Did You Know What the Drawer Under Your Stove Is Really For? Most People Don’t
If you’ve ever looked at the drawer beneath your oven and wondered what it’s for, you’re not alone. Many people assume it’s just a storage space for pots, pans, or baking sheets—but that’s not always the intended use.
The Truth About the Oven Drawer
Most stoves come with a lower drawer that has a specific purpose:
-
Warming Drawer – On many modern ovens, this drawer is designed to keep cooked food warm until you’re ready to serve. It maintains a low, steady heat, which is perfect for dishes that need to stay warm without cooking further.
-
Storage Only (Older Models) – On some older or simpler ovens, the drawer doesn’t heat at all and is truly just for storing cookware. Using it as a warming drawer in these cases can be dangerous because it isn’t meant to handle heat.
-
Broiler Drawer (Rare Cases) – On certain gas stoves, the drawer might actually contain a broiler instead of a warming function. This can be used for high-heat cooking like searing or toasting, but always check your manual before use.
Tips for Using the Oven Drawer
-
Always check your oven’s manual to see if the drawer is a warming drawer or just storage.
-
Avoid storing flammable items in a warming drawer.
-
Use it to keep food at serving temperature, like baked goods, roasted meats, or side dishes, instead of reheating.
Bottom Line: That drawer isn’t just a bonus storage space. Depending on your stove, it could be a handy warming drawer or a hidden broiler. Knowing the difference can help you cook smarter and avoid accidents.