Freestanding Vs. Slide-In Range: What Are The Major Differences?

Choosing an oven for your kitchen is no easy feat. Not only do you have to choose between models, but you also have several types of ovens to choose from. When deciding between a freestanding and a slide-in oven range, your choice will depend on your preferences.

If you’re building a new home and aren’t too concerned about cost, a slide-in range is the best choice. If you’re replacing an existing freestanding range and don’t want to remove the countertop, choose another freestanding range. In this article, we’ll discuss all the differences between each range, as well as the pros and cons of each.

If you’re replacing an older freestanding range, think about whether you want to do major renovations in your kitchen. If not, you should probably choose another freestanding model. Similarly, if you’re going from a slide-in to freestanding, you’ll have extra countertop along the wall to contend with.

If you’re shopping for ovens for your new construction, a slide-in range is the better option. It will add a few hundred dollars to the cost of the kitchen, but the benefits might be worth it. You’ll be able to match the oven to your new cabinets, and the oven will be easier to clean.

A slide-in range is also a better option if you have a custom backsplash on the wall to show off. However, if you’re building on a budget, a freestanding range might be a better choice. They’re more affordable, and with all the options available you’ll likely find one to match your kitchen.

You might pick one of these choices now, and then change your mind years down the road. While this is doable, it may require you to update your kitchen.

Since slide-in ranges rest a few inches away from the wall, there’s a strip of countertop behind and around it. Therefore, you’ll have to update your countertop to accommodate a freestanding oven range.

If you’re switching from a freestanding to a slide-in model, there are more size considerations. You’ll need a range that fits exactly into the space between your cabinets. You should also take measures to prevent steam damage and stains to your wall since slide-ins don’t have a backguard.

Measure your space: Make sure you know the size of your available space before you shop for a new oven. Oven ranges typically come in standard sizes today. Even still, you don’t want to get home with a new range and discover your space is unique!

Protect your floor: Sliding your new oven across the kitchen floor could easily damage the floor surface. Use the box the oven came in to slide the range across the floor. But be careful not to rip the box, in case you need to return the range.

Related Questions

Do slide-in ranges come in gas?

Slide-in oven ranges today come in both gas and electric models. Freestanding ranges can also be both gas and electric. So, your choices for oven ranges are not limited by the type of hookups you have in your kitchen.

Can I switch from electric to a gas oven?

This could be an easy or difficult task, depending on your home. To find out if it’s possible, make sure gas is available in your community. If you already have a gas line in the kitchen, installing a gas range will be simple. If not, you’ll need to consult with a plumber to find out how much it will be to add a new gas line to your home.

What about a wall oven?

Wall ovens get built into a cutout in the wall and can be installed at any height. If you don’t already have one and aren’t building a new kitchen, you’ll have to renovate to use one. But if you’re building a new kitchen, a wall oven might be a good choice.Wall ovens prevent you from bending to access the oven, and you can easily install a double vs. single oven. Wall ovens also mean that you can have your cooking surface separate from your oven. So, you can install the oven amidst your cabinets and install a cooktop surface on a kitchen island, for example.