Symptoms
- Warming drawer doesn't feel warm when turned on
- Drawer's indicator light doesn't turn on
- Food doesn't stay warm as expected
- Main oven works fine while the drawer doesn't heat
Likely causes
- CommonFailed heating element in the warming drawerThe drawer has its own separate, lower-wattage heating element that can burn out independently of the main oven.
- CommonFaulty warming drawer control switch or thermostatThe dial or control switch for the drawer can fail separately from the main oven controls.
- PossibleConfusing a plain storage drawer for a warming drawerNot all bottom drawers are heated; some ranges only have unheated storage drawers.
- Less commonLoose wiring connection to the drawer elementA connector serving the drawer's separate circuit can work loose over time.
What to do
- Confirm your model actually has a heated warming drawer and not just a storage drawer, by checking your owner's manual.
- Check that the drawer control is turned on and set to a temperature, not just closed.
- Wait several minutes, since warming drawers typically run at low, gentle heat rather than heating instantly.
- Unplug the range at the breaker for a minute to reset any shared control board, then retest.
- If you're comfortable, pull the drawer and check for a visible element and inspect it for damage (with power off).
- Test the element for continuity with a multimeter if accessible and you're comfortable doing so.
- Have a technician replace the warming drawer element or control switch if it doesn't test as functional.
Tools and parts
- Multimeter
Warming drawer heating elementSearch: “range warming drawer element replacement”
When to call a pro
If the warming drawer element tests as failed or inaccessible, have a technician replace it or the control switch.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.