Hob / oven position

[muppetthumper]

Hi,

Looking to replace the ancient kitchen in our flat, however B&Q, Homebase et all are stating that we need to move the gas hob 30cm away from the left wall where it currently resides.

This is a massive headache, as, being a small kitchen, moving the hob to the right will severely disrupt the available worktop space. It would also necessitate electrical works to shift the oven switch and a dual-wall socket right so they are not above the hob.

I’ve been looking all over the net for the explicit regulations but cannot find them. It does seem a little absurd that the gas hob has to have 30cm clearance both to the left and right when moving it would actually pose other safety problems in such a small space. 🙁

My question is, is this 30cm rule correct and if so, if we were to replace the gas hob with an electric one, could we leave it in its current position against the [left] wall?

Many thanks.

[kwatt]

Re: Hob / oven position

Hi,

It does sound correct although I’m not up to speed entirely on current regs in that area but, it does make sense.

When you use gas most people will have it turned up too high at some point and, even without that being the case, heat will bleed into the wall and can cause CO2 issues as well as condensation on the wall. It can also present a fire risk. This is not considered to be particularly good for your health or your home. Carbon monoxide is most certainly not good for you, especially in a small kitchen so my advice is, follow the advice.

You also need a minimum clearance for a hood as well for the same reasons.

With an electric hob you shouldn’t have that restriction as the heat is more direct.

I’m actually quite pleased that B&Q, Homebase and anyone else takes account of the current legislation.

K.

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