Kitchen Planning Guide, Guideline 27, Cooking Surface Landing Space

Guideline 27

In an open-ended kitchen configuration, at least 9" of counter space should be allowed on one side of the cooking surface and 15" on the other, at the same counter height as the appliance. For an enclosed configuration, at least 3" of clearance space should be planned at an end wall protected by flame retardant surfacing material and 15" should be allowed on the other side of the appliance, at the same counter height as the appliance. (Fig. 1) For further instruction on these requirements see Guideline 31.

Guideline 27 Clarification

For safety reasons, countertop should also extend a minimum of 9" behind the cooking surface, at the same counter height as the appliance, in any instance where there is not an abutting wall/backsplash. (Fig. 5)

Guideline 27 Clarification

In an outside angle installation of cooking surfaces, there should be at least 9" of straight counter space on one side and 15" of straight counter space on the other side, at the same counter height as the appliance. (Fig. 6)

Guidelines used by permission from the National Kitchen & Bath Association