What is the minimum counter space around a stove?

Author: Brett Hauck  |  Last update: Monday, January 5, 2026

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.

What is the minimum countertop space next to 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.

How much clearance do you need around a stove?

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.

How much space should I leave between the counter and the stove?

That being said, between 30 1/4" or 30 1/2" for a 30" stove for counter clearances.

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.

KITCHEN DESIGN MEASUREMENTS | Ideal Clearances for Kitchen Counters, Islands, Cabinets, & More

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.

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 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.

Should the stove be flush with the countertop?

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. For this reason and others, you should choose your appliances before finalizing measurements on your custom kitchen cabinets.

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 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 close can a cabinet be to 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.

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.

What is the minimum distance from the countertop it needs to be?

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

How close can a cooktop be to edge of counter?

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.

How much counter space next to 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 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 standard counter opening for a stove?

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.

Can you fit a 30 oven in a 30 cabinet?

What size cabinet do you need for a 30-inch wall oven? 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.

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.

What is the minimum countertop overhang?

The standard recommended overhang for granite countertops is 1.5 inches, just as it is with any other countertop material. The countertop overhang for a home bar will usually be about eight inches. In homes with less space, you can conserve area by reducing the overhang to six inches.

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.

Is 1 countertop overhang enough?

The most common countertop overhang measurement seen in homes today is one and a half inches. This is considered the ideal measurement because it creates the perfect place for people to rest their forearms while preparing food.

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