We've all heard of the cardinal rule of carpentry: measure twice, cut once. Well, this humble appliance repairman is here to introduce you to a new concept: Measure Twice, Cook Once. If you're planning to upgrade your kitchen with a shiny new oven, the beginning of the journey starts way before you pick up that catalogue. The one crucial step you should not neglect? Measuring your oven space!
Why Measuring Your Oven Space is Crucial
You might ask: my old oven fits perfectly, why not just buy the same size? Well, the world of ovens is vast and exciting, filled with convection ovens, steam ovens, microwave-oven combos, and more. Ensuring you have the accurate measurements antes you up for a world of exciting options.
Leaving that aside, you don't want to be in a situation where your new oven stands glaringly oversized in your kitchen, or worse, it's too small and keeps reminding you of the space it could have taken. So let’s dive into the great oven measurement adventure.
Tools You'll Need
Hold your horses! Before we jump into action, we need the right tools for the job. Here's what you'll need:- A metal tape measure (they tend to provide the most precise measurements)- Piece of paper and a pen (to jot down your measurements)- A helper (measuring large spaces can sometimes be a two-person job)
The Main Event: Measuring Your Oven Space
Don your DIY-er cap and let's get down to business. We’ll cover two main areas - the cabinet cutout and the cooker space.
Measuring the Cabinet Cutout
- Start with measuring the height : Measure from the base of the cutout to the top. Make sure the floor is level; any slope can distort your measurements.
- Take the width next : Measure from one side of the oven cabin to the other. Be sure to measure the narrowest point.
- Depth is the final touch : First measure from the back of the oven cutout to the front edge. Then measure from the edge to any obstacles such as a wall or a railing. Add these numbers together for the total depth.
Since every nook and cranny must be accommodated for your new star appliance, ensure you double-check your measurements. Remember our mantra already?
Measuring the Cooker Space
If you have a stand-alone cooker rather than a built-in one, measuring the cooker space is equally important.
- Measure the width of the cooker spot from edge to edge.
- Then take the depth by measuring from the wall to the front edge of the cooker spot.
- Don't forget to measure the distance from the floor to any overhead cabinets or hood. We don’t want your oven feeling claustrophobic, do we?
A Few Pro-Tips From Your Friendly Neighbourhood Repairman
- When it comes to built-in ovens, overestimate rather than underestimate your measurements. An oven that's slightly smaller than the cut-out can be adjusted with trim kits.
- Don't forget to measure the doorways and passages the oven will have to pass through to get to your kitchen. It's quite a sight seeing a shiny new oven stranded outside your front door!
- Cleaning behind and around the oven can be a challenge! If possible, allow a few inches of extra space around the oven for ease of cleaning.
And there you have it, dear DIY-ers - the essential guide to measuring for a new oven. Remember these are just guidelines. Oven sizing can vary so when in doubt, consult your appliance provider or manufacturer.
Parting Words From Your Toolkit Guru
Never underestimate the power of a tape measure. Behind the seemingly mundane act of stretching out a measure tape and recording numbers, you're opening the door to creating a more efficient and stylish kitchen. So go pick up that tape measure, jot down those numbers, and embark on your journey to culinary greatness with the perfect oven in your kitchen! Remember, Measure Twice, Cook Once! Happy cooking!