What heat resistant board for between oven and fridge?

[Hopes]

Hi folks, I would like to know what kind of board should I buy to place in between our oven and refrigerator. Our rental house got a very interesting kitchen layout that we can only place our fridge next to the stove oven. What do you think should we place in between them? Thank you for the future response. 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Hopes. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about insulating a fridge.

Could you let us know a few more specifics about the location? Is the fridge hard up against the oven? How much room do we have? Is there an air gap?

Most modern ovens are very insulated, and in some cases, their sides are only warm to the touch. Any sort of air gap would likely dissipate the heat and stop it from transferring to the fridge. Fridges, are also well insulated, preventing much of the heat from entering them. So, initially, the best method is to provide an air gap. Failing that, being an option, you can look at a compressed cement sheet or a metal deflector. Once again, though, an incorporated air gap with significantly increase the insulating value.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Hopes]

Hi Mitchell, thanks for your response. I thought this photo will answer your questions. We just put that foil for the meantime. I cannot use the oven cause of the heat it produces. I don't want to damage our refrigerator. 

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Hi @Hopes,

Thanks for the photo — that does help clarify the setup. Given how tight the spacing is between the oven and the fridge, and that you're already noticing heat transfer, I agree that a more effective barrier is needed than just the foil.

A good option would be to use a fibre cement board like James Hardie Villaboard. This board is non-combustible, heat-resistant, and relatively easy to cut and fit into place. They're commonly used behind ovens or fireplaces and are far more suitable than foil for blocking and diffusing radiant heat.

If you have at least a centimetre or two to spare, you could even place the cement sheet slightly off the oven side to create a narrow air gap — this will greatly improve the effectiveness of the barrier by allowing airflow to carry heat away.

Just keep in mind, since this is a rental, you might want to make the barrier freestanding or use adhesive strips that won’t damage cabinetry or appliances. 

Mitchell

[Hopes]

Thank you so much Mitchell, you are such a great help. 

God bless the works of your hands. Amen. 😊

[MitchellMc]

No issues at all @Hopes; that's what we are here for.

Mitchell