Modern kitchen appliances have ceased to be just a set of shelves for cooling food, but have turned into a complex system for maintaining food freshness. Having encountered an incomprehensible term in the instructions or on the control panel, the user is often at a loss. One of these mysterious designations was multi use drawer an option that is found in many models, but not everyone knows how to use it correctly. If you are wondering what it is, then this article will help you understand the nuances.
The literal translation from English suggests that it is a “reusable box,” but in the context of refrigeration equipment the meaning is much deeper. We are talking about a special zone that can change its temperature or operating mode depending on your current needs. This is a versatile compartment that can transform from a freshness area to a freezer or wine cellar. Understanding the operating principles of this element allows you to significantly expand the functionality of a household appliance.
Equipment owners often ignore additional features, using the box only as an ordinary shelf. This approach does not allow you to unlock the potential of the device and save energy. Multi use drawer is an engineering solution designed to optimize the storage of different groups of products without the need to open the main freezer. Let's take a closer look at how this system works and what advantages it provides in everyday life.
The principle of operation of a universal drawer
The main idea is to isolate the internal volume of the compartment from the main chamber of the refrigerator. Inside the structure there is a separate evaporator or damper that regulates the flow of cold air. This allows you to maintain a temperature different from the general one in the refrigerator compartment. Depending on the model, control can be mechanical or electronic, via a touch panel.
The technology allows you to create a microclimate ideal for specific types of products. For example, meat requires a lower temperature than vegetables, but higher than deep freezing. The system air circulation in this compartment is configured to minimize temperature fluctuations when the door is opened. This is especially important for delicate products that are sensitive to thermal shock.
Some manufacturers are introducing a system Flex Zone, which is an analogue or an improved version of the standard multi use drawer. In such models, the temperature range can vary from -23°C to +3°C. This turns an ordinary drawer into a full-fledged additional freezer as needed. Control is often carried out through an application on a smartphone or a display on the door.
⚠️ Attention: When switching the drawer operating mode to lower temperatures (freezing mode), do not load room temperature products into it. This will place excess load on the compressor and may lead to a temporary increase in temperature in the main compartment.
Main modes and their purpose
The functionality of the box is determined by the available modes, which may vary between brands. Most often, the user is offered a choice from several presets (preset settings). Each mode is optimized for certain groups of goods, providing them with maximum shelf life.
- 🥩 Meat & Fish (Meat and fish): Sets the temperature to about -1...-3°C, which prevents fibers from freezing, but stops the growth of bacteria.
- 🍷 Wine: Maintains a stable temperature of about +5...+7°C and minimizes vibrations, which is critical for storing noble drinks.
- 🧊 Soft Freeze: Lowers the temperature to -5...-7°C, allowing you to store food in a state convenient for immediate cutting without defrosting.
- 🥬 Veggie (Vegetables): Increases humidity and keeps the temperature around +1...+3°C, preventing wilting of greens and fruits.
Using the correct mode directly affects the taste. For example, storing meat in the Soft Freeze mode allows you to cut it into the thinnest slices immediately after removal, which is impossible with deep freezing. At the same time, the wine mode protects the cork from drying out, preserving the aroma of the drink. It is important not to confuse these settings, since storing vegetables at sub-zero temperatures will lead to their spoilage.
In advanced models you can find the Party Mode or Cool Plusmode. They are designed to quickly cool large quantities of drinks or snacks before guests arrive. In this case, the drawer operates at maximum power, ignoring standard defrost cycles. After use, it is recommended to return to the standard settings so as not to overfreeze the products.
Instructions for setup and use
To activate the desired mode, you must contact the control panel, which can be located inside the refrigerator compartment or on the outer door. Depending on the interface, the steps may vary. The process usually takes a few seconds and does not require special skills. The main thing is to clearly understand what result you want to get.
Consider a typical algorithm of actions for electronic models:
- Press the button
Flex ZoneorMulti Useon the control panel. - Use the buttons
+and-or touch slider to select the temperature. - Confirm the selection if the system requires confirmation (sometimes the setting is applied automatically after 3-5 seconds).
- Wait for a sound signal or a change in the display confirming the mode change.
In some In cases such as when switching from refrigerator to freezer mode, it may take time for the temperature to stabilize. This usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. During this period, it is not recommended to load the box with products. If you use a mechanical control, the switch may be located inside the drawer itself, often hidden behind a decorative panel.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the drawer
Comparison of food storage modes
To better understand the capabilities of your device, it is useful to have a summary table of parameters on hand. It will help you quickly determine where it is best to put the purchased products. Different temperatures are required for a reason - biochemical processes in products occur at different speeds depending on degrees Celsius.
| Product type | Recommended mode | Temperature | Shelf life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh meat | Meat / Soft Freeze | -3°C ... 0°C | up to 7 days |
| Vegetables and herbs | Veggie / Fresh | +1°C ... +4°C | up to 14 days |
| Wine and drinks | Wine | +5°C ... +12°C | months |
| Semi-finished products | Freeze / Deep | -18°C ... -23°C | up to 3 months |
Please note that shelf life is approximate and depends on the initial freshness of the product. Mode Deep Freeze (deep freezing) actually turns the box into part of the freezer. This is convenient when you need to prepare a large amount of seasonal berries or meat. However, for daily use of meat, soft freezing is better suited, preserving the fiber structure.
Why can’t everything be stored in one mode?
Different products emit ethylene and require different humidity. If you put fruit in the meat mode, it will freeze. If meat is put in the vegetable mode, it will quickly spoil due to high humidity and temperature.
Energy efficiency and space saving
Use multi use drawer can have a positive effect on your electricity bills. Instead of keeping the entire freezer full when you only need to freeze a couple of bags, you use a small drawer capacity. This reduces heat loss when opening the main freezer door. A smaller volume of cold air is evaporated, and it is easier for the compressor to restore the temperature.
In addition, this is a solution to the problem of lack of space. During holiday periods or after large purchases, the main refrigerator may be full. A universal box becomes a lifesaver, taking on excess food. You can temporarily reconfigure it for storing drinks or snacks, freeing up the main shelves for everyday food.
Modern models are equipped with improved insulation box walls. This prevents heat exchange between compartments at different temperatures. Even if it is -20°C in the box, and +4°C in the refrigerator, the walls remain dry and do not freeze through, which protects neighboring products from damage by cold. This is especially true for glass shelves and plastic containers.
Typical errors during operation
Despite the ease of use, users often make mistakes that reduce the efficiency of the equipment. One of the most common is setting the deep freeze mode for products with a high water content in open containers. This can lead to rupture of the packaging or deformation of the container due to expansion of the liquid when freezing.
- ❄️ Overflow: Loading the box to capacity blocks air circulation. The cold is not distributed evenly and the food in the center may spoil.
- 🌡️ Frequent changes of modes: Sudden temperature changes are harmful to the compressor. You should not change the settings from negative to positive values several times a day.
- 🧼 Ignoring cleaning: When storing vegetables or meat in the box, bacteria can multiply. Regular washing is required, as odors can be absorbed into the plastic.
It is also worth remembering the compatibility of the packaging. Not all plastic containers are designed to withstand freezing temperatures. When switching the box to mode Freeze make sure that the container used is marked as frost-resistant. Otherwise, the container may crack, damaging the contents and insides of the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: If you switched the drawer to freezing mode, check whether it is blocking the air duct outlet of the main chamber. In some models, with certain settings, the damper may partially block the air flow, which will lead to an increase in temperature in the main compartment.
Technical features and maintenance
Structurally multi use drawer is a complex unit. In addition to the standard rails, it is equipped with additional temperature sensors and possibly a separate fan. Caring for this element requires attention. The guides should be periodically lubricated with food-grade silicone grease if they begin to creak or jam, especially at low temperatures, when the plastic becomes more brittle.
When defrosting the refrigerator (if the model is not No Frost), this drawer requires special attention. Ice can form in the cracks between the drawer and the cabinet. Never use sharp objects to chip away at the ice inside this compartment, as thin refrigerant pipes or sensor wires may pass through there. Mechanical damage will lead to expensive repairs.
If you notice that the drawer has stopped holding the temperature or the indicator is blinking, this may indicate a faulty sensor or damper. In such cases, it is recommended to perform a factory reset. To do this, you usually need to hold down the settings button for 10-15 seconds. If the problem persists, a specialist will need to diagnose it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to keep the multi use drawer constantly on in freezer mode?
Yes, this is permissible. The design is designed for long-term operation at low temperatures. However, make sure that the surrounding food in the main compartment will not be damaged by the cold, and check the instructions for operating time restrictions in extreme modes.
Why does condensation or frost form in the drawer?
This may occur due to frequent opening of the door, loose closure, or storing food with an exposed surface (for example, a pot of soup). Also, the cause may be a malfunction of the seal or moisture removal system.
Does the operation of a multi use drawer affect the noise of the refrigerator?
In active freezing mode or when an additional fan is operating, the noise level may increase slightly. This is normal. If the noise becomes loud or vibration appears, check that the refrigerator is installed firmly and that there are no foreign objects behind it.
What to do if the drawer stops cooling after changing the mode?
Give the system time (up to 2 hours) to stabilize the temperature. If cooling does not start, check if the air duct is blocked by food. Also try unplugging the refrigerator for 10 minutes to reboot the electronics.