To manually defrost the Unifrost CR1360G counter refrigerator, press and hold the DEFROST button on the digital controller for 5 seconds until the Defrost LED illuminates and the cycle begins immediately.
Applies to
This operational guide applies to trained commercial catering staff operating the Unifrost CR1360G counter refrigerator.
Before you start
- Check that the appliance is turned on and powered before attempting to initiate any defrost procedure.
- Understand that the refrigerator automatically runs an automatic defrost cycle every six hours starting from the time it is initially powered up.
- Observe whether the internal cabinet temperature has become too high or too low as a result of excess ice accumulation across the evaporator coil.
- Ensure no kitchen staff attempt to clear internal ice using scrapers, knives, or any other mechanical tools.
Safety warnings
- Do not use mechanical devices or sharp tools to defrost the refrigerator or remove ice under any circumstances.
- Do not puncture the refrigerant piping because puncturing the pipework creates a severe risk of fire or explosion due to the flammable R290 refrigerant.
- Any repairs to the sealed refrigeration system or internal wiring must be carried out strictly by trained service personnel.
When to Trigger a Manual Defrost
In a busy commercial kitchen environment, heavy door openings and humid ambient air can occasionally cause excess frost to build up on the evaporator coil.
If the appliance turns on properly but internal cabinet temperatures become too high or too low because of excessive ice on the evaporator, defrosting the appliance is the required corrective action.
Under normal operating conditions, the refrigerator already runs an automatic defrost cycle every six hours based on the time it was first switched on.
A manual defrost cycle allows catering staff to clear accumulated ice immediately without waiting for the next preset automatic interval.
- Verify whether the refrigerator turns on but exhibits improper high or low cabinet temperatures caused by excessive evaporator ice.
- Proceed to initiate a manual defrost cycle on the electronic controller if excess ice is obstructing the evaporator.
Step-by-Step Manual Defrost Procedure
Initiating a manual defrost cycle is a straightforward operator procedure executed entirely from the front control interface.
Never attempt to speed up the defrost process by chipping away at frost deposits with screwdrivers, spatulas, or mechanical equipment.
Using mechanical instruments risks puncturing the internal refrigerant pipework, which introduces a hazardous fire or explosion risk from flammable R290 refrigerant gas.
- Locate the DEFROST button on the digital control fascia of the counter refrigerator.
- Press and hold the DEFROST button continuously for 5 seconds.
- Observe that the defrost cycle starts immediately upon holding the button for the required 5 seconds.
- Confirm that the Defrost LED illuminates on the display panel to indicate that the defrost operation is active.
- Allow the system to complete its cycle automatically, which will last for a maximum duration of 30 minutes.
Understanding Defrost Cycle Behaviour and Automatic Timers
The electronic controller inside the Unifrost counter refrigerator is programmed to manage defrost schedules automatically.
Under standard conditions, the appliance automatically runs an automatic defrost cycle every six hours, calculated from the initial power-up timestamp.
When a catering operator initiates a manual defrost, the controller automatically resets the internal automatic defrost timer.
Following the completion of the manual cycle, the subsequent automatic defrost cycle will start exactly six hours after the manual defrost has finished.
Because each defrost cycle has a maximum duration of 30 minutes, normal refrigeration cooling resumes smoothly once the defrost phase ends.
- Keep the counter refrigerator doors closed as much as possible while the 30-minute maximum defrost cycle runs.
- Note that the automatic six-hour timer has been reset and that the next automatic cycle will occur six hours after the manual defrost finishes.
Stop and get help if
- Stop immediately and do not attempt manual mechanical defrosting if anyone considers using sharp tools, scrapers, or mechanical devices to chip ice away.
- Stop operation immediately if the refrigerant piping is punctured or suspected of leaking flammable R290 refrigerant.
When to call an engineer
- Call a qualified service technician if internal refrigeration components, pipework, or electrical wiring require repair, as the appliance must be repaired only by trained service personnel.
- Escalate to trained service personnel if temperature faults persist after completing an authorized defrost cycle on an appliance showing excessive evaporator icing.