If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen appliances in the new year, you may find yourself on the hunt for a new range. There are a few different choices, but the two most popular range models are
A quality kitchen range should last somewhere between 13 and 15 years, so if your current appliance is smoking and rattling with every meal, it might be time to opt for a new range. Modern-day ranges do much more than anchor your kitchen, they are often the focal point of the cooking space and the appliance that catches your eye before anything else.
If you’re new to cooking or hoping to elevate your culinary skills with a new and improved menu under your belt, the right kitchen appliance can make a world of difference. From
Before we delve too far into the specific features of each range type, let’s start small and explain what freestanding and slide-in ranges are and the main differences between the two.
What is a Freestanding Range?
Trying to decide which range model is right for your kitchen? A freestanding range is the perfect introduction to the world of cooking appliances. A freestanding range features a cooktop surface with one or two ovens below. Freestanding ranges can be found in
A freestanding range will come with a back guard or back console that rises above the cooktop to help protect the wall behind the range from spills and splashes, and a freestanding range has finished sides that allow for easy installation between cabinets. The appliance has earned its name because the range can stand free on its own without another cooking counterpart needed to conceal the sides of the appliance.
A flexible choice for most kitchens, the
What is a Slide-in Range?
A slide-in range differs slightly from a freestanding range, mainly due to installation. As we mentioned, freestanding ranges can stand alone or be installed between cabinetry, whereas slide-in ranges are specifically designed to sit between cabinets for a flush and seamless look.
The configuration also differs slightly—the controls for a slide-in range model are typically located on the front or on top of the appliance. Like freestanding models, slide-in ranges can sometimes have a back guard, which is helpful if you install your range against the wall with tile located right behind it as part of your backsplash.
The chic and modern look of a slide-in range has made it a popular choice for designers, flippers, and home cooks alike who may want to install a range in a kitchen island. The overhanding sides of a slide-in range prevent food and liquids from spilling between the cooktop and the counter, which makes for easy after-meal cleanup.
This
Pros and Cons: Installation and Layout
Both freestanding and slide-in ranges produce similar results and functionality, but the two appliance designs aren’t entirely synonymous. Yet again, the biggest separation comes down to installation. Because slide-in ranges are installed sitting a few inches back from a wall, there is usually a couple inches of open countertop space that hooks around the back of the cooktop. If you decided you wanted to trade in your slide-in range with a freestanding range, you would need to update the layout of your countertop configuration for it to fit.
Conversely, if you’re swapping out a freestanding range for a slide-in model, you’ll need to update the wall space behind your appliance so it won’t show signs of damage from steam, grease, and moisture.
Be sure to speak with
Freestanding vs. Slide-in Ranges: A Matchup for the Ages
It's a back-and-forth heavyweight brawl between freestanding and slide-in ranges, so whose corner are you in?
Freestanding
When deciding between a slide-in or freestanding range, consider your preferred fuel type, cooking needs, and design aesthetic. Where will the range be placed? Does it require a gas line or electric hook-up? Do you want your appliance to blend into your kitchen or stand out? Does it have the features to prepare all your favorite meals? These are some questions you’ll want to ask yourself to ensure your range will fit your cooking space in every way possible.
Because a freestanding range’s sides are finished, you have more flexible installation options, including at the end of your cabinetry. They typically offer a more affordable price point compared to slide-in models,
Some of the top freestanding range manufactures include
Slide-in
The two main benefits of slide-in ranges are style and function, but like freestanding models, price and ease of installation play a role. Slide-in ranges can be built between two cabinets and provide additional width on top to overlap the counter. As we mentioned previously, when you push a slide-in range into its designated slot, there will be about two inches of space behind the range, allowing your counter to fill the space in the back and create a smooth and uniform built-in look with the ability to showcase your backsplash.
The ability to clean the product is more proficient in a slide-in model and it’s possible to find a more diverse selection of features, like convection and multiple high output burners. They can be slightly more expensive than a freestanding model, with a higher-end product ranging between
Some of the top slide-in range manufacturers include
Who Reigns Victorious?
All things considered; you could call this match a draw. If you’re a builder, a first-time homeowner, or remodeling your kitchen on a budget, then a freestanding range is a fine choice. If you just finished your kitchen renovation last year but want to upgrade and enhance the look of your space, consider a slide-in range for a clean and precise design.
Bonus: Front-Control Range
We couldn’t neglect to mention the versatile front-control range. If you’re torn between freestanding and slide-in ranges, front-control ranges are a crash-course of the two previous range models, offering the best of both worlds. And when two worlds collide, you’re left with one of the finest products available.
Similar to a freestanding model, a front-control range has finished sides, which would make for easy installation if you’re old range is already on its way out the door. It also provides the sleek and timeless look of a slide-in kitchen range with the knobs and controls located on the front of the appliance.
If you need to take a better look, check out this
Product Comparison Chart
We’re not done just yet—we have a handy product comparison chart laying out the specifications of the freestanding and slide-in range models we highlighted at the beginning of the article to help you get down to the nitty-gritty.
| Product Attributes |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Black stainless steel with continuous cast-iron grates | Stainless steel with ceramic glass cooktop |
| Dimensions |
Height: 47.88”
Width: 29.88”
Depth: 27.75”
Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
|
Height: 37.25”
Width: 29.88”
Depth: 25.88”
Capacity: 5.3 cu. ft.
|
| Display | Digital and mechanical with control lockout | Digital and mechanical with control lockout |
| Features | Frozen bake technology, SpeedHeat, sabbath mode | Self-clean, dual-element bake, power boil elements |
| Number of Burners | 5 burners | 4 burners |
| Performance | Fingerprint-resistant finish and a temperature sensor | Large capacity and flexible installation |
| Specifications | Thermal cooking system, direct spark ignition, auto re-ignition, sealed burners, 5 rack positions, 16500 BTU | Conventional cooking system, radiant heating elements, 6 rack positions, touch pad lights, 2585W |
| Miscellaneous | Incandescent lights, drop-down door swing, arch handles, large oven door window | Incandescent lights, drop-down door swing, arch handles, clearview glass oven window door |
There you have it—everything you need to know about kitchen ranges. Whichever range model you’re leaning towards, you’re sure to experience high-level performance from a stylish, dependable, and hardworking household appliance manufactured by one of our
If you have any questions, or would like more information regarding any of our ranges or