Have you ever wondered what that mysterious drawer under your stove is for? I know I did. When I first moved into my apartment, I saw the drawer and thought it was just a storage space for baking sheets or pots and pans. But after some research and personal experience, I discovered its true purpose.
So, What Is The Drawer Under The Stove For?
The drawer under the stove is actually a warming drawer. Its purpose is to keep cooked food warm while you finish preparing the rest of your meal. This is especially useful when cooking multiple dishes at once or when timing your meals with guests or family members.
How Does The Warming Drawer Work?
The warming drawer works by using a low temperature to keep food warm without overcooking it. The temperature typically ranges from 140 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. You can adjust the temperature using the settings on your stove or oven.
Step-By-Step Guide For Using The Warming Drawer
1. Cook your meal as usual.
2. Once the food is cooked, remove it from the oven or stove and place it in the warming drawer.
3. Adjust the temperature on the warming drawer to the desired level.
4. Keep the food in the warming drawer until you are ready to serve it.
Top 10 Tips And Ideas For Using The Warming Drawer
1. Keep bread warm while the rest of your meal is cooking.
2. Warm plates and serving dishes before serving your meal.
3. Keep appetizers or side dishes warm while you finish cooking the main course.
4. Use it to proof dough for baking.
5. Keep cooked meats moist and warm until serving.
6. Use it to melt chocolate or butter for baking.
7. Warm towels for a spa-like experience at home.
8. Keep casseroles or other dishes warm while transporting them to a potluck or party.
9. Use it to warm baby bottles or food jars.
10. Keep fried foods warm and crispy.
Pros And Cons Of The Warming Drawer
Pros:
- Keeps food warm without overcooking it.
- Useful for timing meals with guests or family members.
- Can be used for a variety of purposes beyond just keeping food warm.
Cons:
- May take up valuable storage space in smaller kitchens.
- Can add to the cost of a stove or oven.
- May not be necessary for those who cook smaller meals or don’t entertain often.
My Personal Review
Overall, I have found the warming drawer to be a useful addition to my kitchen. As someone who enjoys entertaining, it has come in handy for keeping dishes warm while I finish preparing other parts of the meal. I have also used it to proof dough for baking and to warm plates before serving. However, I can see how it may not be necessary for everyone and may take up valuable storage space in smaller kitchens.
Question & Answer / FAQs
Q: Can you cook food in the warming drawer?
A: No, the warming drawer is not designed for cooking food. It is only meant to keep cooked food warm until serving.
Q: How do I clean the warming drawer?
A: Refer to your stove or oven’s manual for specific instructions on cleaning the warming drawer. Typically, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers as they can damage the surface.
Q: Can I store items in the warming drawer when it’s not in use?
A: It is not recommended to store items in the warming drawer when it’s not in use. This can cause damage to the drawer or create a fire hazard.
Q: Do all stoves and ovens come with a warming drawer?
A: No, not all stoves and ovens come with a warming drawer. It is typically a feature found on higher-end models or as an optional add-on.