Crisper drawer freezing produce

Symptoms

• Lettuce, herbs, or other produce show ice crystals or frozen spots
• Crisper drawer feels notably colder than the rest of the fridge
• Problem is worse in one specific drawer
• Produce freezes even at a normal overall fridge temperature

Likely causes

• CommonHumidity control set incorrectlyCrisper drawers often have a slider that affects airflow; the wrong setting can direct too much cold air onto delicate produce.
• CommonDrawer positioned near the coldest air ventSome fridge designs have one drawer closer to the main cold air vent than others, making it consistently colder.
• PossibleOverall fridge temperature set too lowIf the whole fridge runs cold, the crisper drawers will be affected most since they're often near the bottom vent.
• CommonProduce stored directly against the back wallThe rear wall of the fridge is typically the coldest surface regardless of drawer settings.

What to do

1. Check the humidity control slider on the crisper drawer and adjust it, since a closed setting traps more cold, humid air.
2. Move sensitive produce like lettuce and herbs away from directly touching the back wall of the drawer.
3. Check the overall fridge temperature setting and raise it slightly if it's set colder than the recommended 37F.
4. Use an appliance thermometer placed inside the crisper drawer to get an accurate reading of how cold that specific area runs.
5. Try swapping which type of produce goes in which drawer if one is consistently colder, keeping hardier vegetables in the coldest one.
6. Check that the drawer is closing fully, since a drawer left slightly open can also cause uneven cooling.
7. If one drawer is consistently far colder than expected despite these adjustments, the vent or damper near it may need inspection.

Tools and parts

• Appliance thermometer

When to call a pro

If one drawer stays abnormally cold despite settings and placement adjustments, a technician can check the vent or damper feeding that section.

Safety