Stop Storing Pans in Your Oven’s Bottom Drawer. Here’s What It’s Actually For
Most people treat the drawer under their oven as a graveyard for mismatched lids and old cookie sheets, but this metal bin isn’t just a storage hack: It was actually designed for a specific purpose that has nothing to do with hiding your clutter.
Depending on the type of stove you have, this space is likely designed to keep your meal at the ideal serving temperature or to sear your steaks at high temperatures. If you’re using it for storage, you’re missing out on one of your device’s most useful features. Here’s how to figure out what your bottom drawer is really for and how to start using it correctly.
This story is part of 12 days of advicehelping you get the most out of your technology, your home and your health this holiday season.
Don’t miss any of our unbiased technical content and lab reviews. Add CNET as your preferred Google source on Chrome.
Oven Drawer FAQ
What is the drawer under an oven called?
Depending on the type of oven you have, the drawer under the oven has different names. If there is a button on your oven labeled “warming drawer”, that is what it is called and can be used to keep food warm after cooking is complete. For electric ovens, it may simply be a real storage drawer. In many older ovens, the bottom drawer is called a broiler and can be used to bake or brown foods like stews.
If you’re not sure which of the three options you’re dealing with, the easiest way to check is to consult your oven’s manual or look it up online. Once you know the type of bottom drawer your oven has, you’ll know if it has a cooking function or if it’s just extra storage space.
Does an oven storage drawer get hot?
Broil drawers are usually found on gas ovens and are very shallow.
The oven storage drawer is located at the bottom of your oven, and if it has a bake function, it can to be hot. Is it a bit complicated? Yes, but we have what you need. Since the drawer is located below the main oven, it can easily become very hot when your oven is in use. However, the toasting and warming functions require you to activate them before anything gets hot.
Even if your oven is currently in use, unless you turn on the broiler, the bottom drawer of your oven should never get hot. However, you may notice that the pans stored there are a little warm to the touch, simply because they were close to the heating element when the oven was in use.
What is the bottom drawer of an electric stove used for?
A storage drawer is generally much deeper than a warming drawer or grill.
If there is no heat button and the area looks like a deep, empty drawer, it’s probably a storage drawer, but keep in mind that it can still get hot. It’s a good place to store cast iron pots and pansas the heat from your oven will help them stay rust free. Just make sure you never store plastic items in this drawer, as they may warp from residual heat. As a precaution, always use oven mitts when removing cooking utensils during or after using your oven.
