How Close Can Shelves Be Placed To Cooking Range
Understanding Clearance Requirements Around a Cooking Range
A cooking range generates heat, steam, grease, and occasional flare-ups. To maintain safety, protect kitchen materials, and ensure proper airflow, shelves and other combustible surfaces must be kept at safe distances. As a manufacturer experienced in producing heavy-duty commercial and residential cooking equipment, we follow design standards that reflect these safety clearances, which users should also follow when installing cabinetry or shelving.
General Clearance Guidelines
Horizontal (Side) Clearance
Shelves or cabinets placed beside a cooking range should generally maintain at least 6–12 inches of space from the edge of the cooktop.
This prevents heat damage, minimizes grease exposure, and ensures utensils or items on shelves do not overheat.
Vertical Clearance Above the Cooktop
Anything installed directly above the cooking surface must follow stricter rules:
Minimum clearance: 30 inches above burners for shelves, cabinets, or other combustible materials.
This matches common building and safety standards.
If a range hood is installed, the clearance is measured from the hood, not the shelf.
Vertical clearance is critical because heat rises directly and can quickly affect overhead materials.
Clearance for Non-Combustible Shelves
Metal, tempered glass, or stainless-steel shelves may be installed slightly closer, depending on local codes.
However, even non-combustible shelves should maintain safe working clearance to avoid overheating items placed on them.
Why Clearance Matters
Fire Safety
High flames and hot pans can ignite nearby combustible materials.
Maintaining distance reduces the risk of accidental ignition.
Heat Damage Prevention
Repeated exposure to heat can warp, discolor, or weaken shelving materials—especially wood or laminate surfaces.
Improved Ventilation and Airflow
Cooking requires proper airflow for heat dissipation.
Crowding the range with shelves restricts this flow and may reduce appliance performance.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Easy access prevents reaching over burners, which can be dangerous.
Adequate spacing also prevents grease buildup on shelving surfaces.
These considerations mirror safety and ergonomic standards integrated into the commercial kitchen equipment our factory produces.
Special Considerations
Open Shelving vs. Closed Cabinets
Open shelves collect grease but allow better airflow.
Closed cabinets trap heat more easily and may require additional clearance.
Gas vs. Electric Ranges
Gas burners produce open flame and higher upward heat, requiring more caution.
Electric or induction models generate controlled heat but still require standard clearances.
Placement of Decorative Items
Even if shelves are non-combustible, items placed on them—plastic, spices, oils—may be heat-sensitive.
Keep such items farther from the cooktop.
Recommended Safe Installation Distances
| Component Above or Beside Range | Minimum Clearance |
|---|---|
| Side shelves (wood or laminate) | 6–12 inches |
| Overhead shelves/cabinets | 30 inches |
| Range hoods | Follow manufacturer guidelines (typically 24–30 inches) |
| Metal/steel shelves | Can vary but typically 24–30 inches above cooktop |
These distances support safety, equipment performance, and compliance with typical kitchen installation standards.
Final Guidance
Shelves near a cooking range must be positioned carefully to ensure safe operation, protect surrounding materials, and support proper ventilation. A general rule is 6–12 inches on the sides and 30 inches above the cooktop, with adjustments depending on materials and local safety codes. By following these clearances—similar to the safety standards integrated into the design of our commercial and household cooking appliances—you maintain a safe, functional, and long-lasting kitchen environment.