Slide-in vs. freestanding range - any opinions?

[Anonymous]

We're close to pulling the trigger on a new induction range. Salesman says freestanding is the way to go (something about how the electronics are installed/maintained). But I really like the front controls on a slide-in, especially because I want to get our DC cooking with us and it's easier to reach/use. Overall aesthetic differences of the two don't really bother me so much, I'm more focused on the front-control vs. rear-control difference.

If you recently went through a range purchase, what did you get and are you happy with the choice? Thanks for any thoughts or opinions.

[Anonymous]

If you have kids, I'd get a freestanding so the controls are in the back and less assessable. Otherwise get what you like. I prefer rear controls. We will get a new one soon and I'd prefer induction, convection oven and controls in the back. I also like a double oven for the few times a year I need it.

[Anonymous]

Isn't there the difference of an oven? If you get a slide in range where will your oven go? Wall oven?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't there the difference of an oven? If you get a slide in range where will your oven go? Wall oven?

OP here, the oven is still below the cooktop. The slide-in is a range, it just has controls in front and doesn't have the higher profile in the back with rear controls. I'd love a separate cooktop with wall oven someday, but not in the cards right now.

[Anonymous]

My neighbor got a unit with the front controls, and every time we're standing around in the kitchen, someone leans against the range and turns on a burner. Just sayin...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't there the difference of an oven? If you get a slide in range where will your oven go? Wall oven?

OP here, the oven is still below the cooktop. The slide-in is a range, it just has controls in front and doesn't have the higher profile in the back with rear controls. I'd love a separate cooktop with wall oven someday, but not in the cards right now.

Gotcha. Well in that case do not get the oven with the bump in the back. Those are cheaper and look more dated. I like the flat cooktops that don't have any thing in the back. No backsplash part.

[Anonymous]

Historically, slide in ranges were also considered much higher end that drop in. That panel across the back is a dead give away of a kitchen on a budget. Historically, the slide in ranges were more expensive because you were supposed to keep a slat of countertop running across the back of the range -- which required more thought and money and planning.

In past years, they are now making sort of hybrid ranges -- panels on the front like a slide in range, but you buy the filler panel to go along the back. So you can put them in a drop in range slot without having to worry about the countertop detailing. Or you could put them in a new kitchen without having to spend the money on the special countertop slat.

So in sum, yeah, the ranges with buttons on front are still associated with a much higher end finished look -- even if they fall somewhere between a drop in and slide in range.

[Anonymous]

I've mentioned this in another thread, but try to actually operate the stove before you buy it (as in, have the dealer turn it on and let it heat up) and/or check the reviews carefully. My friends bought a high-end range that has the electronics in the front, and there is a really LOUD fan (like you have to raise your voice to talk over it), that runs while the oven is on and continues to run until it cools down. The fan is to cool the electronics, so I'm wondering if the stand-alone doesn't have the same problem?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Historically, slide in ranges were also considered much higher end that drop in. That panel across the back is a dead give away of a kitchen on a budget. Historically, the slide in ranges were more expensive because you were supposed to keep a slat of countertop running across the back of the range -- which required more thought and money and planning.

In past years, they are now making sort of hybrid ranges -- panels on the front like a slide in range, but you buy the filler panel to go along the back. So you can put them in a drop in range slot without having to worry about the countertop detailing. Or you could put them in a new kitchen without having to spend the money on the special countertop slat.

So in sum, yeah, the ranges with buttons on front are still associated with a much higher end finished look -- even if they fall somewhere between a drop in and slide in range.

This is what I have (Kitchenaid). In fact, I don't even have a filled panel. The KA is designed to fit perfectly into an old drop in range space and it goes all the way to the wall. Looks GREAT and much higher end than its slightly cheaper drop in counterparts.

[Anonymous]

I think the slide in / drop in models look much nicer. We have the double oven GE. And I do prefer the front controls.

It is true, as someone mentioned, that my young son can more easily reach these controls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Historically, slide in ranges were also considered much higher end that drop in. That panel across the back is a dead give away of a kitchen on a budget. Historically, the slide in ranges were more expensive because you were supposed to keep a slat of countertop running across the back of the range -- which required more thought and money and planning.

In past years, they are now making sort of hybrid ranges -- panels on the front like a slide in range, but you buy the filler panel to go along the back. So you can put them in a drop in range slot without having to worry about the countertop detailing. Or you could put them in a new kitchen without having to spend the money on the special countertop slat.

So in sum, yeah, the ranges with buttons on front are still associated with a much higher end finished look -- even if they fall somewhere between a drop in and slide in range.

This is what I have (Kitchenaid). In fact, I don't even have a filled panel. The KA is designed to fit perfectly into an old drop in range space and it goes all the way to the wall. Looks GREAT and much higher end than its slightly cheaper drop in counterparts.

I have the feeling cafe version and no full panel and love it.
Controls in the front, and yes my toddler is interested in them. But my kitchen will be there and toddler will grow up. For now I supervise.

[Anonymous]

Feeling=GE

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've mentioned this in another thread, but try to actually operate the stove before you buy it (as in, have the dealer turn it on and let it heat up) and/or check the reviews carefully. My friends bought a high-end range that has the electronics in the front, and there is a really LOUD fan (like you have to raise your voice to talk over it), that runs while the oven is on and continues to run until it cools down. The fan is to cool the electronics, so I'm wondering if the stand-alone doesn't have the same problem?

Yeah our double oven is noisy

[Anonymous]

We recently went through this decision and went with a slide-in. I liked that it did not disrupt the counter top line along the back splash and we can use large pots with handles on the back burners without having to turn everything on the stove to fit all the pans. We have a young child and the front controls haven't been an issue.

FWIW, I agree with previous posters that the slide-in gives the allusion of a higher end kitchen.

[Anonymous]

I have a slide in range that came with the house - so, I didn't pick it for aesthetics - but find I like it because I really like not reaching over a bunch of hot burners to turn on another.