A warming drawer is one of those items that seem frivolous at first glance. Our ancestors did fine without them for centuries – are they really necessary?
What is a Warming Drawer?
If you are unfamiliar with warming drawers – they are a special drawer of an oven (often at the bottom where the pots and pans are usually stored.) The drawer can be pulled out and items placed in it for warming. The drawer often performs many functions – low settings can be used to warm up plates, higher settings can be used to finish cooking certain items while the main oven is used to cook something else. Some warming drawers can be installed in the cabinet area instead of being incorporated into the oven. If you don’t want to replace your oven, a cabinet warming drawer is a good option.
Is it Frivolous?
Sure we can live without an oven warming drawer, but once you’ve experienced one, it may become one of the most used appliances in your home. The convenience of having a separate spot to warm plates is heavenly and convenient. No longer do you have to wait for the oven to be free.
Another scenario – you want to plate your food, but then something prevents you from serving it for a while. Simply put the plated food in the warmer on a higher setting to keep the food the perfect serving temperature.
Besides dishes, you can warm bread and buns before your meals. This feature alone is wonderful to have, whether you have guests or not.
Because it often doubles as a small oven, its usefulness is multiplied. If you are looking to buy an oven with a warming drawer, try to find one whose temperature has multiple settings, including some high enough to do at least some slow baking.
So while not a ‘necessity’, a warming drawer performs enough functions to make it worthwhile for many people. Many companies make drawers including Dacor, Viking, Wolf, Ducane, Thermador, GE and Jenn-Air.