Important Safety Warnings
- Never install a La Cornue range without a properly sized dedicated ventilation hood.
- Installation must be performed by a licensed gas plumber and qualified electrician.
- Anti-tip bracket installation is mandatory — failure to install creates a tip-over hazard.
Step-by-Step Guide
Verify Floor Structural Capacity
La Cornue ranges weigh 150–350+ lbs (68–160kg) depending on model. Standard residential floor joists are typically adequate, but verify with a structural engineer if the installation location is on a raised floor over a basement or crawlspace.
Rough-In Gas Supply
A licensed gas plumber must install a dedicated gas line with a manual shutoff valve within sight of the range. Supply pressure: 7–11 inches WC for natural gas, 11 inches WC for LP. Pipe sizing must accommodate the total BTU capacity of the range.
Rough-In Electrical Supply (CornuFe)
A licensed electrician must install a dedicated 240V/50A circuit for CornuFe models. The outlet or terminal block must be accessible behind or beside the range. All-gas Chateau models require only a standard 120V outlet for ignition and controls.
Confirm Hood Sizing
The hood must be sized appropriately for the range's total BTU output. La Cornue recommends 100 CFM per 10,000 BTU as a minimum. Verify the duct diameter and run length accommodates the required CFM without excessive static pressure loss.
Maintain Proper Clearances
Check La Cornue's model-specific installation guide for required clearances from combustible side walls, rear walls, and overhead cabinetry. These vary by model. Side clearance is typically 2–4 inches from combustibles minimum.
Install Anti-Tip Bracket
Secure the manufacturer-supplied anti-tip bracket to the floor per the installation guide. This prevents the range from tipping when the oven door is open with weight on it.
Level the Range
Use the adjustable feet on the range to level front-to-back and side-to-side. A bubble level on the cooktop surface should show center in both directions. Leveling affects burner flame symmetry and oven door seal.
Why La Cornue Installation is Different
Standard residential gas range installation can often be DIY with basic plumbing skills. La Cornue installation is a professional project requiring coordination between a licensed gas plumber, a licensed electrician (for CornuFe models), and ideally a La Cornue-authorized technician who can verify the installation meets factory specifications and does not void your warranty.
Duct vs Recirculating Hood Decision
Given the high BTU output of La Cornue burners, a ducted ventilation system is strongly preferred over recirculating. A recirculating hood is unable to adequately handle the steam and heat volume produced at full burner capacity and will quickly lead to kitchen overheating and grease accumulation on surfaces.
Floor Recommendations
The underside of a La Cornue range can conduct significant heat. A solid stone or tile floor is the ideal substrate. If installing over hardwood flooring, ensure adequate clearance between the bottom of the range and the flooring surface, and consider a heat-resistant floor protector under the range feet.
Still Experiencing Issues?
Our factory-trained technicians are ready to diagnose and repair any La Cornue appliance.