Whynter CUF-301SS Manual

Parts and Accessories

Product Features / Technical Data

Ideal for any small space where cold storage is needed, the Whynter 3.0 cu. ft. upright freezer can also be used in the kitchen, offices, garages or basements. This space-saving compact upright freezer is designed with a flush back, allowing it to fit cleanly against the wall or into corners. The Whynter 3.0 cu. ft. upright freezer features a stainless steel reversible-swing door, adjustable temperature control, and a lock for securing the contents. As an ENERGY STAR rated appliance, this upright freezer will help you keep your energy costs down while providing efficient freezing solutions.

• Stainless steel reversible-swing door and black cabinet
• Powerful compressor cooling
• Equipped with 3 fast freezing coil shelves (not adjustable)
• Mechanical temperature control
• Recessed handle provides a flush finish with the door
• Temperature Range: -11°F - 10.4°F
• One removable slide out basket shelf
• Cylinder lock and two keys
• Freestanding setup (clearance around the unit is needed)
• Manual Defrost

TECHNICAL DATA

Installation

Excessive Weight Hazard
Two or more people should move and install upright freezer. Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

REMOVE PACKAGING MATERIALS

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

REMOVE TAPE AND GLUE FROM YOUR UPRIGHT FREEZER BEFORE USING

• 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 upright freezer.

CLEANING BEFORE USE

• After you remove all of the packaging materials, clean the inside of your upright freezer before using it.

INSTALLATION CLEARANCES

Your upright freezer should be conveniently located for day-to-day use in a dry, well-ventilated room. Do not install the upright freezer where the temperature will go below 50°F or above 90°F, because it will not maintain proper temperatures. Be sure to install your upright freezer on a floor strong enough to support it when it is fully loaded.

FREESTANDING INSTALLATION

A freestanding installation will allow you to install the upright freezer in any place you desire provided that the required clearance space around the appliance is respected. In every setting, there must be adequate ventilation and access for service. Never install or operate the unit in an enclosed area, such as a closed cabinet.

• Before connecting the upright freezer 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.
• The normal operation of the upright 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 installation should allow the upright freezer to be pulled forward for servicing if necessary.
• This unit MUST be installed in an area protected from the elements, e.g., wind, rain, water spray or drips. Do NOT use the upright freezer in outdoor setting.
• The upright freezer should not be located next to ovens, grills or other high heat resources.
• Too much humidity in the air will cause frost to form quickly on the evaporator requiring more frequent defrosting of the upright freezer.
• Avoid locating the appliance in area that may be exposed to excessive moisture.
• The upright freezer must be installed with all electrical requirements followed.
• The unit should be located on a hard and level surface that can support the unit when it is full. It is important for the upright freezer to be level in order to work properly. If needed, you can adjust the height of the upright freezer by turning the leveling legs. See the "Leveling the Upright Freezer" section.

Installation

• A standard electrical supply (115 VAC only, 60 Hz, 10A), properly grounded in accordance with National Electrical Code and local codes and ordinances is required.
• 
  Do not kink or pinch the power supply cord between the upright freezer and wall or cabinet.

MOVEMENT OF YOUR APPLIANCE

• Position the upright freezer in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep the upright 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.
• If the appliance is needed to be lifted, two or more people should move upright freezer. Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.
• We do not recommend installing the appliance on carpet.

LEVELING THE UPRIGHT FREEZER

It is important for the upright freezer to be leveled in order to work properly. It can be raised or lowered by turning the two leveling legs on the bottom of the appliance. If the upright freezer is not leveled during installation, the door may not close or seal properly, causing cooling, frost, or moisture problems. It is very important that the upright freezer is at level in order to function properly.
NOTE: This upright freezer comes with 2 leveling legs (1 large, 1 small)
We recommend using a carpenter's level to check the machine.

1. Place a carpenter's level on top of the product to see if the upright freezer is level from front to back and side to side.
2. Adjust the height of the legs as follows:
   • Turn the leveling leg to the right to lower that side of the upright freezer
   • Turn the leveling leg to the left to raise that side of the upright freezer

Operation and Controls

FAST FREEZING COIL SHELVES

This upright freezer is equipped with 3 freezing coil shelves. These shelves provide direct contact to freeze items quickly and allow cold air to constantly circulate throughout the freezer. Use these shelves for foods to be frozen, placing containers, or packages flat on the shelf.

Do not use sharp metal objects such as ice picks or scrapers to clean the shelves. This could damage the shelves and reduce its cooling ability. These shelves are not adjustable.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

The temperature in the upright freezer is controlled by the temperature control knob. The temperature control knob is located in the compressor compartment at the back of the upright freezer. To operate this control, turn the temperature control knob up or down to regulate the temperature inside the upright freezer. The "1 – 6" numbers and "OFF" markings on control knob indicates the different temperature settings. Position "1" being the warmest and position "6" being the coldest.
NOTE: The temperature will not go above freezing even when unit is set to "1" setting.

STORING FROZEN FOOD

For safe food storage, allow 4 hours for the freezer to cool down completely. The freezer will run continuously for the first several hours. Foods that are already frozen may be placed in the freezer after the first few hours of operation.

• Unfrozen food should NOT be placed in the freezer until it has operated for 4 hours. Allow several hours after each one-step adjustment for the freezer temperature to stabilize.
• When loading the freezer, freeze only 3 pounds of fresh food per cubic foot of space at a time. Distribute packages evenly throughout the freezer.
• 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 sanitary 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 into the upright freezer.
• Prior to storing the frozen food, pack it in plastic bags, aluminum sheets or freezing containers and place into the upright 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 or soda, as the glass may shatter and canned items may burst.
• Do not use this upright 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 upright freezer cabinet for air to circulate around the packages..

DEFROSTING

Under most ambient conditions, the appliance does not need to be defrosted. In cold ambient temperatures and/ or high humidity, some frost may build up. To defrost the appliance, set the temperature control knob to "OFF", remove frozen or perishable items and defrosting should occur in a few hours. After defrosting, return the temperature control knob to the desired position. For faster defrosting, remove all items from the appliance, unplug the appliance and leave the door open. Never use a knife or other metal instrument to scrape ice/frost from the evaporator or coil shelves.

NORMAL SOUNDS

Your upright freezer may make sounds that are not familiar to you. Hard surfaces like the some flooring and walls can make the sounds seem louder than they actually are. The following describes the kinds of sounds that may be new to you a description of the cause of the sound.

• Ratting noises may come from the flow of the refrigerant or the water line, items stored on top of the up-right freezer can also make noises.
• The high efficiency compressor may make a pulsating or high-pitched sound.
• 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 upright freezer.
• The surface temperature of the compressor can reach 158 - 194°F when running.

Reversing the Door Position

To avoid injury to yourself and/or property, we recommend someone assist you during the door reversal process.

1. Start by removing the bottom hinge from the bottom of the freezer. Unscrew the two screws from the bottom hinge. Remove the leg from opposite side. Slide the door down, away from the hinge pin located on the top of the door.
   
2. Remove the top hinge cover from door first. Then unscrew the two screws from top door hinge and replace on the other side.
   
3. To install the top hinge on the left side of the appliance, secure the two screws through the hinge and into the top of the appliance. Slide the door back on to the top hinge. Ensure the door is face up. Replace the top hinge cover on the top hinge by pressing down until it clicks into position.
   
4. Screw the bottom hinge into place on the new side. Replace the leg on the other side.
   
5. Ensure the door is aligned horizontally and vertically and that the seal is closed on all sides before finally tightening the bottom hinge. Re-adjust the leveling leg.
   

Cleaning and Maintenance

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 upright 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 upright freezer will absorb stale freezer odors. Change the box every three months.
• 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 upright freezer is not to be used for a long period of time, disconnect upright freezer from main power supply. Clean and dry the inside as instructed. Leave the upright freezer door open to prevent any mold and mildew growth.
Usage Tips:

• Keep the upright 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 temperature in the middle setting.
• Before loading the upright 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 upright 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 upright 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 upright freezer and leave upright freezer door open.

POWER INTERRUPTIONS

If the electricity goes off for a short period, keep the door closed to help food stay cold and frozen. If the power will be out for a longer period of time, remove food from the appliance and store it in a frozen food locker. NOTE: If the appliance is unplugged, encounters a power interruption, or is turned off, you must wait 3 -5 minutes before restarting the appliance. If attempted to restart before this time delay, the appliance may not start.

IN CASE OF EXTENDED POWER FAILURE

• Keep freezer door 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.
• If dry ice is not available, move food to frozen locker temporarily—until power is restored
  NOTE: Handling of dry ice can cause freezing of the hands—gloves or other protection is recommended.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS

The upright 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 upright freezer. Overloading the upright 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 upright freezer. This cuts down on frost buildup inside the upright freezer
Freezer shelves should not be lined with aluminum foil, wax paper or paper toweling. Liners interfere with cold air circulation, making the upright 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.

Troubleshooting

Many common upright 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.