Getting Started with Your New Fridge Freezer

How long should you leave a fridge freezer to settle?

This is one of the most important steps after delivery. When your fridge freezer has been transported, especially if it was moved or tilted, the internal compressor oil may have shifted. If you power it up too soon, that oil may not have returned to its correct place, which could impact performance, or worse, damage the appliance.

At Hotpoint our recommendation is to wait 2 hours before plugging in your new fridge freezer.

As a final note: If the appliance was delivered on its side (which won't be the case with our home delivery network), it’s best to wait up to 24 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Connect and Power Up

Once your appliance has settled it is now time to plug it in and switch it on. You will begin to hear the motor and cooling systems start to work. Don’t worry if your new fridge freezer makes unfamiliar noises, these are usually completely normal, especially during its first few minutes.

Most Hotpoint fridge freezers will default to the optimal setting once switched on, but it’s always worth checking the manual. For general guidance:

·       Fridge compartment: 3-5°C

·       Freezer compartment: -18°C

If your model has an Inverter Compressor, it will restore ideal temperatures quickly if the door is opened while loading.

Step 3: Wait Before Adding Food

Next, you will be wondering ‘when can I put food in my new fridge freezer?’ Even having followed the steps before, it’s important to give the appliance time to reach full operating temperature. As a rule, this should be:

·       For the fridge: Wait at least 2-4 hours

·       For the freezer: Wait 4-6 hours (or ideally overnight)

Adding food too early, especially perishable items, could result in unsafe temperatures and compromise food safety.

Step 4: Maximise Performance from Day One

Once your fridge freezer is ready to go, here are a few quick ways to get the most from it right away:

·       Leave space for air to circulate – Don’t overcrowd the fridge or block the air vents.

·       Use dedicated drawers – Features like the FreshShield drawer help prolong the life of fruit and vegetables.

·       Keep an eye on energy settings – Hotpoint models include Holiday Mode and Eco features to help save on running costs.

If you have chosen a model with Total No Frost, you will also enjoy the added bonus of never having to manually defrost again.

A Smoother Delivery with Hotpoint

Did you know Hotpoint’s dedicated home delivery network is designed to make setup simpler for you?

From careful handling during transport to installing your appliance in the right spot, we take every step to ensure your fridge freezer is delivered safely and ready to settle properly.

Enjoy free delivery when you sign up to our newsletter, and if you are upgrading, we can also collect and recycle your old appliance for you.

Still Needing More Help?

For full peace of mind, don’t forget to:

·       Register your appliance for a free 10-year parts guarantee

·       Visit our Fridge Freezer Buying Guide

·       Explore support at our customer help hub

Getting started with a new fridge freezer doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few simple steps, such as letting it settle, waiting before loading, and understanding your model’s features, you’ll enjoy years of reliable cooling performance.

Ready to start fresh? Follow these simple steps and enjoy peace of mind from the very first use.