Our kitchen is also to wide too gate and I was a nervous wreck when DS1 learnt to walk and would wander into the kitchen. I just kept explaining that it is 'hot' and even getting him to touch the oven door as it was still heating up (so it was nowhere near hot, but just warm enough to feel warmth and learn not to touch) - I'd just say ouchy and hot - eventually he got the idea and we have never had an issue with him touching it.

As for the knobs and turning things on - well that was a different story - no matter how many times we told him no and explained the hot thing he would still turn them again and again. We then visited a friends house who gave us an idea and that was to remove the knobs altogether - ours have 2 parts to it, the part you turn and the part that sits behind that has the settings - if that makes sense. We just have them on a shelf and then just slide the turning on part back on the little metal thing that is sticking out (sorry - so bad at describing things....) when i need to turn stuff on (i don't bother putting the setting ones back on for the stove).

Now I'm going through the same process with DS2 (DS1 is now 3 and haven't had any issues with touching oven or stove for over a year). I think DS2 - who is almost 17months old- is already starting to understand - but it helps that DS1 usually goes over to DS2 and tells him not to touch - its hot...ouchy!

And when I'm cooking and need some space when moving hot things around I'll either try to distract with tv in the lounge room or have them both sitting in their seats (though these days DS1 will be on a chair nearby and trying to help me so I will give him tasks like washing the vegies or helping me measure stuff or get me stuff out of the cupboard and fridge etc).