Comments on: Dirty Drip Pan Blues

By: Rose

Rose — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:39:19 +0000

My GE manual says not to cover the drip pans with foil. It says "Using foil so close to the receptacle could cause shock, fire or damage to the range."

By: Chester

Chester — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:03:22 +0000

I have used both oven cleaner and cream of tartar and water and they do work, but they can take a long time to get the job done. I really like to use Dawn Power Dissolver. This stuff destroys baked on grease and grim. It works great on the oven and microwave too. Give it a try.

By: Carpet Cleaning NY

Carpet Cleaning NY — Mon, 04 May 2009 05:07:52 +0000

I agree with Melissa. A little Cream of Tartar and hot water. It’ll definately do the trick.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:11:40 +0000

I don’t wash the drip pans nightly, but I do throw them in the dishwasher whenever I have a pot boil over, or its been too long between cleanings (you know, you can’t ID the spots and its been months since I have cleaned them).

Last time I bought new ones, I got black ones instead of the shiny metal ones. It hides the burnt on bits, and I can go longer between washes. They were a bit more than the metal ones, but they are also more heavy duty, and trust me I can be quite the whirlwind of destruction in the kitchen.

Oh, and another solution that works until you turn the wrong burner on, the decorative burner covers.

By: Keter

Keter — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:52:03 +0000

I have a smooth surface cooktop now, but for years had to deal with the drip pan thing – usually in rentals with really OLD stoves. The tinfoil thing works, but on some models, it prevents the elements from sitting down flat so they rock when you’re trying to cook on them. When that’s an issue, try this: start with a new set of drip pans, spray them with cooking oil spray, and then wash and respray them after every use. It adds to your dishes, but it keeps the drip pans from turning into huge messes. Eventually the oil will form a nonstick sort of coating on the drip pan, like seasoning cast iron. It will be brown, but will wash off very easily.

By: nil zed

nil zed — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:49:02 +0000

I’ve never lived in a house with both electric stove & dishwasher, so I’ve never tested this theory:
if you put the drip pans in the DW nightly, would the buildup not get so bad?

I relied on the foil method, & occaisional replacements justified by company coming. Or when moving out.

By: Kat

Kat — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:42:46 +0000

yeah well ladies, I wish i had a ceramic one (its me wish list) but for now, its rusted, yuck looking, but try to keep it clean..in actuality, i need a new stove! but have to live with what i have for now, but those suggestions are great! thanks!

By: Jenn

Jenn — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:55:52 +0000

My drip pans are in serious need of scrubbing too and the first thing I’ll try is to boil them in some water with baking soda. That helps loosen the gunk. Then maybe I’ll try the barkeeper’s friend or see if I can borrow a dryer sheet from someone who uses them.

A ceramic stovetop is very high on my wish list!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:49:39 +0000

I use a few teaspoons of Cream of Tartar, and a little hot water. It even removes the little spots of rust!

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:41:17 +0000

Becca and Jackie,
Both of these are excellent suggestions. I used to do the foil trick. I remember being amazed the day I discovered the whole metal top of the range was hinged and I could scrub under the burners. I don’t know if it’s true for all models, but even with drip pans it was nasty under there.
In addition to regular foil, they also sell foil covers made to fit pans, your mileage may vary, of course.