The modern refrigerator has long ceased to be just a freezer with a shelf for milk. Engineers from a German company revolutionized the food storage industry by introducing technology. Many users still confuse a regular shelf with a zero zone or think that the temperature difference between the compartments is insignificant. In fact, it is the correct use of special compartments that allows you to extend the life of products several times. Liebherr revolutionized the food storage industry by introducing technology BioFresh. Many users still confuse a regular shelf with a zero zone or think that the temperature difference between the compartments is insignificant. In fact, it is the correct use of special compartments that allows you to extend the life of products several times.
In this article we will analyze in detail what the freshness zone is in the appliances of this brand, how it differs from the standard refrigerator compartment and how to configure it for maximum effect. You will find out why the meat does not turn gray and the salad remains crisp even a week after purchase. Understanding the operating principles of this unit will help you avoid spoilage of expensive products and save your family budget.
The main secret lies in strict control of two parameters: temperature and humidity. In a regular refrigerator compartment, air circulates freely, which leads to rapid drying of vegetables or, conversely, to the appearance of condensation on meat. The freshness zone Liebherr is isolated from the main volume, creating ideal conditions for each type of organic matter. Microclimate the inside of the drawers is maintained no matter how many times you open the main door.
The principle of operation of BioFresh technology
The technology BioFresh is based on dividing space into two independent climatic zones with different humidity levels. Cold air is supplied to these compartments through separate channels, bypassing the main chamber, where the humidity constantly fluctuates. This allows you to maintain a temperature close to 0°C, but does not allow the water inside the food cells to freeze.
Inside the refrigerator compartment there are drawers that are hermetically sealed. Depending on the model, the control can be mechanical (slider) or electronic. The key difference from the usual “zero zones” of competitors is the accuracy of maintaining parameters: temperature fluctuations do not exceed 0.1 degrees. This is critically important for biochemical processes that slow down cell aging.
The system also takes into account heat exchange If you place warm food in the drawer, the sensors can temporarily increase cooling to quickly return the environment to set values. However, you should not abuse this and load it hot - this creates extra load on the compressor. Correct operation of the system ensures energy saving and the durability of the unit.
Technical detail
How are different humidity levels achieved?: Inside the BioFresh drawers there are special dampers and holes. In areas with high humidity, the holes are closed and the water evaporated by the food remains inside the box. In low humidity areas, the damper is open, allowing excess moisture to escape, which prevents rot.
Drawer types: HydroBreeze and SmartSteel
Not all drawers in refrigerators Liebherr are the same. The manufacturer has developed two main types of containers, each of which is intended for specific product groups. It is not recommended to confuse them, as this can lead to the opposite effect - accelerated deterioration of the contents.
The first type is boxes HydroBreeze (previously known as Fruit & Vegetable). They are designed for storing plant foods: fruits, vegetables, herbs. These containers maintain humidity around 90-95%. The bottom of such boxes often has a corrugated structure or special channels for air circulation, which prevents the formation of mold even in high humidity.
The second type is boxes SmartSteel (formerly Meat & Fish). They are made of stainless steel or coated with an antibacterial composition. Here the humidity is maintained at 50%. This is necessary for meat, fish, sausages and cheeses. If you place meat in a humid environment, it will quickly begin to slide and become covered in mucus. Steel walls also help to quickly remove heat from products.
| Parameter | HydroBreeze (Vegetables/Fruits) | SmartSteel (Meat/Fish) |
|---|---|---|
| Humidity | High (~90%) | Low (~50%) |
| Temperature | about +1..+3°C | about -1..+1°C |
| Material | Plastic with perforation | Stainless steel |
| Shelf life | Up to 3 times longer than usual | Up to 3 times longer than usual |
Setting temperature and humidity
Managing the freshness zone parameters depends on the series of your refrigerator. In models with electronic control EasyTouch or SmartDeviceBox settings are made through the display on the door or through an application on a smartphone. In simpler models, a mechanical slider regulator is used, located inside the box itself or above it.
For mechanical regulators, a simple rule applies: the “Min” position or the fruit icon means maximum humidity (for vegetables). The "Max" position or fish/meat icon indicates minimum humidity. If you store mainly cheese and sausage, the control should be set towards dry mode. Do not forget that changing the settings does not take effect instantly, but within several hours.
The temperature here is always above zero (or slightly lower, but without the formation of ice in the products). If you notice that the lettuce leaves are frozen to the walls, it means that the temperature is set too low, or the drawer is overloaded, which interferes with air circulation. In this case, it is necessary to increase the temperature.
Shelf life of various products
The use of technology BioFresh dramatically changes the shelf life of products. What will last two days in a regular refrigerator can remain fresh here for a week or more. However, these periods depend on the original quality of the product at the time of loading.
Meat products such as fresh beef or pork in a SmartSteel box retain their color and structure for up to 6-8 days. It is better to use minced meat within 3-4 days, since the area of contact with air is higher. Fish, especially fatty fish, retains its properties for up to 5 days, without acquiring the unpleasant smell of “old age.”
Vegetables and fruits behave differently in the HydroBreeze zone. Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach) remain crisp for up to 10-12 days. The berries can sit for up to a week without mold forming. However, there are foods that do not like high humidity even in a cool place - for example, mushrooms or some types of exotic fruits.
- 🥩 Fresh meat (in pieces) - up to 8 days.
- 🐟 Sea fish - up to 5 days.
- 🥬 Leafy greens - up to 12 days.
- 🍓 Berries and soft fruits - up to 7 days.
- 🧀 Hard cheeses - up to 15 days.
⚠️ Attention: Shelf life is indicated for products that were fresh at the time of purchase. If you put meat in the refrigerator that has already been in the store for two days, the freshness zone will not restore it, but will only slow down further decomposition.
Rules for loading and placing products
The effectiveness of the freshness zone directly depends on how you pack and place the products. The main mistake users make is storing it in original plastic packaging. Bags from the supermarket are often sealed, which creates a “greenhouse effect” inside and promotes the growth of bacteria, even in the cold.
It is better to store meat and fish in open containers or in special containers with access to air, or use a vacuum sealer. Vacuuming in combination with a zone SmartSteel gives the best result, increasing the shelf life several times. Vegetables and fruits, on the contrary, are best kept in perforated bags or simply in bulk so that they “breathe.”
Do not fill the boxes to capacity. Cold air should circulate between the products. If the box is packed tightly, the center temperature may be higher than the sides, causing localized spoilage. Also make sure that the products do not touch the back wall of the box where the evaporator is located - the temperature there may be below zero.
☑️ Correct loading of the box
Care, cleaning and maintenance
The freshness zone requires regular care, even if visually it seems clean. Residues from berries or meat juices can get into drainage holes or seals, becoming a source of odor and bacteria. Cleaning should be done at least once a month.
For washing, use warm water with a mild detergent or soda solution. Aggressive chemicals, abrasive sponges and chlorine-containing products are prohibited - they can damage the antibacterial coating of SmartSteel boxes or make the plastic brittle. After washing, be sure to wipe all surfaces dry.
Pay special attention to the rubber seals on the drawer lids. Dirt can accumulate in the folds, which breaks the seal. If the seal is broken, BioFresh technology stops working effectively and the humidity in the drawers is compared to the overall humidity of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Never wash glass shelves and plastic drawers with hot water immediately after removing them from the refrigerator. A sharp temperature change can lead to the formation of microcracks or complete destruction of the material. Let the parts warm up to room temperature.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that products in the freshness zone begin to deteriorate faster than usual or, conversely, freeze. Most often, the reason lies in incorrect setting of the humidity regulator or overloading of the compartment. It is also worth checking the tightness of the drawer closure.
If you hear gurgling or see droplets of water on the front wall of the drawer, this may indicate a clogged drainage channel. Some models require cleaning a special hole in the back of the refrigerator compartment. If the problem is not solved by simple cleaning, the temperature sensor or damper may be faulty.
Models with electronics may experience temperature display errors. In this case, rebooting the refrigerator helps: unplug the appliance for 10-15 minutes, then turn it on again. If the indicators continue to light or flash, contact the service center.
Is it possible to freeze food in the freshness zone?
No, the BioFresh zone is not intended for freezing. The temperature there is maintained around 0°C. If you put meat there to freeze, it will remain soft, but the bacteria will not be completely destroyed, and the product will spoil faster than in the freezer at -18°C.
Why did the vegetables in the HydroBreeze box become limp?
Most likely, the seal of the box is broken or the humidity regulator is incorrectly set (too little moisture). Also check if the vegetables are lying next to fruits that emit ethylene (for example, apples), which accelerates the withering of the greens.
How to understand that the BioFresh drawer is not completely closed?
In modern models Liebherr there is a sound signal or light indication on the display. In mechanical models, visually check the gap: the drawer should fit tightly, without distortion. Loose closure leads to the formation of ice inside the drawer.
Is it necessary to defrost the freshness zone separately?
No, the freshness zone is defrosted automatically along with the main refrigerator compartment in the NoFrost mode or during scheduled defrosting. No separate actions are required unless you are doing general cleaning.