I think this is the coolest thing! I've lived in this house since August but haven't done much cooking or baking with all the challenges we've been through. Only now, about 4 months later, did I discover a wonderful feature of my oven...a split rack!
I was preparing a dinner for the houseful of family and adjusting the shelves in the Whirlpool oven to accommodate the various dishes I was going to bake. I noticed that the bottom rack, left there by the previous owner, had a thicker side to it. I imagined that surely there was a reason and it appeared like it could be removed. It was similar to what you might find on a broil pan setup.
I pulled out the shelf and pushed up on the left side and sure enough, the rack popped off. Now it made perfect sense. While the sellers had kept this rack in the lowest position in the oven, it actually is meant to be used in any higher slot. By removing the left side you allow the height and space for a much larger, taller casserole dish or roasting pan while still being able to co-cook other food without sacrificing an entire shelf or two. Now I can have several 9x13 Pyrex dishes on the shelves (for example) and still have a tall Dutch oven with lid and knob, or a big, round roast or bird, on the left side - spanning several storeys of oven real estate at the same time as the shorter casseroles in the neighbourhood. I don't think the former people even knew what they had!
Pure genius!
I didn't know this type of customizable shelf was available so I thought I'd share just in case you're in the market for a new range. It is definitely a feature to look for if you like to cook many different things at the same time. Your scalloped potatoes, pie, and roast chicken can all be baked at the same time and still have room to warm the bread.
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