Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer with Drawers: Owner’s Manual

The Hamilton Beach HBFRF301-C Upright Freezer with Drawers is a versatile and convenient appliance that can help you store your frozen goods with ease. However, before using this appliance, it is important to read and understand all of the instructions outlined in the owner’s manual. This manual provides essential information about the proper installation, use, and maintenance of your freezer. It also includes important safety precautions that should be followed to prevent injury or damage to the appliance. The manual covers topics such as adjusting the temperature, proper air circulation, food storage recommendations, cleaning and maintenance, and troubleshooting tips. By following the instructions in this manual, you can ensure that your Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer with Drawers operates efficiently and effectively for years to come. Additionally, the manual includes warranty information to provide you with peace of mind knowing that your appliance is backed by a manufacturer’s guarantee.

Hamilton Beach HBFRF301-C Upright Freezer

Safety Precautions

Read all of the instructions before using this appliance. When using this appliance, always exercise basic safety precautions, including the following:

1. 1. Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this use and care guide.
2. This freezer must be properly installed in accordance with the installation instructions before it is used. See grounding instructions in the installation section
3. Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power cord. Always grasp
4. Repair or replace immediately, all electric service cords that have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length, the plug or the connector end.
5. Unplug your freezer before cleaning or before making any repairs.
6. Do not use any electrical device or any sharp instrument in defrosting your freezer.
7. If your old freezer is not being used, we recommend that you remove the doors. This will reduce the possibility of danger to children.
8.  After your freezer is in operation, do not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer compartment, particularly when hands are damp or wet. Skin may adhere to these extremely cold surfaces.
9.  Do not refreeze foods, which have been thawed completely. The United States Department of Agriculture in Home and Garden Bulletin No.69 reads:”…You may safely refreeze frozen foods that have thawed if they still contain ice crystals or if they are still cold-below 40F”.
10. This refrigerator should not be recessed or built-in an enclosed cabinet. It is designed for freestanding installation only.
11.  Do not operate your refrigerator in the presence of explosive fumes. propellant in this appliance.
12.  WARNING: keep ventilation openings, in the appliance enclosure or in the builtin structure, clear of obstruction.
13.  WARNING: do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
14.  WARNING: do not damage the refrigerant circuit.
15.  WARNING: do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartments of the appliance, unless they are of the type recommended by the manufacturer.

Even partial thawing and re-freezing reduce the eating quality of foods, particularly fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods. The eating quality of red meats is affected less than that of many other foods. Use refrozen foods as soon as possible, to save as much of its eating quality as you can.

Parts And Features

1.  Adjustable Temperature Control
2.  Removable shelves
3.  Door
4.  Leveling Legs

Installing Your Freezer

Unpacking Your Freezer

1.  Remove all packaging material. This includes the foam base and all adhesive tape holding the freezer accessories inside and outside.
2.  Inspect and remove any remains of packing, tape or printed materials before powering on the freezer.

Adjusting Your Freezer

• Your freezer is designed for freestanding installation only. It should not be recessed or built-in.
• Place the freezer on a surface strong enough to support it fully loaded.
• When moving the freezer, never tilt it more than a 45-degree angle. This could damage the compressor and the sealed system.
• If the freezer is tilted let it stand in an upright position for at least 24 hours prior to plugging in. This is to allow the refrigerant to settle.

Proper Air Circulation

• To assure your freezer works at the maximum efficiency it was designed for, you should install it in a location where there is proper air circulation, plumbing and electrical connections.
• The following are recommended clearances around the freezer:
  • Sides……………4” (102mm)
  • Back………………4” (102mm)
  • Top………………..4” (102mm)

Freezer Features and Use

Operating Your Freezer

• Once the freezer is in its proper place, plug it in an electrical outlet having 115 volts and 15 amps.
• Set the temperature, on the temperature control knob. “1” being the warmest and “7” being the coldest. Initially set the temperature on “4”. Place food inside the freezer. After using the freezer for 24 hours set the freezer to your desired setting.
• In case you unplug your freezer or experience an electrical outage, allow 5 minutes before plugging it back in.

General Features

Adjustable temperature dial: Your freezer will automatically maintain the temperature level you select. The temperature control dial has 7 settings plus OFF. “1” is the warmest, “7” is the coldest. Turning the dial to OFF stops cooling the freezer. Set the dial to “4” and allow 24 hours to pass before adjusting the temperature to your needs.

Normal Operating Sounds You May Hear

• Boiling water, gurgling sounds or slight vibrations that are the result of the refrigerant circulating through the cooling coils.
• The thermostat control will click when it cycles on and off.

Leveling Your Freezer

• Your freezer has two leveling legs which are located in the front bottom corners of your freezer. After properly placing your freezer in its final position, you can level your freezer.
• Leveling legs can be adjusted by turning them counterclockwise to raise your freezer or by turning them clockwise to lower your freezer. The freezer door will close easier when leveling legs are extended.

Door Alignment

1.  Remove the top hinge cover using a flathead screwdriver. Gently lift from the rear of the hinge and slide forward.
2.  Lossen the top hinge screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
3.  Adjust the door or put a spacer in between and then tighten the screws.
4.  Replace the top hinge cover by aligning the rear of the cover with the rear of the hinge. Press firmly on the front of the cover until it snaps in place.

Food Storage Information

Frozen Food:

• Wipe containers before storing to avoid needless spills.
• Hot food should be allowed to cool before storing in the freezer. This will prevent unnecessary energy use.
• When storing meats, keep in the original packaging or rewrap as necessary.
• Proper freezer storage requires correct packaging. All foods must be in packages, which do not allow the flow of air or moisture in, or out. Improper storage will result in odor and taste transfer and will result in the drying out of the improperly packaged food.
• Follow package or container instructions for proper storage.
• Packaging Recommendations:
  • Plastic containers with air tight lids
  • Heavy duty aluminum foil
  • Plastic wrap made from saran film
  • Self-sealing plastic bags
• Do not refreeze defrosted/thawed foods.
• It is recommended that the freezing date be marked on the packaging.

These are some suggestions for safe storage:

• TV Dinners 3 – 4 Months
• Fresh Shrimp, scallops, crawfish 3 – 6 Months
• Hamburger & stew meats 3 – 4 Months
• Ground Turkey, veal, pork 3 – 4 Months
• Chops 4 – 6 Months
• Steaks 6 – 12 Months
• Chicken or turkey, whole 1 year

Proper Freezer Care and Cleaningg

Cleaning And Maintenance

WARNING
To avoid electric shock always unplug your freezer before cleaning lgnoring this warning may result in death or injury.
CAUTION
Before using cleaning products, always read and follow manufacturer’s instructions and warnings to avoid personal injury or product damage.

General

• Prepare a cleaning solution of 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with warm water. Use sponge or soft cloth, dampened with the cleaning solution, to wipe down your freezer.
• Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
• Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, ammonia, chlorine bleach,concentrated detergents, solvents or metal scouring pads. SOME of these chemicals may dissolve, damage and/or discolor your freezer.

Door Gaskets

• Clean door gaskets every three months according to general instructions. Gaskets must be kept clean and pliable to assure a proper seal.
• Petroleum jelly applied lightly on the hinge side of gaskets will keep the gasket pliable and assure a good seal.

Power Interruptions

• Occasionally there may be power interruptions due to thunderstorms or other causes. Remove the power cord from AC outlet when a power outage occurs. When power has been restored, replug power cord to AC outlet. If outage is for a prolonged period, inspect and discard spoiled or thawed food in freezer. Clean freezer before reusing.

Vacation And Moving Care

• For long vacations or absences, empty food from freezer, move the temperature DIAL to the OFF position and clean the door gaskets according to “General cleaning” section. Prop doors open, so air can circulate inside. When moving always move the freezer vertically. Do not move with the unit lying down. Possible damage to the sealed system could occur.

Manual Defrosting Instructions

Manual Defrost Freezer models must be defrosted manually. For best operation, the freezer should be defrosted when the frost accumulation becomes 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Below are the instructions for manually defrosting your Freezer
Defrosting Instructions for Freezers:

• Turn the temperature control to OFF and unplug the freezer.
• Remove all food and place in corrugated boxes, insulated bags, picnic coolers, etc. Use towels and newspapers for insulation, as needed.
• Remove the drain plug (on models so equipped).
• With the door open, use pans of hot water to speed the loosening of frost. Remove large pieces of frost before they melt.
• Sponge the excess water from the bottom of the freezer as it collects to prevent oveflowing.
• After defrosting, clean the inside of the freezer by wiping down with a baking soda and water solution. Rinse and dry.
• Be sure to replace drain cap (on models so equipped). Return the drain tube to its position and replace the grille.
• Plug the freezer in, return the temperature control to the normal position and return food to the freezer.

Troubleshooting

Freezer Does Not Operate

• Check if thermostat control is not in the “OFF” position.
• Check if freezer is plugged in.
• Check if there is power at the ac outlet, by checking the circuit breaker.
• Wait for 30-40 minutes to see whether freezer will start. Compressor cycle must be complete to operate.

Food Temperature Appears Too Warm

• Frequent door openings.
• Allow time for recently added warm food to reach freezer temperature.
• Check gaskets for proper seal.
• Clean condenser coils (for models with exposed condenser coils).
• Adjust temperature control to colder setting

Food Temperature ls Too Cold

• If temperature control setting is too cold, adjust toa warmer setting and allow several hours for temperature to adjust.

Compressor Runs Too Frequently

• This may be normal to maintain constant temperature during high temperature and humid days.
• Doors may have been opened frequently or for an extended period of time.
• Check gasket for proper seal.
• Check to see if doors are completely closed.
• Check freezer compartment for blockage from frozen food packages, containers, etc.

Freezer Has An Odor

• Interior needs cleaning.
• Foods improperly wrapped or sealed are giving off odors.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Warranty

This product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase. During this period, your exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of this product or component found to be defective, at our option; however, you are responsible for all costs associated with returning the product to us. If the product or component is no longer available, we will replace with a similar one of equal or greater value. Prior to a replacement being sent, the product must be rendered inoperable or returned to us. This warranty does not cover glass, filters, wear from normal use, use not in conformity with the printed directions., or damage to the product resulting from accident, alteration, abuse, or misuse. This warranty extends only to the original consumer purchaser or gift recipient. Keep the original sales receipt, as proof of purchase is required to make a warranty claim. This warranty is void if the product is used for other than single-family household use or subjected to any voltage and waveform other than as on the specified rating on the label (e.g., 115V~60Hz). We exclude all claims for special, incidental, and consequential damages caused by breach of express or implied warranty. All liability is limited to the amount of the purchase price. Every implied warranty, including any statutory warranty or condition of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, is disclaimed except to the extent prohibited by law, in which case such warranty or condition is limited to the duration of this written warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other legal rights that vary depending on where you live. Some states or provinces do not allow limitations on implied warranties or special, incidental, or consequential damages, so the foregoing limitations may not apply to you.

ATTACH YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE HERE, PROOF OF PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE.
Please have the following information available when you contact the Support Team:

• Name, address and telephone number.
• Model number and serial number.
• A clear, detailed description of the problem.
• Proof of purchase including dealer or retailer name, address and date of purchase.

SPECIFICATION

Legs
Operating Voltage| 115 volts
Operating Current| 15 amps
Temperature Control| 7 settings plus OFF, “1” being the warmest and “7” being the coldest
Clearances| Sides: 4” (102mm), Back: 4” (102mm), Top: 4” (102mm)
Cleaning and Maintenance| Use a cleaning solution of 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with warm water. Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, ammonia, chlorine bleach, concentrated detergents, solvents or metal scouring pads. Clean door gaskets every three months and apply petroleum jelly lightly on the hinge side of gaskets to keep them pliable. For manual defrosting, remove the drain plug (on models so equipped).
Safety Precautions| Read all of the instructions before using this appliance. Use this appliance only for its intended purpose. Properly install the freezer before use. Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power cord. Repair or replace frayed or damaged electric service cords. Unplug your freezer before cleaning or making any repairs. Do not use any electrical device or sharp instrument in defrosting your freezer. Do not refreeze foods that have been thawed completely. Do not operate your refrigerator in the presence of explosive fumes. Keep ventilation openings clear of obstruction. Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process. Do not damage the refrigerant circuit. Do not use electrical appliances inside the food storage compartments of the appliance, unless they are of the type recommended by the manufacturer.
Food Storage Recommendations| Wipe containers before storing to avoid needless spills. Hot food should be allowed to cool before storing in the freezer. When storing meats, keep in the original packaging or rewrap as necessary. Proper freezer storage requires correct packaging. All foods must be in packages, which do not allow the flow of air or moisture in, or out. Improper storage will result in odor and taste transfer and will result in the drying out of the improperly packaged food. Follow package or container instructions for proper storage. Do not refreeze defrosted/thawed foods. It is recommended that the freezing date be marked on the packaging.

FAQS

How should I clean and maintain my freezer?

Always unplug the freezer before cleaning and read and follow manufacturer’s instructions and warnings before using cleaning products. Prepare a cleaning solution of 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with warm water and use a sponge or soft cloth dampened with the cleaning solution to wipe down your freezer. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives, ammonia, chlorine bleach, concentrated detergents, solvents, or metal scouring pads. Clean door gaskets every three months and keep them pliable with petroleum jelly applied lightly on the hinge side of gaskets.

How should I store frozen food in my freezer?

Wipe containers before storing to avoid spills and allow hot food to cool before storing in the freezer. Keep meats in the original packaging or rewrap as necessary. Proper freezer storage requires correct packaging that does not allow the flow of air or moisture in or out. Follow package or container instructions for proper storage and do not refreeze defrosted/thawed foods. It is recommended that the freezing date be marked on the packaging.

How do I operate my freezer?

Once the freezer is in its proper place, plug it into an electrical outlet having 115 volts and 15 amps. Set the temperature on the temperature control knob, with “1” being the warmest and “7” being the coldest. Initially set the temperature on “4”. Place food inside the freezer and after using it for 24 hours, set the temperature to your desired setting. In case of an electrical outage, allow 5 minutes before plugging it back in.

How should I adjust my freezer?

The freezer is designed for freestanding installation only and should be placed on a surface strong enough to support it fully loaded. When moving the freezer, never tilt it more than a 45-degree angle. Allow the refrigerant to settle for at least 24 hours prior to plugging it in if the freezer has been tilted. Proper air circulation is important, so install the freezer in a location where there is proper air circulation, plumbing, and electrical connections.

What are some features of the Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer with Drawers?

The freezer has adjustable temperature control, removable shelves, a door, and leveling legs.

What are some safety precautions to follow when using the Hamilton Beach Upright Freezer with Drawers?

Always read and understand all instructions before using the appliance. Properly install the freezer according to the installation instructions and never unplug it by pulling on the power cord. Repair or replace frayed or damaged cords immediately and unplug the freezer before cleaning or making any repairs. Do not use any electrical device or sharp instrument to defrost the freezer, and do not touch the cold surfaces in the freezer compartment. Refreeze foods that have thawed only if they still contain ice crystals or are below 40°F. Do not recess or build-in the freezer, and do not operate it in the presence of explosive fumes.

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