When moving into a new home or remodelling an old kitchen, one of the key areas to look at is the cooking appliances. Ranges, or stoves, are critical points in a kitchen, and a new one will be a great long-term addition. Both freestanding and slide-in ranges can be seen in houses across the country, and it’s no wonder since they are excellent options with their own advantages. In this freestanding vs. slide-in range guide, we’ll explain the key differences to help you make a considered choice.
There’s a world of ranges out there. The Range Finder from Whirlpool will help you choose the best one for you.
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What Is a Freestanding Range?
Freestanding ranges are aptly named because of how they’re installed. They have a cooktop, a single oven or two ovens, and usually a backguard to protect against spills and house the control panel. Freestanding ranges can use gas or electricity, and some models use dual fuel.
A freestanding range has finished sides, which allows them to be installed between cabinets or on their own. They are an excellent appliance if you need to make further adjustments later due to their flexibility, but may not be suitable for kitchen islands.
Choose the ideal freestanding range for you
Gas or electric? How many ovens? What about finish? Discover your options from Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid brands.
What Is a Slide-In Range?
One of the key differences in freestanding vs. slide-in range choices is the installation. Furthermore, the back is more open and if spills occur, they may go behind the range. Many homeowners solve this problem by installing the range in front of a tiled wall. On the other hand, slide-in ranges have slightly overhanging cooktops, which cover the gaps between the appliance and neighboring countertops and prevent anything from spilling into them.
While a slide-in range has all the standard features and fuel choices a freestanding one does, their control panel is on the front rather than the back.
Slide-in ranges shouldn’t be confused with front-control ranges. The latter is a type of freestanding stove with a control panel on the front. Usually, they don’t have a backguard, but have finished sides and a gap between the adjoining counters.
Settled on a slide-in?
Find your favourite. You’ll be spoiled for choice as you explore the many slide-in range options available from Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid brands.
Are These Ranges Interchangeable?
If you already have a freestanding range in the kitchen and want to swap it out for a slide-in model, you may have to do a few renovations. If your tile does not come down to the cooktop level, you would want to ensure it does to prevent splatter and deflect steam. Additionally, depending on the width of the slide-in you may need to alter the cabinetry width.
Slide-In Range vs. Freestanding Range – Which Should I Choose?
If you’re installing a new kitchen from scratch and are still deciding on slide-in vs. freestanding range options, you can consider the kitchen’s layout and how much use it will have.
Freestanding ranges are a popular option and are usually more affordable due to their ease of installation and lack of specific kitchen installation requirements. You can opt for either a back-control or a front-control model, depending on which configuration is easier to use for you. They are also more versatile and don’t need to have a countertop next to, or behind, them.
If the kitchen is custom-made to feature a specific countertop aesthetic, slide-in ranges can provide a sleek finish and give it a modern look. They can also be put in kitchen islands since they don’t have a cumbersome backguard to interfere with the counter space. Just make sure to pick the model you want before finishing the contractor work. You’ll need to know the range’s dimensions to get the appropriate countertop parts to fit in the back.
When replacing an existing range with a new one, your options will be much more limited if you do not want to renovate. You’ll usually have a fixed width and depth to work with, and existing installation options will make one type much easier than the other. Some stove models have both variations. No matter which one you choose, they perform the same function and get the same features if the budget allows.
When you’ve settled on the type of range you need for the kitchen, check out our Cooktop Buying Guide tool for more advice on what other features you should consider.
