Setting up your kitchen for the first time can be very exciting! However, you need to balance visual appeal with practicality.
Your ideal setup may look great, but can you easily move around your suite? Have you considered where to hook up your stove?
Here are some pros and cons of a stove under a window in brief.
- Having a stove under a window gives you nice views while cooking, provides better ventilation, and could save you energy.
- However, a stove under your window may not always be a safe choice, and it might prove impractical.
Why should I place my stove under a window?
Many people choose to place stoves under their kitchen windows for the simple reason that they enjoy natural light. If you’re used to a small or dimly-lit kitchen space, it’s perhaps tempting to maximize light in a new suite.
Here are a few further reasons why placing a stove under your window may work well in practice.
You can look outside while cooking
Pro Tip: Maximize Natural Light and Ventilation
As someone who loves cooking, I can’t stress enough the importance of natural light and ventilation in the kitchen. Placing your stove under a window not only provides a pleasant view while cooking but also allows for better ventilation. This setup can help you save energy as you can rely on natural light during the day. Plus, the easy access to open the window can help let out smoke and grease, reducing the need for an extractor fan.
If you have a large garden or stunning views from your home, why not make the most of them in your kitchen? If you find cooking a little boring, you could complement your daily meal preparation with some lovely sights.
This setup also proves popular with parents and pet owners. From your stove, you’ll see what your little ones are up to outside without leaving the kitchen. The same applies to any dogs that may be up to mischief!
You can save energy
While all kitchen equipment will cost money to run to some extent, you can cut costs with natural light. During the day (and particularly useful during summer months), you can simply open your blinds or curtains while cooking.
You’ll need to switch lights on during the evening in colder months, of course. But, it’s another reason to look forward to summer!
Ease of cleaning
Backsplashes, depending on grouting and material, can be hassles to clean. With a window above your stove, all you need to do is spray and wipe your glass clear.
You’ll need to wipe it down regularly thanks to grease and food splashing, but you’ll still save time and effort.
You can breathe easier
Having access to a window above the stove means you can simply let out smoke and grease by opening it. There’s little need for an extractor fan or a hood, which, again, would cost you extra money.
This ease of opening also means avoiding setting any smoke alarms off if you accidentally burn your meals! Of course, these alarms are in place to help you, so don’t place under a window to avoid setting them off.
Pro Tip: Balance Aesthetics and Functionality
In my experience, the best kitchen setups balance aesthetics and functionality. If you’re installing a stove under a window, make sure it doesn’t block your view or interfere with the practical use of your window. Also, consider the position of your kitchen in relation to the sun’s movements to avoid glare while cooking. Remember, the kitchen is not just about looks; it’s a space where you prepare meals, so it needs to be practical and comfortable.
Why should I avoid placing a stove under a window?
While placing a stove under a kitchen window isn’t inherently dangerous as-is, keep in mind the following ‘cons’.
You’ll need to watch the wind
Cooking under a window, especially when open, always requires vigilance. While you should already be watching your stovetop constantly, an open window may cause the wind to blow flames across.
You should also be careful with curtains. If placing a stove under a window, opt for a blind to avoid any fabric accidentally dropping onto your stovetop. Providing you keep your window shut most of the time and curtains off-top, you’ll manage easily.
You might block off your window
Depending on the type of stove you’re installing below your window, there’s a chance you may block your view. This will likely be the case with larger units and hooded stoves, for example.
Consider the size and shape of your stove carefully. Are you likely to use your window practically otherwise? Do you want to see clearly through it when not at the stove?
You may need to reinstall your window
Ideally, you should make sure your window is built from safety glass, and that it’s not been treated. Safety is a must, and in some cases, building regulations may not allow you to move your stove at all.
Where applicable, speak to your local building authority and/or landlord. The main reasons why authorities may refuse a stove move are purely safety concerns.
People may look in on you
If you like your privacy, then cooking in front of a window may not be the best choice. At least with a simple blind, you can easily shut the outside world off!
This concern will depend on where you’re based. If you have a private garden at the back of your kitchen, privacy should be less of a concern. If your kitchen points towards a public area, think carefully about where your stove’s heading.
Sunlight can be distracting
For all that natural light is inspiring and usually very welcome, it can also be distracting. When cooking meals in the early morning or afternoon, you may be at risk of glare from the sun!
Think carefully about where your kitchen positions in your home with regard to the sun’s movements. It’s also vital to consider what time of day you cook the most!
FAQs
How far away from a window should I install my stove?
Local building regulations and recommendations vary but typically account for at least 13-14 inches between your stove and window. This is a safe enough distance to avoid fire from spreading or for anything catching flame.
This distance will also give you the views, fresh air, and natural light you demand. Simply make sure you have enough space to maneuver through your kitchen, too. You should always focus on practicality first and aesthetics second.
Where else can I place my stove?
Many people choose to place their stoves close to sinks and plumbing for ease of access. In some cases, you may find positioning close to a window naturally brings you close to the sink.
It’s also a prudent idea to position a stove on a central island. This allows for ease of movement around, and you may still get views of the window. If this isn’t possible, simply try to keep your stove away from heavy appliances to avoid cluttering.
