What is the required clearance above a stove?

Author: Marilie Mann  |  Last update: Sunday, May 31, 2026

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 do you need above a stove?

For gas cooktops, it is typically recommended that the range hood be installed 24–30 inches above the stove. For proper ventilation above your gas cooktop or range, consult your owner's manual and install your range hood at the recommended height.

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.

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.

What is the allowable height above a cooktop?

Clearances are required to limit the probability that heat radiating from a cooktop or from open fire will ignite nearby combustible materials which could lead to the spread of fire. The minimum clearance required directly above the cooktop is 750 mm (30") to combustibles.

Wood Stove Clearances

What is the clearance code for 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.

What is the minimum clearance for a cooktop?

In any case the clearance to any overhead surface shall not be less than 450mm. Side clearances from combustible surfaces are also another important consideration. You require a minimum of 200mm clearance, when measuring from the outer edge of the nearest burner to any vertical combustible surface.

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 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.

How much space should be between stove and countertop?

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 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.

What is cutout height for stove?

Take one measurement toward the back of the opening and one toward the front to account for an unlevel floor. If you find that it is unlevel, most ranges have adjustable legs to level the range. A typical cutout height is 36 inches to align with a standard stove height.

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.

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.

Can you put a 30 inch hood over a 36 cooktop?

A 30-inch hood over a 36-inch cooktop is not recommended, as it may not effectively capture smoke and odors. For proper ventilation, the hood should be at least 36 inches wide.

How close can a stove top be 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. ...
  • Gas Ranges require a 6" side wall clearance above the counter height for proper distance from combustible surfaces.

How much space do you need around stove?

Space in front of the range: It is a good idea to allow at least 40 inches of space in front of a range and 48-60 inches between the range and other appliances to ensure the door can open fully and you still have room around it to move, particularly if you have a kitchen island.

Will a 30 inch stove fit in a 30 inch space?

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 height of a stove door?

Standard freestanding range sizes are: Width: 30 to 48 inches. Depth: 25 to 30 inches (closed door) Height: 36 to 48 inches.

How much clearance does a freestanding oven need?

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.

What is the standard opening for a 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.

How far should a fridge be from the stove?

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.

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 clearance is needed for a range hood above a stove?

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. Range hoods have multiple functions such as complementing your cooktop or range and helping clear the air of smoke while you cook.

What is the required clearance between the floor and a stove?

In conclusion, while specific requirements may vary, a standard clearance of around 6 inches (15 cm) between the floor and a stove is generally recommended to ensure proper ventilation, facilitate maintenance access, and reduce safety hazards.

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