Updated at: 19-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Do you want to update your kitchen? The placement of your new cabinets and appliances can have a big impact on how well they work together. This is especially true with cooking appliances and storage space in the kitchen. Here you’ll find detailed information about the required distance (in inches) between a stove and a cabinet, as well as the rationale for this requirement.

  • Is updating your kitchen on your to-do list? How well your new cabinets and appliances function together is highly dependent on their placement. This is especially true for kitchen appliances like stoves and cabinets. Here you will discover detailed information about the required distance (in inches) between a stove and an adjacent cabinet, as well as the rationale for this requirement.
  • microwave
  • More technology
  • Cabinets line the opposite wall.

With this newfound knowledge from the specialists, we may further dissect the distances in the following sections. For instance, we will investigate standard stove dimensions and determine if it is secure to install a stove inside a cabinet. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find the results of our investigation.

Why Clearance Between Your Stove And Other Objects Is Important

If you give yourself extra space around your stove and the aforementioned items, you’ll be safer and have more options in the kitchen. Approximately how much room do you need?

Wall Ovens vs Freestanding Ovens – How to Choose? - The Good Guys

Kitchen Sink

There should be a minimum amount of space between your kitchen’s sink and stove. Allow between 24 and 30 inches of space between these two items, as recommended by experts. Besides keeping your stovetop safe, this will free up valuable prep area.

Microwave

We’ll go into the nitty-gritty of how microwaves function later on in this piece. Depending on the type of microwave oven you have, keep it at least 13 inches from the stove.

Other Appliances

Put at least four feet of space between your stove and other appliances. You may multitask in the kitchen by using this strategy to cook and clean while appliances like the microwave and dishwasher are operating. If you’re concerned about electrical safety, this is something you should do as well. For safety reasons, you should never plug multiple appliances into the same outlet.

Cabinets On The Opposing Wall

There needs to be at least 48 inches of clearance between your stove’s front and the opposite wall’s cupboards. When there is plenty of space, you can still make meals and cook even if the rest of the kitchen is in use.

What Is The Standard Stove Size?

There isn’t a universally accepted size for home appliances, but there is a spectrum (pardon the pun) within which they typically fall. What follows is a discussion of the various stove sizes from which you can choose.

Apartment Sized

There are several home appliances available now that are made with compact homes in mind. Nothing about a stove changes this. The size of them compared to standard freestanding stoves is much different.

Standard Free-Standing Stove

Small-footprint appliances are ubiquitous in today’s marketplace. Nothing about a stove alters this. The dimensions of these stoves are significantly less than those of conventional freestanding models.

Standard Slide-In

There are several home appliances on the market now that are made with compact homes in mind. The addition of a stove won’t alter this fact. These stoves are significantly smaller in size compared to conventional freestanding models.

Commercial

You’ll typically see appliances like these in public spaces like restaurants, bars, and similar eating and drinking establishments.

Commercial ranges have a height of 35 to 40 inches, a width of 36 to 48 inches, and a depth of 26 to 31 inches. Due to the vast variance in business volume, this type of stove comes in a wide variety of sizes.

How Much Space Do You Need On Each Side Of A Stove?

More or less room on either side of the appliance will be required depending on how often you intend to use it. Minimum side lengths of 15–18 inches are recommended. As a bonus, you’ll have more room on your countertops to store things like cutting boards and tool holders, and you’ll have less trouble moving hot pots and pans from one burner to another.

Can You Put An Oven In A Cabinet?

To achieve a more streamlined and unified kitchen design, some homeowners are choosing to install ovens inside cupboards. How secure is this?

Ovens don’t produce a lot of heat from their sides, therefore it’s safe to enclose them in a cabinet. Make sure the appliance is balanced before using it to prevent any accidents with food being cooked within.

If your stove is 30 inches wide, the minimum width of your cabinet should be 31 inches. The appliance will be secure and easy to remove if you leave a half-inch of space between its sides and the inside surfaces of the cabinet.

How Close Can A Microwave Be To The Stove?

When looking into how far you should keep your microwave from your stove, we came across conflicting information.

Microwaves Installed Above Stoves

From floor to microwave: At least six feet is recommended, according to most competent sources in this area. In this way, it can be used by the vast majority of people.

According to the same kind of references, there should be at least 13 inches of space between the top of the stove and the bottom of the microwave.

However, if you use your range more frequently than the typical person or if you cook for extended periods of time, this may be too close for comfort, according to the opinions of some experts. Experts recommend leaving at least 18 inches of clearance between the top of your range and the bottom of your microwave. If you don’t have this much space, your mounted equipment will be harmed.

To make sure you have enough room, read the instructions for your stove and microwave before you start cooking anything.

Freestanding Microwaves

To make sure you have enough room, read the instructions for your stove and microwave before you start cooking anything.

How Far Should Oven Stick Out From Cabinets?

Before you start cooking, check the specifications of your stove and microwave to ensure you have adequate space.

The correct placement of an oven has it sitting flat against the wall of cupboards. The total combined thickness of the oven door and the handle should not exceed 2 inches when the door is closed and flush against the cabinetry. This is the recommended distance.

The correct placement of an oven has it sitting flat against the wall of cupboards. The total combined thickness of the oven door and the handle should not exceed 2 inches when the door is closed and flush against the cabinetry. This is the recommended distance.

Can I Replace A Freestanding Range With A Slide-In?

In a well-planned kitchen, the wall of the oven and the cabinetry will be perfectly parallel. Both the door and the handle of the oven, when closed, should protrude no more than 2 inches from the cabinetry. That’s the minimum safe distance between you and the object.

Both freestanding and built-in dishwashers can be used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Think about how big the range is, how the controls are set up, and how much work it will be to install it.

Range Dimensions

Standard measurements for a freestanding range are 30 inches in width, 36 inches in height, and 25 inches in depth.

In order to obtain a completely flush appearance, the stovetop on slide-in ranges must protrude an extra inch beyond the surface.

The normal height and depth are rarely changed because they are based on universally accepted dimensions for table tops. It’s also possible to choose between wider and narrower parameters.

Professional Ranges (6 Burners/Griddle/Double Ovens)

For a conventional six-burner range, adding two more burners brings the width up to 36 inches. Both the 48-inch and 60-inch models have a professional appearance. The ovens and griddle are separated, and there are a total of six burners (side-by-side).

Compact Ranges (2 To 4 Burners/Oven)

There are smaller 20- and 24-inch options available, respectively, that are made with limited space in mind. Choose from two- or four-burner models that include an oven.

Range Control Configurations

When it comes to freestanding ranges, you may choose between models with either a rear panel or a front panel placed control panel and display. Controls and displays for slide-in range models are located solely on the front panel.

HELP-Will my over the range microwave be too low?

Range Installations

As their name implies, freestanding stoves are designed to be freestanding. Freestanding stoves, due to their finished sides, leave a little room when installed between cabinets. The traditional back guard does an excellent job of preventing splashes from the stovetop.

Slide-in ranges have unfinished sides and a layover lip along the countertop so they can be flushed into the cabinetry. In contrast, a piece of countertop is often placed in the two-inch void created by most slide-in ranges. The tile backsplash need not end at the border of the countertop.

Do Slide-In Ranges Stick Out?

When the oven door is open, the front edge of a slide-in range is flush with the surrounding cabinetry. When the oven door is closed, it should protrude no more than two inches from the cabinetry on either side.

Are Slide-In Ranges Worth It?

Our opinion is that a slide-in range, which may cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on its features, is money well spent. Why? Because this is the reason:

  • When installed properly, a slide-in range may give your kitchen a clean, contemporary design.
  • No longer will you have to squat over a hot stove or oven to make adjustments or set a timer.
  • Surfaces are simple to clean since they are flush and have an overlapping lip.
  • This convenient appliance is designed to look like it has always been part of your cabinetry, enhancing your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal.

How Do I Fill The Gap Between My Stove And Cabinets?

The gap is gone now that the slide-in range’s unpainted sides fit snugly into the cabinetry. One benefit of installing a lip beneath a slide-in range is that it keeps water from running down the front of the cabinetry.

Freestanding ranges are fully enclosed, as they are designed to stand on their own. This might cause a messy gap to form between the stove and the cabinets. It is normal for this space to be seen between the wall and the finished side. Use a spacer to close the gap between your stove top and your countertop to keep food debris from falling through. Silicone gap covers are not only heat resistant but also come in a wide range of colors to complement any countertop.

How Far Should The Fridge Be From The Stove And Oven?

Two of the most crucial aspects of any kitchen’s layout are convenient counter space and an efficient work flow. Triangular kitchen layouts, as the name implies, center the fridge, stove, and sink in a triangle around the kitchen’s work area, making everything in the kitchen easily accessible. This would make it possible to quickly and easily cross the kitchen from the fridge to the burner.

Landing spaces of 15 inches on either side, or 12 inches on one side with 15 inches on the other, are suggested for counter space, depending on the proportions of the range. Space for cooking, chilling, and cutting is maximized with this design.

It’s not a good idea to put the stove and the fridge next to each other, as they both let off heat. With the oven on high heat, not only will the refrigerator’s compressor have to work harder to keep food cold, but the refrigerator will also use more electricity. If you want your fridge to work at peak efficiency, give it about a half an inch to two feet of clearance on all sides from the nearest cabinets.

How Close Can A Stove Be To The Wall?

Typically, in order to meet code in a home kitchen, there needs to be at least 15 inches of space between an oven and a wall.

It is important to note that building regulations in one section of the country may vary from those in another (state, city, county, and municipality). Because of the close closeness of fuel lines, electrical lines, and water connections in kitchens, certain guidelines have been devised to assure their safe use.

Before starting a DIY installation, be sure you know the local building codes and obtain any necessary permits.

Can You Put A Range In Front Of A Window?

Even though the golden rule or the code says otherwise, a range can be installed in front of a window. Do we need to go through with it? There are a few design considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking about putting a range under a window in your kitchen.

  • The exhaust hood blocks all visibility.
  • A gas stove’s flames can be put out by wind blowing in via an open window.
  • Continuous cleaning is required to remove splatters, oil, and steam from the window, allowing for a clear view.
  • The high temperatures produced by stoves and ovens can accelerate the aging of window sealant, leading to leaks, cracks, and discoloration.
  • Curtains and blinds must not be hung near hot stove elements for obvious reasons.

The information in this manual will help you choose and set up a range, either freestanding or slide-in, in your kitchen with minimal disruption to your cooking schedule.

Kitchen Space Design

Construction industry standards for design and coding are brutal, unreasonable, and stifle creativity. Right?

Don’t rush anything. Most construction laws make sense and are meant to protect residents. The balusters of a staircase should be spaced tightly enough that a four-inch ball cannot roll between them. This width was not chosen at random; it was determined by taking into account the typical size of an infant’s head. Most kids’ heads are too big to get through that opening.

Standards for kitchen layouts and storage were developed in response to these kinds of problems. The kitchen, unfortunately, has the poorest layout of any room in the house.

Code Versus Practices

Cooking in a kitchen can be dangerous due to the proximity of gas lines, 220V electrical service, vent hoods, supply water lines, and sewer pipes. Because of its critical nature, a large portion of the code base is devoted to it.

Your kitchen must be up to the standards set by the International Code Council, a non-governmental organization responsible for creating and promoting the adoption of building codes worldwide. 1 If you want to build lawfully, you’ll need a permit, and most permits require that you get your work inspected to make sure it follows building codes.

Best practices vary from industry to industry. These are some of the timeless principles perfected by master cooks over many years. In some situations, best practices can be derived from existing code. Most of the time, these are just pieces of common sense advise and have nothing to do with the actual code.

The kitchen triangle is a wonderful illustration of a design approach that might be able to stand on its own. This kitchen safety triangle has never been the cause of anyone’s arrest or the revocation of a license. This is the most sensible method to organize a kitchen for maximum efficiency.

Entry Points: Openings and Doors

The open floor plan, made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings in the 1940s, has been in vogue ever since. After tearing down internal walls, the cook area, the living area, and the dining area were all transformed into one spacious area. The chef could no longer maintain his anonymity when preparing meals.

The kitchen is accessible even if you don’t use the door to it.

The minimum acceptable width for a doorway is 32 inches.

No doors should be in the way of your kitchen appliances. If there isn’t enough space, things like doors and appliances could get crushed.

The Kitchen Triangle: Managing Workflow

Three main areas of activity take place in a kitchen: the cooking area (containing the range and oven), the sink, and the refrigerator. The kitchen triangle consists of three locations, none of which should be more than a predetermined distance from one another.

There should be no obstacles in the paths between the three locations, and the distance between them should be reasonable given that cooks often walk between them, sometimes while carrying hot pots full of liquid.

  • The sum of the lengths of the triangle’s three legs must be less than 26 feet.
  • To avoid an extremely imbalanced triangle configuration, the length of the legs should be between 4 and 9 feet. If you give the triangle a maximum and minimum size, it will look more like a true triangle.
  • Obstacles can be created in the course of the triangle by tall appliances such as refrigerators and pantry cabinets. Brief impediments are allowed, but they must not go more than 12 inches into the triangle. A kitchen island, being relatively small in length, can span across the corner of the triangle. If the island is more than 12 inches outside the triangle, there will be a problem.

Between four and nine feet away from the kitchen triangle’s closest point, any additional work area (such as a prep sink, microwave, etc.) should be placed.

Work and Walkway Aisles: Do Not Block Traffic

Between four and nine feet away from the kitchen triangle’s closest point, any additional work area (such as a prep sink, microwave, etc.) should be placed.

Any additional work area (prep sink, microwave, etc.) should be situated within four to nine feet of the closest point of the kitchen triangle.

It is not a good idea to use the kitchen triangle as a shortcut. The bare minimum width we recommend is 36 inches.

Countertops: More is Better

Extra counter space is one of the most requested features of a remodeled kitchen. While the building code rarely mentions counters explicitly, design principles do. You won’t regret your current self-discipline if you look back on it fondly.

Total Length of Counters

A minimum of 158 inches, or 13 feet, of linear countertop frontage is suggested. Of course, this advice should be taken with a grain of salt, as homeowners with galley or L-shaped kitchens may not have room for as much counter space.

Countertop Edges

Rounded or clipped edges are preferable to sharp, right angles. When metal edge-banded Formica countertops became popular in the early 1970s, 90-degree-edged surfaces quickly fell out of favor.

Countertop fabricator and journalist Jim Heaphy warns that square corners and edges can cause problems down the road. When working with brittle, homogeneous materials like solid surface, I have previously warned against utilizing square inner corners in appliance cutouts.

Counter Depth

A counter’s depth of 24 to 25 inches is recommended (that is, the distance from the edge of the counter to the wall or backsplash). Since this is the standard to which almost all counters are built, making adjustments to them can be tricky.

Space Above Counters

More counter space is needed above large countertop appliances like blenders, breadmakers, and microwaves. In other words, there needs to be no less than 15 inches of clearance between the bottoms of wall cabinets and the surfaces above them.

Sinks: Placement and Landing Spaces

There are no regulations regarding the sink’s style or construction. As long as it’s not ridiculously huge, any dimensions will do. There is no hard and fast rule on the maximum number of sink basins. Many aspects of sinks, including drainage slope, fixture placement holes, and material composition, are rigidly regulated by manufacturers, leaving homeowners with little say in the matter.

The sink and its immediate surroundings are typically the primary focus of any redesign.

  • A sink should be placed “next to or across from the cooking surface and refrigerator,” as recommended by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). 5
  • It is crucial that the sink have open countertop parts called “landing spaces” for the safe storage of food and kitchenware. One side of the sink’s landing area should measure at least 24 inches in length, while the other side should measure at least 18 inches.
  • It is recommended that, in addition to the landing area minimums, at least 36 inches of continuous countertop be located directly next to the sink.

Stoves and Ovens: Critical Zone for Landing Areas

When planning a countertop layout, stove and oven placement should be your top priorities. Heat, gas, electricity, flames, and toxic vapors pose serious health and safety risks in this industry.

Landing Areas

Some of the most prevalent issues with stoves stem from the “inventive” ways in which cooks choose to arrange their hot pots. There needs to be a landing space of at least 12 inches on one side of the range and another 15 inches on the other. There isn’t even room for a single pan at this width, thus it’s recommended that you go with something wider.

Each side of the oven needs a landing space of at least 15 inches. As most ovens are now a part of stoves, this landing space is typically already met by the stove specifications. Exception:

What to do with cabinet for over-the-stove microwave?

Vertical Space

There must be at least 24 inches of vertical space between the stove and any non-combustible surface, such as an exhaust hood. The absence of vents is acceptable provided that they remove at least 150 cubic feet of air per minute.

There is to be at least 30 inches of space between the top of the stove and any flammable surfaces (such as cabinets).

The code’s limits are general and will not severely limit your freedom of expression. All kitchen designers, whether experts or amateurs, can stay within safe and healthy parameters by keeping these things in mind when they lay out the space.

FAQs

How much of a gap should be between stove and countertop?

To either side of your stove is where you’ll find the landing area. Each side should provide a minimum of twelve inches of landing area, as recommended by specialists.

How much space do you need for a 30 inch stove?

As a result, a stove that measures 30 inches in width will require a distance of 31 inches from the wall. The stove will protrude an inch from the wall of cabinets. A half an inch of clearance on either side of a larger stove is recommended.

How much clearance is needed for a stove?

How much distance should there be between a stove and the nearest counter? A minimum of forty inches (102 centimeters) of clearance is required in front of a stove, and between other pieces of kitchen equipment, a minimum of forty-eight to sixty-inches (122 to 152 centimeters) is required (122-152 cm).

Are 30 inch stoves exactly 30 inches?

This size stove is the most typical in homes. When this wide, most stoves have a depth of 25 inches and a height of 36 inches. When measuring the oven, keep in mind that the door knobs can add another few inches.

How much space is needed behind an oven?

Each side of the oven needs a landing space of at least 15 inches. As most ovens are now a part of stoves, this landing space is typically already met by the stove specifications. Exception:

How much space should be between stove and wall?

Gas and electric ranges require two inches of space between the wall and the appliance during installation. Freestanding gas or electric ranges don’t need any space behind them, and neither do they require any special venting. Any fashion assortment needs at least 12 inches of space between it and the nearest wall.

Can you put a tall cabinet next to stove?

When facing the range, look left where there is a tall cabinet. While it may appeal to your aesthetic sensibilities, designers would never use such a technique. Putting the side of the tower next to a hot spot will significantly reduce the life expectancy of the cabinet.

Are ranges exactly 30 inches wide?

Most standard ranges and stoves are 30 inches wide and 25 to 27 inches deep (not including knobs and handles). When measured from the floor to the top of the stove (not counting the control panel), most ranges are 36 inches in height, making them the same height as standard kitchen countertops.

What does a 30-inch oven mean?

30 inch wall ovens require a cutout width of 2812–2858 inches. The 234 to 24-inch cutting depth does not account for the thickness of the door frame or the thickness of the door handle.

How do I measure my stove size?

Find out how tall your range is by measuring it from the floor to the top of the stove. In addition, by “cook surface,” we do not imply the height of the control panel. Keep your tape measures just above the top of the stove. The width of the range can be easily determined by measuring its left to right border.

Can a stove go against a wall?

To prevent heat damage to nearby surfaces from an above-the-counter electric range, experts recommend leaving no more than 6 inches of clearance on either side of the range. Gas stoves need a clearance of 6 inches from the adjacent wall, measured from the top of the stove to the top of the counter.

How do you protect a wall from stove heat?

A wall can be shielded to reduce the stove’s clearance area. The shield should be made of non-flammable materials, such as metal sheeting.

How do you protect a wall beside a stove?

A splatter protector is an option for safeguarding your walls. Use a splatter screen over your frying pans to prevent food from flying all over the kitchen. Use a splatter guard over the burner behind the griddle pan to prevent splashes. You may save money on cooking tools by taping wax paper to the walls.

Can you store food next to the oven?

It’s not a good idea to keep them near or in the oven. They shouldn’t be kept in clear containers on a backsplash, fridge side, or wall rack. For optimal preservation, store your spices in a cool, dark location.

How do you fill a large gap between stove and counter?

Use a silicone material if your stove is set up higher than your counter. Silicone, being more malleable, will conform more closely to the contours of the mold. Gap covers made of stainless steel will look great with a stainless steel cooktop.

How wide is a range stove?

Stoves typically measure 30 inches in width, 25 inches to 27 inches in depth (not counting knobs and handles), and 36 inches in height (excluding control panels). These ranges are designed to fit into standard 34-1/4-inch wide by 24-inch deep by 36-inch high cabinet holes.

What widths do ranges come in?

Size. The typical width of a residential range is 24 to 30 inches, while the width of some more luxurious models can reach 36 inches. The oven capacity of a typical range is 5 cubic feet, whereas that of a regular wall oven is just over 3 cubic feet. Style.

What is the standard size of oven?

Oven widths range from 24 inches for the smallest to 30 inches for the largest. There are 36-inch ovens out there, albeit they’re not very common. The average human height is between 27 and 30 inches. Single wall ovens average around 29 inches in height, whereas double ovens average about 50 12 inches.

What does common oven size mean?

Standard widths for wall ovens range from 24 to 27 to 30 inches. No matter the breadth, the height and depth are uniform. Single wall ovens typically range in height from 27 to 29 inches. A slot for a wall oven that is 30 inches wide might be 28 12 inches wide.

In Conclusion

Since, as we’ve seen, stoves don’t emit much heat to their sides, you can safely place one next to a cabinet. For safety reasons, there should be at least 24 inches of clearance between your stove’s top and the bottom of any above cabinets.

There are prescribed distances between major appliances like stoves and sinks, microwaves and refrigerators for reasons of safety and efficiency. The efficiency and security of your kitchen will improve with adequate storage and working space.

Furthermore, certain models of microwave ovens allow for the stove to be placed as close as thirteen inches from the microwave. However, models intended for use on a countertop should be separated by at least that much.