It's a bit problematic to have the oven range at the end for safety concerns.

You could raise the island on backside to create a division so your kids can sit to do their homework.

id definitely swap that oven stack for a standard range and add a stainless hood above it to deal with the venting. that lets you drop a flat counter on the island and hang a pair of large brass dome pendants over the new prep space. dropping the yellow wall paint for a crisp white will also make the old cabinets look way more modern.

Yes your idea is sound and about as easy as this swap can get!! If you remove the oven, demo the cupboard inside a bit inside the area in the wood work,, microwaves have vents most times, you would still have the upper cupboard for cook books. If the width doesn't work you may need to replicate the space a bit but that's easy given you have white cupboards. A hood is a kitchen fad of the hour but unless you are one of the few with counter to waste on a sitting microwave it can stay where it is now. The island gut will give you more storage and getting a new counter should be pretty easy. It's a pretty easy DIY and you can still save your pennies for if you ever do what to gut the kitchen. The range on the end is not a big deal., for sure not DANGEROUS, maybe inconvenient depending on what you are used to. I have that now, 30 years in and I've had free standing range with no counter around it. Your cooking habits can meld to suit what's available.

View of kitchen is limited, but temporarily could you extend the island counter?

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Until you are ready to remodel the whole room, and the room actually looks very good yet, I would leave the stove top in the island, and have the kids sit at the kitchen table. Remove the two bar stools too, so you dont have anyone sitting right there. I admit, an island isnt where I would want my stove top, but, I would probably leave it for a while, since, I wouldnt want to be tearing up a kitchen, that already looks good, and putting a lot of money into it, before I have used the kitchen to see just what all needs to be done to fit my needs.

I also have young kids and would not live with that either. I can just picture little hands reaching over the side to a hot pot or handle and pulling hot stuff down on their little faces. This is something that needs changed ASAP.

Since having the range at the end of the cabinet run poses the same issues - How about taking the oven stack out entirely, moving the cabinet next to it to the end, and putting the range where that cabinet was? That would be much MUCH safer all around.

I can't tell what the counters are, but a laminate replacement works just fine. You need to replace the island counter anyway.

Alternatively you could put the range where the ovens are, but then put a skinny 9" cabinet next to it for safety purposes.

Additional views since everyone is asking! this island just seems so small and pointless.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6564091/moving-a-cooktop-off-of-an-island

Dimensions are needed as they were needed on your previous posting on this.

I thought that this post looked familiar - 27 days ago you posted the same dilemma. I'd get a few quotes for removing the built in oven/microwave and replacing with a range. You really need to use the kitchen before making changes in order to determine if you have enough countertop space to place a microwave on it. If not, you may need to have an OTR microwave that vents to the outdoors (even though they don't compare with a real vent hood). If you aren't using gas, the OTR may be the best solution for your space.

I wouldn’t want the kids doing homework on the island, better to do it on the table. more room to spread out, better height sitting in a proper chair, good lighting, and no crumbs or spills from whatever you are doing on the island.

But, I agree with Steve’s idea. You probably don’t even have to replace the island, just the top. Perhaps you can turn the cooktop cavity where the cooktop’s innards were into an open shelf, maybe put trays or shallow pans or trivets and oven mitts and towels there.

It may seem like a fairly easy solution but unless you can find a 9" cabinet that matches your current cabinets to go on the end next to the stove, you're going to end up with stove with nothing next to it on the left. That really is not the ideal situation. Can you look inside the cabinets for a manufacturer to even see if you might be able to match your existing? Your cabinets look to be laminate or thermofoil and it may be tough to match them. I'd prefer to spend the money on a new stainless fridge and have the kids do their homework on the kitchen table. You have what appears to be good prep space on the cabinet run next to the fridge.

What is the measurement from the counter to the right of the oven to the doorway? Can you realistically fit a range + a 9" cabinet to the left of it? If not, you are running the same risk - a kid, or anyone else walking through that doorway and bumping into a hot pot or the handle of a pan on the stove.

If you can add a range, 9" cabinet, hood there, some of the other considerations are:

- Can you find a 9" cabinet and countertop to match? If not, maybe you don't mind putting an odd totally mismatched cabinet there for safety.

- You will need to likely patch and paint that entire wall when the over cabinet comes down. How long has it been painted and will it match the other walls? If not, would you have to repaint the whole kitchen, which is open to an entire other room of the same color?

- If you can't find a matching countertop for the island, I don't think it is as big of a deal because you could always do butcher block.

I'd wait at least six months to figure this out and during that time, don't have stools at the island. Kids can always do homework at the table, which is only a stone throw away.

We a scraping popcorn ceilings and painting entire interior before we move in. ontop of it being a safety issue with toddlers i feel like cooking on the island will be really annoying- i like to have things i need around me and theres no space to put anything. im not opposed to the range going somewhere else than the corner i just figured that was the easiest spot.

How far to the right of the refrigerator do the cabinets go? Is it just the two cabinets we see in the picture you posted? What material is the countertops?

I understand the reasons you want to make the change - I would too! The combination of (1) no emergency landing space on either side of the cooktop, (2) the potential of billowing steam, splattering grease, etc., affecting anyone sitting there while cooking is going on, (3) no workspace on either side of the cooktop, and (4) what appears to be not a deep enough seating overhang makes for a dysfunctional island.

Honestly? While I would normally be in the "live with it for a few months" camp, this is a special case and I could not live with that at all.

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IF you are willing to change the counters along the perimeter, Steve Anderson's idea might work -

* Moving the narrow cabinet on the current refrigerator wall to the far left

* Shifting the wider cabinet to the right next to the corner cabinet and

* Putting the range between the two cabs

You would need to figure out what to do with the now-exposed left side of the narrow cabinet since it will not be finished. Maybe try to match the paint color of the cabs and paint the exposed side? If the exposed side is too "rough", consider a piece of wood for an end panel and paint it?

But, the upper cabinets might be problematical since they don't "match" the base cabinets and would likely not be easily switchable. You may end up having to remove one of them (I would remove whichever one is narrower to preserve as much storage as possible).

If you do not want to change the perimeter counters, Tracie_Erin's idea might work:

* Remove the oven stack

* Replace with a range

* Find a 9" to 15"W cabinet that can be painted to match the rest of the cabinets and put it between the doorway and the range

* Use butcher block for a counter over the new cabinet

The main issues with a range at the end of that run are (1) it's next to a doorway, (2) pots/pans with handles sticking out beyond the range can be a safety issue (knocking the handle), and (3) there is no emergency landing space on that side.

For a rangehood, try for an externally vented hood, but it might be too much at this time. Even if you cannot vent one externally, get a recirculating one. Recirculating isn't the best, but it's better than nothing. I would try for a true hood. You will probably have to go with a 30"W hood since you're limited on available wall space. (If you eliminate one of the upper cabs to the right of the oven stack, you may be able to get one 6" wider than the range.) Get a 24" deep one for better capture, regardless of the width. (Rangehoods are not a "fad", btw.)

For a MW, put a counter top model next to the refrigerator. Your main workspaces are going to be between the range and sink (Primary Prep Zone since it has the only water source in the Kitchen and is next to the range) and on the island (Secondary Prep Zone because there's no direct water access). The counter next to the refrigerator is too far from the only water source & range, so not particularly useful for prepping.

This location will also make it possible for your children to safely use the MW when they're ready. OTR MWs are not safe for children (or short people or elderly people) to use. Even average to slightly tall people probably shouldn't be using them. Note that most MWs have a "child lockout" that you can use until your children are old enough to use the MW safely. (Most ranges & cooktops do as well.)

For the island, you could:

* Replace the counter with butcher block

* Replace it with a laminate that is different but complements the rest of the Kitchen. Don't try to match since it is unlikely you could match it and a mis-match would look like a mistake; whereas, a very different counter looks deliberate.

* Get a remnant of a stone or other counter - but it might be more expensive as many stone yards force you to pay for a minimum square footage (that's often quite large!) that would cost far more than it should. If you consider this, talk to a couple of stone yards in your area to see what your options are.

* I don't know much about solid surface (e.g., Corian), so I don't know how much it would cost to use it.

What is the aisle width between the island and the refrigerator handle? If it's more than 42", consider increasing the island counter's width to reduce that aisle to 42" to give you even more space on the island.

Finally, increase the seating overhang to around 15" deep - that's the minimum recommended seating overhang for counter-height seating. (It will also add some usable space to the island without changing the island cabinets. E.g., to use the island as a staging location for food, for school projects, etc.)

Toddlers have homework? I don't think there's much homework until second grade, and sounds like your kiddo's are not yet in kindergarten.

From your Facebook post......

" The cook top being on the island is really bothering me. It just doesn’t seem practical for cooking and I think would drive me crazy with young kids. I'd also like the island to be much bigger.. Where would you move the cooktop too? Any ideas on cost to do something like that? What if we did a new longer island? I’m guessing it’s more expensive than I think to do all that. Anyways… ideas?! Going for a more timeless coastal look."

From above:

"

" this island just seems so small and pointless."

It is what fit and allowed you to work at the sink, open a dishwasher door, stand at the oven and open that door, and to pass by all on the fridge wall to enter the dining room and that is called "adequate clearances" and my guess is even with the "pointless" island? It all barely fits,

You will like nothing I tell you, but here's my tip:

Don't lipstick a cheap pig.

Yes, I said it. It's a cheap kitchen. All the lowers are door base, nearly no drawers. The cabinetry is big box inexpensive, You "want a bigger island........

I will bet you now, you can not fit a much bigger Island ? Your fridge is in an inconvenient spot, likely a path past your island stools, to your sink, The size is due to what FITS , in a kitchen that is..I will guess:

8 ' on the oven wall, plus a 36 opening to dining, plus two feet of fridge wall. ........equals 13' wide.and most likely seems 12 1/2 .

The other wall, the sink wall.......is what ? Eight feet?

Best advice? Park your kiddos at the kitchen table for the "homework" they do not have.

Do a measured drawing of this kitchen to the exact inch, All the walls, the exit to deck, show every opening, window location and size exactly and it's placement in the wall.

A version of this below. See how everything has inches?

That measured drawing is the way to get real help. It may help you see what is really possible in the house you just bought, because every single dime you spend on the lipstick, is a dime you do not have to get the kitchen flavor you really want.

Every kitchen is the inches available, : )

Stay in this same thread, don't start a new post.........do a little bit of real " homework" and come back.!

Most important? Every single helper on this site understands the urge to get the "within budget" fix..............but most will also tell you that a piggy bank can be your long term best friend,

^^^^

Answer? to the opening at the dining room..........

Seriously - do a floor plan with measurements. You will get much better suggestions.

For now use the nearby table for homework and eating rather than the island. Maybe you can butt a temporary small table or portable island on casters against the island for additional workspace. Hard to say without… measurements.

Jan- i appreciate you taking the time to respond such a long post. But i am also wondering what all the hostility is for? This is my first home and I am looking for advice not critique about the way i word the post. I do find the island size pointless and its okay that I feel that way- it is afterall the kitchen I have to live in/cook in. I find the idea of cooking at an island with no counterspace inconveniant and a little dangerous with some of my kids being under 5. My oldest son does have home work and i shouldn't really have to say that or expalin his age. The post is about help for my kitchen not the ages of my kids. What i meant by saying have my kid sit and do homework there is *i want to be able to use that space in our daily life.* I am just trying to get advice to make my kitchen work for us. You don’t know us and you don't know the ages of my kids so the comments about them and homework just come off as unkind. I also did not realize the kitchen was cheap but it is what we have to work with. The home itself is really lovely and a traditional southern home.

There is no hostility ! it is simply truth, unvarnished. I didn't know you have " an older" son, did Did I miss that? All I saw was " my toddlers". and they usually are not in school, yet.

Yes, the home IS indeed lovely, and does it not deserve the kitchen you really want, when you can save enough to do that, and assuming you will be staying for quite some time?

I told you nothing I would not tell a client, standing right in the middle of HER kitchen: ) and would do the exact same thing I asked.

I'd yank out my tape measure, and discern what is POSSIBLE ......: )

Many have asked questions @Alex Lane - but you have not answered. Do you really want advice?

@shirlpp I can’t really answer some of the questions about specific measurements as i’m not living in the home- i have answered what i can. we move in on july 1. so i am not able to measure things without making an appointment with current occupants to go over. I am hoping to have a contractor come look next week- i just wanted any ideas or advice so that i was prepared going into that.

I knew someone who had a range next to a doorway and closer to the door than your range would be if you put your range next to the doorway. Is it ideal? No. She had five children and I never heard her complain about the range next to the doorway. Certainly, people could use the elements on the right most of the time and make sure handles are not pointing to the walkway, An induction stove might help.

This might hold you over till you are ready for a full remodel.

I definitely think the setup now is very bad.

Also, if you eat in the breakfast room usually (I would with small children), you could use the dining room for home work and have a drawer in the buffet for school supplies.

When my kids were younger I used the dining room for projects and jigsaw puzzles.

@Karenseb im actually thinking of making the formal dining area a playroom for the time being so i could put a table and chairs in there for that! I know the range by that entrance is not ideal but is it more ideal than where it currently is?! And then just replacing the island to make it a bit larger for prep is my idea. An induction stove is also not a bad idea.

Haven't read the other posts. The smaller reno is to delete the oven stack and center an induction range in the middle of the new expanded counter space with a exhaust hood.

The larger option after more dimensional info could involve demoing the wall and using the dining room for a larger kitchen opening the kitchen to other spaces. Both get a good task lighting plan. There's more to this kitchen because we don't see the frig. A fully measured floorplan should be your next move.

The kitchen is more than adequate for making meals . You don't move in until July,, The home owner is still in residence. Children are adaptable,. It's summer vacation, so could we assume no homework yet for the eldest?

Do you have a kitchen table, a dining table?

You can yell and scream as much as you like for the advice to chill and move in. Or at least let the homeowner exit. Children survive remodels, minor to major. They survive cosmetic improvements to overhauls!

Getting a contractor in? He's a technician , not a kitchen designer. If he goes in with you, and you can get him to do a FULL MEASURE, neatly? You could post that here.

Rushing remodels without a single day spent in a home is usually........just unwise and can lead to some serious regrets. Yes, I DO realize you will hate this post: ) Call it lots and lots of years of hundreds of remodels, builds and helping clients not waste money or effort.

In our first home, the range was next to the doorway into the living space, and no counterspace next to it. I scooted range and refrigerater over enough to fit an 11” wide elfa drawer unit with a butcher block top. It was invaluable, if not gorgeous. As baby became toddler, he knew to watch the corner. (My mom used to tell how my older brother’s first word was ”hot”, her admonition to him to watch the doorway range in their first apartment.)

Anyway, back to the point. Live there for a bit. Maybe add something, elfa or butcher block cart or something, next to the island, for added counterspace and utensil storage. Find out what other things in the kitchen you would like to change, because there will be! Eventually you will make the house your family’s home.

Question - do you know if the ceiling is open underneath the kitchen?

Lets assume it is or it is easy enough to access that down draft duct work.

I would Move the wall oven cabinet onto the ref wall ( this will require an electrical move ). Move the cook top cabinet where the wall ovens were. You will need to replace the counters and get a new island because you will have to cover the hole in the floor. If there still is room, extend the counter on the left of the cooktop as much as possible so if there is a pot handle turned out, it is over a piece of counter. I grew up with a super tiny kitchen and the stove was on the end of the wall and it was a 30" wide doorway coming through right next to it. I don't remember any of us knocking a pot off the stove.

If you don't want the down draft , then get a new cooktop and decorative stainless hood.

Now you won't have to match the cabinets - the island can be different and be a different size. You can get laminate tops for now. They are durable and cost effective until you can really decide what to do with the kitchen.

The cabinets are thermofoil doors so you really will find it tough to get matching ones. It is best to use what you have and go from there.

Then I would save my money for a renovation: cabinets to the ceiling with nice molding, change the doorway into the dining room to create a better kitchen layout and add in nice pots and pans drawers and maybe a pantry. Maybe a larger island turned the other way? Lots of options.

Good luck - don't let anyone talk you into overdoing what is there. You have no sense of whether this kitchen, as is will even work for you ( other than knowing you don't like the cooktop ). Do a minimal change with some inexpensive materials and do a larger renovation in a couple of years.

Congrats on the new home! It looks nice.

This is going off of Debbie's idea but with moving less things around. If there's room on the refrigerator side, why not just move the cook top over to the run of cabinets on the refrigerator wall. You might have to add electric for the cooktop and downdraft. Or you could remove the upper cabinets above the cooktop and add a recirculating hood. Then just get a furniture style island with room for seating.

For a vadiation on the small reno with the oven stack deleted or moved to another wall, I'd choose either a 30" or 36" Miele KM 8000 series induction cooktop centered on the counter created by removing the oven stack. It features full surface pan detection for up to 6 pans anywhere on the cooktop surface. It should get a US release any day now. The units are on the German site now. You can install a Miele CombiSteamOven below the cooktop or on the island. There's a long positive thread on Miele CSOs on this site.

I agree that I would not like the cooktop on the oven. But, I am also a proponent of living somewhere before you start making changes. I also agree with not throwing money at something that you may want to make bigger changes to loater.

Just wanted to throw this out there also. I have a large island close to my work area in the kitchen. I do not think either of my kids sat at it to do homework. Did we use it for crafts, yes. Homework, no. So the plan you have in your head, may not be what actually happens.