A crisper drawer that freezes food can quickly turn delicate fruits and vegetables into ruined produce. What do you do when your Whirlpool refrigerator drawer keeps freezing food? Check the refrigerator’s temperature setting to make sure it’s not too cold. When you find vegetables freezing in the fridge, save your produce with these troubleshooting tips.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Drawer Keeps Freezing Food?
Here’s How to Save Your Fruits and Veggies
When your Whirlpool refrigerator drawer keeps freezing food the most likely reasons often have a simple answer. While a part malfunction may be responsible, the most common causes usually have a DIY fix.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Temperature is Too Cold
When the bottom drawer refrigerator keeps freezing, the refrigerator’s temperature may be too low. The lower drawers are typically the first to freeze food, as cold air often settles at the bottom of the refrigerator. Refer to your user manual to determine the right temperature setting for your model refrigerator. For those models with a digital control panel, Whirlpool recommends a temperature of 37℉. Refrigerators with a temperature control dial or a control panel with illuminated temperature lights should be set at “3.”
Is the crisper drawer freezing food even if the temperature is set correctly? It’s possible the refrigerator thermostat is broken. This component measures the refrigerator’s internal temperature, signaling for more cool air when necessary. If the thermostat malfunctions, it may continually signal for cool air even when it’s not needed, causing food to freeze. A broken thermostat must be replaced.
Too Much Food in Refrigerator
In many cases, the bottom drawers of fridge freezing are the result of too much food in the refrigerator. Overstuffing shelves with too much food restricts airflow throughout the refrigerator, causing it to collect inside crisper drawers and freeze produce.
The following refrigerator organization tips can prevent overstuffing:
- Leave space between items: Preventing items from touching each other allows for improved airflow.
- Keep the refrigerator ¾ of the way full: This avoids overstuffing while providing enough items to aid in cooling.
- Stock crisper drawers ½ full: When the drawers are half full, cool air can flow freely without collecting and freezing items.
Image Courtesy of Whirlpool
Cooling Vents Are Blocked
Similarly, if the refrigerator’s cooling vents are blocked or malfunctioning, cool air won’t be able to properly circulate throughout the refrigerator. When this happens, you may find the refrigerator not cooling properly and that your Whirlpool refrigerator drawer keeps freezing food.
Follow these tips to ensure that the refrigerator’s cooling vents function properly:
- Be aware of vents when stocking: When storing refrigerated items, make sure they don’t block the cooling vents.
- Keep items away from refrigerator walls: Maintaining a 1-2 inch border around the walls of the refrigerator can ensure that vents remain unobstructed.
- Check the damper: Some cooling vents have a damper that opens and closes, controlling the flow of cool air. If the damper is stuck in the open position, the refrigerator can get too cold. When this happens you’ll notice items near the back of the refrigerator or in the vegetable drawer freezing. A stuck damper requires replacement.
Incorrect Whirlpool Crisper Drawer Settings
If your Whirlpool refrigerator drawer keeps freezing food, take a look at the drawer settings. Crisper drawers have a slide that opens and closes the vent in each drawer, minimizing or maximizing humidity to keep produce fresh. If you notice condensation or frost inside the drawer, moving the slide to the left can open the vent. This creates a less humid environment by allowing air to escape, minimizing condensation or frost.
If your refrigerator drawers keep freezing food, it’s probably time for a professional assessment. Contact Dave Smith Appliance Services for expert Whirlpool refrigerator service!
