Kenmore 72 Cu Ft Chest Freezer Manual

							Use & Care Guide
Manual de Uso y Cuidado
Guide d’utilisation et d’entretien
English / Español / Français
P/N 297415701 (1403)
Sears Brands Management Corporation
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.kenmore.com
www.sears.com
Sears Canada Inc.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2C3
www.sears.ca
®Kenmore
Freezer
Congelador
Congélateur
®
Models/Modelos/Modèles: 253.12502, 12702, 12402 
						

							2
Record Model/ 
Serial Numbers
Record Model/Serial Numbers.....................2
Important Safety Instructions.......................2
Warranty Information.................................5
Master Protection Agreements......................6
First Steps.................................................7
Energy Saving Ideas....................................7
Setting the Temperature Control....................8
Optional Features.......................................8
Care & Cleaning.......................................9
Power Failure / Freezer Failure.....................11 
Before You Call..........................................12
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT
Use only soap and water to clean  
serial plate.
IMPORTANT
Indicates installation, operation, or 
maintenance information which is 
important but not hazard-related.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially 
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, 
may result in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially 
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, 
could result in death or serious injury.
DANGER
DANGER indicates an imminently 
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, 
will result in death or serious injury.
Please read and save  
these instructions
This Use & Care Guide provides specific 
operating instructions for your model. Use 
your unit only as instructed in this guide. 
These instructions are not meant to cover 
every possible condition and situation that 
may occur. Common sense and caution must 
be practiced when installing, operating, and 
maintaining any appliance.
Please record your model and serial 
numbers below for future reference. This 
information is found either on the upper left 
wall inside the freezer (upright models) or 
the left exterior wall (chest models).
Model Number:
 or
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
253.
Safety Precautions
Do not attempt to install or operate your unit 
until you have read the safety precautions 
in this manual. Safety items throughout this 
manual are labeled with a Danger, Warning, 
or Caution based on the risk type.
Definitions
       This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to 
alert you to potential personal injury hazards. 
Obey all safety messages that follow this 
symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Important Safety  
Instructions 
						

							3
For Your Safety
• Do not store or use gasoline or other 
flammable liquids in the vicinity of this or 
any other appliance. Read product labels 
for warnings regarding flammability and 
other hazards.
•  Do not operate the unit in the presence of 
explosive fumes.
•  Remove and discard any spacers used to 
secure the shelves during shipping. Small 
objects are a choke hazard to children.
Important Safety Instructions
Proper disposal of your appliance
Risk of child entrapment
Child entrapment and suffocation are not 
problems of the past. Junked or abandoned 
appliances are still dangerous – even if they 
will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting 
rid of your appliance, please follow the 
instructions below to help prevent accidents.
Before you throw away your old unit:
•  Remove lid.
•  Leave shelves in place so children may not 
easily climb inside.
•  Have refrigerant removed by a qualified 
service technician.
WARNING
Please read all safety instructions before 
using your new appliance.
• Remove all staples from the carton. 
Staples can cause severe cuts and also 
destroy finishes if they come in contact 
with other appliances or furniture.
Child Safety
Destroy or recycle the carton, plastic bags, and 
any exterior wrapping material immediately 
after the unit is unpacked. Children should 
never  use these items to play. Cartons covered 
with rugs, bedspreads, plastic sheets or stretch 
wrap may become airtight chambers and can 
quickly cause suffocation.
DANGER
DANGER Risk of fire or explosion. 
Flammable refrigerant used. Do not use 
mechanical devices to defrost refrigerator. 
Do not puncture refrigerant tubing.
DANGER Risk of fire or explosion. 
Flammable refrigerant used.To be repaired 
only by trained service personnel. Do not 
puncture refrigerant tubing.
CAUTION
CAUTION Risk of fire or explosion. 
Flammable refrigerant used.Consult 
repair manual/ owner’s guide before 
attempting to service this product. All 
safety precautions must be followed.
CAUTION Risk of fire or explosion. 
Dispose of property in accordance with 
federal or local regulations. Flammable   
refrigerant used.
CAUTION- Risk of fire or explosion 
due to puncture of refrigerant tubing. 
Follow handling instructions carefully. 
Flammable refrigerant used. 
						

							4
IMPORTANT
Your old unit may have a cooling system that 
used CFCs or HCFCs (chlorofluorocarbons 
or hydrochlorofluorocarbons). CFCs and 
HCFCs are believed to harm stratospheric 
ozone if released to the atmosphere. 
Other refrigerants may cause harm to the 
environment if released to the atmosphere. If 
you are throwing away your old unit, make 
sure the refrigerant is removed for proper 
disposal by a qualified technician. If you 
intentionally release refrigerant, you may be 
subject to fines and imprisonment under the 
provisions of environmental legislation.
Electrical information
• The unit must be plugged into its own 
dedicated 10 amp, 115 Volt, 60 Hz. AC 
only electric outlet. The power cord of 
the appliance is equipped with a three-
prong grounding plug for your protection 
against shock hazards. It must be plugged 
directly into a properly grounded three-
prong receptacle. The receptacle must 
be installed in accordance with local 
codes and ordinances. Consult a qualified 
electrician. Do not use an extension cord 
or adapter plug.
•  Immediately repair or replace any power 
cord that becomes frayed or damaged.
•  Never unplug the appliance by pulling 
on the power cord. Always grip the 
plug firmly, and pull straight out from 
the receptacle to prevent damaging the 
power cord.
•  Unplug the appliance before cleaning 
and before replacing a light bulb to avoid 
electrical shock.
•  Performance may be affected if the 
voltage varies by 10% or more. Operating 
the unit with insufficient power can 
WARNING
These guidelines must be followed to 
ensure that safety mechanisms in this 
unit will operate properly.
Gr ounding t ype
wa ll re ceptacle
Do not, under an y
cir cumstanc es, cut, 
r emo ve, or b ypass the 
gr ounding pr ong
Powe r cord with
3-pr ong gr ounded plug
damage the motor. Such damage is not 
covered under the warranty. 
•  Do not plug the unit into an outlet 
controlled by a wall switch or pull cord to 
prevent the appliance from being turned 
off accidentally.
•  Avoid connecting unit to a Ground Fault 
Circuit Interruptor (GFCI).
Important Safety Instructions 
						

							5
Warranty Information
KENMORE LIMITED WARRANTY
FOR ONE YEAR from the date of sale this appliance is warranted against defects in 
material or workmanship when it is installed, operated and maintained according to all 
supplied instructions. 
WITH PROOF OF SALE, a defective product will receive free repair or replacement at 
option of seller. To arrange for warranty service, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME
®
If this appliance is ever used for other than private family purposes, this warranty applies 
for only 90 days from sale date in the United States, and is void in Canada.
This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship, and 
will NOT pay for:
1. Expendable items that can wear out from normal use, including but not limited to 
filters, belts, bags and screw-in base light bulbs. 
2.  A service technician to instruct the user in correct product installation, operation  
or maintenance. 
3.  A service technician to clean or maintain this product. 
4.  Damage to or failure of this product if it is not installed, operated or maintained 
according to all instructions supplied with the product. 
5.  Damage to or failure of this product resulting from accident, abuse, misuse or use 
for other than its intended purpose. 
6.  Damage to or failure of this product caused by the use of detergents, cleaners, 
chemicals or utensils other than those recommended in all instructions supplied with 
the product. 
7.   Damage to or failure of parts or systems resulting from unauthorized modifications 
made to this product.
Disclaimer of implied warranties; limitation of remedies
Customer’s sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty shall be product repair as 
provided herein. Implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for 
a particular purpose, are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law. Sears 
shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states and provinces do 
not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitation 
on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so these exclusions or 
limitations may not apply to you.
This warranty applies only while this appliance is used in the United States or Canada*.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary 
from state to state.
* In-home repair service is not available in all Canadian geographical areas, nor will this 
warranty cover user or servicer travel and transportation expenses if this product is located in a 
remote area (as defined by Sears Canada Inc.) where an authorized servicer is not available.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Sears Canada Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2C3 
						

							6
Master Protection Agreements
Congratulations on making a smart purchase. Your new Kenmore® product is designed 
and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all products, it may 
require preventive maintenance or repair from time to time. That’s when having a Master 
Protection Agreement can save you money and aggravation.
The Master Protection Agreement also helps extend the life of your new product. Here’s 
what the Agreement* includes:
•  Parts and labor  needed to help keep products operating properly under normal use , not 
just defects. Our coverage goes  well beyond the product warranty. No deductibles, no 
functional failure excluded from coverage –  real protection.
•  Expert service by a force of more than  10,000 authorized Sears service technicians, 
which means someone you can trust will be working on your product.
•  Unlimited service calls and nationwide service, as often as you want us, whenever you 
want us.
•  “No-lemon” guarantee – replacement of your covered product if four or more product 
failures occur within twelve months.
•  Product replacement if your covered product can not be fixed.
•  Annual Preventive Maintenance Check at your request – no extra charge.
•  Fast help by phone – we call it  Rapid Resolution – phone support from a Sears 
representative on all products. Think of us as a “talking   
owner’s manual”.
•  Power surge protection  against electrical damage due to power fluctuations.
•  $250 Food Loss Protection  annually for any food spoilage that is the result of 
mechanical failure of any covered refrigerator or freezer.
•  Rental reimbursement if repair of your covered product takes longer than promised.
•  25% discount off the regular price of any non-covered repair service and related 
installed parts.
Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule 
service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service appointment online.
The Master Protection Agreement is a risk free purchase. If you cancel for any reason 
during the product warranty period, we will provide a full refund. Or, a prorated refund 
anytime after the product warranty period expires. Purchase your Master Protection 
Agreement today!
Some limitations and exclusions apply. For prices and additional information in the U.S.A. 
call 1-800-827-6655.
* Coverage in Canada varies on some items. For full details call Sears Canada at 1-800-361-6665.
Sears Installation Service
For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water 
heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. or Canada call 1-800-4-MY-HOME
®. 
						

							7
First Steps
This Use & Care Guide provides specific 
operating instructions for your model. Use 
the unit only as instructed in this Use & Care 
Guide. Before starting the appliance, follow 
these important first steps.
Leveling
The freezer must have all bottom corners 
resting firmly on a solid floor. The floor must 
be strong enough to support a fully loaded 
freezer. NOTE: It is Very Important for 
your freezer to be level in order to function 
properly. If the freezer is not leveled during 
installation, the door may be misaligned and 
not close or seal properly, causing cooling, 
frost, or moisture problems. 
If needed, add metal or wood shims 
between foot pads and floor.
Cleaning
•  Wash any removable parts, the freezer 
interior, and exterior with mild detergent 
and warm water. Wipe dry. Do not use 
harsh cleaners on these surfaces.
•  Do not use razor blades or other 
sharp instruments, which can scratch 
the appliance surface when removing 
adhesive labels. Any glue left from the 
tape can be removed with a mixture of 
warm water and mild detergent, or touch 
the residue with the sticky side of tape 
already removed. Do not remove the 
serial plate.
Installation
• Choose a place that is near a grounded 
electrical outlet. Do Not use an extension 
cord or an adapter plug.
•  For the most efficient operation, the 
freezer should be located where 
surrounding temperatures will not exceed 
110°F (43°C). Temperatures of 32°F 
(0°C) and below will NOT affect freezer 
operation. Additional compressor heaters 
are not recommended. 
•  Allow space around the unit for good 
air circulation. Leave a 4-inch (101.6 
mm) space on all sides of the freezer for 
adequate circulation.
• The freezer should be located in the 
coolest area of the room, away from heat 
producing appliances or heating ducts, 
and out of direct sunlight.
•  Let hot foods cool to room temperature 
before placing in the freezer. Overloading 
the freezer forces the compressor to run 
longer. Foods that freeze too slowly may 
lose quality or spoil.
•  Be sure to wrap foods properly, and wipe 
containers dry before placing them in the 
Energy Saving Ideas 
						

							8
NOTE
Your freezer may have some or all of 
the optional features described below. 
Become familiar with these features and 
their use and care.
Power On Light
The green Power On indicator light indicates 
that the freezer is properly connected to 
electrical power. The light glows even when 
the temperature control is turned to OFF. If 
the light goes out, refer to Freezer Does Not 
Run Section in the Troubleshooting Guide. 
If the freezer appears to be operating, 
the light element may be burned out. Call 
1-800-4-MY-HOME (469-4663) to schedule 
replacement service.
Setting the  
Temperature Control
Cool Down Period
•  For safe food storage, allow four hours 
for the freezer to cool down completely. 
The freezer will run continuously for the 
first several hours. Foods that are already 
frozen may be placed in the freezer after 
the first few hours of operation. Unfrozen 
foods should NOT be loaded into the 
freezer until the freezer has operated for 
four hours.
•  When loading the freezer, freeze only 
three pounds of fresh food per cubic foot 
of freezer space at one time. Distribute 
packages to be frozen evenly throughout 
the freezer. It is not necessary to turn the 
control knob to a colder setting while 
freezing food.
Temperature Control
The temperature control is located 
inside the freezer on upright models, 
and on the front exterior wall on chest  models. The temperature is factory preset 
to provide satisfactory food storage 
temperatures. However, the temperature 
control is adjustable to provide a range of 
temperatures for your personal satisfaction. 
 
If a colder temperature is desired, turn the 
temperature control knob toward MAX and 
allow several hours for temperatures to 
stabilize between adjustments.
MID
OFF
MIN
MAX
POWER
freezer. This cuts down on frost build-up 
inside the freezer.
•  Freezer shelves should not be lined with 
aluminum foil, wax paper, or paper 
toweling. Liners interfere with cold air 
circulation, making the freezer less efficient.
•  Organize and label food to reduce door 
openings and extended searches. Remove 
as many items as needed at one time, and 
close the door as soon as possible.
Energy Saving Ideas
Setting the  
Temperature Control
Optional Features 
						

							9
Optional Features
Defrost Drain
The defrost drain provides a method of 
draining the water during defrosting and 
cleaning. See “Defrosting” in Care and 
Cleaning Section.
CAUTION
Damp objects stick to cold metal 
surfaces. Do not touch inferior metal 
surfaces with wet or damp hands. 
Care & Cleaning
Between Defrostings
To avoid frequent defrosting, occasionally 
use a plastic scraper to remove frost. Scrape 
with a pulling motion. Never use a metal 
instrument to remove frost. 
CAUTION
Freezer must be unplugged (to avoid 
electrical hazard) from power source 
when defrosting unit.
Defrosting
WARNING
If leaving the freezer lid open while on 
vacation, make certain that children cannot 
get into the freezer and become entrapped.
WARNING
DO NOT use a sharp or metallic 
instrument to remove frost from the 
refrigerator interior, as damage to 
refrigerant tubing may occur. Tubing 
damage may allow flammable 
refrigerant gas leakage, which can result 
in personal injury.
Care & Cleaning
It is important to defrost and clean the 
freezer when ¼ to ½ inch of frost has 
accumulated. Frost may tend to accumulate 
faster on the upper part of the freezer due 
to warm, moist air entering the freezer when 
the door is opened. Remove food and leave 
the door open when defrosting the freezer.
If the frost is soft, remove it by using a 
plastic scraper. If the frost is glazed and 
hard, fill deep pans with hot water and 
place them on the freezer bottom. Close the 
freezer lid. Frost should soften in about 15 
minutes. Repeat this procedure if necessary. 
To Defrost Chest Models with Defrost Drain:•  Place a shallow pan or the Divider/Drain 
Pan (if equipped) beneath the drain outlet. 
Pull out the outside drain plug (see figure 
1). A ½ inch garden hose adapter can be 
used to drain the freezer directly into a 
floor drain (see figure 2). If your model is 
not equipped with an adapter, one can be 
purchased at most hardware stores. 
						

							10Wash the removable parts and door basket 
with the baking soda solution mentioned 
above, or mild detergent and warm water. 
Care & Cleaning
Hose
Adaptor
Defrost DrainPlug
Figure 2
•  Remove the drain plug inside the freezer 
by turning counterclockwise (see figure 3). 
Defrost water will drain out. Check pan 
occasionally so water does not overflow.
Drain
Plug
Figure 3
D efr ostD ra in  P lu g
Pan
Figure 1
•  Replace the drain plugs when defrosting 
and cleaning are completed.If the drain is 
left open, warm air may enter the freezer. To Defrost Models without Defrost Drain:
•  Place towels or newspapers on the freezer 
bottom to catch the frost. The frost will 
loosen and fall.
•  Remove the towels and/or newspapers.
•  If the frost is soft, remove it by using a 
plastic scraper. If the frost is glazed and 
hard, fill deep pans with hot water and 
place them on the freezer bottom.
•  Close the freezer lid. Frost should soften in 
about fifteen (15) minutes.
•  Repeat this procedure if necessary.
Cleaning the Inside
After defrosting, wash inside surfaces of the 
freezer with a solution of two tablespoons 
of baking soda in one quart (1.1 liters) warm 
water. Rinse and dry. Wring excess water out 
of the sponge or cloth when cleaning in the 
area of the controls, or any electrical parts.
Rinse and dry. Never use metallic scouring 
pads, brushes, abrasive cleaners, or alkaline 
solutions on any surface. Do not wash 
removable parts in a dishwasher.
NOTE
If unit is turned off or unplugged for several 
hours, do not open freezer lid unnecessarily 
to assure the coldest temperature inside 
is maintained and that recovery time to 
desired temperature is minimal.
Cleaning the Outside
Wash the cabinet with warm water and mild 
liquid detergent. Rinse well and wipe dry 
with a clean soft cloth.