How much clearance do you need around a stove?

Author: Izabella Ward  |  Last update: Monday, May 18, 2026

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. 0 inches for sides below the cooktop.

How much space do I need around my stove?

A minimum clearance of 36 inches from the top of the stove to the ceiling or any combustible materials above it. Hearth Requirements: The hearth should extend at least 18 inches in front of the loading door and 8 inches on each side of the stove.

How much space should I leave around the stove?

Stove: gas or electric

Make sure you have a 30” clearance between the cooking surface of an electric stove and the bottom of your upper cabinet and a 36” clearance for a gas stove. This means that the bottom of the cabinet with the range hood should be 66" to 72" from the finished floor.

How much height clearance does a stove need?

The minimum clearance required directly above the location of the cooktop is 750 mm (30 inches) from the level of the cooktop burners or elements to framing, finishes and cabinetry.

What is the code for clearance above stove?

G2447. 5 (623.7) Vertical Clearance Above Cooking Top

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.

Wood Stove Clearances

How much clearance do you need either side of a stove?

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. 0 inches for sides below the cooktop.

How much space is required above a stove?

If you have an electric cooktop, range hoods should typically be 20–24 inches above the heat source. For gas cooktops, your range hood should be around 24–30 inches above the stove. Range hoods are a great way to complement your cooktop or range and can help clear the air while you cook.

How close can a stove be next to a wall?

Ranges. Electric Ranges require 0" side wall clearance above the counter height but up to 6" is recommended to avoid possible heat damage to surrounding surfaces.

How much clearance around the oven?

Guidelines recommend 15” of space on either one or both sides of an oven, or if the oven is in a tall cabinet and this is not possible, to have 15” of landing space no more than 48” in front of the oven as long as it does not open into the main walkway. Below is an application of this guideline in a wall oven space.

How much clearance is needed between stove and floor?

However, as a general guideline, the clearance from the floor to the stove should be around 30 inches (76 cm) for electric stoves and 36 inches (91 cm) for gas stoves. These clearances are important to prevent the risk of fire and to ensure safe operation of the stove.

Will a 30-inch stove fit in a 30-inch opening?

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.

What is the minimum clearance for a kitchen?

The Guidelines require a clearance of at least 40 inches between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances, and walls.

How far off the wall should a stove be?

Air gaps are sometimes specified in stove instruction manuals but often are not. Sometimes they are “recommended”. Usually recommendations for distances to non-combustibles are between 5cm and 15cm.

What is the minimum counter space around a stove?

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.

How much space do you need around a range?

A minimum clearance 'work zone' of 40” (102 cm) should be provided in front of a kitchen stove, with a larger 48”-60” (122-152 cm) clearance provided between other kitchen appliances.

What is the minimum clearance around a wood burning stove?

Wood frame walls covered with dry wall are considered combustible. If no wall protection is used, the common radiant-type stove or heater must be spaced out at least 36 inches from the wall. This distance may be reduced considerably if asbestos millboard and/or 28 gage sheet metal is used for wall protection.

Can you put a tall cabinet next to a stove?

You'll want to provide extra space to prevent that cabinet from being exposed to the higher temps and the potential to come in contact with a flame. You may also want to consider the possibility of a grease fire or similar hazard.

Do you need space around an oven?

600mm of vertical clearance to a combustible surface, and 200mm of horizontal distance to a vertical surface. If these measurements can't be met, the surface in question must be protected with a fire resistant material in accordance with AG/601. 600mm to a rangehood. 750mm to an exhaust fan.

What is the purpose of range clearance?

Range clearance begins with a visual inspection to sort munitions debris that might pose an explosive hazard from munitions debris that is stable. Specially trained technicians treat the explosive hazard debris on the range. All debris is then processed, and ultimately sent off-range for recycling.

How close can a wall oven be to a cooktop?

Answer: An Electric, Induction, or Gas Cooktop can be installed above a wall oven, noting the following: 1/4" clearance is required between all cooktops and wall ovens. Clearance is measured from the bottom of the cooktop burner box.

What is a back guard for a stove?

What is a Range Backguard? A range backguard is a protective panel located at the back of a stove or range, designed to shield the wall from heat, grease, and food splatters. Some models also incorporate control panels or display screens. Cooking in the kitchen is an enjoyable yet potentially messy activity.

Can a stove be put in a corner?

If you have a kitchen or simply wish to maximize your space consider placing your stove in a corner – it could become your favorite spot. By positioning the stove, in the corner you create extra counter space along the walls.

How much space should be between stove and wall?

Without a backguard, a stove or range should typically be installed at least 6 inches away from a combustible back wall surface, like drywall. With a backguard, the range can usually be installed with zero wall clearance.

How much clearance do you need for a wall oven?

An open wall oven door will add about 20 to 24 inches in depth. Plan for a 42 to 48 inch door clearance in front of your wall oven in order to comfortably maneuver around the space while cooking.

Can you put a 36 hood over a 30 range?

If your range top is 30 inches wide, go for a ventilation hood that's 36 inches wide. That way, you'll have an even overhang of 3 inches on each side. You always want your range hood to cover as much space over your range top as possible. That way, it can catch grease and fumes efficiently.

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