How can I safely incorporate a stove in a limited space without having to relocate plumbing and electrical in my 1950s kitchen?
Asked by Estefanía Martínez 
5 months ago
Last Updated: May 20, 2024
Hey there! I need some advice. My 1950s kitchen only has room for a stove under a window. It’s tricky and costly to move the plumbing and electrical in my old house, but I really want to renovate the kitchen eventually. Do you have any suggestions on the safest way to keep the stove in that spot for now? Thanks in advance!
Starting with a smaller window in that space could be a good idea. A countertop stove might also work, depending on the final look you’re aiming for in your kitchen renovation. Each new addition should bring you closer to your ultimate goal.
For now, you could consider covering the bottom half of the window with sheet metal. I’d suggest avoiding curtains on the top, maybe adding some short vertical blinds. Later on, you might want to rearrange things to make room for a stove elsewhere.
I have a suggestion that might be helpful. Get a sheet of plywood, around 1/2″ thick, and use it to cover the bottom half of the window. Before installing the plywood, paint the side facing outside in a flat black color. This way, it will appear dark from the exterior. Then, attach sheet metal to the inside of the plywood to protect it from the stove’s heat. Opt for stainless steel if possible, as it looks good and is easy to clean, like the ones used in restaurants.
If you’re planning to redo the kitchen, consider starting with a smaller window. The floor seems rough, so you might as well remove the flooring and subfloor. This would make it easier to reroute the plumbing and place the sink in front of the window. Then, you can move the stove to where the sink currently is.
Swearingen I know, right? It’s unfortunate that we have to prioritize other repairs in the home before we can tackle the floors or kitchen renovations. But we’re determined to make it happen when the time is right.
Got it, I understand. I just wanted to share a suggestion with you since you mentioned redoing the kitchen in the future. I thought this might give you some inspiration
Swearingen thank you so much! I totally agree and I’m excited to make it happen 😊. If possible, I might consider a smaller project in the meantime if it fits within the budget
My neighbor decided to place her stove under a window during the remodel, and I personally find it quite stylish!
Do you happen to know if she managed to install blinds on that window?
She has valances only on her kitchen windows. I’m not sure if that’s what she prefers or if it’s necessary. I can check with her tomorrow if you want me to.
Electric
Judging by the placement of that outlet, it looks like the stove used to be right next to the window.
That’s a great observation, ! I was actually thinking the same thing. So where do you think they would have placed the refrigerator? 🤔
Maybe it’s in that spot, but when they installed new countertops, they blocked off the stove area and outlet? Would it have been too cramped for the oven to open right next to the lower cabinet doors?
I’m a bit confused because those upper kitchen cabinets are actually original from 1950. It’s hard to imagine how this kitchen once fit a sink, stove/oven, and fridge with the window, wiring, and cabinets as they are. The lower cabinets were the only things replaced by the previous owners.
I always heard that having stoves in front of windows goes against building regulations. It’s important because if there’s a fire, insurance may not cover it. I’d consider moving some cabinets or the fridge to ensure the stove is in a safer location.
I really don’t want the gas stove to be in front of the window, but if I switch it with the fridge, then the fridge will block the window. The window is so low that even if I could move the sink there, the sink would also block part of the window. Maybe I should consider removing the window.
Sorry, that’s not possible.
What’s the reason?
It’s actually against the law to install a stove in front of a window. Plus, it would not be aesthetically pleasing. As a last resort, I would consider placing the stove to the left of the window.
Got it. Thanks for clarifying. I definitely see how it could negatively impact the exterior appearance.
Is there a specific rule that prevents you from placing a stove in front of a window?
None.
With over 500 kitchens set up and 45 years of experience in the field claims it cannot be done and has never witnessed it, that’s the ethical code of design.
Seems a bit changed when comparing appearance to code though 🤦
I doubt an inspector would pass that.
I just checked the code, I can send it over to you, but I’m not too familiar with it, you might want to search for it yourself, it states that a stove should be at least 12 inches away from any window. One of the reasons is to prevent a potential fire from reaching the window curtains or any window coverings.
Maybe it’s worth thinking about closing off the window entirely. The base cabinets are already covering part of the lower right corner of the window. And you could always add an exhaust hood. Also, that surface mount wiring above the counters is quite unusual.
Try using a countertop oven and a few hot plates.
You can’t do that. Taking out the window is probably the most practical choice apart from redoing the whole kitchen.
I think using a countertop oven and hot plates is the most practical short-term solution. In the long run, you may want to consider removing all the cabinets, re-plumbing, rewiring the entire kitchen, and then deciding if you want to keep the window. Personally, I always prefer having more natural light, even though adding windows can be costly.
It would really help to see pictures of the entire kitchen! I notice that your electrical is currently running on the outside of your walls, which limits your options. Placing the fridge in front of the window and the stove in that corner would be the safest choice. You might lose the natural light from the window until you renovate your kitchen. In my opinion, completely renovating it with new electrical work would be the best option, rather than spending money on temporary fixes like installing a stove plug.
LOL, is the stove plugged into a surge protector?
Appointment on 10/2 was a total disaster, but it was still pretty funny. 😂
No. Lol. I hope not! It is a 1950s house with outside mount electrical (concrete walls) and that is a 3-wire 220 v (2 110s & a ground) that runs out of floor and small crawl space underneath. I questioned that cord/outlet right away too but the electrician said it had all been rewired and that’s how it had to be done. Honestly, I wonder if the kitchen used to be upstairs and someone moved it to the basement. I haven’t been able to find history on the home except that it was built in 1951.
The wiring was redone, not completely overhauled. I couldn’t change that word for some reason.
Just my two cents…maybe consider redoing the whole kitchen area. Perhaps make the window a bit smaller and place the sink there. It’s always nice to have a window above the kitchen sink. This way, you won’t lose too much natural light. How about putting the stove where the sink is currently located and adding a vent out the side wall for the hood vent or microwave? Unfortunately, the pictures don’t show the entire space, so it’s hard to tell where the refrigerator should go. Since you’re already making changes, you might want to consider tearing down the walls and installing electrical wiring inside instead of using conduit…if you’re going to make changes, might as well do it properly and design the whole space! Remember, it’s not my house or my money, so do what you feel is best.
I really wish I could help, but unfortunately the walls are made of solid concrete and electrical work has to be mounted on the outside.
It’s important to remember that not everyone has $10,000 to spare in that way. Having a stove for cooking is a necessity for many.
I want to emphasize that it’s not my house or my money…
I’d suggest taking a look at the lower cabinets and maybe rearranging them for a quick fix. If you’re considering new countertops, laminate ones are a cost-effective option. Redoing them could be done for under 200. The stove wire will be the priciest part, especially if you need a 6/3 50 ft wire which can cost 300. You might only require half of that length if it’s for a 50 amp circuit. Remember, the stove can’t be placed in front of the window. Removing the window completely might not be allowed by code (depending on the house layout) and would make the space much darker. It seems like someone installed new lower cabinets without much thought…but again, this is your house and your decision. Personally, that layout would drive me crazy haha. I hope others have shared some helpful solutions. Best of luck!
Get rid of the window altogether
Let’s eliminate the window
We should consider a smaller window and move the sink under it. The old space can be utilized for the stove.
Let’s redo the sink location because it’s awkward with the cabinet right above. It’s a definite head banger.
This kitchen really needs a complete renovation. For now, I’d suggest placing a table in front of the window and adding 2 or 3 induction cookers on top. Before I switched to an induction range, I placed a plywood board over my gas burners and used 2 Duxtop induction cookers to test it out. I ended up loving induction cooking so much that I replaced my gas range with an induction one. In your situation, you just need a temporary cooking solution in front of the window. These cookers can be plugged into regular household outlets. Give it a try and good luck with whatever decision you make. ☘️☘️☘️
Mentioned that he is considering switching from gas to induction and is pleased to hear that you are satisfied with it!
Hey Ashley, I just had to share – I found this amazing portable cooktop on Amazon for under $120! Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Duxtop-1800-Watt-Induction-Countertop-9600LS/dp/B01FLR0ET8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3D69QOF2UJK55&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s-rL0y3x0FA6cIRNvFg-VRSbR3R36x5x-kwsMu5Uiw66pxBQTiA0QXmYXIS4NS4cag0YhZBwwAVs0Gb6rORVW–tVa07DTJtB1xJXw_-NhywnwBfs42OciIizQjUMo1tOx1NyreUwCswmC
I thought it was funny – I got one, but soon realized I needed another burner. And then it turned out, two is all I really need. Now I’ve got one of the Duxtops in my RV, trying to outshine the 3 burner gas range. The second one is just waiting for some counter space to open up so it can be reunited with its partner! 😂
I just bought a portable induction cooktop for the same reason – my gas stove is getting old.
Nadine, you’re going to absolutely adore it. Some come with a heat control feature that allows you to specifically adjust the temperature in degrees, in addition to setting it within a range of numbers. This becomes extremely useful when you’ve identified the ideal heat level for a particular dish and want to replicate it. I have a feeling you’ll end up getting a second one – I certainly did after realizing the convenience of having more than one. Best of luck and hope you have a fantastic time.
I’m curious, what’s located on the left side in front of the fridge? Is it some sort of desk? If possible, maybe you could move that to the window area and rearrange things by placing the fridge there and adding a 20-inch range on the left wall?
Yeah it’s a desk that got left behind in the house. I’m planning to move it, but there’s also a low window right above it. 😬😞
Forgot to cook again! Perfect opportunity for some takeout food! 😜🤦🏼♀️😂
My husband and I are the only ones using our double oven occasionally, but we prefer our countertop oven. We purchased induction burners before getting our basement oven, which required special pans that we never used. I’m not sure how they work. If you’re worried about cooking near the window, consider getting a kitchen cart to place the countertop oven and cooktop on.
Cover the bottom half of the window…
If it were me, I’d recommend getting a nice kitchen cart with two induction burners and a microwave/air fryer combo. I have one and hardly touch my oven anymore. It’s quicker and simpler to clean.
Ashley, that’s the most helpful suggestion so far!
Swap out the window for a smaller one, like a slider.
Always be cautious and avoid placing a stove under curtains, no matter what.