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Hi, I’m new to the discussions and I would appreciate your help with a problem. I’m redesigning our kitchen and want to place the stove (nothing fancy, a GE 30″ gas slide-in) on an outside wall, with a window behind it. I have read in several places that a window behind a stove is not a good idea, but I have seen no explanation of why. One set of “kitchen design rules” said that it was OK if the window doesn’t open, but again, no explanation. Can anyone tell me what sort of problems I will create if I have a window behind the stove? Does it really make any difference if the window is fixed or venting? Thanks.
Lincoln
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I would assume that it is asking for trouble because:
-steam from the stove would condense on the window all the time, causing an eventual rot/mold/etc. type problem
-air from the window could force exhaust gases, ie carbon monoxide, into living space
-rain could get into the stove and foul it up
-would be in the way of a hood
*Have you ever tried to cook on a gas range with a nearby window open?
*Opening the window while cooking may prove hazardous.Stop drop and roll.
*I have put fixed glass units behind range tops- if your hood moves enough air you should not have any problem. I build them on sight and use woods with high natural resistence to moisture problems. Makes for a pretty killer spice shelf if you back light 'em.
*Rules are made to be broken. I've set a few ranges and several cook-tops in front of a window........If fact, I just finished a kitchen with 30' foot of granite tops with the cook-top parked right in front of a pair of Pella casements. Beats looking at a wall when your frying bacon.A few conciderations:Mad Dog's observation about rot is valid. Use vinyl or really well finished wood. Aside from moisture from steam, the window will be cleaned 20 times the norm because of....yup.....bacon grease.Steve is right about gas and breezes.....a double hung will let air in top or a casement slightly open will work. Also, plan for a really good venting system. In addition to a primary vent, I always put a high cfm fan in the ceiling to catch what-ever gets past the primary.Go ahead....be brave. Be prepared first, but be brave.
*Either that or bears will see what's cooking through the window and reach in and steal it. Especially if the food is going into a picnic basket.
*that would be a pik-kinnik basket cartoon girl...
*If all you want is illumination (and a bit of a view) why not try glass blocks?
*the grout lines absorb grease Ed - bastard to keep clean- tried it- won't again...hey did you have a rennovation or two going in the Monticello neighborhood - lemme think- south of White Settlement- in Ft. Worth last summer? Thought I saw your signs...maybe?
*If you choose the correct grout color, no one knows... :)I'm not in the Ft Worth area. Moved from Dallas to SA about 9 yrs ago.
*Glass block -- we have it behind our gas stove with grill. We ordered a prefab unit where block snaps into plastic grid. No grout inside, silicone sealant outside. Inside has taupe facing between blocks -- plastic I think, easy to clean...wonderful lighting...never use stove lights (except at night, of course).
*One reason (or at least consideration) not previously mentioned is to be careful of curtains, treatments, etc. on your window. The material could easily go FWOOMP! if not careful. Another might be local building/fire code restrictions on what can be near/in front of a window or stove. Check with your inspector.
Have you ask some advice from interior designers? I think it's also important to ask their opinions.
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