You may never pay attention to it, but it has always been

Author: Millie Hirst2021-03-10T14:00:22Z

Anyone who likes to cook knows what a decent life jacket is. From lazy Susan spice organizers to pull-out baskets, the more we hide our kitchen supplies, the better. Many people use the elongated drawer under the oven to store extra bakeware and plates. However, for some ovens, it actually has a completely different purpose.

In fact, many drawers directly below the oven can be used to keep food warm. This is because many electric ovens have a built-in warming drawer designed to keep freshly prepared food or side dishes warm when you serve them. If you are not convinced, please check your oven manual.

"The function of the oven drawer varies from model to model, so it is always useful to check with your manufacturer," said Katie Georgeson, brand manager of British cookware brands Belling and Stoves. "On the Belling series of cookware, the bottom drawer can be used to store and heat dishes, because it can absorb waste heat from the main oven," she added.

'Although in the range of the stove, the drawer is used as a slow cooker-and has a dedicated function. It can be used as a storage room when not in use, and other oven cavities also provide specific bread fermentation and plate heating functions," Katie said.

If you can't bear to give up your bakeware drawer, then don't be afraid. Unless your manual specifically states otherwise, you can store any kitchen supplies you want in it.

However, you may want to use the extra space in the drawer under the gas or electric oven to cook food in batches and keep all food warm during dinner time. Or, if you are ready for dinner but your partner or roommate is not at home yet, you can start keeping their dinner in a drawer to keep warm.

Who knew that just under the oven was a handy tool for you to use when someone came over? If you don’t even know if there is a drawer under the oven, you are not alone. 

One thing to note is that this drawer is not designed for cooking. Therefore, do not put any food that has not yet been piping hot, because bacteria will grow at low temperatures, which may cause food poisoning.

If your oven is electric, the drawer may be used to keep food warm, and there may even be a label on the control panel that says "heating drawer". Maybe your drawer is only designed for storage. In this case, you can throw all kinds of kitchen utensils in for safekeeping. But the drawer will get hot, so don't put any plastic or paper in it. 

So, the next time you are making a hearty barbecue dinner and last-minute juggling, keep this in mind because the ingredients are all gathered together. Of course, it all depends on your model, and we cannot represent everyone. But it is quite possible that the drawer has always been there for a convenient purpose.

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a family news writer. When she is not writing about trends, renovations and houseplant care, she uses her free time to make adjustments to her rented apartment in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair renovation to help create a comfortable reading corner in her living room. She likes to browse the antique center and take care of her small front garden. There are always no flowers at home.

Surprise your favorite cooking enthusiast with these extraordinary kitchen gifts

Author: Jaclyn Turner • 2021-11-18T22:00:35Z

After using a Dyson vacuum cleaner, fan, air purifier or hairdressing tool as the ultimate holiday gift? We found some great Dyson deals on the Internet

Author: Jaclyn Turner • 2021-11-18T21:53:15Z

Real Homes is part of Future plc, which is an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our company website. © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. all rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.