Stinol refrigerators: features, advantages, disadvantages, review of the best models

Over the entire period that Stinol refrigerators were produced, the electrical circuit of their No Frost system was revised and modified several times. One such modification is described on the No Frost Fan Delay Relay page. And in this article we will talk about various options for connecting circuits for defrost heaters and the bimetallic relay with a thermal fuse that controls them. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the principles of operation of the No Frost system of Stinol refrigerators.

For better perception of the material, a complete electrical circuit diagram of the No Frost system should be in front of your eyes. Here's one, for example:

Of the elements indicated in the diagram, only the following are important for us now: L - Phase N - Neutral TIM - timer TR - thermal relay of the evaporator electric heater TF - thermal fuse R1 - electric evaporator heater R2 - electric heater of the evaporator pan

In this diagram, defrost heaters R1 and R2 are connected in parallel to each other, which corresponds to the second version of the No Frost scheme (see below).

STZ 167 F

Stinol refrigerators are a domestic product, manufactured in Lipetsk since 1993. Currently, the plant is owned by the Italian concern Indesit and produces products under two brands: Indesit and Hotpoint-Ariston. However, thanks to the durability and reliability of old Stinol refrigerators, they are still used in many Russian families. In this article we will share with you the operating features of these devices and provide key points from the instructions for their use.

Operation of Stinol refrigerators

The operating instructions for refrigeration equipment of the Stinol brand are similar for all models. They reflect information on using the capabilities of the units and preventing their failure as a result of incorrect actions by the owner.

The general operating instructions contain the following sections:

• general instructions – information about the purpose of the device;
• technical data, dimensions, device composition and equipment;
• the design of the model and the principle of its operation;
• safety requirements - features of connecting the device to the electrical network;
• preparing the device for operation;
• rules for operating and caring for the device, in particular, mode control, features of temperature distribution across existing chambers, tips for rational placement of products;
• possible malfunctions of the unit and repair methods;
• manufacturer's warranty.

Next, we will consider the main technical characteristics of popular models of Stinol refrigerators and get acquainted with the principles of their operation.

Model 101

Refrigerator Stinol 101 is a two-chamber device that consists of a refrigerating and freezing compartment. The unit is controlled using an electromechanical control method. The model has one compressor and two independent evaporators, providing air cooling to the required level in both compartments.

The average temperature of the refrigerator compartment is +5°C, the freezer compartment – ​​no higher than -18°C. Maintaining the temperature at a given level is a consequence of periodically turning the compressor on and off using a thermostat and a start-up relay.

The refrigeration compartment of the device is defrosted automatically before the next start of the compressor. The accumulation of melt water occurs in a special container on the compressor, after which it evaporates.

The freezer compartment must be defrosted manually when a layer of frost exceeds 5 mm.

Model 103 (rf s 345)

The Stinol 103 two-chamber refrigerator with a bottom freezer is equipped with two compressors and two evaporators with a series connection. This ensures autonomous operation of the refrigerator and freezer compartments with the ability to independently adjust the temperature and turn off one of the chambers using regulators on the control panel.

Defrosting of the refrigerator compartment is carried out automatically by the drip method. The freezer compartment must be defrosted manually.

Model 104 (nf 330 4t)

Stinol 104 is a single-compressor refrigerator, which consists of three chambers: a refrigerator, a freezer and a drawer for placing vegetables and fruits. Equipped with four temperature zones, defrosting automatically. The temperature regime of each compartment is independently regulated, which allows you to set the optimal temperature for storing various products.

The freezer compartment, located in the upper part of the device body, is equipped with a No Frost system, which ensures automatic defrosting of the evaporator when necessary.

The refrigerator compartment is equipped with a weeping evaporator to keep food cool. An autonomous pull-out compartment for storing vegetables is located under the refrigerator compartment. Its cooling occurs due to the penetration of cold air from the main compartment through a special hole on the rear wall of the case. In the pull-out container for vegetables, the mode is set from +8 to +14 degrees.

Model 107

The Stinol 107 device is a two-chamber refrigerator equipped with one compressor. Cooling of the freezer compartment is carried out due to the operation of the No Frost system evaporator and fan. The refrigerator compartment is cooled thanks to an independent evaporator located on the outer surface of the rear wall.

The minimum temperature maintained by the freezer is -18 degrees Celsius. Additional features include a super freeze function.

Model 116el

The model for domestic use Stinol 116 el is a free-standing refrigerator with a freezer located in the lower part of the body. The device has the following technical characteristics:

The refrigerator compartment of the device is equipped with four shelves, two opaque containers for vegetables and fruits, and hanging shelves on the multibox door. The freezer compartment contains two boxes with hinged lids and one pull-out container.

Due to the lack of an automatic defrosting function for the freezer, the electrical circuit is quite simple compared to other models from the manufacturer.

Model 123 l

Refrigerator 123 l consists of the following elements:

• compressor;
• drip-type evaporator for the refrigeration compartment;
• No Frost system freezer evaporator;
• capacitor;
• drying filter;
• capillary pipeline.

The freezer compartment of the device is located in the lower part of the body. It has a fairly large volume - 102 liters. Cooling of the refrigeration and freezer compartments occurs according to a dual-evaporation scheme, as in models Stinol-101, Stinol-107. Defrosting of both the main and minus compartments occurs automatically.

The device operates according to the following principle:

• when the refrigerator is turned on, the compressor begins to draw in refrigerant vapor from the evaporators through a special suction pipeline;
• These vapors are directed through the discharge pipeline to the condenser for cooling and liquefaction;
• in liquid form, the refrigerant is directed into the evaporator channels, passing through a filter drier and a capillary tube;
• When boiling, the refrigerant turns into a gaseous state and absorbs heat from the cooled environment.

The described cycle is regularly repeated, ensuring cooling of the internal chamber of the refrigerator and the products in it.

Model rf s 275

The Stinol rf s 275 refrigerator has the following technical characteristics:

The internal filling of the refrigerator consists of three lattice shelves, two of which are height adjustable, two pull-out containers for vegetables, and a balcony shelf with a lid. The set also includes an egg tray and a spatula for safely removing frost.

Model nf 330 4t

Stinol nf 330 4t is a representative of three-chamber refrigerators with one compressor. Equipped with four temperature zones, defrosting automatically. The temperature regime of each compartment is independently regulated, which allows you to set the optimal temperature for storing various products.

The freezer maintains temperatures down to -18 degrees Celsius. In the pull-out container for vegetables, the mode is set from +8 to +14 degrees.

Technological features of the units

The Indesit Corporation, which bought the plant that produced Stinol, is improving and constantly introducing new technologies into the production process that increase the functionality and operational comfort of refrigerators. But, in many ways, they use the developments of engineers who worked on refrigeration equipment of the Stinol brand. The main useful functions that are present in the units are as follows:

1. No Frost automatic defrosting technology is a specific system that allows you not to forcefully defrost the unit, but simply turn it off periodically for sanitary purposes (for wet cleaning inside the chambers). Due to forced ventilation, cold air flows are evenly distributed inside the unit and the temperature values ​​are also the same.
2. The vast majority of popular models of Stinol refrigeration cabinets are characterized by large chamber capacity and a significant total useful volume of equipment, which amounts to hundreds of liters.
3. Keeping cold in autonomous mode - the vast majority of Stinol refrigeration units are capable of maintaining set temperature values ​​for 12 hours or more in the event of a sudden power outage. This guarantees the safety of the loaded products and makes this refrigerator a good option for areas where there are regular problems with energy supply.

Reference! Chambers of units equipped with the No Frost system, which prevents the formation of ice and frost on the internal surfaces of units. The models have a different set of options, among which there are exactly those that are required in a particular case.

Refrigerator connection

After purchasing a Stinol refrigerator, it must be left in the room for 2-4 hours in the off state to fill the necessary labyrinths with refrigerant. The air temperature in the room in which the unit is planned to be used must be in the range of +16˚…+32˚ Celsius.

When installing the device, it must be leveled using the adjusting feet. Before turning on the refrigerator for the first time, it is advisable to wash it inside and out with soapy water and baking soda.

To connect the device to the electrical network, you must plug the power cord into a power outlet. The green indicators on the control panel will light up.

Please pay attention! If you need to reconnect the refrigerator to the network, do this no earlier than 4-5 minutes after disconnecting.

How to use Stinol refrigeration units

The accuracy and proper functioning of the Stinol refrigeration cabinet depends on how responsibly and fully users follow the instructions for using the unit. First of all, the refrigerator must be positioned correctly; the place for this must meet the following parameters:

• no contact with direct sunlight;
• distance from a gas or electric stove is about 0.5 m;
• distance from heating devices and systems – at least 50 cm;
• the distance from the walls of the unit to the wall is at least 5-7 cm.

This arrangement helps prevent premature wear of the compressor due to overheating of this unit.

Important points in operating the refrigerator

There are some rules, the observance of which guarantees a longer operational period of Stinol refrigeration equipment, regardless of the specific model, and prevents sudden malfunctions and failure of significant components. Recommendations for using refrigerated cabinets are as follows:

1. The chambers of the unit are not dimensionless, so it is forbidden to overload them with excessive amounts of food products.
2. Before washing the internal surfaces of the chambers, the refrigeration equipment is disconnected from the power supply and allowed to completely thaw or “cool down” a little after work in the case of No Frost defrosting technology.
3. Drainage holes provided by manufacturers for the drainage of melt liquid must be regularly checked and cleaned at least once a month.
4. It is forbidden to remove the snow “coat” and frozen ice using sharp objects or mechanically influencing them in any other way. Ice and snow must melt on their own - only this option will prevent mechanical damage to the evaporator.
5. It is prohibited to use abrasive compounds for washing, as the coating of the chambers will be damaged when used.
6. Units with No Frost defrosting technology do not require forced defrosting, but they must be washed every six months.
7. During the wet cleaning process inside the chambers, make sure that the liquid does not get on the lighting elements and the thermostat.

To get rid of unpleasant odors inside the chambers, it is possible to use soda, coffee, vinegar, lemon juice, activated carbon, dried citrus peels, or store-bought flavors and deodorizers for refrigerators.

Principles of safe operation

To prevent the occurrence of dangerous situations for health and life, as well as to prevent electric shock, during the operation of refrigeration equipment it is necessary to strictly follow safety rules. The main principles for the safe use of Stinol refrigerators are the following:

1. The refrigerator is connected to a separate outlet, which is grounded. It is prohibited to use tees, adapters or extension cords to connect the units to the electrical network.
2. The integrity of the cord braid is periodically checked, and it is also ensured that the wire is not kinked or tied in knots.
3. The unit must be disconnected from the power supply if it is necessary to move it to a new location or change the lamp that illuminates the interior of the refrigerator. The power of the new light bulb must not exceed 15 W.
4. The humidity in the room where they plan to locate and operate the refrigeration cabinet must not exceed 75%.
5. It is prohibited to store carbonated drinks in the freezer, as well as liquids poured into glass containers that can quickly freeze.
6. Simultaneous contact of refrigeration equipment and a grounded element (water pipes, heating system, sink, gas stove) is prohibited.

Attention! The operating period of refrigeration equipment is not endless and therefore it is necessary to replace the old device with a new one after the service life recommended by the manufacturer has expired. Otherwise, such equipment can pose a danger to human health due to changes in the quality characteristics of electrical insulating and other materials.

Temperature adjustment

Most models of Stinol refrigerators are equipped with separate regulators for changing the temperature of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. The temperature is changed by smoothly turning the temperature regulator with a line marked on it.

The mode must be set when connecting the device for the first time.

to the electrical network. When the air temperature in the room is 25 degrees Celsius, the temperature regulator of the device must be set to position 3. If the room is warmer, the regulator must be turned to position 1-2, if it is colder, move it to number 5.

In two-chamber refrigerators of the 002, 003, 125 series, it is necessary to regulate the temperature by sequentially pressing the buttons on the electronic display. Detailed information on temperature changes is covered in the instructions for the Stinol refrigerator of a specific model.

What to look for when choosing a refrigerator?

In order to buy a refrigerator correctly and not overpay, you need to decide in advance under what conditions the unit will be operated and how much food will be stored in it.

For a family of 2-3 people living in a small city apartment, devices that are compact in width and do not take up much space are suitable.

If there are interruptions in the electrical supply in your region of residence, it makes sense to take a unit that can autonomously maintain the optimal temperature for storage in the freezer for a long time

Those who often travel on business trips and do not keep large supplies of food at home should pay attention to products with the “Vacation” function. Thanks to it, you can set the refrigerator to operate in “sleep” mode while the owners are away. This will save a significant amount on utility bills.

It is not at all necessary to buy a device packed with an extended package of functions. It is better to choose a model with options that you plan to use constantly, and not occasionally

For large, high-power refrigerators, an important criterion will be the energy consumption class. To save food and consume electricity wisely, you should take an A+ or A++ level unit. For small household appliances, this point is not so significant, so you can save on it. Read on to learn more about how much electricity refrigerators consume.

Let's sum it up

Despite the fact that Stinol refrigerators are currently produced under a different brand, units manufactured before 2000 are still used by many Russian families. They are reliable in operation, and if it is necessary to repair individual components, spare parts can be purchased without problems.

Among the models of Stinol refrigerators, there are both two- and three-chamber devices. The defrosting system can be manual or automatic. The number of compressors also varies - in models 116 el, nf 330 4t, 101 there is one compressor, in model 103 (rf s 345) there are two.

The operating instructions for Stinol refrigerators reflect the operating features of these devices: their technical characteristics, principles of temperature control, requirements for use. Careful study of the manual will allow you to avoid mistakes that will lead to malfunction of the refrigerator components.

Video: brief review of the Stinol STN 185 no frost refrigerator

stinol STN 185 no frost brief review of the refrigerator purchased in March 2021 for RUR 18,999..

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Refrigeration equipment "Stinol"

Refrigeration equipment assembled at the plant in Lipetsk are high-tech devices that still meet modern standards. Due to the integrated approach of engineers who developed new models of Stinol units while they were still in production, these refrigerators are distinguished by high quality and reliability, as well as a carefully designed case design. The main advantage of the products that were produced and are still produced at the Lipetsk plant is their affordable cost - the price of the units is low and virtually every person with average income can afford such equipment.

Video: review of the Stinol STS 150 refrigerator

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Advantages of Stinol technology

• affordable cost - most refrigerators belong to the middle and low price class;
• a large selection of units - the number of chambers, built-in functionality, the necessary set of functions: each person will choose for himself the refrigerator that suits him;
• modern design;
• many additional useful functions , a set of which each person chooses for himself;
• energy savings - most models belong to energy consumption class A or even A+;
• long service life - 5-25 years without breakdowns, according to user reviews;
• good quality for a low price.