Your refrigerator’s crisper drawers can keep produce fresh, but the wrong drawer settings may still result in spoiled fruit and wilted veggies. What are the right moisture settings in Sub-Zero crisper drawers? One drawer should be set at a more humid level, while the other should have low humidity. Learn how to set and maintain Sub-Zero crisper drawers to take advantage of the brand’s superior cooling technology.
Refrigerator Fundamentals: The Best Moisture Settings in Sub-Zero Crisper Drawers
Knowing the best moisture settings in Sub-Zero crisper drawers can keep produce fresher, longer. We’ll review the right drawer settings for different types of produce, how to adjust them, and how to avoid some common problems.
What Are The Best Sub-Zero Crisper Drawer Settings?
Cold and dry refrigerator temperatures are ideal for storing numerous foods, but not necessarily fruits and vegetables. Sub-Zero crisper drawer humidity is key to keeping most produce fresh. Some fruits and vegetables emit ethylene gas as they ripen, which can hasten rotting and age the produce around it. Keeping one crisper drawer on a low humidity setting, with its vents open, allows ethylene gas to escape and increases airflow. This keeps certain produce fresher for longer periods of time.
Other types of produce are sensitive to ethylene gas or last longer in a more moist environment. For this reason, set your other crisper drawer on a high humidity setting, with its vents closed.
How Do I Adjust Sub-Zero Crisper Drawer Settings for Specific Produce?
Most Sub-Zero refrigerators have an adjustable slide on each crisper drawer that opens or closes its vent, controlling the level of moisture inside. To create low moisture settings in Sub-Zero crisper drawers, move the slide lower. This opens the vent, creating a low-humidity environment with more airflow. The following fruits should be stored in a low-humidity crisper drawer:
- Apples
- Avocados
- Cantaloupe
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
For produce that does best in a more humid environment, move the slide upward to close the vent, keeping moisture inside. Store these fruits and vegetables in a high-humidity crisper drawer:
- Asparagus
- Berries
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Fresh herbs
- Kale
- Lettuce
Why Does Condensation Occur in Crisper Drawers?
Excessive moisture in refrigerator drawers can create condensation. Even high-humidity drawers may require a little venting to let some of this moist air escape. To eliminate the condensation, adjust the moisture settings in Sub-Zero crisper drawers by moving the slide slightly lower. This creates a small vent opening for better airflow.
If there is still condensation in Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure refrigerator doors are closed: If the doors are open for a long period of time, the warm air that enters will create condensation inside the refrigerator.
- Check the door gasket: Rips or tears in the gasket can also allow warm air to enter. A damaged gasket must be replaced.
- Assess the drain tube: A clogged drain tube can result in a buildup of ice or water behind the drawer that creates condensation inside. Take out the drawer and remove any water or ice. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to unclog the drain tube.
Why is Food Freezing in My Sub-Zero Crisper Drawer?
If you find your Sub-Zero crisper drawer freezing food, there may be a temperature issue that causes the drawers’ fans to operate excessively. There could also be an airflow problem that creates colder drawer temperatures.
Here’s how to prevent food from freezing in crisper drawers:
- Keep refrigerator doors closed: This helps maintain the refrigerator’s temperature without overworking the drawer fans.
- Check your Sub-Zero temperature settings: If the refrigerator’s temperature is set above 35℉, it may cause the drawer fans to run more frequently, making the drawers excessively cold. Lower the refrigerator’s temperature to 34℉ to reduce the fans’ operation.
- Clean the condenser coils: Dirty condenser coils can reduce airflow in the refrigerator, creating temperature fluctuations that can freeze food in crisper drawers. Refer to your user manual for instructions on how to clean the condenser coils on your model refrigerator. Most can be cleaned quickly and easily with a vacuum brush attachment or appliance brush.
Are you still finding frozen food or excessive condensation in your crisper drawers? You may be in need of a Sub-Zero refrigerator repair. Contact Sloan Appliance Service for an assessment with one of our factory-certified technicians!
