Leaving pots and pans on an electric range without cooking or baking anything for extended periods of time can pose a few risks:
Accidental activation: If the stove knobs or controls are accidentally turned on while the pots and pans are left unattended, there is a risk of unintentional activation of the heating elements. This can lead to overheating of the cookware, potential damage to the cookware itself, or even pose a fire hazard if left unattended for an extended period.
Overheating of handles and lids: Depending on the material and construction of the handles and lids, leaving pots and pans on the stove for hours can result in the handles and lids becoming excessively hot. This can lead to burns or injuries if touched or accidentally bumped into.
Damage to cookware and stove: Leaving empty pots and pans on a heated electric range for extended periods can cause damage to both the cookware and the stove. The heat can cause warping, discoloration, or deterioration of the cookware. Additionally, prolonged exposure to heat can damage the heating elements of the electric range.
Fire hazard: Although less common, there is a small risk of a fire starting if combustible materials are left near or on the stove and come into contact with the heating elements or an accidental ignition source.
To minimize these risks, it's generally recommended to remove pots and pans from the stove when they are not in use. This reduces the likelihood of accidental activation, prevents potential damage to the cookware, and minimizes the risk of burns or injuries from hot handles and lids. Additionally, it's important to keep the area around the stove clear of any combustible materials to reduce the risk of fire.