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Planning on a new range in your kitchen is one of the most inspiring decisions you'll make during the design process. After all, you've thought about how you cook, you've measured the space, you've decided on electric, induction or gas flame, you've looked at knob colors or pinned that one-of-a-kind tile backsplash. Then, all of a sudden, you hit a fork in the road: slide-in or freestanding. What does it mean? Why is it even a thing? And why is there such a price difference?

In this article, we'll explain the difference between a slide-in and freestanding range and get you on your way to bright cooking days ahead.


What is a Freestanding Range?

freestanding range

You can easily identify a freestanding range by its oven controls mounted on the bulky backguard at its rear. These stoves look mostly outdated considering todays' visual standards. Their legacy install base as well as low price points make them a popular choice in 90% of US kitchens.

Freestanding stoves are exactly as described: freestanding as in unattached to any walls or cabinetry. Their sides are finished as they are unattached to cabinetry so they can be placed anywhere in the kitchen where there is a gas or electrical hookup. The “plug and play” nature makes installation easy. Also, this type of stove is the easiest to switch in future with another model as long as you match the width.

A freestanding range is available in a small selection of standard widths, which keeps manufacturing costs lower. The majority are 24 or 30-inches wide. It’s also possible to find 20-inch, and 36-inch widths (or even wider for custom versions).

Slide-in vs Freestanding Stoves, including Hybrid Look of a Pro Range

What is a Slide-In Range?

slide-in range

From an aesthetic standpoint, we think slide-in ranges are the clear winner. Unlike freestanding ranges, slide-in ranges have no bulky backguard. The controls are located up front making access more convenient. This setup ensures you’ll never have to reach over a hot pan to adjust burner or oven temperature.

Slide-in ranges blend seamlessly with the countertop on either side since the lip of the range typically overlaps the countertop. The cooktop sits flush with the counter which creates a built-in look and displays your backsplash to maximum effect since there is no backguard on this type of range. One of the main benefits of this overlap is cleanability since food and spills can’t drip down the sides of the range.

Finally, a slide-in range requires cabinets on either side since the side panels are not finished.


Which Type Is Right for Me?

The choice of a slide-in vs. a freestanding range depends on several factors. With an existing kitchen layout, the countertop and cabinet location may make the decision for you since you’re dealing with a fixed space.

In the case of a full kitchen remodel, decide early in the process on the location and size of the range. When all the options are open as they are with a full remodel, it may be advisable to go with a slide-in since it gives an upscale, built-in look as well as a more modern look vs. a freestanding range. Enhanced cleanability is another plus.

If choosing a slide-in range for a remodelled kitchen, make sure you give the dimensions to the contractor who will need them for cutting the countertop.
Going with a slide-in range will allow you to showcase a tile or custom backsplash of your choice too. Or, the slide-in could be used in a center island.

Freestanding ranges allow for the most flexible installation and the widest selection of styles as well as the most economical options. Within the spectrum of freestanding ranges, there is also a wide selection of choices such as enhanced features at the higher end.

If you are replacing an existing freestanding range and don’t want to do a major kitchen reno, your choice is simple. Your width is fixed, which will narrow your choices to features, cost and brand.

If you have a freestanding range and want to move up to a slide-in model, make sure that if there is a tile backsplash behind your existing range that it extends all the way to the countertop level. Otherwise you may be faced with a stretch of blank wall and be unable to match the tile.

If switching from a slide-in range to a freestanding one, you will generally have a length of countertop behind the range that must be removed or the freestanding range will not fit.


The Bottom Line

After you’ve made the decision between a freestanding or slide-in range, you’ll need to make decisions about durability, extra features, and perhaps size if you’re doing a full kitchen remodel. At the end of the day, it’s better to err on the side of more features and a higher style profile since a good range is used not only every day but could be the centerpiece of your kitchen.