Software
Houzz Logo Print
nrlewis81

Kitchen Island cooktop advice

last year

I hate cooktops in an island - we just purchased this house- no budget for a full kitchen renovation but trying to find see if there is a low budget way to replace the cooktop with a range along the wall. My first plan was to replace the refrigerator and double oven with a smaller refrig and a 30 slide in range - but I have been advised that a range and refrigerator should not be next to each other. I don't see any other "minor" solution. Any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated!





Comments (10)

  • last year

    You will need to post all of the dimensions of every cabinet. You may be able to shift the pantry wall around. So refrigerator goes to where the pantry cabinets are. Pantry cabinets shift over to the right. Then microwave section goes to where refrigerator was and then put in a range in between. Getting an HVAC company out to see your venting possibilities is important. If you can’t vent properly to the outside then a recirculating hood is your next best bet. Only do that with electric or better yet induction. Posting the dimensions and verifying venting are your next steps.

    Nan Smith thanked thinkdesignlive
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    In addition to a new island countertop (obviously) you would need to budget for a whole new backsplash, electrical work with appliance shifting, refrigerator surround rejiggering, potentially new crown around cabinets (with the microwave cabinet section move), ceiling patch and paint. The island could be cost effective wood butcherblock to match the floors or an accent stone. The only potential pitfall (assuming the math works to do the shifting I suggest) is the counter by the microwave will not have a finished edge on the sides and with the new arrangement it would need to be finished on the right edge. What is your existing counter - corian or quartz? Once you budget it all only you can say if it's worth it or not. It would be worth it to me to get the cooktop off the island. There are double oven induction ranges to consider (as you would potentially loose an oven with this renovation if you went with a standard single oven range). If you prize those 2 full ovens then this project might not make sense.

    Nan Smith thanked thinkdesignlive
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    You need a scale drawing of the space. I'd prefer the range on the opposite wall to get access to allow a hood exhaust through the wall to outside. You wouldn't need a range at that location. Just an induction cooktop, possibly. Miele or Bosch induction cooktops are available in 24" or 30" that require an inch or more to mount in an existing cabinet.

    Nan Smith thanked dan1888
  • last year

    This is what I was describing:

    Nan Smith thanked thinkdesignlive
  • last year

    Venting may be an issue on either of those walls - best to get an HVAC co out to troubleshoot.

    Nan Smith thanked thinkdesignlive
  • PRO
    last year

    Relocating the cooktop to the wall is doable on a budget if the gas/electrical lines can be extended without a full reno—a licensed handyman or contractor can often handle this with minimal demo. If you’re set on the slide-in range near the fridge, adding a thin stainless heat shield between them can mitigate heat transfer (not perfect, but functional).

    Another low-impact option: Remove the island cooktop entirely and replace it with a prep sink or additional counter space. It’s less invasive than rewiring and gives you back usable workspace.

    For clearance codes, this guide from The Spruce breaks down spacing requirements for ranges—some need as little as 6" from adjacent appliances. Small tweaks can make a big difference!

    Nan Smith thanked House Renovation
  • PRO
    last year

    If the cooktop had a hood, it wouldn't need to be moved. This may be cost effective.

    Nan Smith thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
  • last year

    After you pull the cooktop off the island put a slab of real stone like Taj Mahal on. It looks like that'll blend with the white tone the cabinets are painted.

    Nan Smith thanked dan1888
  • PRO
    last year

    You will want to install a hood that is vented to the outside. So, keep that in mind as you are deciding where to place the range.

    Nan Smith thanked Norwood Architects