How to Measure Drip Pans for Electric Stove | Size & Style Match

A drip pan that doesn’t fit can wobble, trap heat unevenly, or fail to support the coil properly—so measuring before you buy saves a return trip. The catch is that “6-inch” and “8-inch” labels refer to the burner opening, not the pan’s outside edge. A 6-inch pan measures roughly 7.5 inches across, and an 8-inch pan is about 9.5 inches. Start with the method below, and once you know your size and style, check our tested drip-pan roundup for recommendations.

Step 1: Identify Your Stove’s Brand and Model

Before you pick up a ruler, find the model and serial number—usually on a sticker inside the oven door, the storage drawer, or along the back edge of the cooktop. Many manufacturers list the exact replacement part number in the owner’s manual or on their support site. Searching that part number directly gives you the perfect match faster than measuring alone.

Step 2: Measure the Burner Opening and Pan Diameter

Turn the stove off and let all burners cool completely. Lift the coil element just enough to disconnect the terminals (pull straight out from the receptacle), then set the element aside. Remove the existing drip pan. Use a tape measure or ruler to find the diameter of the opening in the cooktop—this is the measurement that tells you whether you need a 6-inch or 8-inch pan. Then measure the pan itself edge to edge across its widest point. Keep a note of both numbers; if they conflict, the opening size is your primary guide.

Step 3: Compare the Cutout Style

Not all pans fit the same way even if the diameter matches. Lift the burner assembly and look at the center of the pan:

• Removable-burner pans have a deep center cutout with two slots or holes that the burner prongs poke through.
• Hinged-element pans have a smaller, single opening—sometimes round, sometimes D-shaped—because the element stays attached and only tilts up.
• One-piece vs. ring pans: Some drip bowls include a separate inner ring that sits around the burner; others are a single stamped bowl with no removable ring.

If the old pan had a detachable ring, buy the same style—the ring and bowl are sold as a set or separately, but mixing a ringless bowl with a ring is a no-go. The official documentation at AppliancePartsPros’ drip pan guide details the shape differences for common ranges.

Step 4: Check Fit and Test Before You Finalize

When you install a new pan, the coil element should sit level, the pan should rest flush against the cooktop, and the burner terminals should push firmly into the receptacle. If your stove uses screws or brackets to hold the pan in place, reinstall them. Power the burner on briefly at a medium setting; it should glow evenly with no sparking or wobbling. If the pan rocks or the burner tips, the diameter or cutout is wrong—compare the new pan side by side with the old one to spot the difference.