Micro-fridge FAQs

Ohio University prohibits the installation of personal refrigerators.

Please be aware of the following operating functions with your combination unit:

• Power to the refrigerator will automatically be shutoff when the microwave is in operation.
• There is a 3-minute delay before power to the refrigerator is restored.
• The motor will start and stop often to maintain the temperature you select.
• If the unit is freezing food items, check the temperature settings to troubleshoot.
• For directions on controlling unit temperature refer to the use and care section below.
• The unit should be plugged directly into the wall outlet. Do not use extension cords/power strips.

Residents are responsible for keeping the units clean and for damages incurred, missing parts, and excessive cleaning charges, if the unit is not properly maintained during occupancy of the room.

If you are experiencing trouble with your unit, please review the usage and care instructions below for basic troubleshooting tips. If the unit is still not operating properly, please fill out an online work request.

The following information pertains to Absocold "Cook n' Cool" units installed on campus.

Standard Units

• Installed in single, double, and triple size rooms
• Capacity 2.9 cubic feet
• Dimensions: Height 44 ¾", Width 18 ½", Depth 19 ½"

To control temperature: Normally, the Temperature Control Knob should be at the “3” position. Colder temperature can be selected by turning the knob counterclockwise towards the “1” position.

When room temperature is high and the Temp Control Knob is set at “5” or “MAX” position for a long time, it is possible that the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment will be frosted heavily, which may cause insufficient cooling of the refrigerator compartment. In this case, the Temp Control Knob should be set at the “2” position or below until the heavy frost is gone. Later set the knob back to its normal setting.

Refrigerator compartment temperature and freezer compartment temperature will vary depending on the quantity of foods stored and on the frequency with which doors are opened.

To Defrost: This refrigerator/ freezer has separate defrosting systems, one for each compartment.

• Freezer Compartment: When the freezer compartment is frosted about ¼ inch thick, defrosting is required. Frosting will interfere with proper freezing. When frost is thin or soft, scrape off and remove frost on freezer compartment walls with scraper provided. This can be done without interrupting freezing operation. When frost is hard or heavy, remove foods from freezer compartment. Next, set the Temp Control Knob at the “OFF” position. When ice/frost on the side walls and ceiling of the freezer compartment comes off, remove ice and melted water with the scraper provided and a cloth. After defrosting, reset Temp Control Knob at normal position.
• Refrigerator Compartment: As long as the Temp Control is set at the normal position, the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment is automatically defrosted and no manual operations are needed to defrost. Defrosted water is drained out to the evaporating tray on the back of the refrigerator cabinet.

Large Units 

• Installed in Quad size rooms
• Capacity 4.8 cubic feet
• Dimensions: Height 57", Width 18 ½", Depth 22 ¼"

To control temperature: At first, set the refrigerator and the freezer temperature controls on "MED". Wait 24 hours for the entire cabinet to cool. Then adjust controls, if needed. Setting "MIN" is the warmest. Never turn cold control "OFF" unless both sections are empty.

Setting the Time

1. Touch STOP / CLEAR.
2. Touch CLOCK.
3. Enter the time by using the number key pads.
4. Example: To set 3:15, touch number key pads [3], [1], and [5].
5. Touch CLOCK.

Timed Cooking

Many foods need slower cooking (at less than HI power) in order to give you the best results. In addition to HI-POWER, there are 10 multi-power settings. Example: If you want to cook food on 80% Power (Power 8) for 5 minutes 30 seconds.

1. Touch STOP / CLEAR.
2. Touch TIME. Display shows 0.
3. Enter 5 minutes 30 seconds by touching [5], [3], and [0].
4. Touch POWER. P-HI appears in the display. This is to tell you that the oven is set on HI unless a different power setting is chosen.
5. Touch [8] to select power level 8.
6. Touch START. Two short and one long tone sound and the word END shows in the display window when the cooking time is over. Then the oven shuts itself off.

Ez On

Ez On allows you to cook for 30 seconds at 100% power by touching the Ez On pad. You can also extend cooking time in multiples of 30 seconds by repeatedly touching Ez On during cooking.

1. Touch STOP / CLEAR.
2. Example: To set cooking for 2 minutes...
3. Touch Ez On 4 times. Oven begins cooking and display shows time counting down.

Timer

Timer can be used for purposes other than cooking. Be sure to follow these steps to properly use the microwave as a timer. Do Not operate / run the microwave while it is empty as a timing mechanism.

1. Touch STOP / CLEAR.
2. Touch TIMER.
3. Touch numbers for time, [3], [0], [0]. (Ex. 3 Minutes)
4. Touch START

The unit must be properly grounded. Connect only to properly grounded outlets. Unless the grounding method is followed, you are not protected against severe or lethal shock, in the event of a short circuit of an electrical component or wiring of the refrigerator.

• Do Not use extension cords or multi-connection power strips.
• The unit should be plugged directly into the wall outlet.
• If you unplug the refrigerator, allow at least three minutes before restarting.
• Allow 24 hours for your refrigerator to reach a new temperature setting.
• In case of a prolonged power outage or an electrical disconnect, check unit for spoiled food.
• Use the three-prong plug with a three-prong grounded wall outlet.
• Use 120 volts, 60 Hz. (60cycles A.C.)

Reduce the Risk of Fire

• Do Not use the cavity for storage purposes.
• Do Not use aluminum foil during cooking cycle.
• Do Not leave paper products, cooking utensils, or food in the cavity when not in use.
• Do Not overcook food. Carefully attend appliance when paper, plastic, or other combustible materials are placed inside the oven to facilitate cooking.
• Remove wire twist-ties from paper or plastic bags before placing bag in oven.
• If materials inside the oven ignite, KEEP OVEN DOOR CLOSED, turn oven off, and disconnect the power cord or shut off power at the fuse or circuit breaker panel.

Avoid Possible Exposure to Excessive Microwave Energy

• Do Not attempt to operate this oven with the door open since open-door operation can result in harmful exposure to microwave energy. It is important not to defeat or tamper safety interlocks.
• Do Not place any object between the oven front face and the door or allow soil or cleaner residue to accumulate on sealing surfaces.
• Do Not operate the oven if it is damaged. It is particularly important that the oven door close properly and that the door is not bent, hinges and latches are not broken or loosened, and no damage to the door seals and sealing surfaces has occurred.

Reduce the Risk of Personal Injury While Using Product

• Use this appliance only for its intended use as described on this page.
• Do Not use corrosive chemicals or vapors in this appliance. This type of oven is specifically designed to heat, cook, or dry food. It is not designed for industrial or laboratory use.
• Some products with sealed containers or closed jars are able to explode and should not be heated in oven. Never use your microwave oven to cook eggs in the shell.
• Do Not operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, or if it has been damaged or dropped. Do not immerse cord or plug in or around water.
• Do Not let cord hang over the edge of a table or counter. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
• Do Not cover or block any openings on the appliance.
• When cleaning surfaces of door and oven that comes together on closing the door, use only mild, nonabrasive soaps, or detergents applied with a sponge or soft cloth.
• As with any appliance, close supervision is necessary when used by children.
• The oven should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except qualified service personnel. Fill out an online work request for qualified service personnel to examine, repair or replace the unit.

Reduce the Risk of Injury While Heating Liquids

• Liquids such as water, coffee, or tea are able to be overheated beyond the boiling point without appearing to be boiling due to surface tension of the liquid. Visible bubbling or boiling when the container is removed from the microwave oven is not always present.
• Do not overheat the liquid.
• Stir the liquid both before and halfway through heating it.
• Do not use straight-sided containers with narrow necks.
• After heating, allow the container to stand in oven for a short time before removing.
• Use extreme care when inserting spoon or other utensil into the container.