How much clearance is needed between a cooktop and a wall?

Author: Fermin Stark  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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 close to a wall can you put a cooktop?

The distance between your cooktop and the back wall should be between 3-10 inches. This varies depending on the make and model of your appliance, so be sure to consult your owner's manual for model-specific installation requirements.

What is the clearance code for a cooktop?

Vertical clearances above cooktops

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 clearance between stove and wall?

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.

What is the minimum distance between a cooktop and a wall oven?

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.

How To Measure Your Space for a Range Install

How much clearance is needed between cooktop and wall?

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 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 close can a stove be to the side 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 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 clearance for electric cooktops?

Having said that, minimum clearances for electrical cooktops are specified in the AG601 Standard. A minimum of 50mm clearance is needed from the front edge of the bench top to the cut out for cooktop. A 100mm clearance is required between the underside of the benchtop and the in-bench cooktop safety barrier.

How much space do you need around a cooktop?

It's recommended to have a minimum of 8" counter space on either side of the cooktop for ease of use and food preparation. If you're installing an island cooktop, you'll need at least 30” of counter space around the cooking surface to provide adequate room to work with pots, pans and ingredients.

What is the minimum clearance above a cooktop?

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 much clearance does a stove need?

How much space should be provided in front of a kitchen stove? 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.

How close can a stove be to drywall?

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 clearance does a gas cooktop need?

For a new installation, the clearance between the cooking support surface for the cooking vessels and the rangehood shall not be less than 650mm.

How much space should be between wall and hob?

This is known as the hot zone and should be 65cm for electric models and 75cm for gas hobs.

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 close should oven be to wall?

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.

Do you need a wall behind a stove?

You need a backsplash behind the stove to protect from grease and cooking splatter that could damage the surface behind the stove. The backsplash should be made of durable, nonabsorbent, and easy to clean material that will not discolor easily.

How far should a range cooker be from the wall?

The recommended safe distance is 650mm for electric, ceramic or induction hobs and 750mm for gas hobs. Using wall units above your range cooker could be a little tricky though.

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

How Much Space Do You Need for a 30-Inch Stove? A 30-inch (76.2 cm) stove needs at least 31 inches (78.7 cm). This means half an inch on both sides. While fitting the stove snuggly may sound like a great idea, it is not practical.

How much distance between stove and wall cabinet?

Of course we don't plan on grease fires, but they happen a lot more often than you would expect. 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.

What is the minimum space next to a cooktop?

Cooking surface landing area: 12 inches to 15 inches on each side for hot items and ingredients used for cooking.

How close can stove pipe be to wall?

The NFPA calls for an 18" clearance to combustible walls for single wall stove pipe(opens in a new tab). Double wall stovepipe is used when you don't have 18" or more clearance from combustibles.

Can an oven be next to a wall?

Remember that you need a 3-inch clearance next time you're looking to install a wall oven. Town Appliance offers a wide selection of commercial ovens for the home that are incredibly convenient and high in quality. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.

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