Freestanding vs. Slide-in Ranges
When buying a range, you might need to choose between freestanding and slide-in ranges. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen, or just want to replace your old range with the new one, youll need the right type of range to fit your kitchen decor. With so many new options available today, wading through all the information on your own can be confusing, and it can be difficult to choose the right range for you. Were going to make it easy and walk you through the details of each style to help you make an informed purchase.
Freestanding Ranges
The Freestanding range is the most common type of range. This type gives you the option to install your range in between the cabinets, at the end of the cabinet against the wall, or freestanding on its own. Freestanding ranges are the most popular purchase because they are more affordable than most slide-in styles. In addition to that, this type of range gives you the flexibility to place it anywhere in the kitchen without installation in the cabinetry because it has finished sides. The backsplash is another convenient feature, which provides protection for the wall behind the range from splashing liquids during cooking. Freestanding ranges usually have controls behind the burners, knobs in front of the burners, a storage or warming drawer on the bottom, and a larger oven capacity.
Take a look at gas, electric and dual fuel freestanding ranges from different brands:
Profile Series 30 Inch Freestanding Gas Range with 5 Sealed Burner Cooktop, 5.6 cu. ft. Primary Oven Capacity, Storage Drawer, Griddle, Grill, Convection Oven, Self-Cleaning Mode, Viewing Window, in Stainless Steel/Gray
- Edge-To-Edge Cooktop - A large, seamless surface makes it easy to wipe away messes
- Extra-Large Integrated Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle - Enjoy ultimate cooking versatility. Cook up to six grilled cheeses on the industry's largest integrated griddle, and then flip it over to grill your favorite foods.
- Two Extra-Large 18K Power Boil Burners - Get twice the high-heat cooking power with two up-front extra-large burners
- 18,000 BTU Power Boil Burner - Boil water fast with intense heat from this 18,000 BTU burner
30 Inch Freestanding Electric Range with 5 Elements, Smoothtop Cooktop, 4.2 cu. ft. Primary Oven Capacity, Convection Oven, Self-Cleaning Mode, Viewing Window, True Convection Cooking, FlexHeat Element in Stainless Steel
- Frozen Bake Technology - Skip preheating for favorites like pizza, lasagna, chicken nuggets, fries or pies so you can cook frozen foods faster.
- True Convection - Helps you cook foods faster by using a third element plus a fan to distribute hot air evenly over, under and around food.
- FlexHeat Triple Radiant Element - The FlexHeat triple radiant element is like having three elements in one. A 6" inner ring is great for smaller pots and pans, while 9" and 12" outer rings make room to heat larger cookware.
- Convection Conversion - Your oven will do the math for you when you need to convert traditional recipes for convection cooking, automatically adjusting cooking times and temperatures.
PRO Harmony Series 36 Inch Freestanding Dual Fuel Range with 4 Sealed Burner Cooktop, 4.8 cu. ft. Primary Oven Capacity, Grill, Convection Oven, Self-Cleaning Mode, Viewing Window, ExtraLow Patented Star Burners, Fastest Boil, QuickClean Base in Stainless Steel
- Indoor Electric Grill with Ceramic Briquettes - Superior grilling results, 2000 watt Indoor Electric Grill. Thermostatically controlled for even heating. Fusion coating surface non-stick, non-PTFE, rust-proof cast-aluminum grill accessory.
- ExtraLow - The ExtraLow feature provides the widest variety of temperature control of any simmer system. It cycles on and off to maintain temperatures as low as 100 degrees. Perfect for simmering delicate sauces or keeping food warm without scorching.
- Patented Star Burner - Our exclusive, sealed 3-in-1 Star Burner's unique five-point design offers a reduced cold spot, faster time to boil and the ExtraLow feature. The coverage area allows for more ports and more flame distribution than a round burner.
Slide-in Ranges
Slide-in ranges are designed to fit flush with your countertop and seamlessly blend in with the surrounding cabinetry. It requires installation between the cabinetry because unlike freestanding ranges, this style doesn't have finished sides. Slide-in ranges have the controls in front of the burners. The placement of the range controls in the front, as opposed to the back, of the burners is a convenient feature in slide-in ranges because you don't have to reach over the hot burners to adjust the temperature. The storage or warming drawers are located on the bottom of the range, just like on the freestanding model. Another advantage of the slide-in range is that the top of the range is wider, overlapping the countertop, so it does not leave space between the range and the countertop. This prevents food spills from dripping down the sides of the range. Slide-in ranges are more expensive than freestanding because of the custom, built-in look the design provides.
Take a look at gas, electric and dual fuel Slide-in ranges from different brands:
30 Inch Slide-in Gas Range with Sealed Burner Cooktop, 4.8 cu. ft. Primary Oven Capacity, Warming, Convection, Self-Cleaning Mode, Telescopic Rack, QuietClose Door in Stainless Steel
- QuietClose Door - No more slamming the oven door. Dampened hinges softly and quietly guide the QuietClose door shut. It's premium engineering that you'll appreciate each time you close your oven.
- Warming Drawer - No need to worry about timing everything perfectly. Our Bosch warming drawer to keeps your meals warm and is great for preheating plates.
- Telescopic Rack - This full-extension rack glides easily on ball bearings and extends over the open oven door for easy access, allowing you to baste large cuts of meat and poultry safely without reaching into the oven.
30 Inch Slide-in Electric Range with Smoothtop Cooktop, 5.8 cu. ft. Primary Oven Capacity, Storage Drawer, Convection, Delay Bake, Self-Cleaning Mode, in Stainless Steel
- With this premium slide-in-range, a sleek and built-in look is easy to achieve. Our innovative and intuitive Guiding Light Controls offer simple, step-by-step instructions for choosing settings. Plus, a temperature probe always cooks meats and poultry to the right temperature.
- 5.8 cu ft can easily accommodate a big roast, multiple casserole dishes or several racks of cookies.
- Intuitive controls offer simple, step-by-step 'illuminating' for choosing cooking options.
Distinctive Series 30 Inch Slide-in Dual Fuel Range with Sealed Burner Cooktop, 3.9 cu. ft. Primary Oven Capacity, Convection, Delay Bake, Self-Cleaning Mode, Illumina Burner Controls, Perma-Flame, SmartFlame in Stainless Steel
- Metallic Finish Knobs provide a sleek modern look.
- Electronic Control Panel with Clock, Two Timers and 10-Key Touchpad.
- Exclusive Four-Part Pure Convection System, with fan, heating element (2200W), air baffle and convection filter, reduces cooking time, provides superior heat distribution, and eliminates flavor transfer.
- SimmerSear Burners provide up to 18,500 BTUs and achieve ultra-low temperatures for simmering and melting without any scorching.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to buy a freestanding or built-in range, one thing to keep in mind is that there are no major differences between the two ranges. Both types of ranges offer gas, electric, dual fuel, and induction configuration options and similar features depending on the model of the range. The only difference between freestanding and built-in ranges is the design. Thus, choosing a slide-in vs. freestanding range comes down to your personal preferences, how much you are willing to pay and how much available space you have in your kitchen.
