How far should a fridge be from the stove?

Author: Meredith Russel  |  Last update: Friday, November 28, 2025

Kitchen design experts suggest that the ideal space between a stove and refrigerator should be at least a foot, but ideally more like 3 to 4 feet. This gap helps to keep the heat from the stove from making the fridge work too hard. Having enough space between these appliances also means you'll have a safer kitchen.

Is it okay to have a stove next to a refrigerator?

Yes, avoid it. Your refrigerator needs to be able to dissipate heat. Placing a heat source right next to it will force your refrigerator's compressor to work harder, shortening it's life.

How do I protect my refrigerator from heat to the stove?

Oven heat shields can keep your refrigerator working more efficiently and protect cabinets from excessive heat. The Kitchen Sticky™ Shield is suited for both home use and commercial applications.

Should the fridge be closer to the sink or stove?

The kitchen design “Triangle Theory” says the refrigerator, sink, and stove should form a triangle to make meal prep as easy as possible. The three zones of kitchen storage fall in line with that way of thinking, suggesting that the sink should be in between the refrigerator and stove zones for optimal efficiency.

How close can a fridge be to the oven?

Can I put an oven next to a fridge? It's best not to expose your fridge to a heat source like a cooker or radiator – or to direct sunlight. If it cannot be avoided, try to minimise heat transfer using a suitable insulation plate or maintain a distance of at least of 30mm from electric or gas cookers.

How to Make a Wood Stove from Old Fridge Compressors | DIY Upcycling & Eco-Friendly Heating

How much space should be between stove and fridge?

Kitchen design experts suggest that the ideal space between a stove and refrigerator should be at least a foot, but ideally more like 3 to 4 feet. This gap helps to keep the heat from the stove from making the fridge work too hard. Having enough space between these appliances also means you'll have a safer kitchen.

What is an acceptable fridge range?

Chilling foods to proper temperatures is one of the best ways to slow the growth of these bacteria. To ensure that your refrigerator is doing its job, it's important to keep its temperature at 40 °F or below; the freezer should be at 0 °F.

What is the recommended gap around a fridge?

If you don't allow enough space, the fridge will have to work harder to stay cool, which could shorten its lifespan and will definitely cost you more in electricity bills. "We generally recommend allowing at least 5cm on each side, 10cm on top and 5cm at the rear," says Ashley.

What is the triangle rule for kitchens?

These kitchen triangle rules of thumb should be applied when designing a kitchen layout: The sum of the three sides of the work triangle should not exceed 26 feet. Each side of the triangle should measure between 4 and 9 feet. The work triangle should not cut through a kitchen island by more than 12 inches.

Can heat damage a fridge?

Refrigerators work constantly to keep the items within them cool and fresh to prevent them from spoiling. During the summertime, the intense level of heat can stress the condenser coils within the refrigerator, potentially causing a breakdown if they are being overworked.

Are oven heat deflectors necessary?

Not only will a heat deflector reduce the risk of potential damage to your surrounding areas, but they're also ideal for reducing the risk of fire.

Is ceramic tile a good heat shield?

ANSWER. ANSWER - Ceramic tile behind a woodstove works very well as long as it's installed correctly over the right type of substrate. In the production process, ceramic tile is baked in huge ovens at 1200 to 2000 degrees so it can withstand heat.

What not to put next to a stove?

13 Things You Should Never Store Next to the Stove
  • 01 of 13. Cooking Oil. Tafilah Md Yusof / EyeEm / Getty Images. ...
  • 02 of 13. Spices. Alfian Widiantono/Getty Images. ...
  • 03 of 13. Paper Towels. ...
  • 04 of 13. Electronics. ...
  • 05 of 13. Perishable Food. ...
  • 06 of 13. Cleaning Products. ...
  • 07 of 13. Canned Goods. ...
  • 08 of 13. Vinegar.

Can a fridge and stove be on the same breaker?

Ideally, you should not use a stove that has an electric oven or an electric burner with the fridge on the same circuit.

Can you put food straight from stove to fridge?

Despite persistent lore, the United States Department of Agriculture and other agencies agree: Hot food can — and in many cases, even should — be placed in the refrigerator right away, as long as it's portioned in small batches.

How much space should be between stove and refrigerator?

Generally, it's advised to maintain at least 12 inches of clearance between fridges and gas stoves and 9 inches between fridges and electric stoves for optimal safety and convenience.

How much clearance do you need beside a 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. Dura Supreme kitchen with sufficient landing areas on left and right sides of cooking surface.

How much space do I need around my refrigerator?

Generally, there should be a minimum space of 1- 1-1/2 inches on the top of your fridge. This space helps dissipate heat. If you have cabinets on the top of your fridge, make sure that there is enough clearance above. There should also be a space of 1-2 inches on the back of the fridge to allow proper air circulation.

What is a standard fridge space in a kitchen?

As a rule of thumb, allow for a single-door fridge around 800mm in width and 780mm in depth. A French-door fridge that contains a double door is around 1200mm wide and 850mm deep. On top of that, check your fridge's required ventilation space in the manual to incorporate this space into your planning.

Where should the fridge go in the kitchen?

Refrigerator: The refrigerator should be easily accessible from both the cooking and prep areas. It's often best placed at the kitchen entrance. This way you can quickly put away groceries and access ingredients. Sink: The sink is usually centrally located because it's used frequently.

What is the average gap for a refrigerator?

Ensure there is extra space around the installed refrigerator for ventilation. Typically, 5 cm on the sides, 5 cm on the back, and 15 cm on the top are recommended. Make sure you write down all your measurements and take them with you when shopping for a new fridge or checking dimensions online.

Do you turn your fridge up or down in hot weather?

Door seals are one thing, but proper temperature settings are key to keeping your food fresh and your fridge efficient during summer. So it's best to make sure the internal temps are working like they need to! Check the Thermostat: Ensure the fridge thermostat is set between 35°F and 38°F for optimal cooling.

Do eggs need to be refrigerated?

To reduce Salmonella growth, eggs gathered from laying hens should be refrigerated as soon as possible. After eggs are refrigerated, they need to stay that way. A cold egg left out at room temperature can sweat, facilitating the movement of bacteria into the egg.

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