Cooktop clearances should be no less than 4 inches from the countertop in order to ensure safe operation and to provide adequate space for cleaning. If the cooktop is mounted on a wall, then there should be 18 inches of clearance from the countertop to the wall with the cooktop.Clearances between Cooktop and Countertop
Clearances between Cooktop and Countertop
When your cooktop is mounted on a wall cabinet, the wall should be no less than 24 inches away. This ensures the cooktop is positioned away from any potential hazardous situations that may occur from having a cabinet door opening too close to the cooktop. Clearances between Cooktop and Wall Cabinet
Clearances between Cooktop and Wall Cabinet
Having enough clearance between the countertop and backsplash is an important part of having a safe kitchen. Ideally, the clearance should be between 12-14 inches if you’re cooking on the range, and no less than 18 inches if you’re installing an over-the-range microwave. Clearance between Countertop and Backsplash
Clearance between Countertop and Backsplash
When installing a range, the minimum clearance between the range and the wall should be at least 30 inches. This ensures your range is safe and won’t overheat when in operation. If your range has a gas cooktop, then the clearance should be increased to at least 36 inches.Minimum Range Clearance
Minimum Range Clearance
In order to ensure the proper spacing of appliances in a kitchen, appliances must have a minimum of 22 inches of clearance from one another. This ensures that the appliances are spread out properly and have enough room to open and close without running into each other. Current Appliance Requirements
Current Appliance Requirements
When installing an undercounter dishwasher, it should have a minimum clearance of 23 inches from the countertop. This allows for easy access to the dishwasher without the danger of running into a wall or counter. Undercounter Dishwasher Clearances
Undercounter Dishwasher Clearances
When installing an over-the-range microwave, the clearance between the appliance and the wall should be at least 12 inches. This ensures the installation of the microwave is safe and will not interfere with other appliances or cabinets. Clearances between Appliance and Microwave
Clearances between Appliance and Microwave
Installing a vent hood should have at least 24 inches of clearance from a wall. This allows for proper ventilation of the kitchen, as well as enough room to open and close the vent hood without running into a wall or cabinet. Vent Hood Installation Clearances
Vent Hood Installation Clearances
Sometimes countertops need to overhang a cabinet or an appliance, but the clearance should be no less than 18 inches. This ensures the ovens, ranges, and other appliances are spaced out and can easily open and close without any hindrance. Countertop Overhang Clearances
Countertop Overhang Clearances
When installing a wall cabinet above the work surface, the clearance should be no less than 12 inches. This amount of space will ensure the wall cabinet won't be too close to the work surface and can easily open and close without getting in the way. Clearance between Work Surfaces and Wall Cabinets
Clearance between Work Surfaces and Wall Cabinets
Designing a Safe and Functional Kitchen With Room to Work
When designing a kitchen, clearances are critical for efficiency and safety. Without proper spaces between items, not only does the overall design suffer adversely but accidents can easily occur. Specific building codes specify the minimum space needed to safely install, operate, and move around large kitchen items, such as appliances, islands, and sinks.
Countertop Clearances
Most kitchens require anywhere from a 6-inch to a 12-inch clearance from the countertop to walls, appliances and the sink. This
clearance
ensures there is enough room for people to easily move around the kitchen, as well as to open and close cabinets and drawers. This distance also helps to keep hot surfaces from scorching walls and cabinets.
Cooktop Clearances
Having at least a 30-inch space between the cooktop and any combustible material such as cabinets is standard. Be sure to also consider the
clearance
between the cooktop and the oven. Generally, 18 to 24 inches will provide an ample amount of space for maneuvering pots and pans.
Refrigerator Clearances
The
clearance
between the refrigerator and surrounding cabinetry is typically 6 inches on either side. If the refrigerator has any direct vents, then the
clearance
should increase to at least 12 inches so that the air won't be blocked.
Sink Clearances
Provide a minimum of 18 inches of open space in front of the sink basin so that users are able to easily access the sink without bumping into anything. 6-inch
clearances
should be left on all sides of the sink to make room for odors to escape, swim cleaning to occur and drawers and cabinets to be opened.
Island Clearances
When deciding what size to make a kitchen island, leave 3 feet of space between any
clearance
cabinets and the island. This distance also allows for easy access to any items stored in cabinets. Additionally, a clearance area of at least 42 inches should be observed from the island to any stools or tables located in the kitchen.
