DI Editorial Team & Writers
Here’s our stove in corner of kitchen pros and cons guide, including corner kitchen stove dimensions, layout, and more.
Corner stoves are basically regular stoves that are installed in the corner of the kitchen. Typically, this is simply due to space restrictions, but at times, it is a deliberate design choice.
When installing corner stoves, an interior ‘false wall’ is placed behind the stove, sealing off a triangular column of empty space.
Meanwhile, stoves can also be installed up against the wall. However, there are safety concerns associated with corner stoves installed in this way.
For one, should a stovetop fire break out, there is a chance that the side wall could ignite.
Corner stoves do not pose a significant fire risk, although it is important to vent or hood the stove properly, as well as to maintain adequate distance from wooden cabinets and the back wall.
Can You Put A Stove In A Corner?
Still, just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should. If your stove is against the wall, or near a windowsill, you may simply find it difficult and awkward to use.
Playing Tetris with pot handles and banging your elbows each time you need to stir your chicken stock is by no means a good way to start your cooking routine.
Stove In Corner Of Kitchen Pros
Effective kitchen work triangle – Corner stoves are a great kitchen design layout since they make it much easier to apply the principles of the work triangle.
Easy to navigate to other area of the kitchen – In a kitchen with a corner stove, it is easier to navigate the different kitchen areas which make for a more enjoyable and seamless cooking routine.
Allows for extra storage space – The design of a corner stove allows for a recessed niche below the ventilation unit that can be used as additional storage.
Stove In Corner Of Kitchen Cons
Hard to reach stove top – There are some big drawbacks to installing a stove in the corner. If installed flush with the countertop and against the wall, it may be difficult to fit pots and pans on the stovetop and find it uncomfortable to stand close to the wall while you are cooking.
Awkward angles – The way a corner stove is positioned means you have to stand directly in front to access the space. This can be challenging, especially if you have to reach across a hot oven door to reach something.
Unused kitchen space – While corner stoves are much more comfortable to use and feel integrated into the kitchen as a whole, this layout also leaves a large chunk of unused space in the kitchen.
If you’re able to use this space as storage, such as creating a small closet accessed from an adjoining room, installing a corner stove might be a good idea.
Kitchen Layout With Stove In The Corner
The concept of the work triangle is as follows: Most kitchen tasks are done at any of these three stations: sink, stove, and prep area.
To work best, these three stations should form a triangle in your kitchen, with you at the center. Each station should not be less than four feet and no more than 9 feet from the other two.
A one-cook kitchen runs most efficiently when the work triangle configuration is used. In addition, corner stoves can be easily integrated into a work triangle design.
The kitchen sink would usually be on a separate counter, particularly on the kitchen island, which completes the triangle.
Nonetheless, there are some restrictions when it comes to placing a stove in the kitchen. For one, stoves should never be installed directly in front of a window, due to potential fire safety risks.
The same applies to putting a range near the kitchen entrance as people coming in and out of the kitchen may accidentally knock a pan off the stove and injure themselves.
Corner Stove In Small Kitchen
If the stove is under a window, remove any curtains and blinds to reduce potential fire hazards. Do take note that electric or convection burners are less likely to start a fire than gas-powered burners.
Moreover, consider installing a stainless steel backsplash to easily catch and clean dirty spots after you cook and likewise reduce the risk of molds. Also, always keep a fire extinguisher handy and make sure to get it inspected regularly. Lastly, never leave the stove unattended.
Corner Kitchen Stove Dimensions
Meanwhile, a 30-inch wide stove is recommended to install with between 45 and 48 inches of wall space on each side. On the other hand, there is a required wall space between 51 and 54 inches for a 36-inch wide stove installation.
Finally, building regulations require that your upper cabinets should be hung at least 24 inches from the surface of your stove, to prevent the risk of fire.
How Close Should A Corner Be To A Stove?
There are actually no standard regulations requiring how close your stove should be to the wall. However, make sure to check the building codes for your locality to confirm that your kitchen layout strictly adheres to the safety precautions.
Nonetheless, it is still recommended that the burners on your stove’s range be at least 12 inches (one foot) away from the sidewall due to the fire risk associated with having the wall exposed to prolonged and intense heat.
If you install a stove against the wall of your kitchen, make sure to have a plan for controlling the grease. Using grease-resistant paint, installing a backsplash, and using a splatter screen or grease guard when you’re cooking will help keep your kitchen looking nice and spotless.
If you are planning a kitchen layout with a corner stove you may want to use a kitchen design software program to plan your space. This will enable you to visualize your project and attempt to get a feel for space considerations before doing any costly work.
