What is a refrigerator pan?

A refrigerator pan, also called a drip pan, is a rectangular-shaped receptacle, usually made of metal or plastic, that catches the water that drips from the freezer portion of a refrigerator. Once captured, the condensation flows from the drip pan to the outside of the refrigerator and evaporates.

Drip pans are typically located at the very bottom of a refrigerator, and they are removable. It is generally not necessary to remove the drip pan for any reason, but some homeowners remove it periodically to clean it or to remove a drain line blockage. Refrigerator pans can also be repaired or replaced, if necessary.