How to Use a Refrigerator Crisper Drawer

Most refrigerators come with a convenient crisper drawer — a space typically at the bottom of the bridge that keeps your food fresh longer. Some people even purchase extra ones if they have the habit of buying more fresh food. Before using your crisper drawer, it’s important to understand how the drawer functions and what you can store in the area. Keep reading to learn how a crisper drawer works and how to organize it best. 

How Does a Crisper Drawer Work?

Crisper drawers are sealed off from the rest of the fridge and have a lower or higher humidity compared to the rest of the fridge. Some refrigerators have multiple crisper drawers with pre-set humidity levels, while others allow you to set your desired humidity. Adjusting humidity is simple - if you need high humidity, there's a small vent at the rear of the drawer that closes, sealing the drawer. If you need lower humidity, the vent opens, allowing some moisture to escape. The tougher part is considering what to store in the crisper drawer and which level of humidity you need for various types of fresh food.

What to Store in a Crisper Drawer?

Any kind of food can be stored in a crisper drawer if there's a need for some extra space. However, a crisper drawer always works better if it’s used to store fresh food. If a lot of your fresh food goes bad quickly and ends up in the trash, a crisper drawer is the solution. Before placing all of the food in crisper drawers, keep in mind that there are various humidity settings. Make sure you always remember that different food items need different humidity levels.

High Humidity Crisper Drawer

Many vegetables that go bad quickly — like leafy greens and some fruits — tend to wilt over time, which is why they should be kept in a high humidity crisper drawer. These foods don’t emit much gas while stored but lose moisture. Therefore, a high humidity crisper drawer will keep vegetables fresh longer. Foods like carrots, lettuce, strawberries, cucumbers, and broccoli should always be kept in a high humidity crisper drawer.

Low Humidity Crisper Drawer

A low humidity crisper drawer is reserved for produce that rots as it ages. Foods like fruits don’t lose moisture easily but produce gasses as they degrade. The vent in the crisper drawer lets those gasses escape, helping food stay fresh longer. Some common items for a low humidity crisper drawer are peaches, apples, pears, avocados, and grapes.

Maximizing the Efficiency of Your Crisper Drawer

A crisper drawer, whether low or high humidity, works better if it’s not completely full. If your food still goes bad despite following the instructions above, the reason is probably the low capacity of your crisper drawers. To maximize efficiency, rotate foods, bringing older ones to the front.

The Importance of Humidity Control in Your Refrigerator

Maintaining the proper humidity level in your refrigerator is essential for keeping your food fresh. Different types of food require specific humidity settings to prevent spoilage. Remember, high humidity crisper drawers are ideal for storing leafy vegetables and fresh herbs, while low humidity drawers are better suited for fruits like apples and pears. Utilizing the correct humidity settings can significantly reduce food waste, help your refrigerator last, and keep your produce fresher for longer.

Common Refrigerator Problems and Solutions

Refrigerators, whether built-in or freestanding, can encounter various issues that affect their performance. Common problems include food freezing in the crisper drawer, malfunctioning ice makers, and broken refrigerator doors. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser coils and ensuring proper humidity settings, can help prevent these problems. For more complex issues, seeking professional appliance repair services is recommended — specifically refrigerator repair services. At Town Appliance, we offer comprehensive refrigerator installation and removal services to get your appliance running smoothly.

Tips for Using Your Crisper Drawer Effectively

• Keep It Clean: Regularly clean your crisper drawer to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
• Organize by Humidity Needs: Store vegetables in the high humidity drawer and fruits in the low humidity drawer to keep their freshness. Monitor the temperature of your fridge to ensure nothing freezes.
• Avoid Overloading: Don’t overfill your crisper drawer, as overcrowding can reduce airflow and cause spoilage.
• Rotate Your Produce: Place older items at the front and new items at the back to ensure nothing goes to waste.