At a Glance
- Drawer under an oven can be a warming, broiler, or storage space.
- Warming drawers keep food warm after cooking; broilers sear or brown foods; storage drawers hold cookware.
- Knowing your drawer type lets you use it safely and avoid heat damage.
- Why it matters: Understanding the drawer’s purpose helps keep your kitchen organized and prevents accidental overheating of dishes.
The space beneath your oven is often treated as a storage catch-all, but it can serve a specific cooking purpose. Depending on the model, the drawer may keep food warm, sear meats, or simply hold pots. Knowing which function it has can save you time and protect your cookware.
What Your Drawer Is Actually Doing
If your oven has a button labeled “warming drawer,” the compartment is designed to hold food after it’s done cooking. In many older ovens the same space is a broiler, a shallow area that delivers high heat for browning. If neither of those labels appears, you likely have a storage drawer that is deeper and not intended for cooking.
- Warming drawer: keeps food warm after cooking
- Broiler drawer: sears or browns food with high heat
- Storage drawer: holds cookware, not meant for cooking
Heat and Safety Tips
Broiler drawers on gas ovens can become very hot, while storage drawers stay cooler. Even when the oven is running, a drawer that isn’t turned on should not heat up, though pans may feel warm from proximity to the element. Never place plastic items in a storage drawer, as residual heat can warp them.
- Use oven mitts when removing cookware after use
- Keep plastic away from the drawer to avoid warping
- Check your oven’s manual to confirm the drawer’s purpose
Quick Reference Table
| Drawer Type | Typical Purpose | Heat Level |
|---|---|---|
| Warming | Keeps food warm | Low |
| Broiler | Seeks/browns food | High |
| Storage | Holds cookware | Low |
Use this chart to match your oven’s drawer to the right use and avoid accidental damage.
Key Takeaways
- Identify your drawer type by looking for a “warming drawer” button or checking the manual.
- Warming drawers keep food warm; broilers sear; storage drawers hold cookware.
- Avoid plastic in storage drawers and use mitts when handling hot items.
The correct use of your oven drawer can keep your kitchen organized and prevent accidental heat damage to your dishes and cookware.
