Drip Pan Dimensions: Universal Size?

Drip pans are a critical component of your stove, catching boil-overs and reflecting heat back to your pots and pans. They come in different sizes and styles, and while there is no universal size, there are a few standard sizes that fit most ranges. The most common sizes are 6-inch and 8-inch, which refer to the approximate outside diameters of the heating element or the recess in the drip pan. These sizes are not always accurate, and there can be micro-size differences that affect the fit. When replacing drip pans, it is important to consider the brand and model of your stove, as well as the alignment of holes and the type of heating element.

Drip pans are not universal

Firstly, there are two main sizes: large and small. The large size is often called 8 inches, and the small size is often a 6-inch drip pan. There is also an extra-large size, possibly called 8 and a half inches, but these are uncommon. Most newer stoves have two large and two small, while many older stoves have one large and three small.

However, there are also micro-size differences, which are too small to be measurable, yet large enough that not all drip pans will fit your stove properly. These micro-sizes matter more than the large and small sizes, and they are almost impossible to identify by measuring.

The good news is that element micro-sizes are becoming more and more standardised, so a universal heating element or drip pan is likely to fit any new stove. But do not assume that any drip pan will fit your stove simply because it is the right large or small size.

The drip pans for small burners are similar enough that often the wrong micro-size will fit anyway. The wrong micro-size is more likely to be evident on the large burners. An incorrect micro-size drip pan may be too deep, or slightly too big to fit in the hole in the stove top. It may clatter around, not sit level, or make its burner element unsteady.

The best way to find the right drip pans for your stove is to take the brand and model number with you to a hardware store. You can also take your old drip pans with you to compare, or the heating element to ensure it will sit flat.

There are four primary styles: A, B, D, and E

There are four primary styles of drip pans: A, B, D, and E. Each style comes in two sizes: large and small. Styles A and B are one-piece drip bowls with a complete rim, and they can be chrome-plated or black porcelain. Style A is slightly shallower than Style B. Style A matches electric stovetops made by Whirlpool, Kenmore (2004 and up), Frigidaire, Maytag, Electrolux, Tappan, Amana, Crosley, and RCA. Style B generally matches GE, Hotpoint, Kenmore (1995 to 2003), Roper (1990+), and Monogram electric ranges. Styles D and E are designed to fit hinged cooking elements and have a separate top outer trim ring and then the pan underneath. The underneath part has a notch cut through the rim to avoid the hinged part of the element. Style D fits GE, Hotpoint, Kenmore (1995 to 2003), Roper (1990+), and Monogram electric cooktop ranges. Style E fits Whirlpool, Kenmore (2004 and up), Frigidaire, Maytag, Electrolux, Tappan, Amana, Crosley, and RCA electric stovetops.

It's important to note that the terms "large" and "small" are just common replacement terms, and the actual dimensions of the drip pans may not match these descriptions. The terms "large" and "small" are more of a reference to the size of the heating element that sits on top of the drip pan. Some companies choose to label their drip pans as "small" and "large" to avoid confusion.

When choosing a drip pan, it's crucial to consider the brand and model of your stove, as well as the specific dimensions of the drip pans that will fit your stove properly. Additionally, pay attention to the cutout holes in the drip pans and choose a replacement with a hole that matches your existing stove to ensure easier cleaning.

Styles A and B are the most common

Style A generally matches electric stovetops made by Whirlpool, Kenmore (2004 and newer models), Frigidaire, Maytag, Electrolux, Tappan, Amana, Crosley, and RCA. Style B, on the other hand, is designed to fit GE, Hotpoint, Kenmore (1995-2003 models), Roper (1990 and newer models), and Monogram electric ranges. It's important to note that these styles may also fit other brands that are not mentioned here.

When replacing drip pans, it is crucial to ensure that you choose the correct size and style for your stove. The right drip pan should seat correctly, ensuring that the burner element remains level and flat. While Styles A and B are the most common, there are other styles available, such as Styles C, D, E, and F, which are designed for specific types of stoves, including those with hinged burner elements.

Additionally, it is important to maintain and replace drip pans periodically, as they can become difficult to clean over time. Built-up gunk on the pans can catch fire, and grimy, darkened chrome can absorb heat instead of reflecting it, leading to inefficient and uneven cooking results.

Drip pans can be referred to as drip bowls, catch pans, or stovetop pans

Drip pans are a critical component of your stove. They are also referred to as drip bowls, catch pans, or stovetop pans. They are used to catch messy drips, spills, and boil-overs, and to reflect heat back to your pots and pans. Drip pans are easy to replace and should be replaced annually to maintain your stove or cooktop and extend their lifetime.

Drip pans come in two sizes: large and small. The large size is often referred to as 8 inches, and the small size is often referred to as 6 inches. The size of the drip pan you need depends on the size of your stove's burners. Most newer stoves have two large and two small burners, while many old stoves have one large and three small burners.

In addition to the large and small sizes, there are also micro-size differences between drip pans, which are too small to be measured but large enough to affect the fit of the drip pan on your stove. The correct micro-size for your stove will depend on the brand and model number.

Drip pans can be made of metal or porcelain-coated metal. Metal drip pans are more durable, while porcelain-coated drip pans are easier to clean and look nicer but do not last as long.

When replacing drip pans, it is important to consider the style of your stove. There are several styles of drip pans, including Styles A, B, C, D, E, and F, which fit different types of stoves. Styles A and B are the most common and fit stoves from manufacturers such as GE, Hotpoint, Kenmore, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire.

To replace a drip pan, you will need to remove the burner element and the old drip pan, measure the size of the opening, and purchase a new drip pan that fits the dimensions of your stove.

Drip pans should be replaced annually

Drip pans are a necessity for any electric stove, catching drips and spills and protecting the stove from gunk buildup, which can catch fire. However, they can be challenging to clean, and eventually, they will reach a point where they can no longer be cleaned, no matter how much elbow grease you apply. This is when they need to be replaced.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for drip pans, with variations in styles, types, and sizes, there are some general guidelines to follow. Firstly, it's important to identify the brand of your stove and, if possible, the model and serial number. This information will be crucial in finding the right replacement drip pans. Additionally, you'll need to determine the number and size of drip pans you require, as they typically come in packs of four, with two large and two small pans.

The age of your stove is another factor to consider. If you have an older stove, finding replacement drip pans may be more challenging, as most replacement pans are designed for newer models. In this case, you may need to rely on the exact model number or purchase different pans until you find the right fit.

Even if your drip pans still look presentable, it's a good idea to replace them annually. Over time, grime and discolouration can affect the efficiency of your stove, absorbing heat instead of reflecting it back, leading to uneven cooking results. By replacing your drip pans regularly, you can maintain the appearance and functionality of your stove.

When choosing replacement drip pans, you may opt for third-party equivalents, which tend to be more affordable than manufacturer-direct replacement parts. However, be cautious of very cheap options, as they are often thin and won't last long. Additionally, pay attention to the cutout holes in the drip pans, as too many holes can defeat the purpose of the drip pan, creating a fire hazard.

In conclusion, while there is no universal drip pan, taking the time to find the right replacement pans for your stove will pay off in the long run. By replacing your drip pans annually, you can ensure your stove looks and functions at its best.

Frequently asked questions