170 Litre Direct Cool Single Door Refrigerators
Frequently Asked Questions
For a family of 3 that buys groceries daily or every other day, a 170L fridge can work. However, if your family shops weekly and stores vegetables, fruits, dairy, beverages, and cooked food simultaneously, 170L will likely feel slightly tight. In that case, the Akai 180L or 190L would give more comfortable storage. For a couple or individual, 170L is perfectly spacious.
No - the Akai 170L has built-in stabilizer-free operation. It is designed to handle the voltage fluctuations common in Indian homes — including low voltage during summer peak hours and surge recovery after power cuts. You do not need to purchase or maintain a separate stabilizer.
The Akai 170L consumes 190 units of electricity per year — that is approximately 15.8 units per month. Your actual cost will depend on your local electricity rate and daily usage patterns.
Direct Cool is the most common refrigeration technology in single-door fridges in India. It works through natural convection — cold air circulates without a fan. This makes it simpler, more energy-efficient at this size, and generally more durable (fewer moving parts). The trade-off is that Direct Cool fridges require manual defrosting — you need to remove ice from the freezer section periodically. This is a simple process (see our defrost guide above) and takes about 1–2 hours every few weeks. For a 170L fridge at this price point, Direct Cool is the right technology — it keeps costs low, energy consumption efficient, and reliability high.
If your refrigerator is running but not cooling properly, check a few common causes before calling a service technician. First, check the thermostat setting and adjust it to a mid or higher setting if it is set too low. Excessive ice buildup in the freezer can block airflow, so completely defrost the fridge and check whether cooling improves. You should also inspect the door gasket by closing the door over a thin piece of paper; if the paper pulls out easily, the seal may not be tight enough and could be allowing cold air to escape. Make sure the refrigerator has sufficient ventilation and is not placed too close to a wall, as the condenser needs proper airflow to release heat. Avoid overloading the fridge because too much food can restrict internal air circulation. If there has been a recent power cut, allow the refrigerator around 20–30 minutes to stabilise before assessing its cooling performance.
Different refrigerator sounds can have different causes, and many are completely normal. A gentle humming sound usually indicates that the compressor is running, while soft gurgling or bubbling sounds can occur as refrigerant flows through the system. Light clicking may also be normal when the thermostat switches the compressor on or off. However, rattling or vibrating sounds may indicate that the refrigerator is not level, so adjust the base feet and check whether anything placed on top of the fridge is vibrating against it. If you hear persistent loud buzzing or grinding, it may indicate a problem and you should contact Akai India service. Similarly, if the refrigerator makes a clicking sound but the compressor does not start, it may indicate a compressor relay issue that requires professional service.
A damaged or loose door gasket can cause poor cooling performance and increase electricity consumption. You can check the seal by closing the refrigerator door over the edge of a thin piece of paper and then trying to pull it out. If the paper slides out easily, the seal may be weak at that point. Repeat this test around the entire perimeter of the door to check for other weak areas. If the gasket is dirty or has food residue or a sticky film on it, clean it with mild soap and a damp cloth, as this may help it seal properly again. If the gasket is cracked, damaged, or physically deformed, contact Akai India for assistance or a replacement under warranty.
No - never lay a refrigerator on its side during transport if avoidable. The compressor oil can flow into the refrigerant lines when tilted, which can cause serious damage when the fridge is switched on. If the fridge must be tilted during delivery, let it stand upright for at least 4–6 hours before switching it on after arrival. This allows the oil to settle back into the compressor.
For most Indian weather conditions, the ideal temperature for the refrigerator compartment is around 3°C to 5°C, which is suitable for storing vegetables, dairy products, and cooked food. The freezer compartment should generally be maintained between -15°C and -18°C for ice and frozen items. During peak summer months such as May and June, you may need to adjust the thermostat slightly to maintain the desired cooling, while in winter, you can reduce the setting slightly to help save energy. Avoid keeping the thermostat at the maximum setting continuously, as this can put unnecessary strain on the compressor.
If the LED light does not turn on when you open the refrigerator door, first check whether the fridge is properly plugged in and receiving power. You should also check the door switch, which is the small button inside the refrigerator that detects when the door is opened. Press the switch manually to see whether the light turns on, and if it appears dirty or stuck, clean the surrounding area carefully. If the light still does not work, the LED may require replacement, so contact Akai India service for assistance. If your refrigerator is within its 1-year comprehensive warranty period, the repair may be covered under the applicable warranty terms.
Strong food odours can linger inside a refrigerator, especially when storing spicy or fermented foods. To remove unpleasant smells, switch off the refrigerator and remove all food items before cleaning the interior. Wipe the inside of the fridge with a solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed with 1 litre of warm water. Clean the shelves and crisper drawer with the same solution, then rinse them with clean water and dry them completely. Make sure to clean the door gasket thoroughly, as food particles and residue can also cause odours. After cleaning, place an open box or small bowl of baking soda inside the running refrigerator to help absorb lingering smells. You can also use a small bowl of ground coffee or activated charcoal for odour absorption. To prevent future odours, store strongly spiced or aromatic foods in airtight containers.
Buying a refrigerator from the official Akai India website can provide the assurance of receiving a genuine product directly from the manufacturer, along with manufacturer warranty support. If the refrigerator arrives damaged, report the issue immediately after delivery and provide photographic evidence as required. Before accepting the delivery, carefully inspect the outer packaging for visible signs of severe damage. If the packaging is significantly damaged, make sure the condition is noted on the delivery receipt or acknowledgment before the delivery agent leaves. This documentation can be helpful when raising a delivery-related complaint or requesting assistance.

