Removing A Range Drip Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Removing a range drip pan is a simple process, but it requires some preparation. First, make sure the stove is turned off and allow the drip pans to cool down. Then, remove the coils or grates on top of the drip pans by gently tugging on the burner coil to remove it from its socket. For gas stoves, simply lift off the metal grates. Once the coils or grates are removed, you can lift out the drip pan. After removing the drip pan, you can start cleaning it.

Removing electric burners from a stove

Firstly, ensure that all burners on the stove are turned off and wait for them to cool down completely. This is important for safety reasons and to avoid burning yourself.

Once the stove is off and cool, locate the socket that the electric burner plugs into. This is usually on the other side of the hole in the drip pan. Grip the outer edge of the burner coil as far from the socket as possible.

Now, carefully lift the burner coil up an inch or so above the edge of the drip pan. Gently pull the burner away from the socket, and if needed, rock the coil back and forth gently until it releases from the socket.

If there is a tripod stand below the burner, remove it by gripping the edge of the drip pan farthest from the socket and lifting it out.

With the burner and drip pan removed, you can now clean or replace the burner as needed. To reinstall the burner, simply follow these steps in reverse. Ensure the burner is securely plugged into the socket before turning it on again.

If you are replacing the burner, be sure to purchase the correct model for your stove. You can find the model number on a sticker inside the bottom broiler drawer of the stove.

Cleaning drip pans with baking soda and dish soap

To clean drip pans with baking soda and dish soap, you'll first need to remove the drip pans from the stovetop. Shake off loose crumbs into a garbage can and rinse the pans thoroughly in the sink with the hottest water possible.

Next, prepare and mix the cleaning solution. In a small bowl, mix liquid dish soap and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio. Half a cup of each is a good starting point, but you can add more if necessary.

Now, use your fingers or a pastry brush to liberally coat each drip pan with the soap/baking soda mixture, scrubbing it into the pans. Stack the soapy drip plates out of the way in your sink and let them sit for about an hour.

Afterward, rinse the drip pans thoroughly with hot water to remove the soap mixture. Tackle any remaining dirty spots with a scrub brush or a sponge freshly dipped in baking soda.

Finally, dry the drip pans with a dish towel and return them to your stovetop.

• Before cleaning, ensure your stove drip pans are at room temperature to avoid burning your fingers.
• If you have an electric stove, remove the burner coil by lifting one side slightly to expose the socket it plugs into. Gently tug the coil straight out of the socket and set it aside before lifting out the drip pan.
• For gas stoves, simply lift off the metal grates to access the drip pan underneath.
• If you're short on time, you can try a faster method by mixing liquid dish soap and baking soda and applying it directly to the drip pans without soaking.
• For heavily soiled drip pans, you can try a two-step process by first soaking the pans in hot water and vinegar and then applying the baking soda and dish soap mixture.

Cleaning drip pans with vinegar and cream of tartar

Step 1: Remove the drip pans

First, you will need to remove the burners by lifting and pulling straight out (sideways) to unplug them.

Step 2: Prepare the cleaning mixture

Combine a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and cream of tartar. You can adjust the consistency of the paste but make sure that it is not too runny as that may diminish the scrubbing effect.

Step 3: Apply the mixture to the drip pans

Apply the mixture to the affected areas of the pan. Use a pastry brush or sponge to cover the entire surface of the pan.

Step 4: Let the mixture sit

Let the mixture sit on the pans for at least 10 minutes. For best results, it is advisable to let it sit overnight. Both vinegar and cream of tartar will work to loosen the food stuck on the surface of the pan.

Step 5: Scrub the pans

After letting the mixture sit, use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub the pans. Keep in mind that you may need to use some elbow grease to remove stubborn gunk. However, avoid using very hard or abrasive materials to scrub.

Step 6: Repeat if necessary

If there is still gunk on the pans, repeat the process as needed. Once you are satisfied with the results, wash the pans thoroughly with soap and cold water before using them again for cooking.

Additional tips:

• You can also try boiling the mixture on the stove to help loosen burnt-on food.
• Cream of tartar can also be used to clean stainless steel, copper, brass, and rusty kitchen tools.

Cleaning drip pans with ammonia

To clean your drip pans with ammonia, you will need the following:

• Drip pans
• 1-gallon ziplock bags
• Household ammonia
• Liquid dish soap
• Rubber gloves
• Sponge
• Microfiber cloth
• Well-ventilated space

Firstly, ensure your stove and drip pans are at room temperature. If you have just finished cooking, wait for the drip pans to cool down. Next, remove the coils or grates sitting on top of the drip pans. If you have an electric stove, remove the burner coil by lifting one side slightly. You will see the socket that the burner coil plugs into on the other side of the hole in your drip pan. Gently tug the burner coil straight out of the socket to remove it, and set it aside. Now you can lift out the drip pan. Most gas stoves have metal grates that simply lift off for easy access to the drip pan underneath.

Once you have removed the drip pans, rinse them in hot water and place each one inside its own 1-gallon ziplock bag. Add 1/4 cup of household ammonia to each bag. You don't need to worry about coating the drip pans completely with ammonia; the fumes are going to do the hard work of loosening burnt-on food splatter. Seal the tops of the plastic bags, then leave them stacked in your emptied kitchen sink overnight, or for at least 12 hours.

After the drip pans have soaked, open the bags in a well-ventilated location—the ammonia fumes will be strong—and remove the drip pans. Seal and dispose of the used bags. Dilute the ammonia with cold water and pour it down the sink drain. If you have a septic system, neutralize the ammonia before disposing of it.

If any dirty spots remain on the drip pans, wipe them away with a sponge and dish soap—it shouldn't take much effort. Rinse the drip pans thoroughly with hot water, dry them with a towel, and return them to your stovetop.

To avoid having to clean your drip pans in the future, try to clean up messes during and after cooking. Wipe away spills and splatters every time you cook on your stovetop. It's also a good idea to give the drip pans a more thorough cleaning once a week if you cook daily, or once a month if you don't use your stovetop often.

Cleaning the stove rings

There are several commercial products available on the market specifically designed for cleaning stove rings. Choose one that is suitable for use in the kitchen and on food preparation surfaces, and always follow the instructions on the package. After applying the cleaner, be sure to wipe down the stove with water to remove any chemical remnants.

If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water, applied with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. For baked-on messes, create a paste with baking soda and water, and rub it onto the problem spots.

For a deeper clean, remove the stove rings and drip pans if your stove model allows for it. First, shake the drip pans over a trash can to remove any loose debris, then use a stiff brush to loosen any remaining gunk. Next, fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid with a grease-cutting ingredient. Soak the drip pans and stove rings in this solution for at least 10 minutes. You can also spray them down with a strong stream of water to help dislodge any stubborn dirt.

After soaking, scrub the stove rings and drip pans with a sponge or scrubber, sprinkling baking soda onto any hard-to-remove stains. Finally, rinse them with hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth before reattaching them to your stove.

To maintain your stove rings and keep them in good condition, it's recommended to wipe them down with a microfiber cloth and warm water after each use, ensuring they are adequately cooled first.

Frequently asked questions