If you're like me, you've probably been using the drawer beneath your oven as a handy spot to stash pots and pans and other kitchen essentials that don't quite fit elsewhere. But have you ever wondered if that's what it was actually designed for? Is it just extra storage, or does it serve a more specific function? The truth might surprise you.
Not all oven drawers are created equal -- some are built for storage, while others have a completely different purpose. Below, we'll break down the different types of oven drawers and help you figure out what yours is really meant for.
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3 functions of your oven's bottom drawer
Warming drawer
A warming drawer is easy to identify. Take a look at the buttons on your oven. If one of them is labeled "Warming Drawer" then that's exactly what you have. Anytime you need to warm a pie or a loaf of bread -- or you just want to keep dishes warm while the rest of the meal finishes cooking -- pop it into the warming drawer and push the warming button.
Broiler
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Broiler drawers are typically found on gas ovens and are very narrow. Chris Monroe/CNET
If you have an oven heated with natural gas, the drawer is typically a broiler. To be sure, pull open the door. If it looks more like a retractable pan than a drawer, then it's a broiler.
Think of the broiler as an extra cooking area. It's best for toasting or browning foods like casseroles or breads. Any item placed in the broiler will burn quickly, though, so check on it every couple of minutes.
Storage drawer
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A storage drawer is usually much deeper than a warming drawer or broiler. Chris Monroe/CNET
If there isn't a warming button and the area looks like a deep, empty drawer, then you probably have a storage drawer. As per a recent Reddit discussion, many people are unsure about what to keep in this space. This is a good place to store cast iron pots and pans, because the warmth from your oven will help keep them rust free. Just be sure not to store plastic items in this drawer, because they may become warped due to residual heat.
Likewise, some older ovens have little insulation and may heat your metal cookware when the oven is on. As a precaution, always use oven mitts to remove cookware during or after your oven has been in use.