Installation: Aog REF-21 Compact Refrigerator Owner Manual

Overview

The REF-21 Compact Refrigerator is a space-saving compressor refrigerator designed for beverage and food storage in residential kitchens, outdoor-kitchen enclosures, and other suitable locations. It can be installed as a freestanding or recessed unit when the surrounding installation provides proper clearance, ventilation, electrical grounding, and protection from unsuitable temperatures.

This guide explains how to install, level, operate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot the REF-21 Compact Refrigerator. Read the complete guide before using the appliance, and retain it for future reference.

Specifications

• Model: REF-21
• Electrical requirement: 115 VAC, 60 Hz, 15-amp minimum circuit
• Recommended outlet: Grounded three-wire GFCI receptacle with a weather-resistant in-use cover
• Power consumption: Approximately 65–70 watts
• Cooling system: Compressor refrigeration
• Temperature control: Seven numbered settings plus a zero setting
• Temperature range: Approximately 32°F to 50°F
• Width: 18.9 inches with the door closed
• Height: 33.25 inches with leveling legs fully retracted, or 34 inches with legs fully extended
• Depth: 19 inches for the cabinet body and 21.25 inches with the door closed
• Clearance: Allow at least 3/4 inch at the sides, 2 inches above, and 2 inches behind the refrigerator
• Storage: Two slide-out glass shelves, one flip shelf, a crisper bin, a door shelf, and a wire can holder
• Door: Reversible, with a built-in handle and lock

Detailed Description

The refrigerator uses a compressor cooling system to circulate refrigerant through internal cooling coils. The thermostat dial controls the selected temperature, while the compressor cycles on and off to maintain that setting.

Inside, two slide-out glass shelves provide adjustable access to stored items. The flip shelf can be raised to create additional vertical space for tall bottles. A door shelf accommodates larger containers, while the wire can holder stores up to five cans loaded from the top and dispensed from the bottom.

The lower crisper bin is designed for items that benefit from separate storage. Pull the bin outward by its handle to open it, then slide it back into position. The interior light and temperature-control assembly are located in the upper section of the cabinet.

The built-in lock can help restrict access to the refrigerator contents. Insert the key and turn it clockwise to lock the door or counterclockwise to unlock it.

Safety

Read all instructions before installation or operation. Failure to follow safety precautions can cause electric shock, fire, serious injury, or death.

• Use the refrigerator only for its intended food and beverage storage purpose.
• Install the appliance according to the instructions before connecting power.
• If the refrigerator has been placed horizontally or tilted, leave it upright for 24 hours before plugging it in.
• Use only the specified supply voltage. Do not connect the refrigerator to an unsuitable electrical source.
• Connect the appliance to a properly wired and inspected grounded three-wire GFCI receptacle rated for at least 15 amps.
• Use a weather-resistant in-use cover for an outdoor GFCI receptacle.
• Never remove the grounding prong, use a two-prong adapter, or cut off the third prong.
• Grip the plug firmly when disconnecting the refrigerator. Never pull on the power cord.
• Do not use a cord, plug, or connector showing cracking, abrasion, fraying, or other damage.
• Keep the power cord away from hot surfaces and do not immerse the cord or plug in water.
• Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning or servicing it. Repairs must be performed by a qualified professional technician.
• Do not operate the appliance near explosive fumes.
• The refrigerator contains flammable refrigerant. Do not puncture refrigerant tubing or use mechanical devices or metal tools to defrost it.
• Handle the refrigerator carefully during movement to avoid damaging the sealed cooling system.
• When disposing of an old refrigerator, remove its door and leave the shelves in place to reduce the risk of child entrapment.

Setup and Installation

Choose the Location

Place the REF-21 Compact Refrigerator on a hard, even surface away from direct sunlight, radiators, baseboard heaters, cooking appliances, and other heat sources. Do not install it in an unheated or poorly insulated location where the surrounding temperature may fall below 55°F.

Provide the recommended clearance around the cabinet so air can circulate and heat can escape. For recessed or outdoor use, the enclosure must provide appropriate electrical connections, protection, and ventilation for the appliance.

Unpack the Refrigerator

1. Remove the refrigerator from its packaging.
2. Remove the foam base, adhesive tape, labels, and packing materials securing accessories inside and outside the cabinet.
3. Inspect the cabinet for visible damage or irregularities before installation.
4. Keep packing materials away from children and dispose of them responsibly.
5. Do not connect power until all packing materials have been removed and the refrigerator is positioned upright.

Position and Level the Cabinet

1. Move the refrigerator to its final location while protecting the finished bottom from damage.
2. Keep the door closed or secured if using a hand truck or dolly.
3. Adjust the two front leveling legs at the lower corners of the cabinet.
4. Turn a leveling leg counterclockwise to raise that side or clockwise to lower it.
5. Confirm that the cabinet is stable and level. A correctly leveled refrigerator allows the door to close more easily.

Connect Electrical Power

After positioning the refrigerator upright and allowing sufficient settling time if it was tilted, connect the power cord to a grounded 115 VAC GFCI receptacle rated for at least 15 amps. Do not use an extension cord unless unavoidable. If one is required, use only a properly rated outdoor-use three-wire cord with a grounding plug and grounding receptacle.

Align the Door

1. Remove the upper hinge cover.
2. Loosen the upper hinge screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
3. Adjust the door position or install a spacer as needed.
4. Tighten the hinge screws and reinstall the hinge cover.

Reverse the Door Swing

The door can be changed to open from the opposite side. Perform this procedure only when the refrigerator is unplugged and empty.

1. Remove the upper hinge cover.
2. Remove the screws securing the upper hinge.
3. Lift off the upper hinge and carefully remove the door.
4. Transfer the screw-hole plugs to the openings on the opposite side.
5. Carefully lay the refrigerator on its back on a secure, protected surface.
6. Remove the lower hinge bracket and transfer the relevant screws to the opposite side.
7. Remove the door pin, turn it counterclockwise, and install it on the underside of the lower hinge bracket.
8. Secure the lower bracket in its new position.
9. Fit the door onto the door pin and washer.
10. Install the upper hinge loosely, check the door and cabinet alignment, and then tighten the screws.
11. Replace the hinge cover.
12. Inspect the gasket. If a gap remains after reversing the door, gently pull the gasket outward until it seals evenly against the cabinet.
13. Return the refrigerator upright and wait 24 hours before plugging it in.

Operation

Set the Temperature

The temperature dial has settings from 1 through 7 and a zero position. Setting 1 provides the warmest cooling level, while 7 provides the coldest. Begin at setting 4 and allow 24 hours for the refrigerator to stabilize before making further adjustments.

The zero position stops cooling but does not disconnect the refrigerator from electrical power. Always unplug the appliance before cleaning, moving, or servicing it.

Arrange the Interior

• To remove a slide-out shelf, tilt its front upward slightly and slide it outward.
• To reinstall a shelf, align it with the supports and slide it gently into place.
• Raise the flip shelf when storing tall bottles or containers.
• Load cans into the wire holder from the top and remove them from the bottom.
• Keep food containers from blocking the door, shelves, crisper cover, or gasket.

Normal Operating Sounds

Gurgling, bubbling, light vibration, and liquid-like sounds can occur as refrigerant moves through the cooling coils. A click from the thermostat is normal when the cooling system cycles on or off.

Cleaning and Maintenance

General Cleaning

1. Turn the temperature dial to zero.
2. Unplug the refrigerator and allow all components to cool.
3. Remove food and removable interior items.
4. Mix three to four tablespoons of baking soda with warm water.
5. Wipe interior and exterior surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with the solution.
6. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Do not use abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, ammonia, chlorine bleach, concentrated detergents, solvents, or metal scouring pads. These products can damage or discolor the cabinet and interior components.

Clean the Door Gasket

Clean the door gasket approximately every three months with the baking-soda solution and a non-abrasive cloth or pad. Keep the gasket clean and flexible so it seals against the cabinet. A light application of petroleum jelly on the hinge side can help maintain flexibility and sealing performance.

Replace the Interior Light

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Carefully slide the plastic light cover to the left and remove it.
3. Unscrew the bulb and replace it with a bulb rated at 15 watts or less.
4. Reinstall the light cover and reconnect power when service is complete.

Power Interruptions

Disconnect the power cord from the GFCI receptacle during an outage. When power returns, reconnect the refrigerator. After a prolonged outage, inspect refrigerated food and discard items that have spoiled or thawed. Clean the refrigerator before returning food to it.

Vacation and Moving Care

For an extended absence, remove all food, set the dial to zero, clean the cabinet and door gasket, and leave the doors propped open for air circulation. When moving the refrigerator, keep it upright. Transporting it on its side can damage the sealed cooling system.

Energy-Saving Practices

• Install the refrigerator in the coolest suitable part of the room, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
• Allow hot food to cool to room temperature before placing it inside.
• Avoid overloading the cabinet, which can make the compressor run longer.
• Wrap food properly and dry containers before storing them.
• Do not cover wire shelves with foil, wax paper, or paper towels because liners restrict cold-air circulation.
• Group items by type to shorten door-opening time.

Troubleshooting

Refrigerator Does Not Operate

• Make sure the dial is set above zero.
• Confirm that the power cord is fully inserted into the receptacle.
• Reset the GFCI receptacle or circuit breaker if it has tripped.
• If the protection device trips again, stop using the refrigerator and arrange qualified service.

Food Is Too Warm

• Reduce frequent or prolonged door openings.
• Allow newly added warm food time to cool.
• Check that the door gasket seals evenly around the cabinet.
• Move the temperature dial to a colder setting.

Food Is Too Cold

Move the temperature dial toward a warmer setting and allow time for the cabinet temperature to stabilize.

Compressor Runs Frequently

• Frequent cycling can be normal in hot or humid conditions.
• Limit door openings and close the door promptly.
• Check that the door gasket is clean and sealing correctly.
• Confirm that the door is fully closed and that stored items are not obstructing it.

Moisture Appears Inside or Outside

Moisture can occur during periods of high humidity or after frequent door openings. Minimize door-opening time and inspect the gasket for a complete seal.

Refrigerator Has an Odor

• Clean the interior and removable storage components.
• Check food packaging and containers for leaks or uncovered food.
• Wrap and seal food before storing it.

Door Does Not Close Correctly

• Level the refrigerator with the front leveling legs.
• Align the door using the upper hinge adjustment.
• Move containers, shelves, bins, or the crisper cover that may be obstructing closure.
• Inspect the gasket for gaps, dirt, or distortion.

Popping or Cracking Sounds

Check that the refrigerator is level, the floor adequately supports it, and the cabinet does not rock or touch the wall. A cabinet that shifts slightly or contacts a wall can produce noises when the compressor starts.

Warranty

The REF-21 Compact Refrigerator includes a one-year limited warranty for the original purchaser when the product is installed and used as intended for single-family residential use in the United States or Canada. Proof of purchase is required.

Warranty coverage excludes damage caused by negligence, misuse, improper installation or storage, accidents, unauthorized modifications, electrical damage, and failure to perform required routine maintenance. Labor and related charges are generally excluded unless covered by a separate written program. Warranty repairs or replacements must be approved and performed through qualified service channels.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact footprint suitable for space-conscious installations.
• Reversible door supports different room and enclosure layouts.
• Adjustable shelves and a flip shelf accommodate everyday containers and tall bottles.
• Built-in lock, interior light, crisper bin, and wire can holder improve convenience.
• Compressor cooling provides adjustable refrigerated storage.

Cons

• Requires a properly grounded GFCI electrical connection.
• Needs adequate clearance and a suitable ambient temperature for reliable operation.
• Outdoor installations require an appropriate enclosure rather than exposed placement.
• The zero dial position does not disconnect electrical power.
• Defrosting and sealed-system repairs require special care and qualified service.