Many installers may recommend a distance of 3-6 inches of space being the minimum. However, we always recommend increasing that to around nine inches of open space. The key here is to make this decision with the safety of the occupants in mind.
That being said, between 30 1/4" or 30 1/2" for a 30" stove for counter clearances.
Cooking surface landing area: 12 inches to 15 inches on each side for hot items and ingredients used for cooking. Oven landing area: 15 inches adjacent to one side, both sides, or on the counter above the oven for hot items and ingredients used for cooking.
Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are recommended being over an inch away from the oven for safety.
The goal is for your range to fit mostly flush with the top of your countertops and the front of your cabinets, with the door only sticking out an inch or two beyond the cabinets.
Many installers may recommend a distance of 3-6 inches of space being the minimum.
Household cooking appliances shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (760 mm) to combustible material and metal cabinets.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: During the self-clean cycle of your oven, ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the kitchen to prevent excessive heat buildup in adjacent cabinets. Opening windows or using exhaust fans can help dissipate heat and reduce the risk of damage to nearby cabinetry.
The top of your stove should be ideally level with the top of the counter or slightly higher if needed to avoid heat from the cooktop damaging the counter over time.
Standard Wall Cabinets
For example, overhead or upper cabinets near cooktops need a minimum clearance of 600mm, or 700mm if near a gas stove.
There are three sets of guidelines regarding cooking appliances, let's start with those surrounding a cooktop. Guidelines recommend a minimum of 12” landing area on one side of a cooking surface, and 15” on the other side.
Installations can vary, so checking the installation instructions to determine space requirements for your specific model is recommended. The following are general minimum clearances for ranges: 1 ½ inches to nearest adjacent sidewall above the cooktop on both sides. 30 inches between the cooktop and a cabinet.
Stove dimensions can vary between the stove size itself and the cutout measurements. For example, a 30-inch stove may actually measure at 29⅞ inches wide, but it will require a 30-inch cutout for installation. It's important to check the exact specifications of each stove to make sure it will fit your available space.
You can combine an upper cabinet next to the cooktop as one of your locations. It's a perfect location for daily use items like spices, flour, and oil, and have a second set of rollout pantries on either side of the stove for additional ingredients.
Firstly, the minimum space allowed between the cooktop elements or gas burners and combustible materials directly overhead is 600 mm.
The sink, main refrigerator, and stove should be in close proximity to each other. You require a minimum of 4 feet between each point to easily maneuver, and equally not more than 9 feet. This allows easy access to get food from the refrigerator to a preparation point, and then into the oven.
Built-in Wall Ovens
Flush mount means the front of the oven is flush with the surrounding cabinetry with only the appliance handle protruding. In both of these examples, the wall ovens were installed in a cabinet that was wider than the appliance. There was also extra space provided above and below the unit.
Placing your stove in a low-traffic area can allow you to move around the space more easily. It's recommended to have at least 40 inches of space in front of your oven and 48-60 inches between your stove and other appliances so the door can open completely with plenty of room, especially if you have a kitchen island.
Silverware and miscellaneous cooking utensils go well in the upper drawers of the lower cabinetry section. Food prep appliances such as heavy blenders, toasters, popcorn makers, waffle makers go nicely on lower shelves. Pots, pans, and baking sheets are best placed in lower cabinets near the stove and oven.
Mind the Gap
So, why not invest in a cover for the space between your stove and countertops? There is a variety to choose from both online or in any big box store that sells home goods or even hardware. Counter gap covers are typically inexpensive and very easy to clean.
Cabinets, as well as any material made of Wood, MDF, Melamine, or Thermofoil, do not like extreme heat or moisture. Cabinets are like fine furniture and require the same care and consideration. The most common impact of heat and steam-releasing appliances is damage to your cabinets.
Household cooking appliances shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (760 mm) to combustible material and metal cabinets.
Generally, a kitchen backsplash is no higher than four inches. However, many homeowners consider that to be a little bit too low, as four inches of backsplash still exposes a lot of the unprotected wall surface.
While you may want everyday paper goods within easier reach, the cabinet above your stove is perfect for storing surplus items. Tuck away extra tablecloths, napkins, plates, cups, and paper towels in this cabinet, and retrieve them when it's time to restock your main supply.