ARTICLE

Kitchen Reno Planning: The Key Measurements You Need

May 11, 2023 - 4 min read

We all know kitchen renovations can sometimes be a little, well, challenging. With appliances jostling for their spot amid that all-important bench space, there’s a lot for renovators to consider. So what’s the secret to a stress-free kitchen renovation? Getting your measurements correct from the outset! From minimum clearances to recommended dimensions, there’s an art to planning for appliances including fridges, dishwashers and rangehoods – here are some top tips.

Choose Appliances Before You Renovate

When renovating, you can’t put the cart before the horse (or, in this case, before carefully chosen appliances!). Why? Because if you don’t make your selection before you hit go on your kitchen reno, you could hit issues on installation day. “To create the right space for your appliances, think about your needs,“ says Tania Grillinzoni, The Good Guys Buyer – Cooking and Dishwashers. “Does your family need a five-burner cooktop for quick midweek meals? Are you an entertainer who craves a double oven for culinary success?”

Once you know the type of appliances you need, you can plan accordingly. Remember the ‘golden triangle’ of kitchen design, where cooking, cleaning and refrigeration are evenly spaced. Measure your existing area – or check with your kitchen designer if you’re extending – before heading in-store to ensure your chosen models will work with the space.

“To create the right space for your appliances, think about your needs. Does your family need a five-burner cooktop for quick midweek meals? Are you an entertainer who craves a double oven for culinary success?”

How To Measure For A Fridge

From French door fridges with flexible storage to narrow bottom mount models and side-by-side fridges that let you grab a snack without crouching, there is a fridge for every family. Before buying, measure your planned space top to bottom, side to side and back to front. If buying a double-door fridge, check both doors will be able to fully open.

When measuring space for your fridge, don’t forget to allow for breathing room – around 5cm sides and back, and 10cm on top. Finally, measure doorways from the front door to the kitchen – no-one wants to get stuck on installation day!

Shop Fridges

Westinghouse 425L Bottom Mount Refrigerator
Electrolux 562L French Door Refrigerator
Hisense 578L Side By Side Refrigerator

How To Measure For A Rangehood

Most rangehoods come in standard sizes, based on the size of the cooking area. Rangehoods should be at least as wide as your cooktop, but ideally 7.5cm wider either side, and should be installed at least 600mm to 750mm from your cooktop, depending on the fuel type (gas requires the most distance).

“Depending on your kitchen layout and preferences, you can choose from a canopy or an island or undermount style rangehood,” says Tania Grillinzoni. “If you go for a ‘hidden’ undermount that blends seamlessly into your kitchen, you may need to extend overhead cabinetry so it projects far enough from the wall to cover the cooktop.”

How To Measure For A Cooktop

Cooktops range from 30cm to 90cm in size. For installation, you’ll need to know the cut-out space of the counter – front to back, and left to right – as well as the appliance measurements. Cut-outs are smaller than the cooktop, and at least 5cm clearance is needed from the front edge of the benchtop to the cut-out.

How To Measure For An Oven

Finally, built-in ovens need those front-to-back, top-to-bottom and side-to-side measurements. Again, check doorway measurements and appliance guides for individual clearance requirements.

Shop Ovens, Rangehoods And Cooktops

Westinghouse 60cm Multifunction Oven Stainless Steel

Smeg Portofino 90cm Canopy Rangehood Yellow

Haier 60cm Induction Cooktop

How To Measure For A Dishwasher

Measurements-wise, standard dishwashers are generally 60cm wide, 60cm deep and 82cm high, and should be near the sink for easy rinsing. Dishwashers need 5cm of space either side so the door can open, and 1m² in front so the door can drop.

Talk To The Kitchen Design Experts

Overwhelmed just thinking about how to renovate a kitchen? Call in the cavalry! You can find the Kinsman design team in selected The Good Guys stores. As well as offering kitchen renovation tips, they do the design heavy lifting – freeing you to think about the fun stuff (hello, cool cabinetry and matchy-matchy appliances).

If you decide to share the load, start with Kinsman's guide to kitchen measuring, from interior designer and Kinsman ambassador Alisa Fraser:

Step 1

Sketch your room as a simple box, detailing areas that will contain cabinets and appliances, and major structural features and protrusions. Note doors, windows and openings, plus any plumbing, electrical and gas meters, fuse boxes and air-conditioning ducts to keep in mind when designing the new kitchen space.

Step 2

Label critical areas, including length, width and height of each wall and any windows and doors (for example A, B, C, etc). Alongside your plan, write the same letters as a key, then measure each area and note the measurements.

Step 3

Most people have an idea of the kitchen shape they want. If you do, sketch your design and include key elements such as appliances and sink position.

Let The Good Guys Take Care Of Installation!

Our Home Services team of experts offers certified, guaranteed and insured installation – stress-free from start to finish!

Reno-ready? Head in-store or online for kitchen appliances – including fridges, dishwashers and rangehoods – to bring your dream to life!