If you’ve ever opened the bottom drawer on your range and wondered, “Is this thing actually useful, or just a fancy pan graveyard?” — you’re not alone. Every week in Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Pflugerville we get calls from confused homeowners who have no idea what that drawer is actually for.

The 3 Types of Bottom Drawers (and How to Tell in 5 Seconds)

1. Storage Drawer
Thin metal walls, no heating element. No control panel setting for it. Designed purely for pans and baking sheets.

2. Warming Drawer
Thicker, insulated walls. Separate “Warm” or “Proof” setting. Temp 140–200 °F. Keeps plates hot or proofs dough.

3. Broil / Warming Combo
Visible broil element at the top of the drawer. Control panel has “Low Broil” or “Warming”. Crisp casseroles or keep food warm.

Quick Test: Open the drawer. Look up — see a red broil element? → Broiler/warming. Thick walls? → Warming. Thin metal? → Storage.

What You Should NEVER Put in That Drawer

• Plastic cutting boards or lids (melts & toxic fumes)
• Paper towels, cardboard, matches
• Aerosol cans or chemicals
• Pans with plastic/wood handles

Clever Ways Austin & Georgetown Families Use Warming Drawers

• Proofing pizza or bread dough in half the time
• Keeping Thanksgiving sides hot while the turkey rests
• Warming plates so food stays hot longer
• Emergency slow-cooker for chili on game day

Proudly serving Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Pflugerville, and all surrounding Central Texas communities with honest, expert appliance repair.