygienic conditions as freezing alone does not sterilize the food.

• It is advisable to freeze the food by packing it into separate meal portions and not in bulk form. Never put hot or warm food stuffs into the freezer.
• Prior to storing the frozen food, pack it in plastic bags, aluminum sheets or freezing containers and place into the freezer.
• Fresh foods should not be stored together with frozen foods.
• When the temperature is set below 32°F, do not keep glass-bottled drinks such as beer and lemonade or soda cans, as the glass and cans might shatter.
• Do not use this portable freezer as a refrigerator when the ambient temperature is 41°F as food can become frozen.

Note: For best performance, leave enough space inside the freezer compartment for air to circulate around the packages.

Cleaning and Maintenance

DEFROSTING AND DRAINING

Before proceeding with cleaning and maintenance operations, make sure the power line of the unit is disconnected. Do not touch the power cord when your hands are wet. Never unplug the unit by pulling on the plug.

To avoid damaging the freezing compartment wall, never use a sharp or metallic instrument to scrape off frost or separate the frozen food.

Moisture contained in food and air may form a layer of frost inside the unit after a period of use. We highly recommend that the unit gets defrosted when frost becomes ¼" thick. The defrosting process for this unit is operated manually. For complete defrosting:

1. Unplug the unit from its power source
2. Remove all food and place it in corrugated boxes, insulated bags, picnic cooler, etc. Use towels and newspaper for insulation as needed
3. With the door open, use pans of hot water to speed the loosening of the frost. Remove large pieces of before they melt
4. Remove the clear drain plug from the inside base cabinet of the freezer. Also, remove the black drain plug from the side of the freezer to drain water.
5. Sponge excess water from the bottom of the freezer.
6. After defrosting, clean the inside and dry with a soft cloth to wipe away the remaining ice and water.

Once the compartment is wiped and dry, replace the drain plugs and plug in the freezer. Return the temperature value to its previous setting and return food to the freezer.

NOTE: Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process. DO NOT pour hot water directly into compartment or heat with hair dryer while defrosting.

CLEANING

Outside/Exterior

Wipe with a clean cloth lightly dampened with appliance polish wax or mild liquid dishwashing detergent. Dry and polish with a clean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the freezer with a soiled dishwashing cloth or wet towel. Do not use scouring pads, powdered cleaners, bleach, or cleaners containing bleach.

Inside

Use warm water and baking soda solution–about a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry. Do not use cleaning powders or other abrasive cleaners. An open box of baking soda in the freezer will absorb stale freezer odors. Change the box every three months.

PROLONGED OFF PERIODS

If the freezer is not to be used for a long period of time, disconnect freezer from main power supply. Clean and dry the inside as instructed. Leave the freezer door open to prevent any mold and mildew growth.

Usage Tips:

• Keep the freezer's door closed as much as possible. Try not to open the door too frequently, especially when weather is hot and humid
• Ensure that the unit has sufficient clearance for ventilation
• For normal household use, it is recommended to set the thermostat in the middle setting.
• Before loading the freezer with an item, make sure they are cooled to ambient temperature.
• Ice and frost layer increase energy consumption, defrost when frost is 3-5 mm thick.

PREPARING FOR VACATION

To maintain freezer in operation during vacations, be sure your house power is not turned off. For extended vacations or absences, you may prefer to move your frozen foods to a storage locker temporarily. If your freezer is to be left empty, disconnect power cord plug from power source. To prevent formation of odors, place open box of baking soda in freezer and leave freezer door open.

IN CASE OF EXTENDED POWER FAILURE

Keep freezer door/lid closed. Your freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours provided warm air is not admitted. If freezer is out of operation for 24 hours or more, add dry ice. Leave ice in large pieces. Add more ice as required NOTE: Handling of dry ice can cause freezing of the hands, gloves or other protection is recommended. If dry ice is not available, move food to a frozen food locker temporarily until power is restored.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS

The freezer should be located in the coolest area of the room, away from heat-producing appliances or heating ducts, and out of direct sunlight. Let hot foods cool to room temperature before placing in the freezer. Overloading the freezer forces the compressor to run longer. Foods that freeze too slowly may lose quality or spoil. Be sure to wrap foods properly, and wipe containers dry before placing them in the freezer. This cuts down on frost buildup inside the freezer

Freezer shelves should not be lined with aluminum foil, wax paper or paper toweling. Liners interfere with cold air circulation, making the freezer less efficient. Organize and label food to reduce door openings and extended searches. Remove as many items as needed at one time, and close the door as soon as possible.

Whynter Portable Freezer Consumption Chart

Troubleshooting

Many common portable freezer problems are easily resolved. Try the troubleshooting suggestions below to see if the problems can be resolved before having to contact the service department.