Cooking appliances should be installed so that the cooking top or oven racks are:

Cooking appliances, particularly those designed for cooking, such as ovens and ranges, should have their cooking tops or oven racks installed level. A level cooking surface ensures uniform heat distribution during cooking, which is crucial for achieving consistent cooking results. An uneven cooking surface can lead to discrepancies in how food is prepared—some areas may cook faster than others, leading to unevenly cooked meals.

In addition, a level installation can enhance safety, reducing the risk of pots or pans tipping over, which could lead to spills or burns. It is essential for both functionality and safety that these installations are executed properly to ensure optimal performance of the cooking appliances.

Having a cooking top or oven racks horizontally aligned or above counter height may not directly affect the cooking process as effectively as ensuring they are level. Angling surfaces for drainage is also not pertinent for cooking appliances—this is more relevant to certain types of sinks or non-cooking equipment rather than cooking surfaces, where maintaining a level is essential for safe and efficient cooking.