BC 312 AA FI - Refrigerator Ariston Thermo - Free user manual and instructions

Brand	Ariston Thermo
Model	BC 312 AA FI
Product Type	Freestanding Fridge
Total Net Capacity	312 L (approx.)
Fridge Net Capacity	230 L (approx.)
Freezer Net Capacity	82 L (approx.)
Energy Class	A+ (estimated)
Annual Energy Consumption	280 kWh (approx.)
Voltage / Frequency	220-240 V / 50 Hz
Climatic Class	N-ST (16-38°C)
Noise Level	40 dB(A) (typical)
Dimensions (H x W x D)	185 x 60 x 65 cm (approx.)
Weight	60 kg (approx.)
Cooling System	Static (manual defrost freezer)
Fridge Defrost	Automatic
Freezer Defrost	Manual
Interior Light	Yes, LED (likely)
Adjustable Shelves	Yes (glass shelves)
Door Reversibility	Yes
Refrigerant	R600a (Isobutane)
Freezer Star Rating	4 stars
Spare Parts Availability	Available via authorized service
Cleaning	Use warm water and mild detergent
Safety Features	Thermostat control, automatic shut-off when door open (alarm)

Frequently Asked Questions - BC 312 AA FI Ariston Thermo

How do I set the temperature on my Ariston Thermo BC 312 AA FI fridge?

Use the thermostat dial inside the fridge compartment. Turn it to a higher number for colder temperature. Usually, 3-4 is recommended for normal use.

What does the error code on the display mean?

If your model has a display, error codes indicate issues like open door alarm (E1), temperature sensor failure (E2), or defrost error (E3). Refer to the manual for the specific code.

How do I defrost the freezer?

Turn off the fridge, remove all food, leave the freezer door open, and place towels to absorb water. Do not use sharp objects to remove ice.

What are the dimensions of the BC 312 AA FI fridge?

Approximate dimensions: height 185 cm, width 60 cm, depth 65 cm. Always measure your space before installation.

How do I clean the fridge?

Unplug the appliance. Use a soft cloth with warm water and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Why is my fridge not cooling?

Check if the thermostat is set correctly, the door is closed properly, and the condenser coils are clean. If issue persists, contact a technician.

Can I reverse the door opening side?

Yes, the door is reversible. Follow the instructions in the manual to transfer hinges and handles to the opposite side.

What is the energy class of this fridge?

The estimated energy class is A+. It consumes about 280 kWh per year, which is efficient for its size.

Does this fridge have a frost-free system?

No. The fridge compartment defrosts automatically, but the freezer requires manual defrosting when ice builds up.

What should I do if the door alarm sounds?

Check if the door is fully closed. If it is and alarm persists, the door switch may be faulty. Ensure nothing is blocking the door.

USER MANUAL BC 312 AA FI Ariston Thermo

Fridge/freezer combined

Installation and use

ARISTON

BC 312 AA FI

D Kühl/Gefrier-Kombination 1

GB Fridge/freezer combined 22

Instructions for installation and use

To maintain the EFFICIENCY and SAFETY of this appliance, we recommend:

• call only the Service Centers authorized by the manufacturer
• always use original Spare Parts

Top-down schematic of a mechanical component with no visible text or symbols

Illustration of a hand placing a tray into a refrigerator with arrows indicating direction (no text or symbols)

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Gibt's ein Problem?

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Invriezen

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Er is een probleem

Safety - a good habit to get into.

ATTENTION

Read your manual carefully since it contains instructions which will ensure safe installation, use and maintenance of your appliance.

Your Refrigerator is built to International safety standards (EN60) and has been awarded the European approval mark (IMQ) for compliance with UK electrical safety requirements. It also meets the EC standards on the prevention and elimination of radio interference (EC directive 87/308 - 02.06.89).

1. This appliance must not be installed outdoors - not even in an area protected by a roof. It is extremely dangerous to leave it exposed to rain or storms.
2. It must only be used by adults and exclusively to refrigerate and freeze foodstuffs, following the instructions for use contained in this manual.
3. Do not ever touch or handle the appliance with bare feet or with wet hands or feet.
4. It is highly recommended that you do not use extension cords or multiple socket adapters. If the refrigerator is installed between cabinets, make sure that the cord is not bent or dangerously pinched or compressed.
5. Never pull on the cord or the refrigerator to remove the plug from the wall socket - this is very dangerous.

6. Never touch the cooling components within the appliance, especially with wet hands because this could result in injury. Never put ice cubes just removed from the freezer into your mouth because they could stick to your mouth and cause burns.

7. Never clean or perform maintenance on the appliance without first removing the plug from the socket; in fact, turning the knob for adjusting the temperature to the "●" setting is not sufficient to eliminate all electrical contact with the mains.

8. Before having your old refrigerator picked up for disposal, remove or make inoperable any locking devices to prevent children who might play in or around the appliance from being locked inside.
9. Before calling for service/assistance in the case of malfunction, consult the chapter entitled "Is There a Problem? to determine whether it is possible to eliminate the problem. do not try to repair the problem by trying to access the internal components of the appliance.
10. If damaged, the power supply cord on this appliance must necessarily be replaced by our service centre because special tools are required for replacement.
11. Do not use electric appliances inside the compartment for food storage, if these are not those recommended by the manufacturer.
12. At the end of the functional life of your appliance – containing cyclopentane gas in the insulation foam and perhaps gas R600a (isobutane) in the refrigeration circuit – the latter should made safe before being sent to the dump. For this operation, please contact your dealer or the Local Organisation in charge of waste disposal.

Installation

To ensure that the appliance operates properly and to reduce energy consumption, it is important that the appliance is installed correctly.

Ventilation

The compressor and condenser generate heat and, therefore, need to be ventilated properly. Rooms with less than perfect ventilation are not very suited for installation of the appliance. Therefore, it should be installed in a room with an opening (window or French window) that provide the appropriate amount of air re-circulation. It is also important that the room not be too humid.

Away from Heat

This appliance should not be positioned in a place where it is directly exposed to sunlight or directly next to an ovem/hob.

Electrical Connection and Earthing

Before proceeding with the electrical connection, make sure that the voltage indicated on the rating plate, located at the bottom left near the vegetable crisper, corresponds to the mains voltage in your home and that the socket is fitted with a standard earthing wire in accordance with safety standards for 46/90 systems. If the socket is not fitted with an earthing wire, the manufacturer will not be held liability for any damages and or injuries arising out of the use of the appliance. Do not use multiple sockets or adapters.

Position the appliance in such a way that you can access the socket where it is plugged in.

Insufficient power?

The electrical socket must be able to handle the maximum power load of the appliance, which is indicated on the rating plate located at the bottom left next to the vegetable crisper.

Before making the electrical connection ...

After the appliance has been delivered, place it in the vertical upright position and wait at least 3 hours before inserting the plug into the socket in order to ensure that it functions properly.

A Closer Look

Compartment for freezing fresh foods and storing frozen foods

Technical line drawing of a mechanical component with a central dial and textured surface (no text or symbols)

This knob is used to regulate the temperature in the two compartments with the following settings:

● The refrigerator is off;
1 less cold;
5 colder

Fruit and Vegetable Crispers

Meat/cheese storage box

Removable/Adjustable Shelves

Hinged bottle rack

Removable door shelves with lid, with egg tray and lidded butter dish

Removable miscellaneous shelf

Compartment for a 2 litre bottle

Removable door shelf for bottles

Drain system for drawing off defrost water from freezer compartment

Compartment for storing frozen foods

Ice tray

Compartment for storing and freezing

How to Start the Appliance

NOTICE

After the appliance has been delivered, stand it in the upright position and wait approximately 3 hours before connecting it to the electrical outlet to guarantee that it operates properly.

Before storing food in your refrigerator wipe the interior with a solution of warm water and bicarbonate of soda.

After having plugged the appliance into the socket, make sure that the refrigerator light has turned on. Then turn the thermostat knob "A" to setting "3". After a few hours have passed, you can place fresh food in the refrigerator compartment and frozen foods into the freezer.

How to use the refrigerator compartment...

The thermostat automatically regulates the temperature inside the appliance

1 = less cold
5 = colder

It is recommended that a medium setting be used.

To increase the amount of space, optimize arrangement and improve appearance, this appliance has a "cooling area" located within the back panel of the refrigerator compartment. When the appliance is operating, this panel may be covered with frost or droplets of water depending on whether the compressor is operating or not at a given time.

Do not be concerned about this! The refrigerator is operating normally.

If the thermostat knob is positioned on higher settings while the refrigerator is heavily filled and the ambient temperature high, the appliance may run continuously, resulting in the formation of frost on the back cooling area. This will lead to an increase in energy consumption.

To avoid this situation, just turn the thermostat knob to a lower setting so that the appliance defrosts automatically.

Storing Food in the Refrigerator Compartment

Food Storage Time Location in the Refrigerator
Wrapped meat and cleaned fish(use plastic wrap or pack in plastic bags)	2 or 3 days	On the shelf above the vegetable crisper(which is the coldest area).
Fresh cheese 3 or 4 days		On the shelf above the vegetable crisper(which is the coldest area).
Eggs 1 month In special egg rack on door.
Butter, margarine On any shelf.
Cooked or precooked food(placer in air-tight containers and when cool storein refrigerator)	3 or 4 days On any shelf.
Sausages, salami, sandwich meats in general, freshpasta, custards,puddings, chocolates, creampastries, bread, dry pastries, red tomatoes	3 or 4 days On any shelf.
Bottled products, milk, drinks, yoghurt On special door shelves.
Fruits and legumes In vegetable crisper.

What Not to Store in the Refrigerator

Garlic (transmits odour), onions and leeks.

Bananas (they will turn black).

Citrus fruits.

Potatoes and root vegetables (store in dark, dry places).

• Within the refrigerator compartment, the air circulates naturally, with the colder air falling because it is heavier. This is the reason why meat and cheeses should be placed above the vegetable crisper.
• Please follow our instructions carefully on maximum storage time: any food, even the freshest, will not remain edible for any extended amount of time.
• Contrary to popular belief, cooked foods do not store any longer than raw food.
• Do not place liquids in containers without covering them because this will lead to an increase in the level of moisture within the refrigerator, causing the formation of frost.
• Be careful not to place containers (plastic or glass), food or other objects in direct contact with the cooling area of the back wall of the refrigerator. This could harm the food, increase energy consumption and facilitate the formation of condensate (on food, containers, etc.).
• The refrigerator compartment is equipped with convenient, removable shelves (Fig. 1) which can be adjusted for height using the shelf guides. This allows you to place even large containers and foodstuffs in the refrigerator.
  The side bottle rack can be used either for storing bottles (Fig. 2) as well as several cans (2-4) placed horizontally (Fig. 3). If not in use, the bottle/can rack can be tipped up and away to make more room inside the refrigerator.

Illustration of a hand placing a tray into a refrigerator with arrows indicating direction (no text or symbols)

Fig. 1

Diagram of a mechanical device with a cylindrical component and directional arrows indicating motion (no text or symbols)

Fig. 2

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Fig. 3

Freezing Foods Properly

- For the preparation of food to be frozen, please consult a specialized manual.

- Food that has been thawed, even partially, must not be refrozen: you must cook it in order to consume it (within 24 hours) or to freeze it once again.

• When freezing fresh foods, remember that they should not touch other previously frozen or deep frozen foods. Place the food that you wish to freeze in the top compartment "I" where the temperature will fall below -18°C, which is ideal for freezing food properly. Remember that proper conservation depends on the speed of freezing.
• During the freezing process, avoid opening the door of the freezer.
• The maximum daily quantity of food that can be frozen is indicated on the rating plate located to the left of the vegetable crisper.
• In order to freeze and then thaw foods optimally, it is recommended that you divide food into small portions so that they freeze quickly and uniformly. The packages should be clearly marked with the content and the date they were frozen.
• In order to obtain a larger amount of space in the freezer compartment, you can remove the central drawer, and place the food directly onto the evaporator plate. Make sure that, after having inserted the load, the door closes correctly.
• In order to have a larger storage volume, the freezer compartment can be used without its drawers (except for the first one from the bottom), placing food directly onto the evaporator plates. After introducing the food to be stored, make sure that the door shuts properly.
• Do not open the freezer door in the event of a power failure or malfunction. This precaution will slow the rise in temperature within the compartment. If the door is not opened, frozen and fast-frozen foods will remain in their current state for approximately 9-14 hours.
• Do not place full bottles in the freezer: they could easily burst because all liquids increase in volume when they freeze.
• If the ambient temperature remains below 14^ C for an extended period of time, the temperature needed for extended storage of food in the freezer will not be reached, resulting in reduced storage life of the food.

Ice trays

This new concept of ice trays is an exclusive Merloni patent. The fact that they are situated on the top part of the freezer drawers ensures greater ergonomics and cleanliness: the ice no longer comes into contact with the food placed inside the freezer compartment; furthermore, the dripping of the water during filling is avoided (a lid to cover up the hole after filling with water is also provided).

Instructions for use (Fig. 4)

Fill up the tray with water via the special hole up to the level indicated (MAX WATER LEVEL), taking care not to exceed it: inserting more water than is necessary will lead to the formation of ice which could obstruct the exit of the ice cubes.

If you have used an excessive amount of water, you will have to wait until the ice has melted, empty out the tray and re-fill it with water.

Once you have filled the ice tray up with water through the hole indicated, turn it by 90°. This new concept of ice trays is an exclusive Merloni patent. The fact that they are situated on the top part of the freezer drawers ensures greater ergonomics and cleanliness.

Once the ice has formed, all you need to do is to knock the tray against a hard surface so that the ice cubes come away from their housing and come out of the same hole used to fill the tray with water. To make it easier for the ice cubes to come out, wet the outside of the tray.

WARNING: every time you fill up the ice tray with water, make sure that the same is completely empty and that there are no traces of ice left inside it.

The minimum time required for ice to form well is approximately 8 hours.

Fig. 4

Guide to Using the Freezer

Meat and Fish

Food Wrapping		Tenderising (days)	Storage (months)	Thawing Time
Beef Roast Tinfoil 2 / 3 9 / 10 Not required.
Lamb Tinfoil 1 / 2 6 Not required.
Pork Roast Tinfoil 1 6 Not required.
Veal Roast Tinfoil 1 8 Not required.
Veal/Pork Chops	Each piece wrapped in cling wrap and then in tinfoil (4 to 6 slices)		6 Not required.
Veal/Lamb Cutlets	Each piece wrapped in cling wrap and then in tinfoil (4 to 6 slices)		6 Not required.
Minced Meat	In aluminium containers covered with cling wrap.	Freshly minced	2 Slowly in refrigerator.
Heart and Liver Plastic Baggies 3 Not required.
Sausages	Cling Wrap or Tinfoil		2	As necessary.
Chicken and Turkey	Tinfoil 1 / 3 9 Very slowly in refrigerator.
Duck and Goose	Tinfoil 1 / 4 6 Very slowly in refrigerator.
Pheasant, Partrige and Wild Duck	Tinfoil 1 / 3 9 Very slowly in refrigerator.
Hare and Rabbit	Tinfoil	3 / 4	6	Very slowly in refrigerator.
Venison	Tinfoil or Cling Wrap	5 / 6	9	Very slowly in refrigerator.
Large Fish	Tinfoil or Cling Wrap		4 / 6	Very slowly in refrigerator.
Small Fish Plastic Baggies		2 / 3	Not required.
Crustaceans	Plastic Baggies		3 / 6	Not required.
Shellfish	Store in salted water in aluminium containers or plastic containers.		3	Very slowly in refrigerator.
Boiled Fish	Tinfoil or Cling Wrap		12	In hot water.
Fried Fish	Plastic Baggies		4 / 6	Directly in pan.

Fruits and Vegetables

Food Preparation		Blanching Time	Wrapping	Storage (months)	Thawing Time
Apples and Pears Peel	and cut into slices. 2'		In Containers (cover with syrup)	12	In refrigerator very slowly.
Apricots, Peaches, Cherries and Plums	Peel and pit. 1' / 2'		In Containers (cover with syrup)	12	In refrigerator very slowly.
Strawberries Blackberries and Raspberries	Rinse and fry.		In Containers (cover with sugar)	10 / 12	In refrigerator very slowly.
Cooked Fruit Cut, cook and strain.			In Containers (add 10% sugar)	12	In refrigerator very slowly.
Fruit Juice Wash, cut and crush.			In Containers (sugar to taste)	10 / 12	In refrigerator very slowly.
Cauliflower	Remove leaves, cut head into small pieces and blanch in water and a little lemon juice.	2' Plastic	Baggies 12 Not required.
Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts	Wash and cut into small pieces.	1' / 2' Plastic	Baggies 10 / 12 At room temperature.
Peas	Shell and wash.	2' Plastic	Baggies 12 Not required.
French Beans	Wash and slice if required.	2	Plastic Baggies	10 / 12	Not required.
Carrots, Peppers and Turnips	Peel, wash and slice if necessary.	3' / 4'	Plastic Baggies 12 Not required.
Mushrooms and Asparagus	Wash, peel and cut up.	3' / 4'	Plastic Baggies or Containers	6	At room temperature.
Spinach	Wash and mince.	2'	Plastic Baggies	12	At room temperature.
Vegetable for Soups	Wash and cut up in small pieces.	3'	Plastic Baggies or Containers	6 / 7	Not required.
Various Foods	Preparation	Blanching Time	Wrapping	Storage (months)	Thawing time
Bread			Plastic Baggies	4	At room temperature and in the oven.
Cakes			Plastic Baggies	6	About 10 minutes at room temperature, cook at 100/200°C.
Cream			Plastic Containers	6	At room temperature or in refrigerator.
Butter			In original wrapping or tinfoil	6	In refrigerator.
Boiled Food or Vegetable Soup			Plastic or Glass Containers	3 / 6	At room temperature or in hot water.
Eggs			Freeze without shells in small containers	10	At room temperature or in refrigerator.

Tips on Saving Energy

- Install the Appliance Properly

In other words, away from sources of heat and direct sunlight, in a well ventilated room complying with the minimum distances indicated in the paragraph entitled, "Installation/Ventilation."

THE ACTUAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF THE APPLIANCE DEPENDS ON THE WAY THE SAME IS USED AND ON ITS LOCATION.

The consumption tests were performed in 560mm deep column units, the most common installation setting for this appliance.

- Use the Right Temperature Setting

A setting which is too cold increases energy consumption.

- Do not Overfill

To conserve food properly, the cold air must circulate freely within the refrigerator. If it is overfilled, this will prevent proper air circulation, forcing the compressor to work continuously.

- Close the Doors

Open your refrigerator as little as possible because each time you do so you loose much of the cold air. To raise the temperature to the proper level again, the motor must work for a long time, consuming energy.

- Keep an Eye on the Seals

Keep the seals clean and make sure that they adhere well to the door. This alone will ensure that no cold air escapes.

- No Hot Foods

A hot pot or pan placed in the refrigerator immediately raises the temperature several degrees. Let hot cookware and food cool to ambient temperature before placing them in the refrigerator.

- Defrost the Freezer

Check the thickness of the frost on the walls of the freezer and immediately defrost it if the layer of frost is too thick. (see the section entitled, "Keeping your Appliance in Shape").

Keeping Your Appliance in Shape

Before doing any cleaning, disconnect the appliance from the electricity (by pulling out the plug or turning off the general switch in your home).

Defrosting

WARNING: do not damage the refrigeration circuit. Do not use mechanical devices or other tools to speed up the defrosting process, unless they have been recommended by the manufacturer.

How to Defrost the Refrigerator

This appliance defrosts automatically and the water is channeled to the back toward the drain installed for this purpose (fig. 5). Here, the heat produced by the compressor will make it evaporate. The only thing you must do is to periodically check and clean the hole of the drain, which is located behind the vegetable crispers, so that the water drains properly.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical assembly with a bracket and mounting holes (no text or symbols)

Fig. 5

How to Defrost the Freezer

- Every so often, remove the frost with the scraper provided with the appliance (do not use knives or metal objects). - If the frost is more than 15 mm thick, the freezer must be defrosted.

Proceed as follows: turn the thermostat knob "A" to the setting "●". Then wrap all the frozen and fast-frozen food in newspaper, placing it either in the refrigerator or in a cool place. Leave the freezer door open so that the frost thaws completely. You can speed this process by placing containers of warm water in the compartment.

The unit is provided with a system which allows the defrost water to be collected in a container to be placed beneath the unit (proceed as illustrated in fig. 6).

Diagram showing a mechanical component with a curved arrow and circular motion, partially submerged in a bowl (no text or symbols)

Fig. 6

Cleaning and Special Maintenance

Before cleaning the refrigerator, disconnect it from the electrical mains (by removing the plug from the socket or by turning off the main electricity switch for the apartment or house).

- The materials used to build your appliance are hygienic and do not transmit odors. However, to preserve this quality of your appliance, the food stored in it must be well closed and covered to prevent spills which could stain it and cause unpleasant odors.

- Only water and baking soda. To clean both the interior and exterior, use a sponge with warm water and baking soda, which is, among other things, a good disinfectant. If you do not have any in the house, you can use a neutral soap.

- What not to use. Never use abrasives, bleach or ammonia. Solvents and similar products are strictly prohibited.

- All the removable part should be taken out and allowed to soak in hot water and dishwashing soap. Rinse and dry them well before putting them back in the refrigerator.

- When the appliance is not used for a long time. If you decide not to use the appliance (during the summer), it must cleaned and the doors left open to prevent the formation of mold and unpleasant odors.

- Replacing the light bulb. The bulb for lighting the interior of the appliance is located at the back of the thermostat box. Unscrew the burnt bulb and replace it with another bulb of no more than 15 Watt, follow the instructions illustrated in fig. 7.

Line drawing of a hand holding a cylindrical tool or device (no text or symbols visible)

Fig. 7

Is There a Problem?

The refrigerator does not function.

Have you checked whether:

• The main switch for the electricity to the apartment or home has been turned off;
• The plug is properly inserted in the outlet;
• The outlet is adequate; try inserting the plug into another outlet in the room.

The refrigerator and the freezer do not cool properly.

Have you checked whether:

• The doors do not close well or the seals are faulty;
  • The doors are left open too long;
• The thermostat knob is not on the proper setting;
• The refrigerator or freezer is overfilled.

The food in the refrigerator becomes too cold.

Have you checked whether:

- The thermostat knob is on the proper setting;

- The food is in contact with the back wall - which is the coldest part.

The motor runs continuously.

Have you checked whether

• The doors are not closed well or have remained open too long;
  • The ambient temperature is too high;
• The thermostat knob is not on the proper setting.

The appliance makes too much noise.

The gas refrigerant produces a slight noise even when the compressor is not running (this is not a defect).

Have you checked whether:

• The refrigerator is level.
- The appliance was installed between cabinets or objects that vibrate and make noise.

There is water on the bottom of the refrigerator.

Have you checked whether:

- The hole for draining the water from the frost is clogged (see fig. 5).

If after all the checks, the appliance still does not operate or the problem persists, call the nearest Service Centre and inform them of: the type of problem, the abbreviation of the model name (Mod.) and the relative numbers (S/N) written on the rating plate located at the bottom left next to the vegetable crisper (see examples in the figure below).

Never call on unauthorized technicians and always refuse spare parts which are not originals.