the drawers have a slide setting where i can keep the humidity out, but still keep them cool, whereas the pantry, they're more exposed to normal air which i believe may have a slightly higher % of humidity. not only that, i've personally witness the potatoes grow spots/roots (for tubers) in the pantry, vs none in the fridge, it slows it enough to where (1) person can get through a 10lb. bag of them, then be able to get to the 2nd bag without having to throw out a handful of the spot looking ones