What determines if a range is freestanding vs slide-in?
Are there benefits to choosing a slide-in range over a freestanding range?
What Is a Slide-In Range?
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Fake Slide-In Ranges vs.
However, these ranges still have finished sides.
Tip
Very few manufacturers still offer a true slide-in range.
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What Is a Freestanding Range?
This is because drop-in ranges lack the bottom drawer present on a slide-in range.
This space is instead filled with more cabinetry.
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A drop-in range differs from a drop-in cooktop, a similar appliance that lacks an integrated oven compartment.
To account, these are usually paired withwall ovens.
Beyond this, you may find different available features and a difference in cost.
Installation
The biggest difference between slide-in and freestanding ranges is the installation.
you could’t simply replace a freestanding range with a slide-in range or vice versa.
Additionally, slide-in ranges don’t sit flush with the wall, showing a sliver of countertop behind them.
This must be accounted for when thecountertops are cutand installed.
Freestanding ranges aren’t designed to overlap the countertop and don’t leave room for the countertop behind them.
Instead, they simply slide all the way to the wall.
Controls
The location of the range and oven controls differ between a slide-in and a freestanding range.
This is because slide-in ranges lack a backguard, which is the standard control location on a freestanding range.
Warning
If you prefer the look of a front-control range, look for options with lockable controls.
Features
Freestanding ranges and slide-in ranges share many of the same available features available for all ranges.
Costs
Slide-in ranges are more expensive than freestanding ranges.
This is due to two major factors: A higher unit cost and added installation costs.
A freestanding stove is incredibly versatile and can be installed anywhere you want it.
Additionally, the requirement of a backsplash will add even more costs, should one not already be present.
Slide-In vs. Freestanding Ranges: Which Is Better?
When replacing a range, measure before you buy.
The lower overall cost and higher versatility make it a better choice for most.
Many manufacturers have stopped offering true slide-in ranges altogether.
Many slide-in ranges include a filler strip to cover this space in the absence of a countertop.
Covering the seams also keeps dirt and debris from building up around the appliance.
One of the main cons of slide-in ranges is the higher price point compared to their freestanding counterpart.
