How to Measure for Drop-In Stoves

Drop-in stoves are common in kitchens throughout the United States.

The result is a tight and finished look without any rough cabinet edges or sides of the oven in sight. To measure for a drop-in stove, you will have to know the exact size of your stove and the space into which it is going.

1. Measure the width of your drop-in stove using your tape measure. Measure the width of the stove itself and not the overhanging lip that extends from the sides of the range at the top.

2. Measure the opening between your cabinets where you plan to install the drop-in stove using your tape measure. If the space is at least as wide as your stove and does not exceed it by more than 1 1/2 inches, the stove should fit. If the gap is too small, you must either purchase a drop-in stove with a smaller width or take steps to increase the size of the opening. If the opening is too large by less than 1 1/2 inches, you should still be able to place the stove by maneuvering its overhanging lip into a central position, which will cover the extra space.

3. Measure the distance between the cabinet doors that sit to the right and left of the opening where the drop-in stove will sit. The minimum distance from the opening for each door to work properly is 1 inch or so.

4. Measure the height of your countertop using your tape measure. Measure the height of your drop-in stove. The height of the stove must be less than the height of the countertop for it to fit. However, if it is too short, it will look out of place and may require a bit of framing. Consider a stove that is closer to the dimensions you require.

5. Measure the depth of the space where you plan on installing your drop-in stove. The depth should be measured from the front edge of the cabinet door to the wall behind. Check with your drop-in stove manufacturer recommendations for depth requirements.

6. Measure the gap between the countertop and the cabinets above it. The minimum recommended height is 18 inches. Perform the same measurement in the space above where the drop-in stove is to fit. The minimum recommended space between the range top and the cabinets or vent directly above is 30 inches.

7. Measure the countertop thickness with your tape measure. Some drop-in stoves will require that your countertops stay within a certain maximum size while others will not. Check with your manufacturer guidelines for specific information.