---
title: "What Your Refrigerator Crisper Drawer Settings Actually Mean"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/eeb9d133-a0c0-4a62-baa1-59881da57f0d
source_url: "https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a71508475/crisper-drawer-settings-explained/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_ghk&utm_medium=email&date=061026&utm_campaign=nl01_061026_GHK46088198&oo=&user_email=4f278ba362724ea742a064df1a3f9cd4e403173a832d143d975ea40457800fd9&GID=4f278ba362724ea742a064df1a3f9cd4e403173a832d143d975ea40457800fd9&utm_term=GHK%20Flagship%20Sending%20Audience"
stack: https://stacklist.com/stack/880e985a-1371-4bd3-8566-3b21c4b4dcd9
summary: "Crisper drawer settings explained: These refrigerator compartments have adjustable vents that control humidity and airflow to extend the lifespan of fruits and vegetables. High-humidity drawers preserve moisture-sensitive produce like leafy greens, while low-humidity drawers are ideal for ethylene-gas-emitting fruits like apples and melons."
tags: "crisper-drawer, refrigerator, produce-storage, humidity, ethylene-gas, food-preservation"
key_entities: "International Food Information Council (organization), Whirlpool (organization), Good Housekeeping (organization), Martha Stewart (person), ethylene-gas (concept), humidity-control (concept)"
classification: "tutorial"
content_hash: "sha256:7dfa4fdf2d60aff2e95611eb13c88a9c6f08b4de82c8dd1d77265ee710de7a46"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 847
visibility: public
agent_accessible: true
status: "final"
---

# What Your Refrigerator Crisper Drawer Settings Actually Mean

Gyro // Getty Images We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. 2 min read Everyone knows that the bottom drawers of a refrigerator are for storing fresh produce, but have you ever wondered why? Most people, including myself, stash bags of carrots and heads of lettuce down there without even thinking about it. I knew it had something to do with humidity (maybe?), but I was well into adulthood before I even noticed that these bins had settings, and that the settings actually mattered. Here’s everything you’ll ever need to know about the most mysterious part of your refrigerator. How crisper drawers work Crisper drawers aren’t just a catchall for fresh produce; they also help extend the lifespan of fruits and vegetables. Unlike the rest of the refrigerator, which circulates cold air, the bins have their own separate moisture levels. Many bins have vents that let you adjust how much air flows in and out, and others are pre-set. More airflow means less moisture is trapped inside, while less airflow traps moisture in the drawer. According to the International Food Information Council , some types of produce, like apples and melons, naturally emit ethylene gas as they ripen. When exposed to this gas, other ethylene-sensitive fruits and vegetables can ripen too quickly. Keeping the crisper drawer vent open allows this gas to escape, which prevents items from spoiling. How to use crisper drawers The reason there are two crisper drawers is to provide both high- and low-humidity options for storing produce. According to the appliance experts at Whirlpool , all you need to do is adjust the vents so that one drawer is more open to airflow than the other. Then, store your fruits and vegetables in the proper drawer—use the list below—to help them stay fresh. amriphoto What to store in a high-humidity drawer This bin, which has less airflow to trap moisture, is best for produce that tends to dry out in the refrigerator and is sensitive to ethylene gas, such as: Leafy greens (like lettuce, collards, cabbage, and kale) Herbs Asparagus Carrots Strawberries Celery Zucchini and summer squash Cucumbers What to store in a low-humidity drawer This bin, which releases air and moisture, is best for produce that releases ethylene gas, like the following: Stone fruits (like peaches, plums, and nectarines) Melons Apples Pears Tomatoes Watch Next %0A%09<path d="M240,128a15.74,15.74,0,0,1-7.6,13.51L88.32,229.65a16,16,0,0,1-16.2.3A15.86,15.86,0,0,1,64,216.13V39.87a15.86,15.86,0,0,1,8.12-13.82,16,16,0,0,1,16.2.3L232.4,114.49A15.74,15.74,0,0,1,240,128Z">%0A</path></svg>" width="60" height="60" alt="Play video"/> Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Food & Recipes What to Do With Leftover Pickle Juice The Best Oven Rack Position for Every Dish How Martha Stewart Starts Her Day Maroulosalata with Grated Feta Advertisement - Continue Reading Below The #1 Mistake to Avoid With Leftovers The Smoothest No-Churn Mango-Lime Sorbet From Good Housekeeping for Hershey's S’mores Across America How to Save Wine When the Cork Breaks How to Boost Protein in Summer Salads The Best Ways to Cook With Fresh Strawberries The Best Wine-Chilling Hack, Tested I Tried the Viral Tomato Lemonade Advertisement - Continue Reading Below