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Converting from Electric Range to Gas Range

I want to convert my electric range to a gas range, but when the men came to connect the gas, they told me they could not because the local code requires 18″ clearance from the top of the countertops to…

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I want to convert my electric range to a gas range, but when the men came to connect the gas, they told me they could not because the local code requires 18″ clearance from the top of the countertops to the bottom of the upper cabinets. Our clearance measured 17 1/4″.

My options appear to be:

  1. Cancel the project
  2. Raise the upper cabinets 1″ higher
  3. Saw 3/4″ off the bottom of the upper cabinets
  4. Saw 3/4″ off the top of the lower cabinets when replacing the laminate countertops with granite.
  5. Others?

I would also need to hire an electrician to install a 110v electrical outlet.  I have a gas water heater and fireplace. I was told that hooking up the gas line could cost up to $1200.  Is this project worth pursuing?

What is the best option that is not going to break my wallet?

Our Answer

Well, it’s true you need 18 inches of clearance, but that only for the cabinet directly above the range. In most wall cabinet layouts, the cabinet above the range is 15 inches tall and the remainder are 30 inches tall.  The quick fix is to remove the range cabinet, and move it up 1 inch and then reattach it.

If you are concerned that the top of the cabinets no longer lineup, then add a strip of molding across the entire run to cover the irregularity. This post offers more options for improving your kitchen cabinets

This also mean your range cabinet doors will be higher than those on cabinets ot the left of right, but you can move those hinges down a bit and raise the hinges for doors on the adjoining cabinets to make the difference less obvious.

As for costs, since you already have gas appliances, $1,200 sounds very expensive for running an existing gas line to that appliance.

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Community Answers

  1. Steven Barnes

    I’m wanting to change my old 1956 gas range to all new gas controls and burners, I’m familiar with gas lines making sure there sealed and tight, do they sell kits for this type of project

    Reply

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