In everyday life, we rarely think about the exact name of the elements of the internal space of the refrigerator. For most users, these are simply “shelves” or “drawers” where products are stored. However, when the need arises for repairs, part replacement or deep cleaning, it turns out that the terminology is much richer and more specific. Understanding what the drawer in the refrigerator is called helps you more accurately formulate a query in a search engine when ordering spare parts or quickly find the necessary information in the instructions.
The internal layout of modern refrigeration equipment is the result of many years of engineering development aimed at optimizing air circulation and preserving food freshness. Each structural element has its own functional purpose and technical name. For example, what we are accustomed to consider a simple plastic tray, in the language of engineers can be called evaporator (in older models), container, tray or box module. Knowing these differences is critical when selecting components.
The wrong part name often leads to the user ordering an unsuitable spare part that does not physically fit into place due to differences in fastenings or dimensions. In this article, we will examine in detail the anatomy of the interior of a refrigerator, classify the types of containers and discuss the materials from which they are made. This will allow you to become a more competent user of complex household appliances.
Terminology and classification of containers
The most common household name is “box”. However, in the technical documentation of manufacturers, such as Liebherr, Bosch or LG, this element is most often designated as container or pull-out tray. The main difference lies in the design: the container, as a rule, has a solid shape and is inserted into the guides, while the tray can be part of a more complex zoning system.
In models with the system No Frost lower containers often play the role of temperature stabilizers. They accumulate cold and release it when the door is briefly opened. In such cases, in spare parts catalogs you can find the term “heat storage box”. It is important to understand that, despite the variety of names, functionally this is a single storage element, but their design can differ radically.
Classification is made according to several key parameters:
- 🧊 Location: lower (main), middle (for vegetables), upper (for small items).
- 🔧 Mounting type: on telescopic guides, on skids, free-standing.
- 🌡️ Functional: standard, with humidity control, vacuum, freshness zones.
It is worth noting that in a professional environment Repairers often use the term "trough" when referring to the solid plastic piece that combines the floor and bottom of the chamber in older models. Modern solutions strive for modularity, where each compartment is an independent unit.
Manufacture materials and their properties
The durability of the internal filling of the refrigerator directly depends on the polymers used. The main material for the production of boxes and containers is ABS plastic. It is a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene, which is characterized by high impact resistance and chemical resistance. It is thanks to ABS plastic that modern shelves can withstand significant weight loads and temperature changes.
⚠️ Attention: Acrylic glass (polymethylmethyl methacrylate) used for shelves and ABS plastic of drawers have different coefficients of thermal expansion. Do not try to wash them in the dishwasher at temperatures above 45°C, as this may lead to deformation and microcracks.
Polystyrene may be found in budget models or older refrigerators. This material is more fragile and prone to cracks upon impact or sudden cooling. It can be difficult to determine the type of plastic visually, but polystyrene often has a more glossy, “glassy” sheen and produces a characteristic ringing sound when tapped, while ABS plastic sounds more dull.
For elements in contact with food, manufacturers are required to use food-grade plastics that do not emit toxic substances. High-quality polypropylene retains its properties in a wide range of temperatures, from deep freezing to room temperature. Cheap analogues can become brittle when subjected to strong cooling, which leads to chipped corners and broken guides.
Design features and storage systems
The evolution of refrigeration chambers has led to the emergence of complex storage systems that go beyond simple rectangular boxes. In modern premium models you can find telescopic guideswhich allow you to extend the container completely, providing access to all products without having to bend inside the chamber.
Particular attention is paid to freshness zones. Their drawers are often equipped with special humidity regulators. The mechanism can be a damper that blocks air access, or a special membrane. Such elements are called hydrators or humidity controllers. They allow you to adapt storage conditions to a specific type of product: high humidity for vegetables and low humidity for fruits.
Below is a comparative table of types of drawer designs depending on the class of the refrigerator:
| Construction type | Guide material | Characteristic feature | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Plastic runners | Extension to 70-80% | Budget models |
| Telescopic | Coated metal | Full extension 100% | Medium and high class |
| Vacuum | Reinforced metal | Sealed lid | Premium segment |
| Modular | Combined | Possibility of rearrangement | Multi-Zone system |
An important design element is also the dividers inside the box itself. They can be removable or built-in. Some models Samsung and Whirlpool use systems that allow you to transform the space of one large container into several small compartments for sorting products.
Operation problems and typical malfunctions
The most common problem faced by refrigerator owners is the breakdown of guides or "ears" of fastening. Plastic loses its elasticity over time, especially if the refrigerator has been frequently defrosted using hot objects or aggressive chemicals. As a result, the box stops moving out normally or falls out of the grooves when fully loaded.
Another common issue is the appearance of cracks at the bottom of the container. This often happens when placing heavy frozen foods (meat, fish) directly on the plastic bottom without additional containers. Point pressure from the sharp corners of frozen briquettes leads to a violation of the integrity of the structure polymer.
- ❄️ Cloudiness of the plastic: Arises from contact with fats and acids that were not washed off in time.
- 🔨 Mechanical chips: Result careless operation or impact with heavy objects.
- 🦠 The appearance of mold: In hard-to-reach corners and under removable elements where condensation accumulates.
⚠️ Attention: If you find a crack on the box, do not try to seal it with regular glue. Most household adhesives do not hold up (low temperatures) and can be toxic. Use only specialized food grade sealants or consider replacing the part.
It is also worth mentioning the problem of unpleasant odors that are absorbed into the porous structure of cheap plastic. Unlike glass or metal, plastic tends to absorb the odors of fish, onions or spices, and it is extremely difficult to remove them from there even with the help of folk remedies.
Rules for the care and cleaning of internal elements
To maintain the neat appearance and hygiene of the refrigerator compartment, it is necessary to regularly clean the drawers. The optimal frequency is once every 1-2 months. For washing, it is best to use warm water with a mild detergent or baking soda solution. Abrasive powders and hard brushes are strictly prohibited, as they leave micro-scratches in which bacteria will subsequently multiply.
The cleaning process should be carried out outside the refrigeration chamber. The drawers must be removed, rinsed under running water and allowed to dry completely at room temperature. It is critically important not to insert wet drawers back into a working refrigerator, since a sharp temperature change can lead to deformation of the plastic and the formation of ice.
☑️ Checklist proper washing of drawers
To remove stubborn stains or yellowness, you can use a weak solution of citric acid. It helps break down fat deposits and refresh the color of the plastic. After treating with any chemical, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the part to prevent chemical residues from getting on the products.
Replacement and selection of components
If a drawer in the refrigerator breaks or becomes unusable, the question of replacing it arises. Finding an original replacement part can be difficult, especially for discontinued models. In this case, you need to know the exact name of the refrigerator model, which is usually indicated on a sticker inside the chamber or on the back wall.
When ordering spare parts, pay attention not only to the external similarity, but also to the geometry of the seats. Even a millimeter deviation in the location of the guides can make installation impossible. Universal boxes exist, but they require fitting and, possibly, modification of the seat.
In some cases, it makes sense to contact specialized service centers, where they can offer not only original parts, but also high-quality analogues from third-party manufacturers, which often cost less, but are not inferior in quality.
Where to look for the part number?
The article number is usually stamped on the inside of the box or on the end. Look for a combination of numbers and letters that are cast. If the markings are erased, use the VIN code or full model number of the refrigerator to search in spare parts catalogues.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can refrigerator drawers be washed in the dishwasher?
Manufacturers do not recommend this. The temperature of the water in the dishwasher may exceed the permissible temperature for plastic (usually 40-45°C), which will lead to deformation. In addition, aggressive detergents can damage the structure of the material.
How to replace a broken box if the original cannot be found?
You can look for universal containers of a suitable size in household goods stores or order the production of a plastic box according to individual sizes in workshops engaged in laser cutting and flexible plastic.
Why Do the drawers in the refrigerator turn yellow over time?
The yellowness of plastic is the result of oxidation of the material under the influence of light, air and contact with fats. This process is irreversible, but it can be slowed down by regularly wiping the surfaces with a citric acid solution or special plastic care products.
What is the correct name for the glass shelf on which the drawer sits?
Technically, it is a “refrigerator shelf” or “glass shelf.” If it has a metal edge, it is called a “profile shelf”. In some models, the drawer and the shelf above it form a single module, called a “balcony” or “cassette”.
Is it safe to use a refrigerator if the plastic drawer is broken?
It is possible to use a refrigerator, but it is not advisable. The sharp edges of cracked plastic can cut your hands, and the cracks can trap food and bacteria that can be difficult to clean out. In addition, violation of the integrity of the box can impair air circulation in the chamber.