Drawers in the refrigerator: what are they for and how to use each correctly zone

A refrigerator is not just a box for cooling food, but a complex system with well-thought-out storage areas. Each drawer and shelf has its own purpose, optimized for certain types of products. But how many people wonder why there are usually pull-out containers at the bottom and small shelves on the door? Or why do some models have separate compartments with controlled humidity?

Wrong placement of products can lead to spoilage, loss of taste, or even the growth of bacteria. For example, storing meat on the top shelf instead of the box intended for this, it accelerates the development of microbes, and fruits in sealed containers begin to emit ethylene, which causes neighboring vegetables to spoil faster. In this article we will look at which drawers in the refrigerator are responsible for the safety of specific products and how their correct use saves up to 30% of food from premature spoilage.

Types of drawers in the refrigerator: a brief overview

Modern refrigerators are divided into zones depending on temperature i humidity. Even budget models have at least 3 types of drawers, and premium ones (for example, Liebherr BioFresh or Samsung Twin Cooling Plus) can have up to 6-8. Here are the main types:

• 🥬 Boxes for vegetables and fruits —usually located at the bottom, with adjustable humidity.
• 🥩 Freshness zone (0°C) —for meat, fish, dairy products (found in models s No Frost i Low Frost).
• 🧀 Compartments on the door — for drinks, sauces, eggs and products with a short shelf life.
• ❄️ Freezer compartment —may have pull-out baskets or shelves for separate storage.
• 🥛 Special containers —for cheeses, sausages, herbs (found in premium refrigerators).

It is important to understand that the temperature in the refrigerator is distributed unevenlythe coldest zone is at the back wall (usually +2...+4°C), and the warmest is on the door (+6...+10°C). This affects which products should be placed where.

Drawers for vegetables and fruits: why are they at the bottom?

Drawers in the lower part of the refrigerator is not an accident, but the result of engineering calculations. The temperature is maintained here (+4...+6°C), which slows down the withering of greens and prevents root vegetables from drying out. But not all products can be stored together! optimal humidity (80–95%) and temperature (+4...+6°C), which slows down the withering of greenery and prevents root crops from drying out. But not all products can be stored together!

For example, apples, pears and bananas emit ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening (and spoilage) of neighboring vegetables. Therefore, it is better to keep them separately from carrots, cucumbers or salad. data-i="87">) there are separate drawers with adjustable ventilation - for fruits and vegetables. Bosch VitaFresh) there are separate drawers with adjustable ventilation for fruits and vegetables.

• 🍎 Fruits: apples, pears, citrus fruits (but not together with vegetables!).
• 🥕 Vegetables: carrots, beets, cabbage, cucumbers, peppers.
• 🌿 Greens: parsley, dill, lettuce (preferably in a paper bag).
• ❌ No: onions, garlic, tomatoes (they are stored at room temperature!).

⚠️ Attention: Do not wash vegetables and fruits before storing! Moisture accelerates rotting. rinse, dry and put in a container with a paper towel.

Freshness zone (0°C): what is this box for?

In refrigerators of the middle and premium segment (for example, LG InstaView, Siemens iQ700there is a separate compartment with a temperature of about 0°C and high humidity. It is called "freshness zone" (Fresh Zone, BioFresh, CoolSelect) and is intended for:

• 🥩 Meat and poultry: here it does not freeze, but does not spoil for 2-3 days.
• 🐟 Fish and seafood: retains texture and taste for up to 48 hours.
• 🧀 Dairy products: cottage cheese, sour cream, yoghurts stay fresh longer.
• 🍷 Wine and champagne: some models even have special holders.

The difference from regular shelves is uniform cooling without temperature changes. This prevents ice from forming on the food and preserves its original appearance. For example, steak in such a zone it will not lose its juiciness, and salmon it will not begin to smell within a day.

⚠️ Attention: Do not store in the freshness zone fruit, bread or ready meals —they will either freeze or become rubbery. Also avoid overloading the compartment: there should be space between the products for air circulation.

What happens if you put the meat in a regular box?

At a temperature of +4...+6°C, the meat will begin to deteriorate within 12–24 hours: gray color will appear plaque, unpleasant odor and mucus. In the freshness zone (0°C), these processes slow down 3–4 times.

Drawers on the door: the warmest and most dangerous

The refrigerator door is the most “problematic” area. Here the temperature ranges from +6°C to +10°C (and with frequent opening it can rise even higher). Therefore, here you cannot store perishable foods, despite the convenient shelves and egg cups.

What can be kept on the door:

• 🥤 Drinks: water, juices, soda (but not milk!).
• 🧂 Sauces: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (in closed packages).
• 🥚 Eggs: only if the compartment for them is built-in in the door (in some models, for example Indesit, it is on the top shelf).
• 🧀 Hard cheeses: Parmesan, Gouda (vacuum packed).

What there should not be:

• ❌ Milk and cream (will sour in 1-2 days).
• ❌ Butter (will become oily and lose taste).
• ❌ Sausages and ham (will begin to become covered with a film).

Interesting fact: in refrigerators Side-by-Side (for example, Samsung RS62R5001) the door compartments are wider, and even bottles of wine can be stored there. But the “non-perishable” rule remains relevant.

Freezer: how to load boxes correctly

In the freezer, food is stored longer, but there are some nuances here too. Basic mistakes:

1. Overloading boxes (impairs air circulation).
2. Storing in inappropriate packaging (for example, cellophane bags without a zipper).
3. Thawing and re-freezing (deteriorates taste and texture).

The optimal temperature for the freezer is –18°C. In this case:

• ❄️ Top shelves: for frequently used products (dumplings, ice cream).
• ❄️ Bottom drawers: for long-term storage (meat, berries, semi-finished products).
• ❄️ Freezer door: for ice, small bags of herbs.

Tip: use vacuum bags or containers with silicone gaskets - they prevent freezer burn (dehydration of products). In refrigerators with No Frost (for example, Electrolux ENE34200OX) you can store food without defrosting for up to a year, but only if they are properly packaged.

⚠️ Attention: Do not put in the freezer fresh cucumbers, lettuce, mayonnaise or sour cream —after defrosting, they turn into a shapeless mass. Also avoid storing in the freezer canned food in cans (they may burst).

Special boxes: for cheeses, wine and delicacies

In premium refrigerators (for example, Miele KFN 29033 D or Smeg FAB32) there are additional compartments:

• 🧀 Cheese box: maintains humidity 70-80% and temperature +4...+8°C. Ideal for Brie, Camembert or Roquefort.
• 🍷 Wine compartment: with adjustable temperature +10…+14°C (in models Liebherr WKEes 4662).
• 🥖 Breadbox: sealed container that prevents staling (found in Gorenje NRK6191MCB).
• 🍫 Chocolate compartment: some brands (for example, Smeg) offer zones with a temperature of +16...+18°C.

Such boxes are expensive, but they are worth it if you often store delicacies. For example, cheese in a regular refrigerator dries in 3-5 days, and in a special one. compartment remains juicy for up to 2 weeks.

How to wash and disinfect drawers?

Drawers in the refrigerator need to be cleaned at least once a month even if they look clean on the outside. Bacteria accumulate on plastic surfaces (E. coli, Salmonella), and mold or yeast can grow in the recesses.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Remove all drawers and shelves (in most models they are easily removed).
2. Rinse with warm water with baking soda (2 tablespoons per 1 liter) or vinegar (1:1 with water).
3. For disinfection, use peroxide hydrogen (3%) or special products (for example, Topperr 3101).
4. Wipe dry with a soft cloth (not with paper towels - they leave lint).

Do not use abrasive sponges or aggressive chemicals (for example, Domestos) - they will damage the plastic and leave a smell. In refrigerators with antibacterial coating (for example, Sharp SJ-FP840VSL), wiping with a damp cloth is enough.

⚠️ Attention: After washing the drawers, do not turn on the refrigerator immediately - let it stand for 10-15 minutes with the door open to allow the moisture to evaporate. This will prevent ice from forming on the back wall.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about drawers in the refrigerator

Is it possible? store mushrooms in a vegetable drawer?

No. Mushrooms spoil faster than fruits and vegetables - it is better to keep them on package on the middle shelf (temperature +2...+4°C) and consume them within 2-3 days. In a drawer they will become slimy due to high humidity.

Why are the drawers still covered with frost in a refrigerator with No Frost?

This is normal if frost appears only on the back wall of the drawers. The system No Frost prevents the formation of ice on evaporator, but does not eliminate condensation inside the containers. frost, wipe the drawers dry after washing and do not store hot foods in them.

Is it possible to put drawers from other models in the refrigerator?

Only if they are completely identical in size and fastenings. For example, drawers. from Indesit are not suitable for Atlant - even if they look similar in appearance. It is better to order original spare parts from the manufacturer or service centers.

How to remove smell from plastic boxes?

Try one of the methods:

• Wipe the drawers vinegar solution (1:1 with water) and leave for 1 hour.
• Sprinkle the bottom baking soda for 12 hours, then rinse.
• Put inside activated carbon or citrus peel for a day.

If the smell remains, perhaps it has penetrated into microcracks in the plastic - in this case, only replacing the drawer will help.

Why do food freeze to the drawers in the freezer?

This happens due to:

• Incorrect packaging (use cling film or cling film data-i="288">In refrigerators with sealed containers).
• Frequently opening the freezer (leads to condensation).
• Chamber overload (disrupts air circulation).

In refrigerators with Low Frost (for example, Beko GNE114620X) this problem is less common.