Spock (rhp)
on an ordinary stove [like yours] there is a heat vent from the oven to underneath one of the burners [or nearby]. lift up the stove top and you'll see it ... small circle of metal about the width of an ordinary water glass. While this does heat the stove top slightly, it usually isn't a problem -- keep your tea kettle over that burner (unless it is being used, of course). And, NOTHING that will melt should EVER be left atop the stove -- NO bread loaves, plastic grocery bags, plastic bags of vegetables, plastic containers, plastic utensils, no plastic lids to your storage containers, etc.. Those are always a hazard atop the stove. ONLY metal, ceramic, and glass items should be left atop the stove [and your tea kettle or a pot on the stove should ALWAYS have water in it -- you just don't know when someone will accidentally leave one of the burners on -- having the tea kettle on the stove with water in it gives you an extra chance -- you might hear it whistle if the burner is left on.] -- granddad.
gerald
Have you got space behind it is it up against the wall they should be venting up the back they do get warm but not that warm , as to cause fire
Anonymous
Sounds about right. The trick is not to put plastic things on top of a stove.