5 reasons your kitchen could use a warming drawer!

But first… What exactly is a warming drawer?

A warming drawer, also known as a baking drawer or proofing drawer, is a kitchen appliance that takes the form of a drawer. Its primary purpose, as the name suggests, is to keep food warm while other dishes are being prepared. By maintaining a steady low temperature, typically ranging from 80-200 degrees Fahrenheit, the warming drawer operates on the same principles as an oven. While some warming drawers are integrated into kitchen ranges, most are standalone appliances designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen cabinet layout.

The larger your family, the more practical and essential a warming drawer becomes in your kitchen. With sleek designs and compact sizes, warming drawers can be a welcome and strategically designed addition to your kitchen. Let’s explore five reasons (plus, a bonus suggestion) why you should consider incorporating a warming drawer into your kitchen:

The kids are at practice. You need a warming drawer!

In any household with active kids, it’s a constant challenge to coordinate schedules and keep meals warm for everyone. Whether it’s after-school activities, sports events, or music lessons, your family’s week is likely filled with non-stop hustle and bustle. Without a warming drawer, you may come home to lukewarm food that has been sitting on the countertop for hours or find yourself reheating dishes unevenly in the microwave.

By having a warming drawer, you can simply place the dish inside, set the temperature, and forget about it until your stomach starts growling. It’s a comfort knowing that your meals will stay warm, fresh, and ready whenever you get home.

The whole family is coming for dinner. You need a warming drawer!

Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a regular family dinner, having everyone together is always a joyous occasion. However, ensuring that all the dishes reach the table hot and ready can be a real challenge.

A warming drawer can be a game-changer in such situations. It allows you to keep food warm while you finish preparing other dishes. Additionally, you can use the warming drawer to warm up plates, ensuring that the food stays hot for a longer time. With a warming drawer, the frantic rush to serve everyone while the food is still hot transforms into a leisurely experience, giving you ample time to enjoy conversations with your guests. So, turn on the warming drawer, pour yourself a glass of wine, and savor the process and the company without the stress of rapidly cooling food.

You overslept! You need a warming drawer.

We all have those days when we accidentally oversleep and miss a delicious home-cooked meal prepared by our loved ones. Whether it’s your favorite Sunday breakfast or a quick afternoon power nap that unexpectedly turns into an extended snooze, the last thing you want to do is reheat an omelet.

A warming drawer can come to the rescue in such situations. It keeps your missed meal warm and ready, preserving its glorious warmth until you’re ready to enjoy it. Say goodbye to the disappointment of reheating meals and hello to the joy of having your meal waiting for you in all its delicious warmth.

The occasional hot towel? You want a warming drawer!

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a warm towel? Whether it’s a clean dish towel for drying, a strategically placed warm towel to welcome a pool swimmer or a snowman builder, the comfort of a crisp, warm towel is one of those simple pleasures that is hard to resist.

A warming drawer can provide you with the luxury of warm towels whenever you need them. It’s not just about keeping meals warm; many warming drawers come with additional features that make them a practical appliance option for your kitchen. Some models, like the ones offered by KitchenAid, even offer options for proofing bread or providing a “crisp” functionality similar to an air fryer. With all these features, a warming drawer becomes more than just a tool for keeping food warm—it becomes a versatile daily kitchen companion.

The proof is in… the warming drawer!

Warming drawers not only offer a convenient way to keep meals warm without the need for reheating, but they also come with a range of additional features that make them a valuable kitchen appliance. Some current models can even serve as an alternative to a traditional crockpot.

For those who have taken up bread-making during the COVID-19 pandemic, certain warming drawer models are equipped with options for proofing bread. If you’re a fan of air frying, some warming drawers offer a “crisp” option that provides similar functionality while saving valuable counter space. Other features, such as a “slow cooker” setting, make it easy to cook roasts, stews, and other dishes. With all these options, a warming drawer becomes a go-to appliance for various cooking needs.

So, what are your next steps?

If you’re convinced that a warming drawer is a great addition to your kitchen, it’s time to consider your options. First, think about whether you’re in the market for a new range. Many high-end ranges come with built-in warming drawers, so be sure to inquire about this feature when consulting with a kitchen designer.

If you’re not in the market for a new range, don’t worry—warming drawers can be installed almost anywhere in your kitchen. You can place them in or under an island, alongside your cabinets, in the pantry, or even the dining room. Warming drawers are available in stainless steel finishes, as well as various colors to match your kitchen decor. Moreover, many warming drawers can be seamlessly integrated into your cabinetry, ensuring a cohesive look.

Consider the size of the warming drawer that would best suit your needs. Larger drawers may come with extra half racks or full racks for easy stacking, while others may have stainless steel food pans for efficient space usage.

Lastly, think about the features that are important to you. While the primary function of a warming drawer is to keep food warm, many models offer additional options to enhance your cooking experience. These options may include slow cooking, bread proofing, customizable moisture levels, or even dish-drying functionality. Make sure to choose a warming drawer with an automatic shut-off feature for added safety.

And here’s a bonus suggestion! If you enjoy warmth in your kitchen, consider complementing your warming drawer with a heated floor. Imagine kicking off your shoes at the end of a busy workday and feeling the cozy warmth beneath your feet. With a heated floor, you can enjoy being barefoot in the kitchen all year round.

Your warm and inviting kitchen awaits. Choose a warming drawer that suits your needs and experience the convenience, versatility, and comfort it brings to your culinary adventures.