Warming drawers are a good thing especially if you’re looking to plan some parties for events like Thanksgiving, birthday parties and Christmas parties. Buying a new warming drawer isn’t as easy as some people think, especially if it’s your first time. You’ll need some help, and that’s where we come in.

Buying Guide

Here are some basic facts about warming drawers:

• What’s a warming drawer? A warming drawer consists of a compartment designed to keep food warm—or moderately hot, depending on your settings—while awaiting the guests to arrive and while the chef is preparing other dishes. It’s a great way to preserve flavor and aroma even if the dish has to be prepared long beforehand.
• Most warming drawer exteriors are either wood or stainless steel. Wood looks better and more refined, but stainless steel is tougher and less prone to damage, especially when you have kids running around the house.
• Old models have fewer features, naturally, and newer ones include the Moist or Dry feature. This allows the user more flexibility in terms of the type of food he or she puts into the drawer.
• Plan before you buy. Check the space in the kitchen where you plan to put the warming drawer. Use a measuring tape and jot down the exact measurement, and then narrow your choices down from there. There’s no use buying a warming drawer that’s obviously too big for your kitchen.

The heart of the home is the kitchen, and the heart of the kitchen is the warming drawer. Some dishes don’t taste quite as good when served cold instead of warm, or soggy when, like fried chicken, they should be served dry. The warming drawer is the food lover’s best friend.