What Is the Maximum Height Above the Floor for a Warming Drawer?

Warming Drawer Benefit

• The main benefit that warming drawers offer over the “warm” setting on an oven is that the warming drawers use significantly less power. While even the most energy-efficient ovens use upward of 1,000 watts of electricity to keep the oven running, warming drawers use 600 watts or less, according to mechanical engineer James Dulley. Warming drawers plug into any standard 120-volt outlet, unlike ovens, which require 220-volt outlets.

Warming Drawer Specs

• Warming drawer temperatures generally run between 100 and 200 degrees. Warming drawers come in a range of widths from 24 to 36 inches, with 27 and 30 inches being the standard widths. The smallest warming drawers can generally hold four dinner plates, while larger warming drawers can hold up to six. The controls in most warming drawers are situated on the inside of the unit, so the front has a smooth finish.

Installing a Warming Drawer

• When installing a warming drawer, the height of the drawer above the floor has less impact on the operation of the unit than providing the proper amount of space around the unit. You must install a warming drawer at least 4½ inches above the floor so the drawer can open and air can circulate beneath the unit. As long as the warming drawer sits at least 4½ inches above the floor level, you can install it at any height you like.

Maximum Height

• So, sure, you can install a warming drawer at any height that you want. But you should put it at a height that makes it easy to get food in and out. The surface on which you place a warming drawer must generally be able to support at least 100 lbs., and the cabinetry around the warming drawer must be heat-resistant up to the drawer’s maximum temperature. Kitchen cabinets generally meet this heat requirement.