Much will depend upon what your appliance is.

Not an expert on building code, hopefully someone else will chime in. Generally it says that all appliances must be installed per the manufacturers requirements regarding clearances from flammable materials. Every appliance will have information in the specifications and/or the installation instructions that address this. Generally it is required that flammable material be 9"- 13" away from the cooking surface. I would think a window, which has at least a wood casing, would be classified as flammable and would not meet code.

I was once in a professionally done kitchen where this had been done. The homeowner ended up putting plexiglass over the whole window because it wasn't properly vented and the window was caked in grease, etc. Hardly looked professional. I would try to work the window in elsewhere or go for some transom style windows above the upper cabinets.

Thanks for your comments. They are helpful. My plans show the sink under the window and stove in the island, but I like the sink in the island so was hoping to reverse the design. Probably not a good idea.

Hi lrress, unfortunately both the sink or stove in front of counter-height windows will require more cleaning of the glass than you'd like. I would say the sink would be less maintenance though. As far as building code, we've worked in many cities (In AZ, CA and NY) and haven't come across a code which says you can't place the stove under a counter depth window, but I would think that if its a wood window it wouldnt be allowed.

One other detail that would concern me, if the window was open it could potentially blow out a gas flame on a stove. While some nicer ones have a re-ignite feature, most don't, so that could be a real safety hazard.

Steve

Steve, I am thinking about moving the window(s) so they flank the stove, right and left ,and then adding a hood above the stove. What do you think?

Irress, that could be wonderful and create a very nice backdrop/focal point. Here are a few great examples

Steve