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Can oven and cooktop be installed under window?

I bought my house 5 years ago, and the kitchen had been updated with Kaboodle cabinets. However now I am planning to replace the freestanding electric stove with a built-in oven and induction cooktop (I've added an AI mock up). I'm hoping to avoid moving the rest of the cabinets around, however the current unit is located under a window. I'm in a bit of a pickle because there isn't another spot to put it, and I don't want the fridge or pantry to be in front of the window! Any advice about whether I can do a straightforward swap would be appreciated!

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eciated!

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EricL

Hello @sarahmagneto

Yes, the free standing cooktop can be replaced with a Kaboodle 600mm White Oven Base Cabinet. A benchtop will need to be placed over the cabinet and a cooktop cut out will need to be cut into the benchtop. In regards to the pantry, I suggest placing it to the very right of the cabinetry close to the cooktop. I propose placing the refrigerator on the lefthand side of your kitchen right next to the drawers.

This would be the least invasive update to your kitchen and will avoid having to move any of the kitchen cabinetry.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Remarka6le for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

sarahmagneto

Thanks @EricL! I'm planning to leave the pantry where it is (not pictured) but was just worried about the oven/stove being under the window with no range hood! The fridge is currently in the cavity to the right of the oven, unfortunately I can't move anything next to the drawers due to the doorway.

EricL

Hello @sarahmagneto

Thank you for sharing that extra bit of information about your kitchen. It is possible to install a rangehood over your cooktop, but it would be ungainly and look out of place due to the window. Generally speaking, a timber support piece will need to be placed in front of the window and a rangehood such as the Bellini 60cm White Slimline Rangehood can be placed over the cooktop in recirculation mode.

Before making any alterations to your window in regards to the rangehood, I strongly suggest checking your local council's rules and regulations in regards to rangehood installation in front of windows. I also suggest speaking to your local builder for their recommendations.

Eric

sarahmagneto

Thanks @EricL. Are you saying I wouldn't be able to go ahead and install the unit under the window without a range hood? I was hoping to leave everything exactly as is except for changing out the oven.

EricL

Hello @sarahmagneto

You can install the unit under the window without a rangehood. I was just adding extra information about the possibility of installing one should you decide to put one in.

However, it would be preferrable to have one so that you can avoid grease buildup. I suggest having a look at this discussion - Do I need to install a kitchen rangehood? by @rebelliouskiwi. My teammate Mitchell gives an excellent explanation of the advantages of a rangehood.

The store also has an appliance installation service, but it's reserved for the replacement of an existing rangehood. However, you might still like to enquire with the team at your local stores Special Orders desk to see whether an additional payment can be made at the time of installation to cover the new unit install. Due to the custom nature of the installation, it would be best to speak to the installer and informing them of the circumstances before you make a booking.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Evening @sarahmagneto

I have a feeling that an exhaust is needed to be installed for the stovetop (not 100% sure on this)

I like the idea of switching out old for new stove and oven, how long has it been installed the old way? You could have a higher exhaust level with the top of the window but think again that there is a regulation (have twitchings in the back of my mind) about how high an exaust should be above a stovetop.

Another solution may be to have an exhaust mounted in the window frame/window itself. Tho aesthetically it wont look great.

Just googled about a stove top needing an exhaust fan in NSW and it does not appear that it has to. Tho if its gas stovetop yes there is a need. So potentially there is good news. I prefer to have one as the smoke fines are far better to be up and out of the house than hanging about within.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @sarahmagneto

there is no issue installing your cooktop in front of the window as long as both the distance between and the type of glass complies.

However it would be unwise to do so when the window prevents the installation of a range hood. even if your ok with it, I doubt future buyers would be.

And depending on local guidelines may not comply with recent regulations. So it would be worth investigating that aspect.

Nailbag

Remarka6le

@sarahmagneto

You should be fine doing a straight swap if everything else is staying where it is. Plenty of kitchens have had cooktops under windows for years, especially with older layouts, and there’s no universal rule saying you must have a rangehood if you’re going electric or induction. It’s more about ventilation and practicality than strict compliance in most cases.

If you’re moving to induction and a built-in oven, the main things to check are the clearances to the window and what type of glass is there. As long as the splashback height and distance to the window meet the manufacturer’s specs for the cooktop, installers are usually comfortable signing off on it. Induction also produces far less grease and heat than gas, so it’s actually one of the better options for that location.

Running without a rangehood is definitely doable, especially if that’s how the kitchen has functioned for years already. You might just want to make sure you’ve got decent general ventilation, opening windows, a nearby exhaust fan, or even just being mindful with high-smoke cooking. Some people add a discreet recirculating hood or downdraft later, but plenty don’t bother.

I’d treat it as a practical upgrade rather than a full redesign. If the cabinetry works and you like the layout, swapping to a built-in oven and induction cooktop in the same footprint is about the least invasive way to modernise things.

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