Landing Area next to range

13 days ago

We're undergoing a kitchen remodel and will be moving the range that is currently on the island to the refrigerator wall. We don't have much room to do this, so I'm trying to determine the minimum landing area next to the range we can get away with.

Initially we spec'd out 18 inch counters on each side of the range, but I read that the national kitchen guidelines indicate at least 12 inches on one side and 15 on another. In order to be symmetrical, I'd go with 15 on each side, but am wondering if we'll regret that choice as far as having enough functional counter space next to the range while cooking. Has anyone regretting going with less than 18 inches next to the range? Note we will also have an island behind the range that can be used for prep. Including a picture as well with the proposed design.

In short, can we get away with 15 inches on either side of range, or should we stick with 18 inches? Or is this a negligible difference?

Stick with 18 inches

15 inches is fine, you won't miss the 3 inches

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Comments (9)

bpath
13 days ago
last modified: 13 days ago
If this is the proposed design, remember that you will also have the corner and the countertop to the sink, which is where much prep takes place. You might, however however, reconsider the cabinet that comes all the way to the countertop, you might find it is in your way. If you have any prep going on in front of it, you won’t be able to open the door. You could do a shorter cabinet and still use the space below for storage and for work.
chispa
13 days ago
Ideally you want a 42" hood over a 36" range.

I would not do that cabinet down to the counter in the corner.
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rebunky
13 days ago
Another vote to lose the glass cabinet sitting on the counter.

What is to the left of the range? Is that a tall pantry or is it a wall?

If you originally had planned for 18” on each side, is there a reason you want to go down to 15”?
lharpie
13 days ago
You’ll have lots more space if you nix the corner cabinet - that’s your easiest prep area there. We have 12” on one side of stove and 48” on other. it’s ok because of the large space on one side, but 18” would certainly be nicer! i’d try to do 18” especially as it looks like there is a wall or cab on left side.
bpath
13 days ago
last modified: 13 days ago
Having had 11”, 12”, and now 18” on one side, and 0” or the ”return” towards the sink on the other, you can handle whatever you have.

Instead, think about how you will use that space, above and below the countertop. Will you have drawer stacks on either side? Cabinets? what will you store in them? How much width do those items need? And how will you use the countertops? do you use utensil canisters for your most-used utensils? Keep salt and pepper etc there? lid holders? paper towels?

Imagine how you will use it, and think about what you have currently or in the past, and how that worked for you.
S M
13 days ago
last modified: 13 days ago
We have had a kitchen with zero-maybe an inch or two between range and sink on one side , similar to @bpath, and NO counter on other side of range. Managed with it for 20 years. I would imagine 15” would be fine honestly. If you can manage the 18” it certainly wouldn’t hurt
palimpsest
13 days ago
With 15" you will have 15" + 25" on the right side, if that cabinet does not rest on the counter and 15" + partial use of that 25" if it does. And you are a step away from the adjacent run as well. It should be fine.
theresa21
13 days ago
Also consider the size of the base cabinets. 15" is a rather narrow base cabinet for storage. I have an 18" drawer base on the one side of my range which is pretty useful for storage, anything smaller would be far less useful unless it were a specialty cabinet like a tray cabinet or something.
bpath
13 days ago
Are you moving the refrigerator? I know the picture you show is a rendering, I wonder if the new refrigerator placement, while following the ice-water-stone-fire concept (and my own experience that a lot of meal prep is ice-stone-dishwasher, as in cereal and sandwiches and snacks) blocks light from the sink window? Is there a better light at the kitchen table?

Landing Area next to range

Comments (9)

bpath

chispa

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