Here’s our guide to whether you can put a refrigerator next to stove in kitchen including heat shield tips, proper placement, and distance between the fridge & stove.
The main appliances of a kitchen are the stove and oven, range hood, microwave, and refrigerator. If purchasing an existing home, you may not have an option to change the kitchen’s layout, at least for a while.
But if having a home newly built, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the placement of these appliances.
Many home buyers and owners ask the same question—can they put a refrigerator right next to the stove in the kitchen? This guide will discuss whether a refrigerator can be next to the stove in a kitchen, the drawbacks, and what to do when you have a tiny kitchen.
Read on before you design or redesign your kitchen to learn whether it’s okay to place a refrigerator next to a stove. Table of Contents
Can You Put A Stove Next To Refrigerator?
The short answer is yes. A stove can be right next to a refrigerator, especially in a very small kitchen. However, it’s not the best placement for two appliances that serve the opposite functions, to cool and to heat. Read more about how to organize a small kitchen here.
If working with a tiny kitchen, there may not be many options for the two largest appliances to be separated. In a galley kitchen, the refrigerator and oven with stovetop are typically across from each other.
Problems With A Stove Next To Fridge
The heat from the stove, especially when cooking large pots of sauces, soups, or stew, may cause the refrigerator’s compressor to work longer and harder to keep the fridge at the proper temperature.
The extra work the refrigerator has to do also wears out parts faster, leading to expensive repairs. It can also raise energy bills as the fridge has to run longer.
There may also be local building code restrictions for placing a refrigerator right next to a stove. It’s essential for the homeowner to contact the city or county building code enforcement agency to check for any restrictions and requirements for the placement and spacing.
Having a refrigerator close to the stove also creates a hard-to-reach area to clean. Cooking on a stove often causes splatters and spills.
The liquids may hit the side of the refrigerator allowing the mess to drip down between the two appliances and onto the floor. It could be challenging to clean if the fridge is not on wheels.
Heat Shield For Refrigerator Next To Stove
A heat shield is commonly placed on the side of the refrigerator that is up against the stove. Many hardware and home improvement stores sell heat shields made specifically for use when the two appliances are directly next to each other.
The shield provides some protection from the stove and oven’s heat and can handle temperatures even higher than what the oven and stove generate.
Most heat shields are easy to install and clean. Always be sure whatever type of heat shield you use is noncombustible and flame resistant to prevent fire.
How Close Can A Stove Be To A Refrigerator
Installers recommend a good 15 to 20 inches between the refrigerator and stove with a minimum of nine inches. The 20-inch distance is essential when the stove is gas, making the heat more intense.
Besides the heat transfer, the other considerations include safety and convenience. If the refrigerator is right next to the stove, there is little room for frying pan handles to extend out from the stovetop.
In an emergency, such as a flaming pan of hot oil, it may be too dangerous to grab the handle if it’s extended across other burners. And many handles may melt or, at the least, become very hot, risking a severe burn.
The lack of space between the refrigerator and stove also creates a cumbersome work area. Without room for the handles of pots and pans to be away from each other, it becomes difficult to maneuver when juggling several items cooking at the same time.
At least 12 inches of space between the refrigerator and stove makes for a safer and more convenient distance in any kitchen layout.
Where Should Refrigerator And Stove Be Placed In Kitchen?
For new kitchens where the design is flexible, the refrigerator, stove and oven combo, and dishwasher are typically placed in a triangular placement. The refrigerator is best placed near the counter most used for food prep and close to the sink.
Kitchen designers prefer to place the stove and oven across from the refrigerator for easy access to ingredients when cooking. The distance should allow for both the refrigerator and oven door to be open simultaneously without interfering with foot traffic.
For a small kitchen, the refrigerator can go next to the stove instead of across from it, especially if the homeowner cannot open the oven and refrigerator at the same time. In this case, it would work better to have the sink and dishwasher also on the same side or wall.
Galley kitchens are a challenge when placing appliances unless they have a wide area between both walls. Galley kitchens are typically 12 feet from wall to wall with three feet of walking space between.
This narrow space may make it impossible to have both the refrigerator and oven open at the same time. Four to five feet make it easier to keep the refrigerator and stove across from each other rather than right next to each other.
For more related topics visit stove in corner of kitchen pros and cons page.
FAQs
How far away should fridge be from stove? ›
This may include food preparation, clean up, dining and entertaining, and possible a study zone or pet area. The sink, main refrigerator, and stove should be in close proximity to each other. You require a minimum of 4 feet between each point to easily maneuver, and equally not more than 9 feet.
Where should you not put a refrigerator in the kitchen? ›Fridges should never be placed directly next to a heat source or in locations affected by direct sunlight for long durations. 2. The fridge should always be located in close proximity to a bench with ample available space.
Is oven and refrigerator next to each other? ›A fridge should be at least 20 inches away from an oven with a gas stove. However, if you have an oven with an electric stove or cooking surface, there should be a minimum distance of 2 inches between the fridge and the oven.
Why is it not advisable to place the refrigerator very close against the kitchen wall? ›Essentially, the coils need to dissipate heat efficiently and you don't want that heat is released directly onto the drywall. To avoid both refrigerator problems and a build-up of heat on your walls, you need to leave adequate space between the appliance and any surfaces.
How much space do you need on each side of a stove? ›Guidelines recommend 15” of space on either one or both sides of an oven, or if the oven is in a tall cabinet and this is not possible, to have 15” of landing space no more than 48” in front of the oven as long as it does not open into the main walkway. Below is an application of this guideline in a wall oven space.
What do you put next to a stove? ›- Cooking utensils: spatulas, wooden spoons (preferably in a crock on the counter)
- Spices (either in a drawer, or on a riser in a cabinet/on the countertop)
- Oils, vinegars, and commonly used condiments (on a tray next to the stove, and/or on a lazy Susan in the cabinet)
- Spoon rest.
Generally, the sink, main refrigerator, and stove need to be near each other, allowing easy access for food preparation. Allow minimum 4 and maximum 9 feet between each point to easily maneuver. The dishwasher is best located near the sink so you have less distance to travel with dirty dishes.
What is the perfect kitchen layout? ›The U-Shape
Arguably the most versatile layout for any size of kitchen, a U-shaped floor plan surrounds the user on three sides, so it allows for longer countertops and extra storage cabinetry. “If you have enough space, I love a U-shaped kitchen with an island in the center,” says interior designer Tina Rich.
- Do adjust the temperatures accordingly. ...
- Don't leave the refrigerator door open too long. ...
- Do separate and organize items properly. ...
- Don't overload the refrigerator. ...
- Do clean your refrigerator regularly. ...
- Don't use harsh chemicals when cleaning.
Position your stove carefully
Other than the above-mentioned water elements, the stove should also not be directly opposite or adjacent to the refrigerator, which is seen as a cold (and also conflicting) element.
Is there more room in a side by side or French door refrigerator? ›
Side by side refrigerators may have slightly more capacity than French door refrigerators, but overall they are comparable. French door refrigerators generally range in capacity from 20 to 27 cu. ft. while side by side refrigerators range from 21 to 28 cu.
Do you get more room with a side by side refrigerator? ›Generally speaking, side-by-side refrigerators tend to offer more space than other units. This convenient storage is a major benefit for the freezer, especially considering the fact that side-by-side refrigerators offer more freezer shelf space than most other models.
Can you put a fridge anywhere in the kitchen? ›First of all, it's important to place the fridge away from direct sunlight because it can heat it up during the summer. The fridge should also be placed away from the oven and microwave because they too produce heat. So it's ok to put it in the kitchen as long as you keep these details in mind. What is this?
Can I put a French door refrigerator next to a wall? ›Can a French door refrigerator go next to a wall? Yes! While there are considerations for door clearance and drawer path involved, it is possible to install a French door refrigerator next to a wall.
What happens if fridge is too close to wall? ›If your refrigerator is too close to the wall, it could overheat and break down prematurely. The compressor (which is responsible for cooling your fridge) relies on circulating air to stay cool. If there isn't enough space for air to circulate, the compressor will overheat and eventually break down.
Should the stove be higher or lower than the countertop? ›The top of your stove should be ideally level with the top of the counter or slightly higher if needed to avoid heat from the cooktop damaging the counter over time. For this reason and others, you should choose your appliances before finalizing measurements on your kitchen cabinets.
Should dishwasher be on left or right of sink? ›In terms of convenience and efficiency, this would mean that the dishwasher should be located on the left for a right-handed person. If you are left-handed, the dishwasher should be placed on the right.
Can you put a stove next to a dishwasher? ›A Dishwasher can be installed next to a Free-Standing, Slide-In or Drop-In Range as long as there is at least 2" of clearance between the two appliances. The 2" clearance is needed for heat dissipation. A Dishwasher should not be installed directly next to a Wall Oven that is installed under the counter.
Can a fridge face a stove? ›Since fire and water are incompatible, the refrigerator shall not be close to the stove. The fridge releases cool air while the stove emits the hot, which will affect your gastrointestinal health and cause family conflicts.
What are the 10 steps for organizing kitchen cabinets? ›- Place heavier items on the bottom of cabinet shelves. ...
- Keep like items together. ...
- Maximize the capacity of your cabinets. ...
- Use round storage organizers. ...
- Maximize vertical space. ...
- Use containers. ...
- Implement cabinet dividers. ...
- Insert drawer organizers.
How do you fill a gap next to a stove? ›
Cut plastic tubing to size and fit it. With tubing, you'll need to measure and cut the material to fit the gap. Once you have the right size, simply place it in the gap between your stove and countertop. You can also use a stove or counter gap cover made of silicone, which you can find online or at a hardware store.
What is the golden triangle in the kitchen? ›Developed in the early twentieth century, the working triangle—also known as "the kitchen triangle," also known as "the golden triangle"—is a theory that states a kitchen's three main work areas should form, you guessed it, a triangle. Specifically, the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove.
Is it true that a kitchen triangle of fridge stove and sink makes a kitchen more efficient? ›' George Miller, Home Designer at Neptune (opens in new tab) Fulham says: 'With three key elements at the core of its purpose, the kitchen triangle creates an efficient space and reduces the back and forth walking distance between each essential station of the kitchen; cook, store, clean. '
Does it matter where you put things in the fridge? ›Ready-to-eat foods are stored at the top of the fridge, away from raw foods so that harmful bacteria cannot transfer from the raw food to the cooked food. Raw meat, poultry and fish in sealed containers to stop them touching or dripping onto other foods.
What is the number one rule in the kitchen? ›Thoroughly cook foods
One of the most important food hygiene rules is to ensure food is cooked properly. If undercooked, harmful bacteria could lead to food poisoning. These rules will help you avoid that: Cut into the food to check that it is cooked through.
Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.
What are the 5 basic kitchen layout? ›There are six basic types of kitchen layouts: Island, Parallel, Straight, L-Shape, U-Shape, Open, and Galley. The L-Shaped kitchen is most suited to homes that do not need too much worktop spaces while the galley shaped kitchen is suitable for small homes.
What 3 things are always in your fridge? ›- Fresh Eggs. ...
- Whole Lemons. ...
- Ready-To-Eat Salad. ...
- Puff or Phyllo Pastry. ...
- Simple Syrup. ...
- Frozen Fruit and Berries. ...
- Hard Cheese. ...
- Good Bacon.
- Keep the fridge at 5°C or below. The numbers on the fridge dial do not necessarily show the temperature. ...
- Don't overpack the fridge. ...
- Store different foods in the correct areas of the fridge. ...
- Put leftovers in the fridge within two hours. ...
- The Golden Rule: If in doubt, throw it out.
A kitchen in the center of the house symbolizes fire attacking the heart of the home, which can bring bad luck and energy into your space. A good feng shui layout favors the kitchen at the back of the home in the south or southwest corner, as well as north or northeast parts. Be sure to consult the Bagua energy map!
Can I have a white fridge with a stainless stove? ›
Yes, it is perfectly fine to mix stainless steel and white appliances.
Which side should the stove face? ›What direction should the stove face? Kitchen direction as per vastu advice is that the stove should always be positioned to the south-east because the fire element rules that direction. Additionally, the stove user must face east.
What are the disadvantages of a French door refrigerator? ›Cons of a French Door Fridge
Door storage in French door refrigerators can be quite narrow, forcing you to use the main space for items like large beverage containers. If you often dine on prepackaged meals or other freezer items, the bottom drawer might be less convenient for you to access regularly.
But here are the basics: The top shelf and door tend to be the warmest "zones", while the middle and bottom shelves get progressively cooler. So, you should keep condiments in the door, dairy products, eggs and spreads on the upper shelves, meats and milk on the lowest shelf and fruits and vegetables in the crisper.
What brand of refrigerator has the least problems? ›Top-freezers, as a category, have the highest predicted reliability. Despite these high marks, most top-freezer brands were rated low in terms of owner satisfaction. Within the category, five of the nine brands earned top-notch ratings for predicted reliability: Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool.
Do all French door refrigerators have ice maker problems? ›Many French-door refrigerators come with a through-the-door ice and water dispenser. But icemakers are a common failure point on refrigerators, so models with an ice dispenser tend to be more repair-prone than those without it.
Where should I put a second refrigerator? ›“It's best to store your second fridge in a conditioned space like a basement,” he said. “Even if you have a more recent model, one that is more energy-efficient, it shouldn't go in the garage.” But for some, the garage is the only place with space for an extra refrigerator.
How much space do I need to leave either side of fridge? ›How much ventilation do I need to leave around a fridge freezer? We recommend around 5cm around the sides for ventilation.
Can fridge be next to oven? ›Placing your fridge next to your oven could force the fridge to work harder to achieve the desired internal temperature. For this reason it is advised that you position your fridge away from your oven.
Where is the best location for a refrigerator in the kitchen? ›Typically, your refrigerator is the tallest thing in the kitchen space. That said, the refrigerator placement should be next to other tall items, such as a wall oven or a floor-to-ceiling cabinet grouping By co-locating tall elements in the kitchen, the group of items appear as if they are built-in.
Where is the best place to put fridge in kitchen? ›
The refrigerator should be placed in the southwest corner. Avoid putting the refrigerator in the direction of the north or east. Always ensure the fridge isn't close to a corner or hooked to a wall when positioning it. The appliance can be positioned in the west, north, or northwest directions.
Why side walls of the LG refrigerator are very hot? ›If the sides of the cabinet are warm to the touch, this is normal. As the unit runs, the heat generated from the compressor and other running parts is dispersed from these areas to prevent overheating.
How much clearance does a French door fridge need? ›Standard-depth refrigerators typically measure 30 to 35 inches in depth, as opposed to counter-depth refrigerators that sit flush with cabinetry. 3 Allow 3.75" of clearance when installing along a wall. This will allow for the door to open 90 degrees without the handle contacting the wall.
How close can a wall oven be to a refrigerator? ›The National Kitchen and Bath Association offers these guidelines for minimum landing space: Near the fridge and wall oven, leave 15 inches on both sides (if necessary, one side can be 12 inches).
What consideration is necessary when a refrigerator is located next to a wall? ›NOTE: If your refrigerator is located next to a wall, leave 2½ inches between the wall and the hinge side of the door so it can swing open.
Do I need to leave a gap behind my fridge? ›Having too little space can greatly impact on the performance and life of your fridge, such as minimising over-heating. Generally, all Samsung refrigerator models requires a minimum distance of 50mm for the sides and rear of the fridge and 100mm from the top of the fridge.
How close can a fridge be to an oven? ›' 'To be on the safe side, I would recommend that you have at least 50mm between the appliances and check with your kitchen designer to ensure that your chosen new appliances will be easy to maintain and access with a side-by-side arrangement.
How far apart should sink stove and fridge be? ›Generally, the sink, main refrigerator, and stove need to be near each other, allowing easy access for food preparation. Allow minimum 4 and maximum 9 feet between each point to easily maneuver.
What should the coldest area of a fridge should never be more than? ›The coldest part of the fridge should be between 0 degrees Celcius and 5 degrees Celcius (32 degrees Fahrenheit and 41 degrees Fahrenheit). You could use a probe thermometer to check if food is being kept hot (above 63 degrees Celcius) or cold (below 8 degrees Celcius).
Can you put a sink next to a stove? ›The ideal distance between the stove and sink (or any two points in the triangle) is between 4 and 9 feet. If properly distanced, it should give your work area enough space for you to move around and easily maneuver without bumping into everyone else.
Can a dishwasher be next to a fridge? ›
Resolution: It is not advised to put a freestanding fridge next to a freestanding dishwasher. Your Dishwasher gets hot it also gets moist meaning its harder to cool the air around it. Your Fridge is cold so is the Freezer they should ideally be placed apart.