The tray under a pot is most commonly referred to as a drip tray or drip catcher. It serves an important function in catching any water or debris that may drain from the pot while cooking or pour from the spout when serving. Having a drip tray prevents messes and helps keep your stove, countertops, and floors clean.
What is a Drip Tray?
A drip tray, also called a drip catcher, is a tray that sits underneath a pot or pan to catch any liquids or foods that may spill over. It is a very useful kitchen tool that serves several purposes:
- Catches water, grease, juices, etc that spill over from cooking pots and pans
- Protects your stove, counters and floors from stains and damage
- Makes clean up much easier by containing the mess in one place
- Can be easily removed and emptied as needed
- Some drip trays have a spout or pour spout to conveniently drain liquid
Drip trays come in various shapes and sizes. Small round ones can fit under a single pot or pan. Rectangular or square ones are good for fitting under multiple burners. Large drip trays are great for catching bigger spills from large pots or for covering the entire stovetop.
Materials
Drip trays are commonly made from:
- Plastic – affordable and durable option
- Stainless steel – more stylish, sturdy and heat resistant
- Silicone – flexible with good heat resistance
- Aluminum – lightweight and inexpensive
- Ceramic – pretty but more delicate
Stainless steel, silicone and aluminum drip trays are good choices if you’ll be placing hot pots and pans directly on them. Plastic and ceramic types should only be used once cookware has cooled slightly to prevent warping or cracking.
Features
Some useful features to look for in a drip tray include:
- Pour spout/drain hole – allows easy draining of liquids
- Non-slip bottom – keeps tray firmly in place
- Raised edges – contain more spills
- Foldable/collapsible – saves storage space
- Dishwasher safe – makes cleaning easy
Benefits of Using a Drip Tray
There are many good reasons to use a drip tray:
Keeps Your Kitchen Clean
A drip tray keeps spills neatly contained instead of spreading all over you cooktop, counters and floors. This minimizes the need for scrubbing and harsh cleaning chemicals.
Protects Surfaces
Liquids like vinegar, wine or tomato sauce can stain and damage surfaces over time. A drip tray prevents this damage and helps surfaces last longer.
Saves Money
Drip trays save you money by protecting your expensive stove, countertops and floors from damage. Appliance repairs or kitchen remodels can be very costly.
Saves Time
It’s much faster to empty a drip tray than having to thoroughly clean the entire cooktop or floor after major spills.
Prevents Slip Hazards
Grease or liquid spills on the floor can easily cause dangerous slips and falls. Drip trays reduce this risk.
Easier Cleanup
Rather than needing to scrub multiple surfaces, you can simply wash the drip tray in the sink.
Proper Use of a Drip Tray
To get the most benefit from a drip tray, follow these tips:
- Place drip tray underneath pots, pans, coffee makers, etc any time you are cooking or pouring liquids.
- Select a drip tray large enough to catch potential spills from your cookware.
- Allow very hot pots/pans to cool slightly before setting directly on plastic or ceramic drip trays.
- Choose a high-edge design to contain larger spills.
- Empty and wash the drip tray as needed to prevent overflowing.
- Slide tray towards rear of stove so it doesn’t get bumped and spill.
- Don’t allow grease spills to sit too long before cleaning.
Proper placement and regular emptying are key to maximize the usefulness of your drip tray.
Types of Drip Trays
There are a few common types of drip trays:
Stovetop Drip Trays
These sit underneath burners or electric cooking surfaces to catch drips and spills. May be single trays or larger trays to cover multiple burners. Useful for gas and electric ranges.
Roasting Pan Trays
Designed to catch hot grease and juices under roasting pans and racks. Prevent oven spills and smoke. Can be disposable aluminum foil types or reusable stainless steel.
Cooking Pot Trays
These small round trays go under individual cooking pots and pans. Helpful for containing small spills from one vessel. Often silicone or plastic.
Coffee Maker Trays
Special trays made to prevent coffee maker drips from staining counters. Fit specific coffee pot sizes. May have pouring spout.
Grill Trays
Rectangular trays used under outdoor grills to catch grease drippings and charcoal bits. Usually made of aluminum with short edges.
Dish Drying Trays
Plastic or aluminum trays designed to hold dishes as they air dry after washing. The tray catches any draining water.
| Tray Type | Common Materials | Typical Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Stovetop Drip Tray | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Silicone | Small: 6″x10″ Large: 13″x20″ |
| Roasting Pan Tray | Aluminum Foil, Stainless Steel | Up to 18″ x 26″ |
| Cooking Pot Tray | Silicone, Plastic | 6″-12″ diameter |
| Coffee Maker Tray | Plastic, Silicone | To fit coffee pot |
| Grill Tray | Aluminum | 16″ x 24″ |
| Dish Drying Tray | Plastic, Aluminum | 12″ x 20″ or larger |
Other Names for a Drip Tray
While drip tray and drip catcher are the most common terms, you may also hear this kitchen item referred to as:
- Drip pan
- Drip bowl
- Splatter guard
- Spill tray
- Drippings pan
- Catch pan
These all refer to the same essential item – a tray that sits under cooking areas to catch messes. The specific name used may depend on the size, shape, location or primary use.
DIY Drip Trays
You can make simple homemade versions if you don’t want to purchase a drip tray:
Aluminum Foil
Shape sheets of heavy duty foil into a tray or pan shape to fit under vessels. Disposable but not very durable.
Aluminum Baking Trays
Invert a rimmed baking tray under your pot or pan. Be sure the baking tray is always wider than the cookware above it.
Cooking Trays
Use a stainless steel cooling rack placed inside a baking sheet for an elevated drip catching surface.
Specialty Bakeware
A large jelly roll pan can work well. Some cookie sheets have a rimmed edge that helps catch drips.
Improvised trays work in a pinch but commercial drip trays are inexpensive, durable, and fit for purpose.
Purchasing Considerations
If buying a new drip tray, look for:
- Size – Large enough for your largest pots and pans. Allow 2-3 inches clearance.
- Shape – Rounded corners are safer. Pour spouts are useful.
- Depth – Deeper sides contain more liquid.
- Material – Match to heat exposure. Stainless steel is most versatile.
- Features – Non-slip bottom, stability, durability, dishwasher-safe.
- Price – Inexpensive but don’t sacrifice quality.
Measure your cookware and stove size to get the ideal drip tray fit.
Caring for Your Drip Tray
To extend the life of your drip tray:
- Hand wash or dishwasher clean after each use.
- Use a bottle brush to clean pour spout.
- Don’t put hot pots directly on plastic trays.
- Empty and wipe down tray during extended cooking.
- Avoid harsh scouring pads that can scratch.
- For stains, soak in bleach cleaner then hand wash.
- Store flattened or stacked with cookware to minimize space.
With regular cleaning and care, a good quality drip tray should provide years of use.
Conclusion
A drip tray or drip catcher is an essential kitchen item that serves the valuable purpose of protecting your appliances, counters, floors and home from messy spills. This affordable accessory comes in many shapes and materials to suit your cooking needs. A high quality drip tray used properly helps maintain cleanliness and neatness in the kitchen during all your culinary endeavors. Investing in this humble but handy tool is well worth the benefits it provides.