Recommended Clearances for Hot Plates

Surface Clearance

• Your hot plate's manual lists the minimum clearance necessary on all sides of the device. This clearance refers to flammable stationary items like walls and cabinets, as well as smaller items like oven mitts. There are two types of hot plates: installed and portable. The minimum clearance for installed units is specific for the surfaces surrounding each side of the installed hot plate. For most models, the minimum clearances range between 2 and 8 inches on either side, and 18 to 24 inches for overhead structures like cabinets. Portable hot plates have more consistent clearance measurements, usually 12 to 24 inches on all sides. If you do not have the hot plate's manual and listed minimum clearances, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory recommends keeping an 18-inch clearance on all sides.

Fireproof Material

• The one exception to manual-listed clearances is fireproof material. Because there is no danger of fire, a hot plate may sit with as little as a zero-inch clearance from fireproof walls and cabinets. To minimize the risk of heat warping, however, maintain as much clearance as possible. Cover small flammable items in fireproof material, if they must be placed within the minimum clearance zone.

Other Clearances

• The room your hot plate is in must be clear of any potentially flammable or explosive substances. Read product labels carefully. Do not use any potentially hazardous gases, liquids or dusts in a room with an active hot plate. Provide adequate ventilation in the room before turning on the hot plate if potentially problematic products were recently used. Be extra vigilant when using a gas hot plate. If you smell gas, turn off your hot plate immediately, and do not turn it on until the problem is fixed.

Never Leave a Hot Plate Unattended

• Hot plate clearances are an important safety measure for reducing the risk of fire, but maintaining a minimum clearance is not the only precaution that should be taken. Never leave your hot plate unattended during use, even if all minimum clearances are met. Hot plates set on level, stable surfaces, according to their directions, may unexpectedly shift, or other items may fall on top of them.