How much clearance does a stove need?

Author: Madalyn Crona  |  Last update: Thursday, January 8, 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 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.

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.

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.

Wood Stove Clearances

How much clearance do you need on 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 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.

What is the standard opening for a 30-inch stove?

A standard cutout width is usually 30 inches wide to accommodate a 30-inch range that is 29-7/8 inches wide.

Can I put a 36 cooktop where a 30 was?

It is possible to replace a 30" cooktop with a 36" model if you have the space for it in your kitchen. If the cabinet that holds your old cooktop is 32" or smaller, you will have to do some remodeling of your cabinetry to make room for a larger appliance.

Can a 30 wall oven fit in a 30 cabinet?

A 30-inch wall oven may require a cabinet size that's approximately 33 inches wide. A general rule of thumb is to add an extra 3 inches wider than the wall oven. For instance, with a 27-inch wall oven, you'll want around a 30-inch cabinet size.

How much space to leave for a 30 inch stove?

As far as the range, 30 1/4” is standard for a 30” stove. Any less makes it hard for the installer and the customer if they ever want to slide it out. I feel you should never go less than 30 1/8”. As far as the refrigerator goes, I think it would be better to allow a little more if you can.

What is the required clearance above a stove?

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.

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.

How much counter space on either side of the stove?

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.

How much clearance do you need around an oven?

So how much clearance does a wall oven need? The answer to this question is concise and sweet. As a rule of thumb, a wall oven requires around 3 inches of room in between your cabinet walls. This gap will enable you to install virtually any standard oven housing unit.

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.

How much space do you need above a stove?

The best range hood height depends on the type of range hood, the type of cooktop and your kitchen's layout. If you have an electric cooktop, range hoods should be 20–24 inches above the heat source. For gas cooktops, your range hood should be 24–30 inches above the stove.

Are most stoves 30 inches wide?

Most standard stoves are 30 inches wide, around 25-27 inches deep (excluding handles and knobs) and 36 inches tall (excluding control panels). These standard stove sizes are designed to fit standard cabinet cutouts that are 34-1/4 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 36 inches tall.

How close to a wall can a cooktop be?

Firstly, the minimum space allowed between the cooktop elements or gas burners and combustible materials directly overhead is 600 mm. Secondly, there must be at least 50 mm clearance from the back edge of the cooktop to a non-combustible wall surface or splashback.

How much room to leave between cabinets for a stove?

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.

What size vent for a 30-inch stove?

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.

How much ventilation does a stove need?

A good rule of thumb to remember when determining how many CFMs are right for you is to calculate 100 CFM for every 12 inches of cooking surface. This will give you a good estimate until you can measure your kitchen to determine the volume and then calculate the recommended CFM.

Can a range be against a wall?

Freestanding ranges are designed to be placed against walls, while slide-in ranges are not.

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.

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.

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