Warming Drawer Buying Guide

Warming drawers are great addition to any kitchen allowing you to pre-heat plates, defrost food, keep food warm, permit dough rising, and warm towels. When not in use, you can use the warming drawer for extra storage too.

Most warming drawers have a hidden electronic control panel located in the top interior edge of the drawer allowing the unit to become completely integrated with the surrounding cabinetry. Typically, they're installed in the cooking zone of a kitchen, below wall ovens or a cooktop, enabling quick transfer of freshly-cooked foods, reducing the chance of spills.

Warming drawers come in 24", 27" and 30" wide and usually have heat levels ranging from 80 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit and capacities range from 1 to 2.9 cubic feet. When considering what size to purchase, think about how many plates you'll want to accommodate or whether or not you have large serving platters you need to fit.

Features and Options
Features include pre-set temperature settings and variable temperature controls, as well as automatic shut-off and Sabbath modes. Humidity control helps ensure moist foods stay moist and crispy foods stay crisp.

Look for heavy-duty full-extension glides allowing easy access to the interior of the warming drawer and smooth opening and closing even when fully-loaded. Some luxury models offer optional accessories, such as racks that allow you stack more dishes, and multi-piece container sets that fit perfectly into the drawer, offering efficient use of space while heating multiple dishes.

Warming drawers cost $700 to $1,800 and up.