Slide-In Range Buying Guide – Top Key Considerations to know

Kitchen ranges are one of the appliances that work the hardest in most kitchens. Kitchen ranges are two-in-one appliances that include an oven and burners. When choosing a kitchen range the first decision includes deciding on an electric, dual-fuel, or gas range. The next step includes choosing either a slide-in or freestanding range.

What Is A Slide-In Range?

Originally, the slide-in range provided a built-in, seamless look with no backsplash and unfinished sides. Today, slide-in ranges come with unfinished sides, that require cabinets on either side. The slide-in ranges also come with a warming drawer or bottom storage.

If you plan to replace your existing range, finding another model that is the same size and type ensures that your new model will fit. If you are planning to change from electric to gas, or vice-versa, you may need a plumber or electrician to install new lines.

What To Consider

• Type
  The freestanding range models are easy to install, the most economical, and more commonly sold. Slide-in ranges, on the other hand, provide a built-in, custom look that easily slides in-between the surrounding cabinets. The controls for the oven are located on the front of the range. There is also no back panels, allowing you to showcase your backsplash.
• Capacity
  Roomy ovens are handy if you enjoy entertaining or baking. The smaller ovens are usually just over 2-cubic feet, while the largest ovens are close to 4-cubic feet.
• Size
  Most gas and electric ranges are 30-inches wide. Many of the pro-style ranges typically start at 30-inches going up to 48-inches when they are custom-configured with extra ovens and burners, or an add-on such as an integrated wok, griddles, or grills. Today, even the regular ranges come with convection ovens, one or more high-power burners, and a simmer burner.
• One Or Two Ovens?
  Today you can also find ranges that come in either single or double-oven configurations. Double-oven ranges usually have a large oven below and a small oven on top. These ovens are ideal when you want to roast or bake different meals at differing temperatures at the same time.

Slide-In Range Vs Freestanding Range

When you start shopping around for a new range for your renovated or new kitchen, the first step involves deciding on whether you prefer a freestanding or a slide-in range. From the outside, both options may appear similar and also share similar cooking features. You may even find that both models can be installed between cabinetry. So you may be wondering what makes these ranges different? Well, each range comes with its own set of advantages. Here is a list of the differences to help you decide on whether to choose a freestanding range or slide-in range.

#1 Installation
As suggested by the name, the slide-in ranges actually slide into your cabinetry while freestanding ranges stand on their own. However, these terms actually mean more than that. The slide-in ranges are specifically built to fit into your cabinetry, which means they do not come with finished sides. Freestanding ranges stand alone and come with finished sides, providing more flexibility allowing you to place your oven either on the end of your cabinets, inside your cabinets, or allow it to stand alone. Another difference between the different models is that a freestanding range usually plugs into outlets while the slide-in range has to be hardwired.

#2 Cleanability
Since the freestanding range typically stands alone, there are usually small spaces between the adjacent cabinets, behind the range, and your cooktop surface where liquids and food particles can fall. Slide-in ranges, on the other hand, have cooktop surfaces that slightly overlaps the cabinetry that surrounds the range, making it much easier to keep clean.

#3 Control Location
The freestanding ranges come with a back-guard that features burner controls, oven controls, or both. The slide-in ranges have display controls situated along either the surface of the cooktop or along the front part of the range. Freestanding configurations tend to limit this feature and can block an attractive backsplash or the tiles behind the range. Additionally, some homeowners do not enjoy reaching over hot surfaces to access the controls. Slide-in ranges offer the benefit of unobstructed views of your backsplash and do away with the restriction of having to place the range against a wall. The cooktop surface or front-control knobs are also a lot easier to access and control, doing away with having to stretch over hot surfaces.

#4 The Look
Due to the location of the control knobs and the cooktop surface that overlaps, the slide-in range models provide a far more professional and desirable look to existing or new kitchens. As mentioned above, they also do not block your backsplash or the view into another room.

Which Type Should I Choose?

Choosing between a freestanding or slide-in range will depend on numerous factors. If you are replacing a range in your existing kitchen, the layout, cabinets, and countertop location may have already made a decision on your behalf since you are dealing with an existing and fixed space.

When it comes to a complete kitchen remodel or a new kitchen, it is important to decide on the size and location of your range before construction commences. When are able to choose any option as you would with a complete remodel or a brand new kitchen, we suggest going with one of the slide-in ranges since it provides a modern, built-in look and a more upscale appeal when compared to the freestanding range models. Easier cleanability is one of the other advantages of choosing a slide-in range.

If you have chosen one of the slide-in ranges for your new kitchen, be sure to take measurements and provide the contractor with the dimensions. They will need this when they cut the countertop.

Choosing one of the slide-in ranges also provides a way to showcase your custom backsplash or tiles. You can also choose to use a slide-in range for a center-island.

Freestanding ranges provide a more flexible installation along with many styles to choose from. They are also the more economical option when comparing the two. When it comes to the different types of freestanding ranges, there are wide selections of options that include enhanced features for the higher-end models.

If you are not remodeling your kitchen and you want to replace your current freestanding range, then the choice is easy. Since the available width is already fixed, this will narrow down your choices when it comes to brand, cost, and features.

If you have an existing freestanding-range that you would like to swap out for one of the slide-in models, it is advisable that your backsplash extends to the level of the countertop or you will be left with a bare wall. If you already have a slide-in range and you are interested in replacing it with one of the freestanding ranges, you will typically need to remove a piece of the countertop just behind your range so that the freestanding model can fit.

Final Thoughts

Once you have decided on either a slide-in or freestanding range, the next step involves finding out about extra features, durability, and the size if you are planning a complete kitchen remodel. For a new kitchen, we always suggest looking for a range with high-style profiles and more features since the best range is not only an appliance that you will be using all the time, but it can also turn into an attractive centerpiece for your kitchen.