October 13, 2026, 10:19 am | Read time: 4 minutes
On the kitchen countertop, you’ll often find items that need to be quickly accessible while cooking. However, some of the most popular kitchen tools don’t have an ideal permanent spot there. Here’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at how you set up your workspace and which items shouldn’t be placed next to the stove.
A beautiful kitchen countertop is a must for many. Elaborately arranged oil bottles sit next to the stove, spices are lined up in small jars, the knife block is ready for use, and the coffee machine is too large to take out of the cupboard every morning. All of this is practical and often pleasing to the eye. Still, there are some things you shouldn’t necessarily leave on the kitchen countertop permanently, especially not next to the stove.
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1. Oil Bottles
A row of beautiful oil bottles next to the stove almost looks like decoration in many kitchens. The location is also practical. A quick reach to the side, and the olive oil is ready. But right next to the stove isn’t the best place for oil.
Light, heat, and oxygen can affect the quality of cooking oils. Therefore, it’s recommended to store oils as cool and dark as possible. Particularly sensitive cold-pressed oils may even belong in the refrigerator, depending on the type.
Decorative oil stands directly next to the stove are also out of place. Next to the stove, the bottle not only absorbs the general room temperature but also regular heat from the stove. It’s better to keep the oil you use daily within reach but not directly next to the stove. More sensitive oils should be stored according to the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
2. Knife Block
The knife block is a staple in many kitchens. However, it’s not ideally placed right next to the stove. Cooking can cause grease and steam to reach the knives and the knife block. Additionally, the area right next to the stove is one of the most heavily used spots in the kitchen.
This doesn’t mean knives will be damaged immediately. But if you can freely place a knife block, it’s best not to put it in the hottest and splashiest corner of the kitchen.
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3. Spice Racks Directly Above or Next to the Stove
Small spice jars lined up neatly look tidy and are very practical when cooking. However, spices also benefit from not being constantly exposed to heat, steam, and moisture. A spice rack directly above the stove or next to it regularly gets warm, moist air and possibly grease splatters while cooking. This doesn’t mean spices spoil immediately, but their aroma and quality can diminish more quickly under poor storage conditions.
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4. Paper Towels
Paper towels are a classic permanent resident of the kitchen countertop. They’re there because they’re often needed while cooking. However, right next to the stove, they have a significant disadvantage: Paper and an open flame or strong heat don’t mix well. If you cook with gas, make sure the paper towels are sufficiently distanced from the flames. Even with other stovetops, placing them directly at the heat source isn’t advisable. It’s better to have a fixed spot a bit away from the stove–perhaps on the wall or under a hanging cabinet, if suitable for mounting.
5. Fruit Basket
The fruit basket is a lovely decorative element and can certainly have its place on the countertop. However, it shouldn’t be near the stove. The heat from the stove isn’t ideal for delicate fruit. Additionally, grease splatters and cooking steam can land on the fruit’s skin. If the fruit basket is mainly for decoration, it can easily be moved to a cooler spot in the kitchen. Ideally, choose a bright place not directly influenced by heat sources.