Introduction

The Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT is a compact and efficient freezer perfect for small spaces. This freezer has a capacity of 2.1 cubic feet, making it an ideal choice for apartments, dorms, or small offices. With an estimated price range of $150 to $200, this freezer is a cost-effective solution for your storage needs. Although the launching date has not been officially announced, it is expected to hit the market soon.

Detailed Specifications

The Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT has the following key features:

• 2.1 cubic feet of storage space
• Adjustable temperature control
• Reversible door hinge for left or right opening
• Interior light for easy visibility
• Manual defrost system
• Dimensions: 19.7 x 17.7 x 33.3 inches
• Weight: 52.9 pounds
• Power: 110V, 60Hz
• Energy Star certified

Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT Operating Instructions

PARTS DESCRIPTION

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 when 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 effciency it was designed for, you should install it in a location where there is proper air circulation, plumbing and electrical connections.
• Recommended clearances around the freezer:
  • Sides……………4” (102mm) 
  • Sides……………4” (102mm) 
  • Top....................4” (102mm)

WARNING: ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT - SHOCK HAZARD

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT

• Make sure there is a suitable power Outlet (115 volts, 15 amps outlet) with proper grounding to power the freezer.
• Avoid the use of three plug adapters or cutting off the third grounding in order to accommodate a two plug outlet. This is a dangerous practice since it provides no effective grounding for the freezer and may result in shock hazard.

 WARNING: USE OF EXTENSION CORDS- POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD

USE OF EXTENSION CORD

Avoid the use of an extension cord because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions. If it is necessary to use an extension cord, use only a 3-wire extension cord that has a 3-blade grounding plug and a 3-slot outlet that will accept the plug. The marked rating of the extension cord must be equal to or greater than the electrical rating of the appliance. DO NOT USE EXTENSION CORD LONGER THAN 12 FT.

INSTALL LIMITATIONS Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT

• Do not install your freezer in any location not properly insulated or heated e.g. garage etc. Your freezer is not designed to operate in temperature below 55˚F.
• Select a suitable location for the freezer on a hard even surface away from direct sunlight or heat source e.g. radiators, baseboard heaters, cooking appliances etc. Any floor unevenness should be corrected.

OPERATING YOUR FREEZER

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

GENERAL FEATURES

• Temperature control dial: Your freezer will automatically maintain the temperature level you select. 

  

• Lock function: Insert the key and turn clockwise to lock. Turn counter-clockwise to unlock.

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.
• Click sound due to Temperature control dial cycles on and off.

DEFROSTING

• For most effcient operation and minimum energy consumption, defrost whenever the frost becomes 1/4” thick. Never use a sharp or metallic instrument to remove the frost, as it may damage the cooling coils. (A punctured coil will void the warranty). Use only a plastic scraper. Do not use boiling water as it may damage the unit.
• Remove frozen food from the freezer and place it in a cooler to protect the food.
• Turn the temperature control dial to OFF position and unplug the unit. Defrosting usually takes a few hours. To defrost faster, keep the freezer door open.

DEFROST DRAIN Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT
Place a narrow defrost pan (not included) in front of the freezer, gently slide the defrost drain outward. Water that has accumulated at the bottom of the freezer during defrosting will drain into the pan. 
NOTE: Monitor the defrost pan to avoid overflow. 

• When defrosting is complete, wipe the interior of the freezer with a soft cloth. Plug in power cord back into the electrical outlet.
• Reset the temperature control to the desired setting.
• Return the food into the freezer.

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.

DOOR ALIGNMENT

1. Remove the top hinge cover using a flat head screw driver. Gently lift from the rear of the hinge and slide forward.
2. Loosen 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.
• 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 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
  • Aluminum foil
  • 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

For detailed storage chart visit FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/

Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: Read all of the instructions before using this appliance. When using this appliance, always follow basic safety precautions below:
NOTE: If the freezer has been placed in a horizontal or tilted position for any period of time wait 24 hours before plugging the unit in.

• Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this use and care guide.
• This freezer must be properly installed in accordance with the installation instructions before it is used. See grounding instructions in the installation section.
• Never unplug your freezer by pulling on the power cord. Always grasp the plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.
• 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.
• Unplug your freezer before cleaning or before making any repairs.
• Do not use any electrical device or any sharp instrument in defrosting your freezer.
• If your old freezer is not being used, we recommend that you remove the doors. This will reduce the possibility of danger to children.
• WARNING: 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.
• 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 40˚F”. “…Thawed ground meats, poultry, or fish that have any off-odor or off-color should not be refrozen and should not be eaten. Thawed ice cream should be discarded. If the odor or color of any food is poor or questionable, discard it. The food may be dangerous to eat.” “…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.”
• This freezer should not be recessed or built-in an enclosed cabinet. It is designed for freestanding installation only.
• Do not operate your freezer in the presence of explosive fumes.

DANGER: Risk of child entrapment. Before you throw away your old refrigerator or freezer,  take off the doors. Leave the shelves in place so that children may not easily climb inside.

Description of Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT

The Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT is a versatile and reliable freezer that offers plenty of storage space for your frozen goods. Its adjustable temperature control allows you to set the perfect temperature for your food, while the reversible door hinge lets you customize the door opening to suit your needs. The interior light ensures easy visibility when accessing your food, and the manual defrost system makes maintenance a breeze. This freezer is Energy Star certified, meaning it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. With its compact size and sleek design, this freezer is a great addition to any small space.

Setup Guide

Setting up the Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT is easy and straightforward:

1. Choose a level surface for the freezer and ensure there is at least 3 inches of clearance on all sides for proper air circulation.
2. Plug in the freezer and allow it to run for 24 hours before adding any food.
3. Adjust the temperature control to your desired setting.
4. If necessary, adjust the door hinge to open from the left or right side.
5. Add food to the freezer, making sure to leave enough space between items for proper air circulation.

Cleaning and Maintenance

 WARNING: To avoid electric shock, always unplug your freezer before cleaning. Ignoring this warning may result in death or injury.

 WARNING: 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 wipe 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 Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT

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 startup.

Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT VACATION AND MOVING CARE

For long vacations, empty food from freezer, move the temperature control dial to the OFF position and clean the door gaskets according to “General cleaning” section. Keep 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.

WARNING: If power outage lasts for a prolonged period, inspect and discard spoiled or thawed food in freezer. Clean freezer before startup.

Troubleshooting about Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT

Here are some common problems and solutions for the Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT:

DANGER: Risk Of Fire Or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. To Be Repaired Only By Trained Servie Personnel. Do Not Puncture Refrigerant Tubing
CAUTION: Risk Of Fire Or Explosion. Flammable Refrigerant Used. Consult 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 Property In Accordance With Federal Or Local Regulations. lammable Refrigerant Used
CAUTION: Risk Of Fire Or Explosion Due To Puncture Of Refrigerant Tubing; Follow Handing Instructions Carefully. Flammable Refrigerant Used

Homelabs Warranty

hOme™ offers a limited two-year warranty (“warranty period”) on all of our products purchased new and unused from hOme Technologies, LLC or an authorized reseller, with an original proof of purchase and where a defect has arisen, wholly or substantially, as a result of faulty manufacture, parts or workmanship during the warranty period. The warranty does not apply where damage is caused by other factors, including without limitation: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) abuse, mishandling, accident, or failure to follow operating instructions; (c) exposure to liquid or infiltration of foreign particles; (d) servicing or modifications of the product other than by hOme™ ; (e) commercial or non-household use.

A receipt indicating the purchase date is required for any claim, so please keep all receipts in a safe place. We recommend that you register your product on our website, homelabs.com/reg. Although greatly appreciated, the product registration is not required to activate any warranty and product registration does not eliminate the need for the original proof of purchase. The warranty becomes void if attempts at repair are made by non-authorized third parties and/or if spare parts, other than those provided by hOme™ , are used. You may also arrange for service after the warranty expires at an additional cost.

Pros & Cons

• Pros
  • Compact size is perfect for small spaces
  • Adjustable temperature control for customized cooling
  • Reversible door hinge for left or right opening
  • Interior light for easy visibility
  • Energy Star certified for energy efficiency
• Cons
  • May not be large enough for some users' needs
  • Manual defrost system requires more maintenance than automatic defrost systems

Customer Reviews of Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT

Customers love the Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT for its compact size, energy efficiency, and customizable features. Many users have commented on the freezer's quiet operation and easy-to-use temperature control. However, some users have noted that the freezer may not be large enough for their needs, and the manual defrost system can be a bit of a hassle. Overall, the Homelabs Upright Freezer 2.1 CU FT is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient freezer for their small space.