Measuring Drip Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide To Sizing

Drip pans are found under each burner of an electric stove and should be regularly removed and cleaned to avoid a fire. They come in a variety of materials and finishes, and in two sizes: small (6) and large (8). The outside edge-to-edge measurements of these pans are 7.5 and 9.5 respectively. When measuring, it is important to note whether the measurement is taken from the inside lip to the inside lip or from edge to edge. When replacing drip pans, it is important to ensure that the new pans have the correct slot for the element to avoid the burner sitting unevenly.

Measure the diameter of the drip pan

To measure the diameter of a drip pan, you will need a measuring tape or a ruler.

Start by removing the burner element from your stove. This will allow you to access the drip pan underneath. Some burner elements are hinged, meaning they can be tipped up while remaining connected, while others can be completely removed by lifting them up slightly and pulling them away from the stovetop.

Once you have removed the burner element, you can access the drip pan. Place the measuring tape or ruler across the centre of the drip pan, measuring from edge to edge to obtain the diameter. Make sure to measure the pan from the outside edge to get the most accurate reading.

It is important to note that drip pans come in different sizes, typically a small size of 6 inches and a large size of 8 inches. These measurements refer to the outside diameter of the heating element or the recess in the drip pan. The actual outside diameter of the drip pans may be slightly larger, with small pans measuring approximately 7.5 inches and large pans measuring around 9.5 inches.

Additionally, there are micro-size differences between drip pans that are too small to measure accurately but can affect whether the pan fits your stove properly. These micro-sizes are often specific to certain stove brands or models, so it is recommended to take your old drip pan with you when purchasing a replacement to ensure a proper fit.

Measure the length and width of the drip pan

To measure the length and width of a drip pan, you will need a measuring tape or a ruler. You can also use a tape measure.

Start by removing the burner element from your stove. This will give you access to the drip pan below. Once you have removed the burner, place the drip pan on a flat surface.

Using your measuring tool, measure the length of the drip pan from one side to the other. Make sure to measure from the outer edge of the pan, as this will give you the most accurate reading. Note down the measurement.

Next, measure the width of the drip pan in the same way. Place your measuring tape or ruler across the pan and measure from one side to the other, again using the outer edge as your reference point. Record this measurement as well.

It is important to note that drip pans come in various sizes, with older stoves typically having two sizes: small (6 inches) and large (8 inches). Newer stoves may have two large and two small pans, while older stoves may have one large and three small pans.

Additionally, there can be micro-size differences between drip pans that are too small to measure accurately but can affect how well the pan fits your stove. These micro-sizes are often specific to certain stove brands or models, so it is essential to consider these variations when measuring and purchasing new drip pans.

Measure the lip-to-lip dimensions

To measure the lip-to-lip dimensions of a drip pan, you will need a ruler or a measuring tape.

The first step is to identify whether your drip pan is round or square. If it is round, you will need to measure the diameter of the pan. To do this, place the ruler or measuring tape across the centre of the pan, from the inside lip on one side to the inside lip on the opposite side. This will give you the diameter of the pan.

If your drip pan is square, you will need to measure the length of the sides. Place the ruler or measuring tape from the inside lip on one side of the pan to the inside lip on the opposite side. This will give you the length of the square pan.

It is important to measure from the inside lip of the pan, as measuring from the outside lip or edge may give you inaccurate measurements. The walls of a drip pan can vary in thickness, so the inside measurement is the most accurate.

Additionally, if your drip pan has an angled or slanted side, it is best to take your measurement from the base of the pan, as the diameter at the top may be different from the diameter at the base.

Measure the edge-to-edge dimensions

Drip pans are measured by their outer edge-to-edge dimensions, which are typically either 6 inches or 8 inches. These measurements refer to the largest outside dimension of the calrod that fits inside the drip pan. For a 6-inch pan, the outer edge-to-edge measurement is 7.5 inches, while for an 8-inch pan, it is 9.5 inches. These measurements are standard across most older stoves, with newer stoves typically featuring two large and two small pans, and older stoves having one large and three small pans.

It is important to note that while these are the standard measurements, there may be slight variations between different brands and models of stoves. Therefore, it is recommended to measure the diameter or length and width of the existing drip pans or the openings where the new pans will go to ensure an accurate fit. This is especially important for older stoves, where the brand may no longer be in business, and the correct size may be harder to find.

When measuring the edge-to-edge dimensions, use a ruler or a tape measure to get an accurate reading. Additionally, pay attention to the shape of the drip pan, as some have a complete rim, while others have a small round section cut out of the rim for the burner element electrical connections. This will ensure that you purchase a drip pan that not only fits the size but also the style of your stove's burners.

By taking these measurements and considering the style of your stove's burners, you can be confident in purchasing the correct size and style of drip pans for your electric stove.

Compare measurements to the stove's openings

When measuring for replacement drip pans, it's important to compare the measurements of your stove's openings to the size of the drip pans. While older stoves typically have drip pans in two sizes, small and large (approximately 6" and 8" respectively), the measurements you need to focus on are the diameters of the openings where the new pans will go.

The outside edge-to-edge measurement of a 6" pan is typically 7.5", while an 8" pan measures 9.5". These measurements are the largest outside dimensions of the calrod that fits inside the drip pan. However, it's worth noting that these are just standard sizes, and the actual measurements of your stove's openings may vary slightly.

To ensure a proper fit, measure the diameter or length and width of the openings on your stove. Take these measurements with you when shopping for replacement drip pans to ensure that you purchase the correct size. It's also a good idea to bring your old drip pans with you to the store to visually compare sizes.

Additionally, if your stove is electric, pay attention to the "slot" for the heating element. The alignment of the holes in the drip pan and the heating element must match to ensure a flat and level fit.

Frequently asked questions