Vacuum compartment in refrigerator

A compartment for a refrigerator comprising:

• a drawer unit having a storage space and operable between a closed retracted position and an open extended position;
• a vacuum source in communication with the drawer unit;
• a sealing unit including:
• a base connected to an interior portion of the drawer unit;
• a sealing bracket hingedly-connected to the base and operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the sealing bracket adapted to abut the base when in the lowered position;
• a heat sealing bar disposed on one of the base and the sealing bracket;
• and
• a control system operable to activate the vacuum source and initiate an evacuation event.

A method of sealing a storage container in a refrigerator, the method comprising:

• providing a drawer unit in the refrigerator having a storage space and operable between a closed retracted position and an open extended position;
• inserting a sealable bag into the storage space;
• placing a top portion of the bag adjacent to a heat sealing device;
• clamping the top portion of the bag in the heat sealing device;
• placing the drawer unit into the closed retracted position;
• actuating a vacuum source in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit to reduce air pressure within the sealed bag;
• and
• sealing the top portion of the sealable bag in the heat sealing device.