What is the name of a drawer in a refrigerator: a complete guide to terminology and purpose

Have you ever wondered what the correct name is for that plastic box at the bottom of the refrigerator where carrots, apples or bags of herbs are stored? Or maybe you were confused by the unusual humidity-controlled compartment in the new model Samsung RB38T674CSR? In this article we will analyze all the official and everyday names of refrigerator pull-out elements - from classic vegetable containers to innovative freshness zones with antibacterial coating.

It turns out that These boxes not only have different names, but also a strict functional division. For example, in 90% of modern models with the No Frost system, the bottom drawer is intended exclusively for products with a high moisture content (vegetables, fruits), while the upper shelves are designed for dry products. And in premium refrigerators (for example Liebherr CNef 4815there are specialized compartments for wine, cheese or even fish - each with its own microclimate.

We analyzed the technical documentation of 15 popular brands (from Atlant to Bosch) and found that manufacturers use at least 7 different terms to refer to retractable elements. At the same time, in everyday life these names are often confused or simplified to “vegetable box”. Next is a detailed analysis with visual examples, a table of terms and tips on the correct use of each type of container.

Official names of drawers in the refrigerator

Let's start with the terminology that manufacturers use in instructions and catalogs. It is important to understand that the name of the box directly depends on its functional purpose and technical features (for example, the presence of a humidity regulator or ventilation holes).

Here are the main categories with examples from documentation:

• 🥕 Vegetable Drawer —the most common type. Designed for storing foods with high moisture content (cucumbers, lettuce, carrots). Often equipped with a humidity regulator (for example, in models LG GC-B247JLVQ).
• 🍎 Fruit Crisper - similar to vegetable container, but may have a perforated bottom for better air circulation. Found in refrigerators Indesit and Beko.
• 🧀 Fresh Zone / BioFresh - premium compartment with a separate cooling and humidity control system. Suitable for meat, fish, cheeses. Technology BioFresh from Liebherr maintains a temperature of 0...+3°C.
• 🍷 Wine Rack - drawer with bottle holders. Found in models with a height of 180 cm (for example, Samsung RF23A9671SG).
• 🥩 Meat/Fish Drawer - specialized compartment with antibacterial coating and low temperature. Most often located above vegetable boxes.
• 📦 Multi-Purpose Drawer —can be used for any products Atlant or Biryusa.
• ❄️ Drawer for freezing (Freezer Drawer) - a retractable element in the freezer. Sometimes equipped with a function SuperFreeze (for example, in Bosch KGE39AW25R).

It is interesting that in refrigerators Side-by-Side (with a vertical arrangement of chambers) drawers are often called shelves-baskets (Basket Shelves), even if they are made in the form of plastic containers. This is due to the design features: such drawers are mounted on guides and pulled out horizontally.

How to determine the type of drawer in your refrigerator?

If you are not sure which container is installed in your model, use these instructions:

1. Check the labelingOn the inside of the drawer or on the guides often. a pictogram is applied (for example, 🥕 for vegetables or 🍷 for wine).
2. Evaluate the location:
   • Bottom drawers (above the freezer) - usually vegetable/fruit.
   • Drawers in the middle of the main chamber - often freshness zones or meat compartments.
   • Drawers in the door - can be universal or for bottles.

Look at the regulators. The presence of a slider or button to control humidity (for example, Humidity Control) indicates freshness zone.

Look at the instructions. In the section Storage products or Organization of space there is usually a diagram with the names of all compartments.

In refrigerators with a system Total No Frost (for example, Haier C2F636CWG), drawers can have perforated walls for uniform distribution of cold air. This distinguishes them from classic containers with blank walls.

Table of correspondence of names by brand

Manufacturers often use unique terms for the same elements Below is a comparative table of the names of drawers in popular refrigerators. brands:

Please note that in refrigerators Side-by-Side from Samsung i LG instead of traditional boxes can be used pull-out shelves with high sides (Spill-Proof Shelves). They perform the same function, but are structurally different from classic containers.

⚠️ Attention: In some models Indesit i Ariston boxes for vegetables and fruits are not visually different, but have different perforations, by mixing them up, you will reduce the shelf life of food by 30-40%.

What is the difference between boxes in refrigerators with No. Frost and drip system?

The type of defrosting directly affects the design of the retractable elements:

Refrigerators with No Frost (or Full No Frost):

• 🌬️ Drawers have perforated walls for air circulation.
• 📉 The temperature is distributed evenly, so the compartments are often not specialized (you can store both vegetables and meat).
• 🔄 They are found pull-out shelves with ventilation holes instead of classic containers.

Refrigerators with drip system:

• 💧 Boxes sealed, without perforation to prevent condensation.
• 🥬 Vegetable containers are often equipped with humidity regulator (for example, in Biryusa 140).
• ❄️ The freezer uses plastic baskets with high sides to prevent food from falling out.

In models with Low Frost (for example, Gorenje RK 6292 AW) the freezer drawers have recesses for icewhich allows them to be used as trays for cubes.

Why in No Frost drawers with holes?

Perforation is needed for uniform circulation of cold air, which is removed from the evaporator. Without it, the products in the lower compartments could freeze, and in the upper compartments they could not be cooled enough.

Typical problems with drawers and their solutions

Even the most reliable containers can fail over time. Here are the most common malfunctions and ways to eliminate them:

1. The drawer does not slide out smoothly or jams

• 🧹 Cause: accumulation of dirt or ice on the guides.
• 🔧 Solution: remove the drawer, wash the guides warm water with soda (2 tablespoons per 1 liter). For models with No Frost use special lubricant for plastic guides (sold in spare parts stores).

2. Cracks or chips on the container

• ❄️ Cause: temperature difference (for example, if you place a hot pan nearby) or mechanical damage.
• 🛒 Solution: replacement of the drawer Atlant And Biryusa universal containers are suitable (article number 2401-000013 for a vegetable box).

3. Unpleasant odor from the box

• 🦠 Cause: growth of bacteria in microcracks in plastic.
• 🧼 Solution: wash the box with a solution of vinegar (1:1 with water) or use special tablets for deodorization (for example, Topperr 3104).

4. Condensation inside the container

• 💦 Cause: incorrect humidity adjustment or overloading with products.
• ⚙️ Solution: check the position of the regulator (if any) and reduce the amount of stored products by 20–30%.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with technology Twin Cooling Plus the freshness zone drawers have a separate evaporator. If this module breaks down, the container may become covered with frost - in this case it is required. professional repairs (replacing the evaporator will cost 5–7 thousand rubles).

How to use drawers correctly?

Even the most advanced container will not save food from spoilage if it is used incorrectly. Follow these recommendations:

For vegetable/fruit drawers:

• 🥬 Not. wash vegetables and fruits before storing - moisture accelerates rotting.
• 📦 Use perforated bags for greens (dill, parsley) - this will extend freshness up to 7 days.
• 🌡️ Adjust humidity: for leafy greens - high, for tomatoes and eggplants - medium.

For freshness zones (meat, fish, cheeses):

• 🥩 Store products in vacuum bags or containers with a lid.
• ❄️ Do not load the box more than 70% - this disrupts air circulation.
• 🕒 Store raw meat and fish for no longer than 2 days, even in the freshness zone.

For universal boxes:

• 📦 Separate products by type: for example, sauces in one corner, cheeses in the other.
• 🧊 Do not store liquids in them without a lid (risk of spillage on electronics).
• 🔄 Regularly (every 2 weeks) change the arrangement of products for uniform cooling.

In refrigerators with a function Holiday Mode (for example, Bosch KAN92VI30R), the temperature in the drawers is automatically increased up to +12...+15°C. Perishable products cannot be stored in this mode!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about drawers in the refrigerator

Can the drawers be washed in the dishwasher?

Depends on the material. Plastic containers of most brands (Atlant, Indesit) are washed by hand with warm water (max. +40°C). Drawers of premium models (Liebherr, Samsung) with antibacterial coating can be washed in the dishwasher at temperatures up to +50°C, but without aggressive detergents.

⚠️ Exception: drawers with electronic sensors (for example, in Samsung Family Hub) are washed only with damp water with a rag!

Why are the drawers in the freezer covered with ice, although the refrigerator is No Frost?

This can happen for three reasons:

1. The ventilation grill is closed (check if it is blocked by food).
2. Faulty defrost heater (diagnostics required).
3. Frequent opening of the door in conditions of high humidity (for example, in a kitchen without a hood).

B models No Frost ice on the drawers is malfunction signaland not a normal phenomenon.

Is it possible to replace a broken drawer with a non-original one?

Yes, but with caveats:

• 🔄 For budget models (Atlant, Biryusa) universal boxes are suitable (for example, from PlastProduct).
• ⚠️ In premium refrigerators (Liebherr, Miele) non-original containers can disrupt circulation air.
• 📏 The main thing is the coincidence of sizes and type of guides (roller or telescopic).

The cost of an original drawer for Samsung RB37J5240SS is about 2,500 rubles, a universal analogue - from 800 rubles.

How to eliminate the creaking of a drawer?

Try these methods:

1. Clean the guides from dirt with a toothbrush.
2. Apply food-grade silicone grease (not technical oil!).
3. Check whether the rollers are deformed (in models with roller guides).
4. If the drawer sag, adjust the height of the guides (in some models Bosch this can be done without tools).

If the creaking does not disappear, the plastic bushings may wear out. In this case, replacement of the guides is required (the price of the set is from 1,200 rubles).

What is the difference between drawers in Side-by-Side refrigerators and classic models?

Main differences:

Parameter	Classic refrigerator	Side-by-Side
Design	Plastic containers on guides	Pull-out shelves with high sides (Spill-Proof Shelves)
Material	Polystyrene or polypropylene	Impact-resistant plastic with metal guides
Functionality	Specialized compartments (vegetables, meat)	Universal shelves (height can be adjusted)
Capacity	2-3 drawers of 15-20 each l	4–5 shelves of 10–12 l each

Drawers are often equipped with Side-by-Side drawers are often equipped automatic closer (close softly with a slight push).