Do you know what are the items that don’t belong in your oven drawer?
Many ovens have a drawer underneath. While some use it as a broiler or warming drawer, many people use it for storage. I like to keep extra pans and lids in there, but if you don’t know how to use it, look through the equipment handbook.
But if there’s no “warming drawer” button on your oven and the drawer doesn’t seem to hold any kind of pan, it’s probably designed for kitchen storage. Even though you might have plenty of space there, keep in mind multiple items don’t belong in your oven drawer. Just think of the high temperatures this drawer reaches when the oven is on. Putting the wrong things in there could lead to damage and even a fire.
Basic cooking utensils such as muffin tins, baking sheets, cast iron, and pans should be safe, but we’ll dive deeper into the subjects in a few seconds. Without further ado, make sure you keep your kitchen safe by not storing these items in your oven drawer:
1. Wooden cutting boards
You might be tempted to store your wooden cutting boards in your oven drawer along with your pots and pans. But think again! Wooden objects can be easily damaged by high heat. If you don’t take proper care of them, they might crack or even cause a fire. Keep them in a cool, dry spot for optimum care and safety!
…What things do you store in your oven drawer? Let us know in the comments below!
2. Cooking oil
Another storage mistake people usually make is assuming that cooking oil should be placed underneath the oven. It might seem like a smart idea because you can easily grab it, but it’s not safe. Your favorite cooking oils, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, and olive oil, are highly inflammable and can cause a disaster.
You never know when high heat or a tiny spark might reach the oil containers and start a fire, so keep this important ingredient as far away from your oven as possible.
3. Cleaning products
If you don’t use or store them properly, cleaning products are among the most hazardous items. Dish soap, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, aerosol cans, and many other chemicals found in these products are highly flammable. To make sure you keep your household safe, put all of these things in a dry, cool space with enough ventilation.
4. Plastic wrap
You should never store plastic wrap or anything made of plastic in your oven drawer. Plastic wrap is a useful item in your kitchen because it covers food or containers. However, when it comes into contact with high temperatures, it can warp, shrink, or even melt. While it can be used in the microwave oven at low temperatures, it’s better to keep it in a dry and cool space, such as a kitchen drawer.
…I used to keep the next item in my oven drawer until one day I opened it and found everything was hot to the touch. Curious to know what I was storing there? Keep reading to find out! Are you making the same mistake I did?
5. Hand towels
Safety is key, right? If you have any hand towels in your oven drawer, now’s the perfect time to take them out of there.
When you cook, grease and oil frequently come into contact with your cute kitchen towels. The oil that can remain in the table linens even after they have been cleaned and dried can leave them flammable when exposed to heat, so the drawer underneath your oven isn’t the best place for them. Keep them in a different drawer that’s cool, along with your plastic wrap.
…Keep reading to discover other things you should never keep in your oven drawer!
6. Liquor
We can’t stress this enough, but liquor and anything that contains a high alcohol volume is incredibly inflammable! Distilled alcohol should always be stored in a cool environment to maintain its quality and flavor. It won’t last as long if kept too warm, and prolonged heat exposure can lead to a major disaster. So, be careful and store it in a cool place. If you don’t have a special drawer or place for your special drinks, you can put them in your pantry.
7. Pantry items
If you’re not blessed with a huge pantry, your oven drawer won’t make up for it. As tempting as it might be to put popcorn, flour, potato chips, and sugar underneath your oven, it’s best not to, because they can easily start a fire in extreme heat conditions.
You can put all of your pantry staples in a dry and cool spot, such as a cupboard or a drawer. You can create an additional shelf organizer for your cabinet. I have the same problem as you, so I prefer an extendable shelf to maximize all the height I have. Here’s one that I absolutely love!
8. Food storage containers
Due to the intense heat, plastic food storage containers should never be kept in an oven drawer. They might melt, deform, or even catch fire and create a huge mess. Don’t think that glass food storage containers are an exception. You should handle them with caution too, because they might contain plastic parts or lids.
What can you store in your oven drawer?
Unfortunately, there are many things you can’t store in your oven drawer, but don’t fret; you can still use it as an additional storage space in your kitchen. The simplest and most important rule of thumb is to only store things that can be safely put in the oven.
Your appliance can get pretty hot when it’s on, so if you have sensitive or inflammable items, like cooking oil, plastic, or towels, they can quickly overheat and even catch a fire. This is why experts recommend storing these things in cool, dry places. Safety is always important!
Speaking of that, if you have pans, pots, lids, and bowls that can be safely used in the oven, there’s no problem with storing them underneath. You can also store baking sheets and silicone trays because they’re typically oven-proof.
What if your oven drawer is a warming drawer?
If your oven has a warming drawer, you can make the most of it. Even though you can use this special feature in several ways, the best thing you can do with it is reheat your food. Some people use their warming drawer for cooking, but it’s best to stay away from this, as it doesn’t have the right temperature for cooking. Every device has its own temperature, so make sure to consult your oven’s handbook for precise information. To give you a general idea, here are the GE temperature ranges:
- low – 140° F to 170° F;
- medium – 170° F to 210° F;
- high – 215° F to 250° F.
Can you think of any other items that shouldn’t be stored in your oven drawer? Let us know in the comments below! If you find this article helpful and you’d like to check out something else from The American House, here’s a fantastic post for you: 7 Natural Ways to Eliminate Slugs from Your Garden
