Are 30-Inch Stoves Exactly 30 Inches? | Fit Facts

No, a “30-inch” stove body is usually about 29⅞–29 15⁄16 inches wide; makers ask for a 30-inch cutout.

Shopping for a new range can get confusing fast. Labels say “30 inch,” your opening measures “about 30,” and every spec sheet seems to use different terms. This guide clears it up with real dimensions, brand examples, and a simple measuring plan so you can order with confidence.

What Size Is A “30 Inch” Range In Reality?

In common use, “30 inch” refers to the nominal size class, not the exact cabinet-to-cabinet width of the metal chassis. Across major brands, the metal body is typically a hair under 30 inches—often 29⅞” or 29 15⁄16″—so the unit can slide between 30″ cabinets without rubbing. Many spec sheets also list a required opening width of 30″. KitchenAid puts it plainly: a 30″ model may measure 29⅞” wide and still call for a 30″ cutout to install cleanly. KitchenAid stove dimensions.

Real-World Widths By Brand (Selected Models)

The table below pulls width figures straight from manufacturer spec sheets and product pages. These examples show why the number on the box and the real measurement don’t always match perfectly.

Here are the source examples behind those numbers. GE lists a 29 7⁄8″ width on its 30″ freestanding electric model pages. Samsung’s slide-ins commonly publish 29 15⁄16″ widths. Whirlpool’s dimension guide for a 30″ freestanding range shows a 29 7⁄8″ body and a 30″ minimum opening, with a 30⅛” minimum cutout depth callout. See GE 30″ freestanding range specs and Whirlpool dimension guide (PDF) for the exact figures.

Why The Label Doesn’t Match The Tape Measure

Nominal Class Versus Metal Chassis

“30 inch” is a category that matches standard cabinet planning, similar to how “36 inch” refers to a class of wider pro-style units. Manufacturers shave a fraction off the chassis width so the appliance can slide into a true 30″ gap, even if the cabinets are a bit out of square.

Cutout Requirements Keep Installations Smooth

Spec sheets list two things: the appliance’s physical size and the cabinet opening it needs. The opening is often equal to or slightly larger than the label size so you have wiggle room for counters, filler strips, and out-of-level floors. Whirlpool’s guide for a 30″ freestanding range shows a 30″ minimum opening width, plus a minimum opening depth of 30⅛” to clear the back and allow for electrical. That extra eighth matters when a backsplash or outlet box sits proud of the wall.

Handles, Knobs, And Backsplashes Add Depth

The published “depth” for a range is usually the chassis to the front of the cooktop. The door, drawer face, and handle can project beyond that when the door is closed; when it swings open to 90°, the overall depth grows even more. If your kitchen has a tight island aisle, factor those projections into your layout.

Freestanding Versus Slide-In: Fit Nuances

Freestanding ranges have finished sides and a backguard. They tolerate a bit more variability in countertop overhangs because the backguard hides the rear edge. Slide-ins sit nearly flush with the counter and have a low back. That sleek fit demands closer attention to the countertop thickness, overhang, and the counter height range the legs can reach.

Counter Height And Leveling Range

Most 30″ ranges are built to meet a standard counter height near 36″. Leveling legs typically give you a small adjustment window—often up to about 1″. If your floor slopes or your counters sit high after new flooring, check that the unit’s legs can reach the cooktop-to-counter alignment you want.

How To Measure Your Space So A 30-Class Range Slides Right In

Tools You Need

• Tape measure with 1⁄16″ markings
• Straightedge or small level
• Painter’s tape for marking wall outlets and gas stubs

Four Quick Checks

1. Opening width: Measure cabinet-to-cabinet at the front, center, and back. You’re aiming for a true 30″ gap. If you read 29¾”, plan minor cabinet work or choose a model with more side tolerance.
2. Opening depth: Measure from the wall to the cabinet face. Confirm you’ve got the minimum cutout depth from the spec sheet. Pay attention to outlets, cords, and gas valves that can push the unit forward.
3. Counter height: Measure floor to countertop. Verify the range’s leg adjustment can meet that height.
4. Clearances: Check the manual for vertical and side clearances over the cooking surface, plus anti-tip bracket location.

Brand Examples That Show The Pattern

GE: A Hair Under 30 Inches

GE’s 30″ freestanding electric example lists 29 7⁄8″ wide and 28″ deep on the product page. That’s perfect for a standard 30″ opening with a touch of space to spare for slide-in and slide-out during cleaning. GE specs page.

Samsung: 29 15⁄16 Inches On Many Slide-Ins

Samsung’s current slide-ins often publish 29 15⁄16″ as the body width, paired with a 30″ opening in the install details. That tiny subtraction gives you just enough play for countertop overhangs and cabinet faces. An example model lists 29 15⁄16″ W, adjustable height to match counters, and a mid-26″ chassis depth before the handle. Samsung product page.

Whirlpool: Dimensions And Cutout Shown Side-By-Side

Whirlpool’s one-page dimension guides are handy because they print the appliance dimensions and the cabinet opening diagram together. You’ll see the common pairing: a 29 7⁄8″ body with a 30″ minimum opening and a 30⅛” minimum cutout depth callout. Whirlpool guide (PDF).

Clearances, Cutouts, And What Installers Check

Most manuals include a small list of must-haves: a fixed opening width, a minimum vertical space above the cooktop, clearance to cabinets, and a precise zone for gas and electric hookups so the unit can slide all the way back. If any one of these is off, the front edge may stand proud of the counters or the door could rub a stile.

Depth, Doors, And Islands: Plan The Front-To-Back Spacing

Depth can be just as tricky as width. You’ll see one number for “cabinet depth” fit, another for “depth with handle,” and a larger one for “depth with door at 90°.” If you have an island, map the swing with painter’s tape and make sure there’s room to move trays in and out without bumping a drawer pull across from the range.

What If Your Opening Measures 29¾ Inches?

Many kitchens settle a bit over time, and older openings can shrink below a true 30″. You’ve got options:

• Light cabinet tune-up: Planing a stile edge or shifting a filler strip can reclaim an eighth to a quarter inch without changing the look.
• Counter overhang trim: A deep overhang at the front can steal space. A careful trim on the underside lip sometimes frees up the gap, especially with slide-ins.
• Model selection: Compare body widths on spec sheets. Some units have fractionally slimmer sides.

Gas, Electric, And Hookup Zones

Product drawings include shaded rectangles that show where to place the outlet and the gas stub so the range can push fully back. If those land outside the zone, the rear will hit early, leaving the front proud. Measure these locations before the delivery truck arrives.

A Simple Ordering Checklist

Before You Click “Add To Cart”

• Confirm your opening width at three points and match it to the model’s required opening.
• Check cutout depth against the manual’s minimum.
• Match counter height to the range’s leg adjustment range.
• Verify outlet and gas stub positions against the shaded zones.
• Mark the anti-tip bracket location on the floor or wall.

Where To Cross-Check Specs

Don’t rely solely on a retailer’s quick bullet list. Pull the brand’s own documentation so you see the chassis numbers and the cutout diagram on the same page. Two good places to start: KitchenAid stove dimensions explainer and Whirlpool’s one-page planning sheet for a 30″ freestanding model that shows body width, 30″ opening, and 30⅛” cutout depth in one diagram: Whirlpool dimension guide (PDF).

Bottom Line For Fit

Ranges in this class are built a fraction under 30″ wide so they’ll slide into a true 30″ cabinet gap. If your kitchen measures to plan and you’ve checked the brand’s diagram for opening width, cutout depth, and hookup zones, installation day should be drama-free.