Crisper drawers are perfect for storing fruits and vegetables. Knowing which settings to use and how to adjust the settings on your Sub-Zero crisper drawer is important for keeping your groceries fresh.
How do Crisper Drawers Keep Produce Fresh?
Crisper drawers are designed to help keep your food fresh. The drawers allow you to adjust the humidity levels and separate Ethylene-producing foods from Ethylene-sensitive foods. Ethylene-producing foods should not be kept in the same drawer as foods that are sensitive to ethylene. Storing all ethylene-producing foods together in one drawer will keep them from other sensitive foods. The low-humidity setting on the crisper drawer allows moisture and ethylene to escape. On the other hand, high humidity is the best place to store ethylene-sensitive foods since it is sealed. The moisture in the high-humidity drawers will also keep produce like lettuce and kale from wilting as quickly.
How to Get the Most out of Your Sub-Zero Crisper Drawer
The first thing you need to do is identify what foods go in a crisper drawer. The humidity and temperature settings should be adjusted according to the food you store. Generally, fruits and vegetables that rot easily should be stored in low humidity, while high humidity is better for foods that wilt easily.
Use the Correct Settings
Use low humidity for foods that rot easily and high humidity for foods that wilt easily.
Set it to the Right Temperature
The temperature in your crisper drawer should be between 32-41 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature will depend on your Sub-Zero model, so refer to your Owner’s Manual.
Don’t Overfill the Drawer
One mistake people make is overfilling the drawer. This can cause the produce to rot faster because there is insufficient air circulation.
Separate Foods Based on Ethylene Gas
As mentioned, ethylene gas is produced by fruits and vegetables and can cause ethylene-sensitive foods to ripen faster.
You want to store all ethylene-producing foods together in a low humidity drawer. The low-humidity setting allows moisture and ethylene to escape, keeping food from rotting prematurely.
Ethylene-sensitive foods should be stored together to seal them from contact with ethylene gas.
What Settings to Use on a Sub-Zero Crisper Drawer
Photo Courtesy of Sub-Zero Wolf
Crisper drawers are essential to any refrigerator, and keeping them in the correct settings is important for preserving your food. The crisper drawer settings depend on the type of food you are storing. Here are some tips on how to adjust the moisture settings in your Sub-Zero crisper drawer.
How to Adjust the Settings on a Sub-Zero Crisper Drawer
Move the slider on the drawers to adjust the settings on your Sub-Zero crisper drawer.
Low Humidity Setting
The low humidity setting is ideal for fruits and vegetables that rot easily. Allowing ethylene gas to be released is important to keep fruit and vegetables fresh for longer.
To create a low-humidity environment, lower the slide.
Low humidity setting is good for foods such as:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Avocados
- Ripening bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Figs
- Honeydew
- Kiwi
- Mangoes
- Peaches
- Pears
- Tomatoes
High Humidity Setting
To create a high-humidity environment, position the slide higher to close the vent.
High humidity is good for foods that wilt faster such as:
- Unripe bananas
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Leafy greens
- Lettuce
- Peppers
- Spinach
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Watermelon
Adjust the Settings as Needed
You may need to adjust the settings on your crisper drawer as the seasons change. For example, you may need to increase the humidity in the summer to keep your fruits and vegetables from wilting.
Common Problems with Sub-Zero Crisper Drawers
Food Wilting in Sub-Zero Crisper Drawer
If your food is wilting, it is likely due to the humidity being set too low. Raise the humidity level and adjust the temperature if needed. Ensure the food is stored correctly. If doing so doesn’t prevent your food from wilting, you may need to clean the condenser coils.
Ice Forming Behind the Crisper Drawer
Check to ensure that the seals around the drawer are tight and there are no gaps. If that doesn’t seem to be the problem, then the freezer temperature may be set too low. Try raising the freezer temperature a few degrees.
Food Freezing in the Crisper Drawer
This is most likely due to the fridge temperature being set too low. Try raising the fridge temperature a few degrees and see if that does the trick.
If you’re having problems with your Sub-Zero crisper drawer or other Sub-Zero appliances, consult your Owner’s Manual or contact Same Day Service Company for assistance.
