Criterion Upright Freezer/ Refrigerator User Guide

June 4, 2024
Criterion

Criterion LOGO Upright Freezer/ Refrigerator
User Guide
Models/Modelos: CUF154WD1W,CUF179WD1W,
CUF208WD1W
Customer Assistance
1-833-946-4227

Criterion Upright Freezer/ Refrigerator

Record Model/ Serial Numbers

Please read and save these instructions
This Use & Care Guide provides specific operating instructions for your model.
Use your unit only as instructed in this guide.
These instructions are not meant to cover every possible condition and situation that may occur. Common sense and caution must be practiced when installing, operating, and maintaining any appliance.
Please record your model and serial numbers below for future reference.
This information is found on the lower left wall inside the appliance.
Model Number: CUF

or………
Serial…………………….
Number:…………………
Purchase…………..
Date:……………….

IMPORTANT
Use only soap and water to clean the serial plate.

Important Safety Instructions

Safety Precautions
Do not attempt to install or operate your unit until you have read the safety precautions in this Use & Care Guide.
Safety items throughout this manual are labeled with a Danger, Warning, or Caution based on the risk type.
Definitions
**** This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

DANGER
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
IMPORTANT
Indicates installation, operation, or maintenance information that is important but not hazard-related.

DANGER
DANGER Risk of fire or explosion.
The flammable refrigerant used. Do not use mechanical devices to defrost the refrigerator.
Do not puncture refrigerant tubing. DANGER Risk of fire or explosion.
The flammable refrigerant used.
To be repaired only by trained service personnel. Do not puncture refrigerant tubing.

CAUTION

CAUTION Risk of fire or explosion.
The flammable refrigerant used. Consult the repair manual/owner’s guide before attempting to service this product.
All safety precautions must be followed.
CAUTION Risk of fire or explosion.
Dispose of properly in accordance with federal or local regulations.
The flammable refrigerant used.
CAUTION Risk of fire or explosion due to puncture of refrigerant tubing.
Follow handling instructions carefully.
The flammable refrigerant used.

WARNING
Read all safety instructions before using your new appliance.

For Your Safety

  • Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. Read product labels for warnings regarding flammability and other hazards.

  • Do not operate the unit in the presence of explosive fumes.

  • Remove and discard any spacers used to secure the basket during shipping.
    Small objects are a choking hazard to children.

  • Remove all staples from the carton. Staples can cause severe cuts and also destroy finishes if they come in contact with other appliances or furniture.

Child Safety
Destroy or recycle the carton, plastic bags, and any exterior wrapping material immediately after the unit is unpacked.
Children should never use these items to play. Cartons covered with rugs, bedspreads, plastic sheets or stretch wrap may become airtight chambers and can quickly cause suffocation.

Proper disposal of your appliance
DANGER : Risk of child entrapment!
Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned appliances are still dangerous – even if they will sit for “just a few days.”
If you are getting rid of your appliance, please follow the instructions below to help prevent accidents.
Before you throw away your old unit:

  • Remove the door.
  • Leave shelves in place within the appliance so children may not easily climb inside.
  • Has the refrigerant been removed by a qualified service technician?

  CAUTION
It may not open easily when you try to open the freezer door immediately after closing it. It is not a problem with the freezer because it is caused by the pressure difference.
To solve this, it opens easily after a certain period of time (1 minute).

IMPORTANT Your old unit may have a cooling system that used CFCs or HCFCs (chlorofluorocarbons or hydrochlorofluorocarbons). CFCs and HCFCs are believed to harm stratospheric ozone if released into the atmosphere. Other refrigerants may cause harm to the environment if released into the atmosphere. If you are throwing away your old unit, make sure the refrigerant is removed for proper disposal by a qualified technician. If you intentionally release refrigerant, you may be subject to fines and imprisonment under the provisions of environmental legislation.

WARNING
These guidelines must be followed to ensure that safety mechanisms in this unit will operate properly.
Electrical Information

  • The unit must be plugged into its own dedicated 10 amp minimum, 115 Volt, 60 Hz, AC-only electric outlet. The power cord of the appliance is equipped with a three-prong grounding plug to protect against shock hazards. It must be plugged directly into a properly grounded three-prong receptacle. The receptacle must be installed in accordance with local codes and ordinances. Consult a qualified electrician. Do not use an extension cord or adapter plug.

  • Immediately repair or replace any power cord that becomes frayed or damaged.

  • Never unplug the appliance by pulling on the power cord. Always grip the plug firmly, and pull straight out from the receptacle to prevent damaging the power cord.

  • Unplug the appliance before cleaning and before defrosting to avoid electrical shock.

  • Performance may be affected if the voltage varies by 10% or more.
    Operating the unit with insufficient power can damage the motor. Such damage is not covered under the warranty.

  • Do not plug the unit into an outlet controlled by a wall switch or pull cord to prevent the appliance from being turned off accidentally.

  • Avoid connecting the unit to a Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor (GFCI).

Appliance Setup

This Use & Care Guide provides specific operating instructions for your model.
Use the unit only as instructed in this Use & Care Guide. Before starting the appliance, follow these important setup steps.
Installation

  • Choose a place that is near a grounded electrical outlet. Do Not use an extension cord or an adapter plug.
  • For the most efficient operation, the appliance should be located where surrounding temperatures will not exceed 110°F (43°C). Temperatures of 32°F (0°C) and below will NOT affect appliance operation. Additional compressor heaters are not recommended.
  • Allow space around the unit for good air circulation. Leave a 1-inch (25.4 mm) space at the back and on top and a 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) space on the sides of the appliance for adequate circulation.

Leveling
The appliance must have all bottom corners resting firmly on a solid floor that is strong enough to support a fully loaded appliance.

It is Very Important for the appliance to be level in order to function properly.
If not level, the door may be misaligned and not close or seal properly, causing cooling, frost, or moisture problems.
The appliance is equipped with adjustable front leveling feet. Turn the foot clockwise to heighten (H) the side of the unit. Turn counterclockwise to lower (L) the side. Adjust each side as needed until the front of the unit is level. Also adjust so that front of the unit is 1/4˝ higher than the back, so that door stays closed.

Cleaning

  • Wash any removable parts, the appliance interior, and the exterior with mild detergent and warm water. Wipe dry.
    Do not use harsh cleaners on these surfaces.

  • Do not use razor blades or other sharp instruments, which can scratch the ap-pliance surface when removing adhesive labels. Any glue left from the tape can be removed with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, or touch the residue with the sticky side of the tape already removed. Do not remove the serial plate.

Energy Saving Ideas for Freezer Mode

  • Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - ICON 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 them 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 build-up inside the freezer.
  • Do not line freezer shelves and bins with aluminum foil, wax paper, or paper toweling. Liners interfere with cold air circulation, reducing freezer efficiency.
  • Organize and label food to reduce lid openings and avoid extended searches.
  • Remove as many items as needed at one time, and close the door as soon as possible.

Appliance Features

– CUF154WD1W (15cf) / CUF179WD1W (18cf)

Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - Appliance
Features

  1. Freezer Compartment Shelves
    – For storage of frozen food, meat, fish, and ice cream

  2. Freezer Compartment Door Bins
    – For storage of frozen food.

  3. Freezer Compartment Drawer Bins
    – For storage of frozen food.

  4. LED Light
    – For lighting the freezer interior

  5. Temperature Control Panel
    – For choosing the ideal temperature for food

– CUF208WD1W (21cf)

Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - CUF208WD1W
\(21cf\)

  1. Freezer Compartment Shelves
    – For storage of frozen food, meat, fish, and ice cream

  2. Freezer Compartment Door Bins
    – For storage of frozen food.

  3.  Freezer Compartment Drawer Bins
    – For storage of frozen food.

  4.  LED Light
    – For lighting the freezer interior

  5. Temperature Control Panel
    – For choosing the ideal temperature for food

Temperature Control

(CUF154WD1W, CUF179WD1W, CUF208WD1W)

Freezer Use

  • To turn the freezer on, plug the power cord into a properly grounded 3-prong electrical outlet. The green Power On light located on the temperature control will illuminate.

  • For safe food storage, allow four hours after plugging 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 foods should NOT be loaded into the freezer until the freezer has operated for four hours..

  • When loading the freezer, freeze only three pounds of fresh food per cubic foot of freezer space at one time.
    Distribute packages to be frozen evenly throughout the freezer.

  1. Lock function
     The control panel must be unlocked in order to change the temperature setting.
    Unlock : Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds. After the Lock icon blinks 3 times and then goes off the panel is unlocked.
    Lock : Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds. After the Lock icon blinks 3 times and then stays on the panel is locked.
    NOTE
    The control panel automatically locks itself if the Mode button is not pressed for 20 seconds.

  2. Freezer Temperature
    Press the Mode button and the temperature setting changes in the sequence as shown below:
    Colder → Coldest → ColdSetting| Cold| Colder| Coldest
    ---|---|---|---
    Temperature (°C)| -15| -18| -21
    Temperature (°F)| 6| 0| -6

Door Swing Reversal (Optional)

The refrigerator is shipped with the doors opening from left to right. To reverse the door swing to open from right to left, perform the steps in the following procedure.

Tools Required (Not Included) :
10mm and 8mm box end or socket wrench, Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver
WARNING
Before reversing the door, be sure to unplug the freezer. Failure to unplug may result in serious injury or death from electric shock.
CAUTION
To avoid personal injury and property damage, obtain assistance from another person to perform door reversal. Also, before door reversal, remove shelves, bins, and food from the refrigerator.
NOTICE : The following procedure as described may differ in certain details from actions required to reverse the door swing.

  1. Remove the screws attaching the top hinge cover to the cabinet’s right top corner. Raise the cover and detach the wire harness from the door light switch within the cover. Remove the top hinge cover. Use a 10mm box end or socket wrench to remove the screws attaching the top hinge to the cabinet. Remove the top hinge. Remove the screw attaching the rectangular cover to the cabinet’s left top corner. Remove the rectangular cover.Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator -rectangular cover

  2. The open door being careful not to let it fall down. With the aid of an assistant lift door straight up to remove it from the bottom hinge. Place the door on a non-scratching
    surface.Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - door

  3. With aid of an assistant, carefully tilt the unit onto its back to lie on the floor.
    Unscrew and remove leveling leg from the bottom left corner of the cabinet. Use an 8mm box end or socket wrench to loosen the screws attaching the bottom hinge to the cabinet’s bottom right corner. Remove the bottom hinge. Remove the hinge pin and washer from the right side of the hinge and reinsert them into the hole in the hinge’s left side. Use removed screws to attach the hinge to the cabinet’s bottom left corner.
    Screw previously removed leveling leg into place on cabinet bottom right corner. With aid of an assistant, raise the unit back to an upright position.
    Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - upright

  4. Locate the cabinet left corner top hinge cover in the accessories bag shipped with the appliance. Detach the door light switch from the previously removed right corner top hinge cover and attach it to the left corner top hinge cover according to the following instructions.
    To detach the switch:
    1. Insert a flat blade screwdriver tip into the gap between the non-plunger side of the switch and the hinge cover wall.
    Carefully pry the back tip against the wall to release that side of the switch.
    Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - detach switch2. Push and hold plunger all the way in and raise the switch out of the hinge cover.
    Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - hold plunger To attach the switch:
    1. Secure the tab on the non-plunger side of the switch beneath its hinge cover wall hook.
    Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - switch
beneath2. Raise the switch slightly and push the plunger down against the side of the hinge cover wall.
    Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - slightly3. Lower the switch down to secure the tab on the plunger side beneath its hinge cover wall hook. At the same time plunger will pop through the hole in the hinge cover wall.
    Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - wall hook

  5. Remove screws and bushing attaching door stopper to door bottom left corner. If necessary use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the bushing out.
    Remove stopper. Reverse the orientation of the stopper and insert bushing and screws to attach the stopper to the door’s bottom right corner. With aid of the assistant lower the door onto the bottom hinge so that the bottom hinge pin inserts into the door stopper bushing.
    Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - stopper

  6. Locate the cabinet left corner top hinge in the accessories bag shipped with the appliance. With screws removed in step 1, use a 10mm box end or socket wrench to attach the left corner top hinge to the cabinet’s left top corner. Attach wire harness to door light switch in left top corner hinge cover. Use the screws removed in step 1 to attach the hinge cover to the cabinet’s left top corner. Use the screw removed in step 1 to attach the rectangular cover into position on the cabinet’s right top corner.
    Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator - top corner

Automatic Defrost
The appliance is equipped with automatic defrost capability so that you do not have to manually defrost. The cooling element of the unit is regularly heated to melt the frost that forms on it.
The resulting water drains through a duct at the back of the unit and into a concealed pan at the base of the unit where it evaporates. Should any frost form on the unit’s interior walls, remove food and store it elsewhere. Then unplug the unit, wait long enough for the frost to melt, and wipe up the moisture with a dry towel.
Rear Wheels
The appliance is equipped with rear wheels to help you roll it into or out of a location.
CAUTION: Obtain the aid of an assistant if the appliance feels too heavy for you to safely move it.
Interior LED Lighting
The appliance features interior LED lighting, which is more effective and longer-lasting than incandescent bulbs.
However, in the unlikely event that the LED fails to light, call 1-833-946-4239 to schedule a repair service to replace it.

Care & Cleaning

CAUTION
Damp objects stick to cold metal surfaces. Do not touch inferior metal surfaces with wet or damp hands.

Cleaning the Inside
Wash the inside surfaces of the appliance with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda in one quart (1.1 liters) of warm water. Rinse and dry. Wring excess water out of the sponge or cloth when cleaning the area of the controls, or any electrical parts.
Wash the removable parts and baskets with the baking soda solution mentioned above, or mild detergent and warm water.
Never use metallic scouring pads, brushes, abrasive cleaners, or alkaline solutions on any interior surface. Do not wash removable parts in a dishwasher.
Cleaning Door Bins
To remove the door bins for cleaning, use both hands to squeeze the tray in from both ends and push upward.
Cleaning the Outside
Wash the cabinet with warm water and mild liquid detergent. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth. Never use metallic scouring pads, brushes, abrasive cleaners, or alkaline solutions on any exterior surface.
Vacation and Moving Tips
WARNING
If leaving the appliance door open while on vacation, make certain that children cannot get into the appliance and become entrapped.
Short Vacations: Leave the appliance operating during vacations of less than three weeks.
Long Vacations: If the appliance will not be used for several months:

  • Remove all food and unplug the power cord.
  • Clean and dry the interior thoroughly.
  • Leave the appliance door open slightly, blocking it open if necessary, to prevent odor and mold growth.

Moving: When moving the appliance, follow these guidelines to prevent damage:

  • Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet.
  • Remove food and clean the appliance interior.
  • Secure all loose items such as bins and shelves by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.
  • In a moving vehicle, secure the appliance in an upright position to prevent movement. Also, protect the outside of the appliance with a blanket or similar item.

NOTE
If the unit is turned off or unplugged for several hours, do not open appliance door unnecessarily. This will maintain the coldest temperature inside and reduce the recovery time to the desired temperature once the unit is turned back on.
Power or Appliance Failure
If a power failure occurs, frozen foods will stay frozen for at least 24 hours if the appliance door is kept closed. If the power failure continues, pack seven or eight pounds of dry ice into the appliance every 24 hours. Look in the Yellow Pages under Dry Ice, Dairies, or Ice Cream manufacturers for local dry ice suppliers.
Always wear gloves and use caution when handling dry ice.
If the appliance has stopped operating, see Appliance does not run in the Troubleshooting Guide. If you cannot solve the problem, call an authorized servicer immediately. If the appliance remains off for several hours, follow the directions above for the use of dry ice during a power failure. If necessary, take the food to a local locker plant until the
appliance is ready to operate. Look in the Yellow Pages under Frozen Food Locker Plants.

Before You Call

TROUBLESHOOTING
GUIDE| Before calling for service, review this list. It may save you time and expense. This list includes common occurrences that are not the result of defective workmanship or materials in this appliance.
---|---
CONCERN| POTENTIAL CAUSE| COMMON SOLUTION
The appliance does not run.| 1. Unit is plugged into a circuit that has a ground fault interrupt
2. Temperature control is in the OFF position.
3. Unit may not be plugged in or the plug may be loose.
4. House fuse has blown or tripped the circuit breaker.
5. Power outage.| 1. Use another circuit. If you are unsure about the outlet, have it checked by a certified electrician.
2. See Temperature Control Section.
3. Ensure the plug is tightly pushed into the outlet.
4. Check the house fuse or circuit breaker.
5. Check house lights. Call the local Electric Company.
The appliance runs too much or too long.| 1. Room or outside weather is hot
2. Unit has recently been disconnected for a period of time.
3. Large amounts of warm or hot food have been stored recently.
4. Door is opened too frequently or long.
5. Door may be slightly open.
6. Temperature Control is set too low.
7. Door gasket is dirty worn, cracked, or poorly fitted.| 1. It is normal for the appliance to work harder under these conditions.
2. It takes 4 hours for the unit interior to cool down completely.
3. Warm food will cause the unit to run more until the desired temperature is reached.
4. Warm air entering the interior causes it to run more. Open the door less often.
5. See Door Will Not Close in this Before You Call Section.
6. Set control to a warmer setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize.
7. Clean or change gasket Leaks in the lid seal will cause the unit to run longer in order to maintain the desired temperature.
The interior
temperature is too cold.| Temperature Control is set too cold.| Adjust the control to a warmer setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize.
The interior
temperature is too warm.| 1. Temperature Control is set too warm.
2. Door is kept open too long or is opened too frequently.
3. Door may not be seated properly.
4. Large amounts of warm or hot food
may have been stored recently.
5. Appliance has recently been disconnected for a period of time.| 1. Adjust the control to a colder setting. Allow several hours for the temperature to stabilize.
2. Warm air enters the appliance every time the door is opened. Open the lidless often.
3. See Door Will Not Close in this Before You Call section.
4. Wait until the appliance has had
a chance to reach its selected temperature.
5. Freezer mode requires 4 hours to cool down completely after the appliance is first plugged in.
Appliance
exterior surface temperature is warm.| 1. Appliance exterior walls can be as much as 30°F warmer than room temperature.
2. Appliance too close to adjacent surfaces.| 1. This is normal while the compressor works to transfer heat from inside the appliance cabinet.
2. See clearance requirements in the Installation section of this Use & Care Guide.
---|---|---
Louder sound levels whenever the appliance is on| Modern cooling appliances have increased storage capacity and more stable temperatures.
They require a high-efficiency compressor.| This is normal. When the surrounding noise level is low, you might hear the compressor running while it cools the interior.
Longer sound periods when the compressor comes on.| The appliance operates at higher pressures
during the start of the ON cycle.| This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as the appliance continues to run.
Popping or cracking sound when the compressor comes on.| Metal parts undergo expansion and contraction, as in hot water pipes.| This is normal. Sound will level off or disappear as the appliance continues to run.
Bubbling or
gurgling sound, like water boiling.| Refrigerant (used for cooling) is circulating throughout the system.| This is normal.
Vibrating or rattling noise.| 1. Appliance is not level. It rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly.
2. Floor is uneven or weak. Appliance rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly
3. Appliance is touching the wall.| 1. Level the unit. Refer to Leveling in Appliance Setup section of this Use & Care Guide.
2. Ensure the floor can adequately support the appliance.
3. Move the appliance slightly. Refer to Leveling in the Appliance Setup section after moving if necessary.
Moisture forms on the inside appliance %%ails| 1. Weather is hot and humid.
2. Door may not be seated properly
3. Door is kept open too long, or is opened too frequently.| 1. This is normal.
2. See Door Will Not Close in this Before You Call section.
3. Open the door less often.
Moisture forms on the outside of the appliance.| The door may not be seated properly, causing the cold air from inside the appliance to meet warm moist air from outside.| See Door Will Not Close in this Before You Call section.
Odors in the appliance.| 1.  Interior needs to be
cleaned.
2.  Foods with strong
odors are in the
appliance.| 1.  Clean the interior with a sponge, warm
water, and baking soda.
2. Cover the food tightly.
---|---|---
The door will not close.| 1.  Unit is not level or
the floor is uneven or
weak. Unit rocks on
the floor when it is
moved slightly.
2.  Food package is
pressing against
inner door panel.| 1.  Unlevel units can misalign the door and
door seal. The floor must be solid and
strong enough to support a fully
loaded appliance. Refer to Leveling in
Appliance Setup section of this Use &
Care Guide.
2. Reposition or remove the excess package.

Limited Warranty CRITERION

Criterion warrants this refrigerator to be free from defects in material and workmanship and agrees if the unit is found to be defective under normal use and installation, to either repair or replace the unit at the Company’s discretion.
Written authorization must be obtained before any merchandise is returned to the factory.
This warranty does not extend to any of our electronic products which have been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, incorrect wiring not our own, improper installation, unauthorized modification, or to use in violation of instructions furnished by us, nor units that have been repaired or altered outside of our factory, nor to cases where the serial number has been removed, defaced, or changed.
This warranty is in lieu of all warranties expressed or implied and no representative or person is authorized to assume any other liability in connection with the sales of electronic products.
For units that are initially defective.
Initially defective is described as when the dealer opens the unit and finds that it is inoperative or an individual customer opens a new unit and finds that it is initially defective. This unit may be returned to the factory by the dealer for exchange. Under no circumstances will an individual customer be permitted to return defective units directly to the factory.
The exchange must be direct with the dealer. When this unit is returned to the dealer, a copy of the store receipt stating the date of purchase is to be put in the individual box for the dealer’s further control with the factory.

MODEL PARTS LABOR COMPRESSOR
Upright Freezer 1 year 1 year 1 year

Model: CUF154WD1W, CUF179WD1W, CUF208WD1W
Note: For Service or Assistance, please
call: 1-833-946-4227
FZMACR-01-V1

Documents / Resources

| Criterion Criterion Upright Freezer/ Refrigerator [pdf] User Guide
Criterion Upright Freezer Refrigerator, Upright Freezer, Upright Refrigerator, Freezer Refrigerator, Freezer, Refrigerator, CUF154WD1W, CUF179WD1W, CUF208WD1W
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