There is no reliable fixed cost or standard installation time before the site and appliance are assessed. Pricing and scheduling depend on the existing gas supply, appliance fit, cabinetry and benchtop work, ventilation, clearances, access, required electrical work, materials, labour, property location, current market conditions and whether further faults are found. An appropriately licensed gasfitter should inspect the site and provide a job-specific quote and timeframe.
What affects the quote and installation time?
A compliant like-for-like replacement may involve less work than adding a gas point or changing the kitchen layout. The gasfitter must confirm whether the existing gas line can be extended or branched and whether it has enough capacity for the new cooktop. A conversion also needs the checks described in what an electric-to-gas cooktop conversion involves, including benchtop fit, fixed electrical work and any owner or strata approval.
Ventilation and clearance checks
For typical new installations, allow at least 650 mm to a rangehood, 750 mm to an exhaust fan, 600 mm to another overhead combustible surface and 200 mm from the nearest burner edge to a combustible vertical surface. The applicable standard and both appliance manuals must be checked. The greatest specified clearance applies.
Overhead clearances
Measure to the lowest part of the rangehood, fan or overhead surface using the reference point prescribed for the cooktop, not the surrounding benchtop or cabinetry.
| Overhead item | Typical minimum for new work |
|---|---|
| Rangehood | 650 mm |
| Exhaust fan | 750 mm |
| Other downward-facing combustible surface | 600 mm |
A downward-facing combustible surface may be closer if it has protection that complies with the applicable standard, but generally no closer than 450 mm. Metal sheeting or a heat-resistant-looking finish is not automatically compliant protection.
Some qualifying like-for-like replacements in existing installations may be assessed under different provisions, potentially allowing a 600 mm rangehood clearance. This does not apply automatically to every existing home or renovation. An appropriately licensed gasfitter must determine the installation category.
Side clearance
Allow at least 200 mm between the outer edge of the nearest burner and an adjacent combustible vertical surface, unless that surface has compliant protection.
Measure from the burner edge, not the cooktop body, control panel or benchtop cut-out. Timber cabinetry, combustible wall linings and composite splashbacks may be affected. Do not assume a splashback complies based on its exposed finish. Its materials, protection and installation must be verified.
Cooktop instructions may also specify greater rear, side or below-bench clearances. Rangehood instructions may require a greater overhead distance. Always apply the largest relevant requirement.
Before installation or replacement
A licensed gasfitter should confirm:
- whether the work is a new installation, renovation or qualifying replacement
- which nearby or concealed surfaces are combustible
- the correct measurement reference points
- the current AS/NZS 5601.1 provisions applicable in NSW
- the cooktop and rangehood manufacturers’ instructions.
The installer must test and commission the completed work and explain which NSW gas compliance documentation must be supplied. Do not connect, reposition or alter a gas appliance or improvise heat shielding. Gas fitting in NSW requires an appropriately licensed gasfitter.
If you smell gas, stop using the appliance, avoid flames and electrical switches, and leave the area. Isolate the supply only if safe, then contact your gas network’s emergency service or call 000 if there is immediate danger.
If the quote, timing, clearances or installation category are uncertain, book a professional gas cooktop installation assessment before buying the appliance or starting related kitchen work.