HOW TO FIX A STUCK OVEN DRAWER
Typically located at the bottom of your range, below the oven, the storage or warming drawer offers a convenient and practical space to keep your oven-safe cookware and bakeware within easy reach. However, it can be frustrating if the oven drawer gets stuck. Read on to learn potential causes for a stuck oven drawer and ways to problem-solve so you can get back to creating.
WHY IS THE BOTTOM DRAWER IN MY OVEN GETTING STUCK?
If you store oven-safe items like baking sheets, muffin tins or cast-iron pans in your bottom drawer, one of these items could be the problem. Another possible cause is if the bottom drawer is not properly on its track.
GUIDE TO UNSTICKING THE BOTTOM OVEN DRAWER
The oven drawer is a useful part of your oven, and it can provide space for kitchen tools and appliances that may be cluttering up your cabinets. If your oven drawer has simply come off the track, check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to fix it. If you still can’t get your oven drawer open, try these potential remedies.
TOOLS
Spatula, thin wooden spoon or yardstick
STEP 1: SHAKE THE OVEN DRAWER
When your oven is cool, take the oven drawer handle and gently shake it to see if the item blocking it will dislodge. To assist with opening the drawer, you can try gently pushing and pulling it in and out. Shifting your cookware to the bottom of the drawer might provide enough clearance for it to open.
STEP 2: USE A TOOL
To potentially fix a blocked drawer, insert a thin spatula, wooden spoon or yardstick into the gap above it. Jiggle it back and forth, and slide it in a side-to-side motion to identify the obstruction. If you encounter the item, gently apply downward pressure and try to pull the drawer open.
HOW DO I REMOVE THE BOTTOM OVEN DRAWER?
Your oven’s bottom drawer should fully extend so you can clean it. You may also want to remove the drawer to realign it or replace it. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your model. You can also follow these general instructions:
Step 1: Make sure the oven is cool, and the drawer is empty.
Step 2: Gently pull on the drawer until it reaches the drawer stop.
Step 3: Lift up the front of the drawer and remove it.
Select models may have a warming drawer that may require a screwdriver to remove. If your model has a warming drawer, refer to your owner’s manual or follow these general instructions:
Step 1: Make sure the oven is cool, and the drawer is empty.
Step 2: Pull the warming drawer out until it’s in the fully open position.
Step 3: Loosen the drawer from its glide alignment notch using a flat-blade screwdriver.
Step 4: Gently lift the drawer alignment tab from the glide.
Step 5: Repeat step 4 on the other side to detach it from the glide, then slide your drawer out to remove it.
HOW DO I PUT THE OVEN DRAWER BACK IN?
Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions for putting your oven drawer back in, or follow these general instructions:
Step 1: Lift up the front of the drawer and place the rear of the drawer inside the range so that the drawer stop notch is behind the drawer glide.
Step 2: Lower the drawer so that the edge of the slide rail drops into the slot in the drawer glide.
If you are replacing a warming drawer, you can follow these guidelines or refer to your owner’s manual:
Step 1: Align the warming drawer notches with drawer glides on both sides and place the rear alignment tabs into the drawer glides.
Step 2: Glide the drawer in until it closes.
Step 3: Open and close the drawer to ensure it’s aligned on the glides.
TIPS TO HELP PREVENT AN OVEN DRAWER FROM GETTING STUCK
Use these tips to help prevent your oven drawer from getting stuck:
Keep them clean: Regularly clean the interior of your drawers to remove any dust, debris or buildup that could potentially cause sticking.
Avoid overloading: Do not overload your drawers with excessive weight. Distribute the items evenly to prevent strain on the slides, which may lead to sticking.
Keep items organized: Maintain an organized drawer to prevent items from shifting and jamming the drawer.
Handle with care: Avoid yanking or forcing the drawer closed. Handle it gently and ensure that it's fully closed when not in use.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY OVEN DRAWER IS FALLING OVER?
If your oven drawer is falling over, refer to your owner’s manual first. You can then try removing the drawer and realigning it with the tracks on both sides. While the drawer is out, inspect and clean the tracks to ensure nothing is wrong with them or obstructing the drawer from sitting evenly. If your oven is older, you can also try replacing the wheels or adding a stopper or brace to help.
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