Complete Guide to Changing Your Stovetop Drip Pans

A welcoming kitchen that inspires you to create memorable meals needs every inch to be spotless. While you may focus on crumbs, messes and spills, your stove drip pains often go unnoticed even while cleaning your stovetop.

This guide will help you learn how to keep gas or electric coil stovetop drip pans clean. This way,  you can continue sautéeing, searing or grilling your favourite foods with ease. 

HOW TO CLEAN STOVETOP DRIP PANS PROPERLY

Regularly cleaning your stove drip pans can help make maintaining your kitchen more efficient, effective and manageable. To clean stove drip pans, use soap, water and a soft sponge or cleaning cloth. Use these tips to discover how to remove and clean stove drip pans correctly.

STEP 1: DEACTIVATE THE COOKTOP OR RANGE AND TAKE OFF THE DRIP PANS

First, turn off every cooktop or range control and let the stovetop components cool completely. Remove the drip pans once they have cooled by first removing the components above the drip pans, including grates, electric coils, or burners.

For models with electric coils above the drip pans, you may be able to remove them by following these steps:

1. Pressing the edge of the coil element toward the receptacle 

2. Lifting the edge high enough to clear the burner bowl

3. Pull the coil element toward you and away from the receptacle

4. Remove the drip pan

If your oven has burners, you only need to remove the grates and then lift the cap off of the burners. On most models, this will give you access to the drip pans to perform a thorough cleaning.

STEP 2: CLEAN THE DRIP PANS

How to clean your drip pans depends on whether they are made of porcelain or chrome. Determine which drip bowl you have before you start cleaning to ensure you provide the recommended care that is safe for your appliance.

CHROME DRIP BOWLS

Another option is to use a homemade cleaning solution. You can make this solution by mixing one gallon of water with ½ cup of ammonia. Once the solution is ready, soak the drip pans in it for at least 20 minutes. Next, use a stainless steel wool pad to scrub them. If necessary, use a wet scouring pad and a mildly abrasive cleanser to target tougher spots before drying them completely.

PORCELAIN DRIP BOWLS

If your appliance has porcelain drip bowls, they can typically be cleaned in a dishwasher. You can also hand-wash them using an all-purpose cleaner or liquid detergent. Once clean, rinse them with water and then use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry them. 

Regardless of the cleaning method used, ensure the drip pans are completely dry before returning them to your stovetop. 

STEP 3: PLACE DRIP PANS AND OTHER STOVETOP COMPONENTS BACK IN PLACE

Once the drip pans are completely dry, return them to the stovetop and then replace the remaining stovetop components.

To re-install the electric coils, follow these steps:

• Align the openings in the burner bowl with the coil element receptacle

• Holding the coil element as level as you can, push the coil element terminal slowly and carefully into the receptacle as far as it will go

• Push the edge of the coil element opposite the receptacle down and securely into place

For gas burners, ensure all components are completely dry before reassembling the stovetop. Most models let you put the caps and grates back on top of the burner bases.

FAQS FOR STOVETOP DRIP PANS

Too often, cleaning the drip pans is overlooked when cleaning the appliance. Understanding the purpose of your drip pans and how to properly clean and maintain them helps ensure your food is cooked as you want or as a recipe suggests.

WHAT IS A STOVETOP DRIP PAN?

Stovetop drip pans collect any drips or spills that happen as food cooks over the heating element. For gas stoves, drip pans are located around the base of the burners. With electric coil stoves, drip pans are underneath the heating coils.

HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR STOVETOP?

You should clean your stovetop thoroughly every month. That said, how frequently you need to clean your stovetop depends on how often you use it and if you diligently clean the spills or messes after each use. 

It’s recommended to clean spills as they happen or as soon as you notice one once the cooking surface has cooled. Try cleaning spills involving acidic foods, like tomato sauce or vinegar, as soon as possible, as these types of spills could harm or affect your stovetop’s finish.

HOW FREQUENTLY DOES A STOVETOP DRIP PAN NEED TO BE CLEANED?

To make the cleaning process for stovetop drip pans more manageable and less cumbersome, it’s recommended to clean your drip pans after each use of your burners. Cleaning while your stovetop remains slightly warm makes messes, spills and splatters easier to clean since they do not have the opportunity to harden.

If you're unable to clean them after every use, for whatever reason, performing a more intense weekly cleaning of your stovetop drip pans is recommended. Additionally, you should clean any food stains that are building up to help keep your appliance looking clean.

WHAT TO USE TO CLEAN STOVETOP DRIP PANS?

It’s always important to refer to the owner’s manual or user guide for your model to learn product-specific care information. In most cases, using an all-purpose cleaner or liquid detergent is all you need to clean stovetop drip pans. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE DRIP PANS?

Using drip pans incorrectly or mishandling them can cause damage. If this happens, you can purchase replacement drip pans.

Before purchasing new drip pans, review your appliance’s owner's manual to confirm that you are buying the right ones for your model. Remember, requirements will differ between electric coil and gas stovetops.

Replacement stove drip pan parts and accessories can help your KitchenAid^® appliance maintain a fresh and sleek look and feel.

SHOP POPULAR KITCHENAID® COOKTOPS