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Tight Squeeze Between Range and Cabinets

16 years ago

I've searched the forums to see if this is addressed but I can't find anything. I just installed my IKEA cabinets and the oven/stove/range and I have to say that there is virtually no space between the cabinets and the range. I mean, you could maybe slip a piece of paper in there, but not a nickel.

Does anyone know if this is dangerous? Will the cabinets light on fire? Will everything melt?

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Comments (10)

jakkom
16 years ago
I have an extremely tight fit between our frameless Kraftmaid cabs and the range. I can fit a 29-7/8" range, but NOT a 30" range. Yes, I am unable to fit even 1/8" more into that space.

Mind you, I have a standard self-clean range, which means it's pretty well insulated. No problems with the cabs in 18 years. But if the range wasn't insulated on the sides, I wouldn't risk it. For the pro-style ranges, for instance, you really do need some airspace around them.
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lafilmfan
Original Author
16 years ago
The range is just a frigidaire. Brand new convection oven, but definitely "value priced." ;-) I suppose it is self cleaning.
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Like everyone above says, the cabs should be tight to the range. Our kitchen cabs are within 1/8" of the range on each side and the granite is flush. However, it is possible that your cabinet maker really does mean 1.5 inches ... because that did happen to us recently with a new build townhome we bought. Never occurred to me in a million years that this was even possible, but here that's what the builder actually gave us and then tried to pass off as 'standard' in our PDI. Needless to say I threw a complete and total hissy fit lol, and they did come back and add filler panels in the days after we closed. I'll show you pics of it with the gap so you can see just how completely ridiculous it looks. Here's our home kitchen and what the flush cabs should look like: And here's our townhouse kitchen when at closing. Whatever you do, ensure your cabinet maker does not copy this look. :-)
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Dianalo, I originally thought of doing that and building shelves/cabs for the TO and MW against the side of the fridge, but that's what my KD warned me against as she felt it would leave very little backsplash visible and the overall look would be cramped. After her sketching it out on the paper plan (a copy of the one I posted above), I see her point... Just doesn't seem like it would be a very attractive solution. But it is hard coming up with alternatives! Also, I use my TO a lot and will keep using it after the kitchen is redone, since my new oven will be 36" and I don't want to crank that big thing up if I can use the TO instead. Hence the need to find space for both TO and MW. Melissastar, I love your solution and wish I could borrow it! Bit I have four kiddos and the youngest are a young toddler and a baby, so a bit too risky. My toddler aleady tries to reach the MW and push buttons whenever he can, so it will need to stay at or above counter height for sure. Maruha, my pic doesn't show this but there is a door on the right hand wall just past the window. If I slide the sink under the window, anyone standing there will be in the way of the door swing, and as the door leads to the play set in our yard it is used pretty frequently. So I put the sink to the left of the window to allow for simultaneous use of doorway + sink. Marcydc, can you show me a pic of your micro drawer? Is it hard to lift out hot dinner plates, for example? I've never seen one in action so have a hard time understanding how it works in everyday usage. That might be a good solution? Are there particular brands, and which one do you have/like? Thanks so much and kee the ideas coming! I love it! Maybe we could find a way to squeeze them in along the side walls perhaps.... I appreciate all your suggestions!
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In addition to the questions just asked by snoonyb, are you looking for a free-standing, slide-in, or drop-in range? If you have not already already tried looking at specifications and installation instructions on vendor websites, try AJ Madison and Lowe's. Use their search filters to narrow the choices, check the specifications tabs, and then check the posted installation instructions. While waiting for others to respond here, you might try some additional web searches and include the term "counterdepth range" in your search string. I'm recalling that we've had two or three threads on this topic in the appliances forum here within the last year or so. Can't remember much, but I think some of the Whirlpool freestanding electric ranges were supposed to be 27 3/4" deep to the handle. You will want to have that actually checked, though, because installation manuals are sometimes generic. (In one of the threads, somebody needed a 27 3/4" depth and hoped that a Whirlpool (of maybe Kitchenaid) induction range would fit but found on seeing that actual range that this model was deeper than other WP electric ranges.) As for swapping a different handle --- sometimes with some models but mostly no. It is all brand and model specific. There is no simple answer. If you have a local vendor with many years of experience and can find a model you like, you might try asking this question to them about the specific model. Also, some manufacturers have Q&A sections on the web pages for individual ranges. You might be able to get that question answered. I know GE has been doing that. Sorry I can't be of more help, by maybe this post will inspire others to chime in. This post was edited by JWVideo on Tue, Sep 30, 14 at 12:16
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I was thinking along similar lines as Buehl's galley lay-out or swapping kitchen with DR. Another option is to go with the sink next to but not in the corner, like this: The sink size stay about the same but this configuration gives you a 24" drawer base, which is always a better storage option over 2 15" base cabinets. Buying one cabinet, even though a little larger, should save you some money, too. Or you can apply that savings to upgrading to a drawer base. I calculate your kitchen at 148 1/2" top to bottom. If you decide to add an island, stick with a shallow one, no more than 18" deep. That will give you 39 1/2" aisles between it and the sink run and between it and the fridge run. Keep in mind that the aisle will shrink from 39 1/2" to 36 1/2" between island and fridge door (not handles) assuming you're purchasing a counter depth fridge. The downside of an island in your kitchen is that it will be somewhat of a barrier island (between fridge and sink) but that compromise might be worth it for the additional storage and counter space a longish, narrow island would offer. It would be similar to these: If you buy a standard depth fridge, you absolutely don't have room for an island; your aisle will shrink by several more inches, creating a serious pinch point in your kitchen, even without the fridge door being open. These images illustrating NKBA's recommended minimums of aisles may be helpful: NKBA - National Kitchen and Bath Association.
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jamesk
16 years ago
You should be okay. If you look in your installation documentation, you'll be able to see what the various clearances should be. For the Frigidaire range I looked at on their website, the instructions indicate the range can be pushed up flush with the back wall, and also indicates the opening between cabinets needs to be only 1/8" wider than the range. That's about as close to zero clearance on the sides as you'll ever get.
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lafilmfan
Original Author
16 years ago
So are you saying that the 1/8ths of an inch opening that I have and that jkom51 have should be okay? That would make me feel a LOT better.
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pcjs
16 years ago
We have a fridgaire and if it makes you feel better ours isn't a tight/tight fit, but it's tight enough and our house hasn't burnt down (yet). The convection is great for cookies!
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lafilmfan
Original Author
16 years ago
I think the oven is self cleaning, so that is considered extra well insulated? If so, I guess I could fire it up and try it out, though I don't have a sink to get water from. Better have the fire extinguisher ready?

On a semi-related note, I guess if I have laminate counters (with a pressboard backing) then it too hopefully would not catch on fire from the close quarters?
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teedup1
16 years ago
"...I suppose it is self cleaning." What???? You really don't know?

The best place to look for range placement tolerances (sides and rear) is in the Install Instructions for your particular range model.
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lafilmfan
Original Author
16 years ago
Well, no, I only got the range yesterday so I'm not CERTAIN it's self cleaning, but based on the price and the fact that it is brand new, I assume it is self cleaning.

As for the minimum clearances, it's a little bit vague because it's not written in prose, rather it's just a diagram and it's hard to tell exactly.
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weissman
16 years ago
Ranges are made to fit between cabinets - the tighter the fit the better provided you are able to slide it out for servicing - you'll get less crumbs down the sides, if you care about such things. Clearance issues apply to upper cabinet distances from the burners.
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lafilmfan
Original Author
16 years ago
weissman, I don't know if I like what you're saying just because it's what I want you to say, but I'll take it! I'm going to fire it up as soon as I get the sink in place (it's been out of comission for about four months now). Fingers crossed!
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