Today, we’re going to talk about one of the most underrated features of your refrigerator: the crisper drawers. These nifty little compartments are designed to keep your produce fresh and crisp for longer, but they can be a bit confusing to use. So, let’s dive into the world of crisper drawers and learn how to use them like a pro!
How to Use Crisper Drawers the Right Way
First things first, let’s talk about the different settings on your crisper drawer. Most refrigerators have two crisper drawers, each with a humidity control slider. These sliders control the amount of moisture in the compartment, which affects how quickly your produce will ripen.
If you’re storing fruits and vegetables that like high humidity (like leafy greens or berries), set the slider to high. For produce that prefers low humidity (like apples or avocados), set the slider to low. If you’re not sure which setting to use, consult the user manual for your refrigerator or do a quick Google search.
What Foods Go in the Crisper Drawer?
Now that you know how to adjust the humidity on your crisper drawers, let’s talk about what kinds of foods you should be putting in there. Generally speaking, crisper drawers are best for storing fruits and vegetables that are high in moisture. This includes things like:
- Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale)
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes)
- Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe)
- Apples and pears
These types of produce are prone to wilting or rotting quickly if they’re not stored properly, so the high humidity environment of the crisper drawer can help keep them fresh for longer.
How to Adjust Refrigerator Crisper Drawers
If you’re finding that your produce is still wilting or going bad quickly even with the crisper drawers set to the correct humidity level, it may be time to adjust the drawers themselves. Here’s how to do it:
- Empty the crisper drawers and remove them from the refrigerator.
- Locate the sliders on the front of each drawer and remove them by gently pulling upwards.
- Check the rollers on the back of the drawer to make sure they’re clean and moving smoothly. If they’re dirty or sticky, clean them with a damp cloth. For more detailed instructions, check out our complete refrigerator cleaning guide!
- Reinsert the sliders into the drawer and snap them into place.
- Slide the drawers back into the refrigerator and test them to make sure they’re moving smoothly.
Why Is the Crisper Drawer Freezing Food?
If you’re finding that your produce is freezing in the crisper drawer, there are a few possible causes. First, check the temperature setting on your refrigerator. If it’s set too low, the entire refrigerator (including the crisper drawers) may be too cold.
Another possible cause is a blocked air vent. Your refrigerator has an air vent that allows cold air to circulate throughout the appliance. If this vent becomes blocked by food or other items, the cold air can get trapped in the crisper drawer and freeze your produce.
Finally, check the humidity setting on your crisper drawer. If it’s set too low, the produce in the drawer may be giving off too much moisture, which can freeze and cause ice buildup.
Using your crisper drawers properly can help keep your produce fresh and delicious for longer. Remember to adjust the humidity setting based on the type of produce you’re storing, and check the temperature and air vents in your refrigerator if you’re experiencing freezing issues.
And of course, if you’re having trouble with your refrigerator or any of its components, don’t hesitate to call in the fridge repair professionals at Cody’s Appliance Repair!
