Dip Pan Sizes For Vintage Stoves

Drip pans are essential for catching boil-overs and reflecting heat back to your pots and pans. They can be removed and cleaned, but over time they will need to be replaced. There are two standard sizes for drip pans: small (6 inches) and large (8 inches). However, there are also micro-size differences that vary between brands and models, which can make finding the right drip pans for older stoves challenging. It is recommended to bring your old drip pans to the store to visually match them with new ones or to refer to the brand and model number of your stove.

Drip pans are not universal, so it's important to match the brand of stove you have

Firstly, it's important to note the difference between a drip bowl and a drip pan. A drip bowl is made from a single piece of metal and is used under heating elements that are easily removable. A drip pan, on the other hand, has two pieces: a removable outer ring and a separate bowl underneath. This two-piece construction is used for stoves with hinged burner elements.

There are four primary styles or types of drip pans: A, B, D, and E. Each style comes in two sizes: large and small. Styles A and B use one-piece drip bowls with a complete rim and can be chrome-plated or black porcelain. 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. 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.

When choosing a drip pan, it's important to consider the size and shape to ensure it seats correctly. Incorrectly sized drip pans can cause the stove's burner to not sit level. To find the right size, you can consult the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website. Additionally, you can measure the diameter or length and width of the existing drip pans or the openings where the new pans will go. It's also important to note the number of drip pans you need, as they are often sold in packs of four (2 large and 2 small).

While some universal drip pans are available, it's important to remember that they may not fit all stoves. Therefore, it's always best to match the brand of your stove and consider the specific style or type of drip pan required.

Take the old drip pans with you to the hardware store to compare with new ones

Drip pans are not universal, and it can be challenging to find the right ones for your stove, especially if it is an older model. Therefore, it is advisable to take your old drip pans with you to the hardware store to compare with new ones. This will help ensure that you purchase the correct size and style.

Firstly, remove the drip pans from your stove. Traditional electric stoves have a drip pan under each burner, which can be removed by tipping the burner element up slightly and pulling parallel to the stove top until it disconnects.

When you have the old drip pans, place them in a plastic bag to keep them clean, and take them with you to the hardware store. There, you can visually compare them with the new drip pans on offer. Pay attention to the size, style, and the number of holes in the new drip pans, ensuring they match your old ones.

For example, check if the new drip pans have the correct number of cutout holes for the burner elements to fit through. Some replacements may have multiple holes, and as long as one matches your old drip pan, it will be functional. However, a replacement with just one hole will be more practical and easier to keep clean.

Additionally, consider the material of the new drip pans. Chrome-plated drip pans can be very obvious when their surface is marred, giving the stove a dirty appearance. They can also absorb heat instead of reflecting it, leading to inefficient and uneven cooking results.

Finally, if you are unable to find a perfect match, you can try standard drip pans from major retailers such as Walmart. These have been known to fit a wide range of stoves, even ancient ones. They are also inexpensive, so it won't hurt to give them a try.

If you have an electric stove, take the heating element too to ensure it will sit flat

When shopping for drip pans for your old electric stove, it's important to keep in mind that the goal is to find a drip pan that sits correctly so that the burner element remains level and flat. If you have an electric stove, take the heating element too to ensure it will sit flat. This is because there are micro-size differences between different drip pans, which can affect how well the heating element sits.

The micro-size differences are too small and variable to measure reliably, but you can figure out which drip pans will work with your stove by considering the brand and model number. Sales points will be able to tell you which drip pans will fit your stove if you provide them with this information. Taking the heating element with you when shopping for a drip pan will allow you to test how well the two fit together, ensuring that the element will sit flat when installed.

In addition to the micro-size differences, there are also different styles of drip pans, which are typically labelled with letters. Style-B drip pans, for example, are for stoves from GE or Hotpoint, while Style-A is for stoves from manufacturers like Kenmore, Whirlpool, and Frigidaire. Knowing the brand and model number of your stove will help you determine which style of drip pan you need.

Another thing to keep in mind is that drip pans come in two sizes: large and small. The large size is typically called 8 inches, while the small size is called 6 inches. Most newer stoves have two large and two small drip pans, while many old stoves have one large and three small. You'll need to make sure you get the right size for your stove, as a small drip pan won't fit under a large burner and vice versa.

By taking the heating element with you when shopping for a drip pan, you can ensure that the two fit together properly and that the element will sit flat when installed. This will help you avoid the issues that can arise from an incorrect micro-size drip pan, such as the element being unsteady or not sitting level.

The size of the drip pan depends on the size of the burner

Drip pans are used to catch messy drips and spills from electric stoves. They are placed under each burner and can be removed and cleaned periodically. However, if the drip pans become too worn or encrusted with gunk, they should be replaced.

When choosing a replacement drip pan, it is important to consider the size of the burner. Drip pans typically come in two sizes: large (8 inches) and small (6 inches). The size of the drip pan should correspond to the size of the burner, as a small drip pan will not fit under a large burner and vice versa. While the large and small sizes are standard across most stoves, there are also micro-size differences between brands and models that can affect the fit.

For newer stoves, the micro-size differences are less significant, and a universal heating element or drip pan is likely to fit. However, for older stoves, the micro-size differences can be more pronounced, and finding a replacement drip pan that fits properly can be more challenging. In some cases, the brand and model number of the stove may be sufficient to determine the correct micro-size. But for older or less common stoves, it may be necessary to measure the existing drip pans or try different replacement options until one fits properly.

To measure the size of a drip pan, it is important to consider the diameter of the hole in the range, as well as the depth and overall dimensions of the pan. Additionally, the alignment of the holes for the electrical plug and burner supports should be considered to ensure a proper fit.

In summary, while there are standard sizes for drip pans, the specific fit can vary depending on the brand, model, and age of the stove. It is important to consider both the size of the burner and the micro-size differences when selecting a replacement drip pan to ensure a correct and safe fit.

Styles A and B are the most common and fit a range of stove brands

Styles A and B are the most common drip pan types and fit a range of stove brands. Style A is slightly shallower than Style B and generally matches electric stovetops made by Whirlpool, Kenmore (2004 and newer models), Frigidaire, Maytag, Electrolux, Tappan, Amana, Crosley, and RCA. Style B drip pans are designed to fit GE, Hotpoint, Kenmore (1995-2003 models), Roper (1990 and newer models), and Monogram electric ranges.

It's important to note that the specific stove brand is not always a guarantee of the correct style, as some older models may have different requirements. For example, a user with an old GE stove found that the Style B drip pans did not fit their burners. Therefore, it is essential to consider other factors when selecting the right drip pans.

The age of the stove is a critical factor, as older stoves may have different requirements. For instance, Style C is designed for stoves with hinged burner elements manufactured before 1995 by GE/Hotpoint, while Style D is for similar stoves made after 1995. Additionally, the number of large and small drip pans or burners on your stove will determine the combination you need (e.g., 3 large and 1 small, or 2 large and 2 small).

To ensure you get the correct fit, it is recommended to refer to your stove's manual or the brand's website for replacement part recommendations. If you cannot find specific style recommendations, you may need to measure your existing drip pans for comparison. The goal is to find a drip pan that seats correctly, ensuring the burner element remains level and flat.

By considering the style, brand compatibility, age of the stove, and accurate measurements, you can select the appropriate drip pans for your old stove and ensure a proper fit.

Frequently asked questions