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Mounting flat screen tv over cooktop

RJB1 | Posted in General Discussion on February 7, 2010 12:43pm

Can I install a wall mounted flat screen tv over a gas cooktop? It is the only location in the kitchen design where there is room for the large screen.

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  1. junkhound | Feb 07, 2010 12:59pm | #1

    Yes, you can.

    Dont expect it to last too long though

    It will get dim fairly quickly also as grease condenses on the lamps.

    Ah, the interesting queries on the new BT

    1. Piffin | Feb 08, 2010 07:16am | #7

      Makes about as much sense as installing a shower in a convertible, IMO

  2. DanH | Feb 07, 2010 02:23pm | #2

    Basically it depends on the specific layout and how you cook. If you can keep grease and steam from hitting it too hard it should give you reasonable (though not great) performance. Some sort of "bump out" below it to route steam/grease/heat away might be wise.

  3. User avater
    Jeff_Clarke | Feb 07, 2010 05:04pm | #3

    Assuming that by wall-mounted you mean that the flat screen projects from the wall, no, you can't and let me explain why (unless you are in a very different code jurisdiction).

    Generally speaking, the IRC and similar codes essentially integrate manufacturer's instructions into the building code. In other words, most codes, including the IRC, say 'you have to follow manufacturer's instructions' in order to be compliant with code. Reference: M1901.1 and M1901.2.

    Now, you may have a cooktop where the manufacturer doesn't address clearances - but honestly I doubt it. This is what would be typical:

    View Image

    The flat screen would fit the definition of 'unprotected combustible material' so you'd have to recess it into the wall (flush) for it to comply.

    This hasn't addressed whether it makes sense or not - which it doesn't because it will be subject to damage.

    However, if you are willing to look at a 19"-20" diag. LCD screen you can get good articulating arms to put them under upper cabinets. If you are interested I can post a picture.

    Jeff

    1. User avater
      xxPaulCPxx | Feb 07, 2010 05:47pm | #4

      Couldn't he just have a shelf
      Couldn't he just have a shelf projecting out from the wall 30" off the gas deck, projecting 8" out, so that the screen itself sits further back from grease/steam? This would seem to conform to the illustration above.

      1. User avater
        Jeff_Clarke | Feb 07, 2010 10:39pm | #5

        That's usually right about
        That's usually right about where a hood might come in handy ;o)

        (not to mention well above any sort of recommended height, with respect to neck strain, etc.)

  4. Scott | Feb 08, 2010 01:01am | #6

    Airborne grease, heat, humidity, utensils flying around, and the occasional exploding pot of porridge...sure, sounds like a perfect environment for a TV.

    1. Norman | Feb 08, 2010 05:47pm | #8

      Having sold custom A/V installs for a decade, allow me to add my voice to the chorus that this is a bad idea. Even if you put a shelf under the TV, air convection is going to pull that greasy residue into the TV, where is will cause unrepairable damage.

      Not unrepairable because the damage is so severe, but no tech will work on it once they see what is inside. I still remember one tech who would rinse out every piece of audio equipment with a strong stream of running water to remove the remants of insecticide, bugs and gawd knows what else. As all the TVs at the time had picture tubes (which store lethal voltages), he never did this with video, but he wanted to.

      I would want this TV sealed behind glass, with a discrete ventilation path, or else a signed waiver from the client. As the old man I worked for used to say, "You are tuning for smoke".

      Good luck.

  5. Benito9 | Feb 08, 2010 10:47pm | #9

    Sorry for the pile on, but this is a very bad idea. If an insurance adjuster ever saw it, they'd pull your homeowners policy. Find another spot for the TV.

  6. MGMaxwell | Feb 09, 2010 10:23am | #10

    Sorry for the pile on, but what's so important on TV that you would go to this trouble to watch while you're cooking in the kitchen.

    Everybody should be less video stimulated. For heaven's sake give it a rest

  7. User avater
    xxPaulCPxx | Feb 09, 2010 11:56am | #11

    Now, to be completely fair, there could be another side to this.

    How many showpiece kitchens have ya'll put in that were restraunt grade for two working proffesionals who would never ever use it? I HAVE an uncle in Wash DC who recently spent close to a million to update and expand his kitchen in his Georgetown home... and his kids complain that when they come home they have to snack on cake sprinkles because there is no food in the house! His wife lives abroad opening charity hospitals, he travels and works 12 hour days - lawyer. Cooking? HAH!

    A modern kitchen isn't that closed off sweat hole that our grandmothers used to toil in. They are now opened up social/entertainment spaces... more bar than grill.

    How about some suggestions that assume the TV is the MOST used appliance in the kitchen, rather than the least?

    Sealing cabinet doors? Cutoff switch so either the TV or the range works - range only works when TV nook is closed...

    1. junkhound | Feb 09, 2010 04:25pm | #12

      Cuz it in me cheek, tongue get bitten as writeing..

      A BIG bundle of fiber optic cables to the lcds in the next room would make the concept work even if they cooked greasy chilli every night

      1. User avater
        coonass | Feb 09, 2010 09:05pm | #13

        You injunears always complicate things. :)

        Just get a projector TV.

        KK

        1. junkhound | Feb 11, 2010 08:56am | #16

          I like the way you think

  8. barmil | Feb 09, 2010 09:50pm | #14

    How does a question like this get thirteen replies? Are we that bored?

    1. User avater
      CapnMac | Feb 10, 2010 04:07pm | #15

      Yes

  9. User avater
    Tenacwalker | Feb 11, 2010 10:57am | #17

    If you built an extra large/wide hood you could just mount it on the front of that. That would solve the "clearance" issue, but it would still get quite grimy in a hurry if you cook much. Perhaps a *super strong* vent fan would slow that process down somewhat. Heck, if it's your house and you don't mind shelling out for a new TV every couple of years, go for it. :-)

  10. sawzall | Feb 14, 2010 04:20pm | #18

    THIS IS A GREAT IDEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Now you can stand at the cooktop stiring the sauce while you watch galloping gourmet.

  11. User avater
    SamT | Feb 15, 2010 02:02am | #19

    >>Can I install a wall mounted flat screen tv over a gas cooktop? It is the only location in the kitchen design where there is room for the large screen.

    Absolutely. You should take the effort and spend the money to find a real easy to change mount, 'cuz you're gonna be replacing ther TV every couple of months.

    SamT

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