Stove Dimensions: What To Consider Before Buying

Appliance IQ: Kitchen

Stove Dimensions: What To Consider Before Buying

When choosing a new stove to help you bake, air fry, braise and sautée for your family and loved ones, you should give considerable thought to size. The aim of this guide is to help you gain a better understanding of stove dimensions, so you can confidently select the right size for your kitchen and not experience any unpleasant surprises on delivery day.

What Is A Standard Stove Size?

A Whirlpool stove in a kitchen with brown drawers and white countertops. In the foreground are a table and chair.

For most models, the standard stove size is 30" wide and has a depth of roughly 25-27", excluding handles and knobs. The height of most stoves is typically 36", excluding control panels. The reason for this is to match the counter height found in the average kitchen to ensure that a stove’s cooking surface is flush with countertops. This helps owners achieve that desired seamless integration. 

It’s important to recognize the variables that could impact the size of a stove, including oven capacity, stovetop elements, the number of burners, to name a few

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In addition to standard stove dimensions, there are stoves specifically designed for either smaller, narrower spaces or large commercially-inspired kitchens.

Shop for a variety of stoves with these standard dimensions including slide-in stoves, freestanding ranges and double-oven models.

Are There Stoves For Smaller Kitchens?

Are There Stoves For Smaller Kitchens? Are There Stoves For Smaller Kitchens?

Generally, small or compact stoves feature a width of around 20-24". They still usually have the same height and depth as standard-sized stoves (approximately 25-27" deep and approximately 36" tall, excluding control panels). This allows them to sit flush with standard counters while saving some horizontal space, which is ideal for apartments or small kitchens.

These apartment-sized stoves are available in both gas and electric models. Despite their smaller dimensions, they usually still have a minimum of four burners. The total cooktop surface space and oven capacity are, however, smaller than many standard-sized stoves. Because of this, those dealing with limited space or unique kitchen layouts may choose to buy a wall oven and separate kitchen cooktop combo.

Is A Commercial-Style Stove Wider Than Standard Ranges?

The widths of commercial-grade and commercial-style stoves may vary greatly due to the differences in cooktop surface size, the number of ovens and more. Generally, single-oven commercial-style ranges are between 30" and 36" wide whereas double-oven commercial-style ranges are between 48" to 60" wide, if not more.

Commercial-grade ranges for restaurants tend to offer an even greater range of sizes. Commercially-inspired models for homes, on the other hand, typically have the same height as standard-sized stoves and feature the same stove width (approximately 36" tall without handles, knobs and control panels and approximately 25-30" deep). These ranges often have impressive features, larger capacities and extra burners, allowing owners to simmer delicate sauces, sautée fresh vegetables, and boil a pot of homemade pasta at the same time so that it can be served as a complete meal. 

Please note that Whirlpool® does not offer commercial-style ranges.

Are Stove Dimensions Precise?

A kitchen with a Whirlpool stove and a Whirlpool refrigerator. The kitchen features brown cabinets and drawers. On the counters are containers of herbs and spices, a container with kitchen utensils and various bottles and jars.

The stove dimensions mentioned so far refer to installation cut-out requirements, not the stove’s exact measurements. 

For example, a 30" stove may more accurately measure 29⅞" wide but will need a 30" wide cut out to be installed properly. Always review the specifications of each stove to confirm that it will fit its intended space.

How Do I Measure Stove Dimensions To Make Sure Installation Will Be Successful?

It depends on how you plan to install your new stove: 

  • Do you plan to install a freestanding range in your kitchen on its own?

  • Do you plan to install your stove between cabinets?

INSTALLING A FREESTANDING RANGE 

If your range will be freestanding, meaning it will stand on its own, you should leave enough space around the appliance so that you can comfortably open the door and move around your kitchen while you whip up a meal. We recommend leaving a minimum of 40" in front of a freestanding range, and 48-60" between the range and other appliances. This will create a workflow that will enable ease of cooking.

Remember to always consult the appliance installation instructions and product guides to learn the exact clearances needed for your stove.

HOW MUCH SPACE IS REQUIRED WHEN INSTALLING A RANGE BETWEEN CABINETS?

To install a new stove between existing cabinets, follow these steps to accurately measure for a stove installation:

  1. REMOVE THE CURRENT STOVE

    Always measure the empty cutout space and it’s never a bad idea to double-check your measurements.

  2. MEASURE THE WIDTH OF THE STOVE CUTOUT

    Using a measuring tape, measure cabinet to cabinet to determine the width of the cutout. Some cabinets are uneven so you want to account for this by measuring close to the back of the opening. Then, take a second measurement close to the front. 

    If you find that there is a difference, use the smaller dimension.

  3. MEASURE THE DEPTH OF THE STOVE CUTOUT

    Next, measure the cutout depth reaching from the wall to the front of the cabinet, not including the door. You should take two measurements. The first is along the right side, and the second is along the left side. 

    Again, if there is a difference then go with the smaller dimension.

  4. MEASURE THE HEIGHT OF THE STOVE CUTOUT

    For this step, measure the height of the stove cutout from the top of the counter to the floor, doing so on both sides of the cutout. 

    The height of standard counters are typically 36". Keep in mind that this could vary if the floor under the stove differs from the rest of your kitchen. 

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Many stoves have adjustable feet that can raise if needed.

OTHER CABINET INSTALLATION CLEARANCES

If you are installing a range between cabinets, the precise clearances depend on the model and whether its fuel type is gas or electric.

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Check the installation instructions or product guides for your appliance and always comply with all local codes and ordinances.

You will need to consider these additional clearances:

  • Upper cabinet dimensions, which applies to both the depth of the cabinet and the space from the underside of the cabinet to the countertop. 
  • Distance between wall and stove, which refers to the sides of the range to a wall or combustible material that also requires a minimum clearance.
  • Space over the cooking surface, referring to the minimum clearances required from the cooking surface to the bottom of cabinets or other combustible surfaces. This will depend on whether you include a range hood or vent. Follow the instructions for dimensional clearances above the cooking surface provided in the hood or vent installation instructions.

Discover Your Ideal Stove Size

After determining which stove or range size is right for your space, check out the full suite of gas ranges and electric ranges from Whirlpool®. Whether you’re looking to carve out some time to spend with loved ones or cook a splendid meal to uplift those around you or create new memories in the kitchen, you’ll find a stove that can match your evolving culinary ambitions. Pick from a selection of slide-in ranges or freestanding ranges, including double oven models. 

Need more help with buying a new stove? Review our buying guide and get all the help and tips you need to make an informed decision

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