Where Should Your Oven Go? Planning the Perfect Kitchen Layout

When planning a new kitchen, it’s easy to get caught up in choosing cabinet colours, worktops and finishing touches. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is one that’s often overlooked: where your oven should go. 

It might seem like a small detail, but where you position your oven can have a big impact on how your kitchen works every day. Whether you’re preparing busy weeknight dinners, baking with the kids, or entertaining friends at the weekend, the right placement can make cooking feel easier, safer, and more enjoyable. 

If you’re designing a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, here are a few things to consider before deciding where your oven should live. 

Versa – Parched Oak

Design Around Your Daily Routine

Before deciding where your oven should go, think about how you use your kitchen every day. If you love baking or cooking most evenings, you’ll benefit from an oven that’s easy to access. If you’re working with a more compact space, making the most of storage and worktop space may be your priority instead.  

A simple way to test your layout is to imagine cooking your favourite meal from start to finish. Thinking about where you’ll prepare ingredients, move hot dishes and serve food can help you decide on an oven position that feels natural every time you cook. 

Newcombe – Taupe Grey | Zola Matte – Marine

Eye-Level or Under the Hob?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to position your oven at eye level or beneath the hob. 

Eye-level ovens have become a popular feature in modern kitchens, often paired with an integrated microwave to create a sleek appliance tower. If you regularly bake or cook family meals, being able to check on food or remove hot dishes without bending down can make everyday cooking much more comfortable. 

If you have young children, pets, or are planning to stay in your home for years to come, an eye-level oven can also provide added peace of mind by keeping hot dishes further out of reach while making cooking more comfortable.

Under-counter ovens, on the other hand, continue to be a favourite for many homeowners. They’re a great option for smaller kitchens, helping to maximise wall storage while keeping the cooking zone neatly contained beneath the hob.  

Their traditional layout also creates an efficient cooking space, with everything you need in one place, while freeing up tall units for additional storage or pantry space. 

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that complements your kitchen layout and suits the way you love to cook. 

Zola Matte – Porcelain | Kensington – Heritage Green

Common Oven Placement Questions

Thinking about your daily routine and understanding the different oven placement options are great first steps when planning your kitchen. As you start bringing your design together, you may find yourself asking some of the same questions many homeowners do. Here are a few of the most common: 

Can an oven go next to a fridge? 

While it’s possible, it’s not usually the preferred option. Ovens generate heat and placing one directly beside a fridge or freezer can make the cooling appliance work a little harder. If your layout means they need to sit side by side, your STORI retailer can recommend practical solutions to help everything perform as it should. 

How much worktop space should be beside an oven? 

Having worktop space close to your oven makes everyday cooking much easier. Whether you’re lifting out a roasting tray or setting down a freshly baked cake, having somewhere nearby for hot dishes adds both convenience and practicality. 

Aldana – Taupe Grey & Reed Green

Can an oven go in a kitchen island? 

Yes. An oven built into a kitchen island can work beautifully in open-plan homes, allowing you to cook while chatting with family or entertaining guests. With the right amount of surrounding workspace, it’s a practical option that’s just as functional as it is sociable. 

Can an oven go under a window? 

In many cases, yes. However, it’s important to consider the window height, surrounding cabinetry and any window dressings nearby. Your kitchen designer will ensure there’s enough clearance and that the layout is both practical and safe. 

Can I have two ovens? 

If you regularly cook for a large family or love entertaining, a second oven can offer extra flexibility. Many homeowners choose to pair a single oven with a compact oven or combination microwave, giving them more cooking capacity without taking up additional floor space. 

The Right Choice for Your Home 

Ultimately, the best oven placement is the one that suits your lifestyle, your kitchen layout, and the way you love to cook. Whether you choose a traditional under-counter oven or a sleek eye-level design, thoughtful planning will help create a kitchen that’s as practical as it is beautiful. 

The good news is you don’t have to make these decisions on your own. Your local STORI retailer will guide you through every stage of the design process, taking the time to understand how you use your space and answering your questions before creating a kitchen tailored to your home. They’ll also take care of all the technical details behind the scenes, giving you confidence that every element of your kitchen has been carefully considered. 

Ready to start your kitchen design journey? Contact your nearest STORI retailer today and let our expert network help you create a kitchen designed around the way you live.