MicroFridge Care

Rooms in Grant, Gilbert, Neptune and Stevenson come with a combination refrigerator/freezer/microwave called a MicroFridge. In Patterson, your suite comes with a combination refrigerator/freezer and a microwave is available in the common kitchen area. If you live in a double or a suite, you share it with your roommates.

If you have any problems with your MicroFridge, contact us to schedule a repair.

MicroFridge Use and Care

  1. The microwave/refrigerator/freezer units are designed to turn off the refrigerator temporarily while the microwave is in use. When the microwave is no longer in use, the refrigerator will turn back on.
  2. The microwave/refrigerator/freezer unit may not be placed on top of other surfaces other than the floor.
  3. Do not set or store any heavy items on top of the unit as this affects its ability to function properly. (example: television)
  4. The university-supplied microwave/refrigerator/freezer must be plugged into the wall (follow instructions provided on the unit). If you wish to unplug your unit, please follow the instructions below for defrosting your microwave/refrigerator/freezer unit.
  5. Before placing food in the refrigerator, turn the temperature setting knob in the refrigerator to 3.
  6. Avoid slamming the microwave door, as this damages the operating switch and can cause the microwave to malfunction.
  7. Take good care of your microwave/refrigerator/freezer unit. If you damage the unit, you will be billed for repairs or replacements.

Defrosting

Defrosting regularly is one of your responsibilities as a resident of your room and helps extend the life of the microwave/refrigerator/freezer unit.

Build-up of frost inside the freezer is completely normal, and must be defrosted manually when it gets to be more than ½ inch thick. If too much frost exists in the freezer, it will prevent the refrigerator from cooling properly, and the food in the refrigerator may spoil. If the frost gets too thick, it essentially insulates the freezer so the cooling element cannot do its job. When this happens, it causes the unit to run harder, which may cause premature failure.

How to Defrost

  1. Defrost the freezer by unplugging the unit, removing the items, and leaving the freezer door open. Remove large ice pieces as they come loose, and wipe up any excess water with a towel. Please place an old towel in the bottom for the fridge to soak up the water as the ice melts.
  2. Use the ice scraper to remove loose frost (if the ice scraper is missing, contact the Work Request Office at 815-753-4948. Do not chisel at solid ice pieces: wait until they melt.
  3. Make sure the freezer is completely dry before plugging the unit back in, or closing the door when not in use.
  4. Before changing rooms or moving out, defrost the freezer and clean out the refrigerator and microwave. There is a $50 charge for not cleaning out the unit.

Contact Us

Housing and Residential Services
Neptune East 101
housing@niu.edu
815-753-1525

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