How to Stop Crumbs Falling Between Your Stove and Counter

Most kitchens have a gap between the stove and the counter. Crumbs, drips and stray pasta slip into it and stay there, out of reach. Here's how to clean it out and stop it filling up again.

Why the gap is there

Freestanding and slide-in ranges are built slightly narrower than the space they sit in, so they can be pulled out for cleaning and repairs. That usually leaves a gap of somewhere between 1/8 and 1 inch on each side. It's normal, but it's a crumb trap.

Step 1: Clean out what's already down there

1. Turn off the stove and let it cool. If it's a gas range, be careful not to strain or kink the gas line.
2. Pull the range forward a few inches if you can, ideally with someone to help. Many ranges have an anti-tip bracket at the back, so don't force it.
3. Vacuum the gap with a crevice tool, then wipe the sides of the range and the counter edge with warm, soapy water.
4. If the stove won't move, a long, thin brush or a cloth wrapped around a ruler reaches most of the way down.
5. Push the range back and level it, and check that the anti-tip bracket is engaged again.

Step 2: Cover the gap

A stove gap cover sits in the gap so spills land on top, where you can wipe them away. There are two main styles:

• Silicone strips are flexible and low-profile, can be trimmed and come in neutral colors. They suit narrow gaps.
• Adjustable steel covers slide to fit the depth of the counter and look neater next to a stainless steel range. Many can go in the dishwasher.

Measure before you buy

Measure two things:

• Gap width: slide a ruler or a stack of coins into the gap. A cover that's too narrow falls in, and one that's too wide won't sit flat.
• Counter depth: measure from the wall to the front edge of the counter. That's the length you need to cover.

Also check that the cover won't block the oven door, the control knobs or any vents on your range.

Keep it clean

Lift the covers out and wipe them every week or two, and give them a deeper wash whenever something spills. Before you know it, the gap stops being a problem.

Our Stove Gap Covers come as adjustable steel (13.8–27.5 in long) or a flexible silicone strip, for gaps up to 0.8 in (20 mm) wide.