Keeping your cooking range level with the countertop is important for safe cookware movement, seamless installation, and a professional kitchen appearance. An uneven height can cause pots to slide, gaps to form, or strain on joints and cabinetry. Follow the steps below to ensure your cooking range sits at the correct and consistent height.

Know the Standard Height First

Most kitchen countertops are set at:

• 36 inches (about 91–92 cm) from the floor

Most freestanding cooking ranges are designed to match this height when leveling feet are adjusted correctly. Always confirm both measurements before making changes.

Step 1: Measure the Countertop Height

1. Use a tape measure

2. Measure from the finished floor to the top of the countertop

3. Measure in at least two places to confirm consistency

Record this number as your target height.

Step 2: Measure the Cooking Range Height

1. Measure from the floor to the top cooking surface of the range

2. Exclude burner grates if the manufacturer specifies cooktop surface height without them

3. Compare this measurement with the countertop height

If the range is higher or lower, adjustment is required.

Step 3: Adjust the Leveling Feet

Most cooking ranges have adjustable leveling legs at the bottom.

How to Adjust

1. Pull the range slightly forward

2. Locate the leveling feet at each corner

3. Turn feet clockwise to lower, counterclockwise to raise

4. Adjust gradually and evenly

5. Push the range back into position

Always adjust all feet, not just one side.

Step 4: Use a Level to Confirm Accuracy

Place a spirit level:

• Left to right across the cooktop
• Front to back across the cooktop

The bubble should be centered in both directions.
This ensures the range is not only the right height but also perfectly level.

Step 5: Check Alignment With the Countertop

After leveling:

• The cooktop surface should be flush or nearly flush with the countertop
• A very small gap is acceptable
• There should be no noticeable step up or down

Run your hand across the seam to confirm smooth alignment.

Step 6: Address Floor Irregularities if Needed

If the floor is uneven:

• Adjust leveling feet to compensate
• Use solid, heat-resistant shims under feet if adjustment range is limited
• Avoid soft materials like cardboard or rubber

Floor unevenness is a common cause of height mismatch.

Step 7: Secure the Range (If Required)

For safety:

• Install the anti-tip bracket supplied with the range
• Confirm the range remains level after securing

Anti-tip devices do not affect height but must be installed after final leveling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Measuring without a level
• Adjusting only one foot
• Ignoring floor slope
• Forgetting to reinstall anti-tip brackets
• Assuming factory height is already correct

Even new ranges often need adjustment after installation.

When Professional Adjustment Is Needed

Consider professional help if:

• Built-in cabinetry restricts movement
• Countertop height is non-standard
• Floor slope exceeds adjustment range
• The range is integrated with surrounding panels

Summary

To ensure your cooking range is the same height as the countertop:

1. Measure countertop height accurately

2. Measure range cooktop height

3. Adjust leveling feet evenly

4. Confirm level in all directions

5. Account for uneven floors

6. Secure with anti-tip bracket

Correct height alignment ensures safe cooking, smooth transitions, and a clean, built-in look in any kitchen.