Has anyone ever used a window for a stove splashback?

Like this:



I am planning to do this, however someone told me I need to buy special heat resistant glass which costs a small fortune. I don't understand the need for it, over the weekend I was cooking up a storm and after several hours I touched the tile splash back and it was ice cold. The stove simply doesn't generate enough heat to transfer to the wall, even when I have 2-3 pots going with the flame at max levels. Has anyone got experience with a windowed splashback and whether this is true or not or if there some sort of compliance rule that requires a special type of glass? I'm worried about installing a regular window then having to pay again to have it replaced.

 

Not sure about the heat side of things but if the window isn't toughened, if a heavy saucepan, wok or pot hits it, it might crack.

 

I guess I'll have to eat the cost then. Thanks!

 

That's a good point, you'll make me paranoid now when handling heavy pots and pans!

 

There are rules surrounding glass within XXmm of a range. The glass needs to be toughened (and cant be cut after) and it is inset into a surround that also insulates. It must also be capable of replacement if it shatters (like safety glass). A kitchen designer knows the issues. The glass will be made and tempered to size. It installed into a rebated opening. Usually top down. Consult a glazing specialist who does splashbacks.

Most people will use a semi framed window isolated from bench to avoid the cost. This can be opened where a spashback cannot.



Architectural glazing speciality may mean truly spectacular cost for frameless

 

Oh I see so simply making it a framed / openable window changes the rules?

 

I had a painted glass splashback in my Thailand condo shatter when the tenant used the hotplates. They can expand with little heat so make sure there is space for it between the glass and benchtop. It looks good otherwise

 

Australian Standards specify distance and thermal isolation (eg isolated framing). Glazing cant meet benchtop without risk of heat. = shattered glazing. The glazing needs certification to spec to ensure it complies. Most people adopt a isolation approach to bypass the tecnical issues. eg framing, tiling etc. Kitchen cabinet installers and glazing should be cross compatible. usual distances can be significant (200mm ?) but isolated framing may assist and reduce this. eg 50mm window framing isolated from bench and from range.

Then there is the range install governed by AS 5601/AG 601 Gas Installations, Appendix C substrate. Not all window frames are suitable eg SS fails. A isolation material to window frame and bench may be required and bech may cover this so its invisible. Many people install a kitchen DIY and find the plumber refuses connection. Best the kitchen and plumbing be co-ordinated.

Or consider appliance location. The above and below images (The Block 2020) has a induction cooktop, not gas and two contestant kitchens were almost identical with approach to windows. Alternatively move gas to island or a area such as to left of window and reposition sink to window etc

 

Thanks, my window is already elevated by around 15cm above the kitchen bench, so I think that helps a lot. Also I plan on using an induction stove...so it seems this sidesteps the issue completely? Seems like the rules are all about gas cooktops.

EDIT: Ok I just found this!!

The same rules don't apply to electric cooktops. If you have a combustible splashback adjacent to an electric cooktop, for example, this has no regulated minimum clearance; however your builder will still need to follow the basic minimum clearance guidelines set out in AG/601.

 

I don't think you can have an openable window if the hotplate is gas as it can blow out the flame.
I've done a few where a fixed window is the back splash. It was toughened glass but that wasn't a lot more expensive.

 

My first home July 1980. Ensure blue and white curtain doesn't catch fire.

 

lol a really old house I bought in Brissy a few years back had curtains like that!

 

We asked our builder for the next house, they said they couldn't do it if we wanted gas cooktop. Qld.

 

Yep, it was a classic