Ella Walter
Drip pans are used to catch messy drips and spills from electric stoves. They come in various sizes, with the large size often called 8 inches and the small size 6 inches. When measuring the size of a drip pan, it is important to consider the diameter of the hole in the range, as well as the micro-sizes, which refer to small differences that can affect whether the drip pan fits your stove properly. The right drip pan size depends on factors such as the brand and model of your stove, the style of the drip pan, and the dimensions of the heating element.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to measure drip pan size | Measure the diameter of the hole in the range. The most common sizes are 6 and 8 inches. |
| Types of drip pans | Drip pans can be differentiated by styles, such as Style-A, Style-B, Style-C, etc. Styles A and B are the most common and are used by manufacturers like GE, Hotpoint, Whirlpool, and Kenmore. |
| Drip pan micro-sizes | Micro-sizes refer to small differences in the dimensions of drip pans that are too minor to be measured accurately. The correct micro-size is crucial to ensure a proper fit, especially for large burners. |
| Drip pan materials | Drip pans can be made of metal or porcelain-coated metal. Metal drip pans are generally more durable, while porcelain-coated drip pans are easier to clean but may not last as long. |
| Drip pan maintenance | Drip pans should be cleaned periodically to prevent encrusted gunk from building up. If a drip pan becomes too worn or difficult to clean, it should be replaced. |
| Drip pan shapes | Drip pans can be rectangular, square, or circular. The shape depends on the stove design and the number of burners. |
What You'll Learn
Measure the diameter of the hole in the range
To measure the diameter of the hole in the range, you can use a ruler or a tape measure. You can also use a digital caliper, which will give you a more precise measurement. If you don't have a caliper, you can try using the shanks of drill bits as a makeshift measuring tool. Compare the measurements of your drill bits with the standard sizes of drill bits to verify their actual dimensions.
Another option is to use gauge pins, which are designed to measure close-fitting holes. You can also create your own plug gauge by turning a plug that tapers over the diameter of the hole you want to measure. Insert the plug into the hole and measure how far it goes in to determine the diameter.
If you have an electric range, the drip pans can be measured using the diameter of the hole in the range. There are many different styles of drip pans, so it is important to take your old pan with you to the store to find a matching replacement. Make sure to note the location of the electrical plug hole and ensure that the burner supports will fit into the new pan.
When measuring the diameter of the hole, it is important to consider the finish of the surface. A smooth, clean surface will provide more accurate measurements. Additionally, the type of measuring tool you use can impact the consistency of your readings. For example, a telescoping gauge may not be as accurate as a dial bore gauge or a micrometer.
By following these tips and techniques, you can accurately measure the diameter of the hole in your range and find a suitable replacement drip pan.
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Measure the outside lip to outside lip
When measuring the size of a drip pan, it is important to consider the type of stove you have, as well as the style of the drip pan. The most common way to measure a drip pan is by measuring the diameter of the hole in the range from the outside lip to the outside lip. This measurement is important because it ensures that the burner supports will fit into the pan.
For example, if you have a 6-inch and an 8-inch pan, the measurement from the outside lip to the outside lip would be 7 1/2 inches and 9 3/4 inches, respectively. These measurements are typically standard across different brands, but it is always a good idea to double-check.
When measuring the outside lip of a drip pan, it is best to use a ruler or a tape measure to get an accurate reading. It is also important to note that the terms "6-inch" and "8-inch" pans are often used as references to the size of the heating element, and the actual dimensions may differ. Therefore, it is crucial to measure the outside lip to ensure you get the correct size.
Additionally, when measuring square pans, it is recommended to measure from the inside to the inside on the flat sides, rather than from corner to corner, to ensure a precise measurement.
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Measure edge to edge
When measuring the size of a drip pan, it is important to consider the make and model of your stove, as well as the style of the drip pan. The most common styles are A, B, D, and E, and they come in two sizes: large and small. The size of the drip pan is typically measured by its diameter, specifically, the diameter of the hole in the range. This measurement is taken from edge to edge.
To measure the diameter of your drip pan, you can use a ruler or a tape measure. Place the measuring tool across the centre of the drip pan, from edge to edge, to get the diameter. This will help you determine if you need a 6-inch or an 8-inch pan, which are the most common sizes. It is important to note that these sizes are not always exact and may vary slightly. For example, a 6-inch pan may actually measure 6-3/8 inches, while an 8-inch pan may measure 8-1/2 inches.
When purchasing a replacement drip pan, it is recommended to bring your old pan with you to the store to ensure an exact match. You can also refer to your stove's manual or the manufacturer's website for specific replacement recommendations. Additionally, you can measure the openings on your range top to ensure the new drip pans will fit properly.
It is worth mentioning that drip pans can be measured in different ways. Some people measure from the outside lip to the outside lip, while others measure from the inside of the lip to the inside of the lip. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to how the measurements are labelled when purchasing replacement drip pans.
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Measure the recess in the drip pan
When measuring the recess in the drip pan, it is important to note that the common replacement terms of 6-inch and 8-inch can be misleading, as few dimensions actually match these numbers. These terms are more of a reference to the size of the heating element that sits on top of the drip bowl or pan.
The drip pans are measured using the diameter of the hole in the range. The diameter of the recess in the drip pan into which the heating element fits is approximately 7.5 inches for the small size and 9.5 inches for the large size.
When measuring the recess in the drip pan, it is important to measure the diameter of the hole, as well as the depth of the pan. The diameter of the hole ensures that the heating element will fit properly, while the depth of the pan ensures that it will be able to catch any drips or spills.
Additionally, it is important to compare the cutout holes in the existing drip pan with those on the replacement. Some replacements may have multiple holes, which is fine as long as one of them matches the existing hole. However, in terms of ease of cleaning, it is more practical to choose a replacement with just one hole.
It is also worth noting that the terms "drip pan" and "drip bowl" are often used interchangeably, but there is a technical difference. A drip bowl is made from a single piece of metal and is used under heating elements that are easily removable. On the other hand, a drip pan has two pieces: a removable outer ring and a separate bowl underneath. This two-piece construction is used for stoves with hinged burner elements.
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Measure the burner supports
When measuring for a new drip pan, it is important to ensure that the burner supports, or metal grates that hold pots and pans in place, fit into the pan correctly. The burner supports should be able to sit stably in the drip pan, with the pan's openings or cutouts aligning with the supports.
To measure the burner supports, first remove the burner grate from the stove. Then, use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the diameter of the burner grate. This measurement will ensure that the drip pan's openings are large enough to accommodate the burner supports.
Additionally, it is important to measure the height of the burner supports to ensure that the drip pan is deep enough. Place the measuring tape or ruler on a flat surface and measure the height from the surface to the top of the burner support. This measurement will help determine if the drip pan is deep enough to accommodate the burner supports without interfering with the connection to the stove.
If you are unable to find a drip pan that fits your burner supports, you may need to consult the stove's manufacturer or an appliance store for assistance. They may have more specialised options or be able to provide custom solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
Drip pans come in different sizes and styles, so it's important to know the brand, model, and type of your stove. You can usually find this information in the manual or on the manufacturer's website. The size and style of the drip pan you need will depend on the size and type of your burner elements.
There are several styles of drip pans, including Style-A, Style-B, Style-C, Style-D, Style-E, and Style-F. Style-B is typically used for GE or Hotpoint stoves, while Style-A is used for other manufacturers. Style-C is for older GE/Hotpoint stoves with hinged burner elements, and Style-D is for newer models. Style-E is for stoves with hinged burner elements from other manufacturers, and Style-F is for Canadian electric ranges.
Drip pans are typically measured using the diameter of the hole in the range. The most common sizes are 6 inches and 8 inches, which refer to the approximate outside diameters of the heating element or the recess in the drip pan. The largest outside diameters of the drip pans are typically 7.5 inches for a small pan and 9.5 inches for a large pan.
If you're having trouble finding a drip pan that fits your stove, you may need to measure the dimensions of your existing drip pan and compare them to the measurements provided by the manufacturer or retailer. You can also try contacting the manufacturer or a home improvement store for assistance. In some cases, you may need to purchase a third-party equivalent that matches the manufacturer's specifications.
