Even if you've been stove shopping for awhile, you may not know the difference between freestanding and slide-in ranges. You're not alone! It can be a confusing topic. And you might not think it matters that much, but understanding the differences (and just as importantly, the similarities) can help you make a better choice, which is important for a big purchase like a kitchen range.
We'll help you learn the differences and pros and cons of each type of range to help you decide.
Note: We use the terms "range" and "stove" interchangeably in this article.
Freestanding Ranges
Most freestanding stoves look like this:
What They Are
As shown in the image, freestanding stoves have a tall backsplash that usually also has the controls on it. It has finished sides so it can go anywhere in your kitchen (such as at the end of a counter or in a stand alone spot), thus the term "freestanding." Nearly all freestanding stoves are the standard 30-inches wide, though there are a few available in the less common 36-inch size. We don't know of any freestanding stoves wider than 36 inches.
The built-in backsplash makes most freestanding stoves easier to install (we'll explain why below).
Advantages
Disadvantages
What They Are
Slide-in stoves have a more custom appearance and can be trickier to install than freestanding stoves, though most are easier to install than they once were: a slide-in range can be an inch or two shallower than a freestanding range (because, no backsplash) and may require an additional strip of steel behind the range to fit the space. This installation "kit" is usually available with the range or as an extra purchase. Or, you can match the edging to your countertop for an even more built-in appearance.
Slide-ins sometimes have an overhang along the sides that makes them look more customized than a freestanding range, though this is also less true than it once was. The lack of a backsplash means more of your wall is exposed, which can be good or bad, depending on your preference.
Controls are always in the front, as there is nowhere else to put them on a slide-in range (although cooktop controls may sometimes be on the cooking surface).
If you have a 36-inch space, then a slide-in may be your only option, as there are many more slide-ins available in this size than there are freestanding stoves.
Traditionally, slide-in ranges are not fitted with sides because they're meant to fit a space between two counters (so sides are unnecessary). But today, most brands come with finished sides, or have them available as an additional installation kit.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Today's Truth About the Differences
At one time, freestanding and slide-in ranges were very different appliances, and you couldn't put one type in a space designed for the other without a fair amount of modification. For example, all slide-in ranges had a "lip" along the sides that fit over the counter, providing both a more integrated appearance and solved the problem of crevices where food and grease can get caught.
This lip offered a great custom look, but made installation more difficult, so few slide-in ranges have this feature today. Some are also as deep as freestanding ranges now, so few to no modifications are needed if you install a slide-in in a space designed for a freestanding range.
Most slide-ins also now come with finished sides or add-on kits to finish the sides so you can install them anywhere.
And, you can find freestanding ranges with front controls, often called a "front-control range." The price will be somewhere in-between a freestanding and a slide-in.
So the lines between the two types of stoves, once very clear, can now be quite blurred. But this blurring allows for easier installation and more freedom in design choices for the consumer, though it can also make it harder to get a customized look without spending a lot.
There are exceptions--that is, some slide-ins are true slide-ins and will require more customized installation--and you should always measure your space and make sure the range you want will fit it (with or without modifications). But in today's market, "freestanding" and "slide-in" are largely just design options, and most will work wherever you want them to (assuming the space is the right size, e.g, 30- or 36-inches).
The one thing you don't want to do is install a freestanding stove with a high backsplash in an island, because the backsplash will protrude above the counter, which would not look good.
Other Options
Freestanding and slide-in ranges aren't your only options. Knowing what the different designs are called and how they're defined will help you choose the right appliance, or combination of appliances, for your space.
Cooktop and Wall Oven
Cooktop (left) and wall oven (right).
One of the most common alternatives to an all-in-one range is the cooktop-and-wall-oven combination. With this setup, the cooktop and oven are separate appliances. Having the oven in a higher spot makes it easier to use and clean. Modern wall ovens can have just one standard oven, two standard ovens, or a standard oven and a microwave oven.
The cooktop can also be placed above a wall oven, thus configured like a standard range, but this removes one of the great advantages of having a wall oven (easier access).
Cooktop/wall oven is considered a high-end design, and it's more expensive to buy two separate appliances. But you can't deny that this is a great look in any kitchen that's large enough to handle it.
Drop-In Range
Drop-in range (note cabinetry below the oven and lip in the edges).
A drop-in range is designed to work with truly customized cabinetry (not to give the appearance of doing so, as with slide-in ranges). A drop-in usually has cabinetry all around it, including below the oven, as pictured here. They also really do have the lip overhanging the counter that slide-ins are known for, but most no longer have (you can see the lip clearly in the image above).
Drop-in ranges require a fair amount of customization, which makes them more expensive than freestanding and slide-in ranges. They look great, especially on an island, and if you make good use of the cabinet space beneath them (storage!), then they can be practical. But they're not as popular as they once were, probably due to the greater cost without adding a lot of benefit.
Commercial Style Range
48-inch commercial style KitchenAid range.
Also called pro-style or restaurant-style, a commercial style range looks like a range you'd find in a professional restaurant kitchen. They tend to be stainless steel, with high burner output and larger ovens. Many also have griddles ("planchas"), grills, and extra burners. Sizes vary, from standard 30- and 36-inch models up to 48- and even 72-inch models. They are "freestanding" in the sense that they can go anywhere in a kitchen, but they almost always have front controls.
They're called commercial style ranges because these aren't actually designed for professional use, but rather designed to look like professional ranges. True professional ranges tend to lack some of the safety and convenience features found on commercial style ranges made for home use. They also require more powerful ventilation, which is not always something you can do in a home kitchen (or at least not affordably).
Because most commercial style ranges are more powerful than standard ranges, they are also more expensive. But today you can find pro-style looks that lack pro-style power, so be careful in choosing one of these ranges (more powerful ranges will be more expensive). However, they look great, and the greater power is a desirable feature to many serious home cooks.
Fuel Type
All range options are available in gas, electric, induction, and dual fuel (which means a gas cooktop and an electric oven).
The fuel type you choose will largely depend on where you live and what's available. If you have a gas hookup, then you are most likely to go with a gas range, or possibly dual fuel because gas is better for stovetop cooking but electric is better for baking (but this is a more expensive option). If you have an electric hookup, then your choices are conventional electric or induction, and we recommend induction if you can afford it. For more articles about induction cooking and brand reviews, see our Induction page.
Freestanding Vs. Slide-In Range FAQs
Here are some common questions about freestanding vs. slide-in ranges.
How Do You Know Which Stove Is Best for Your Kitchen?
The right type of range depends mostly on your preferences. Of course, you have to go with the power source available to you--gas or electric--as well as the space you have, but other than that, you are free to choose any style of stove you like.
Are Freestanding and Slide-In Ranges Interchangeable?
To an extent, yes. Either type of modern range tends to fit a space designed for its size, with little to no customization. Freestanding stoves are particularly easy to install, but modern slide-ins are designed for minimal customization, too. Be sure to measure your space carefully to make sure the range you choose will fit without difficult modifications. (Even a half-inch can be a problem, so measure well.)
Why are Slide-Ins More Expensive than Freestanding Stoves?
Slide-ins are considered to look more customized, so even though they rarely have features that are better than freestanding stoves, they do look better, so people are willing to pay more for them. They may also require more custom fittings, which can add to the cost.
How Do I Know What Size Stove I Need?
You just need to measure the space. Most ranges are 30 inches wide, but could be 36 inches or more, so first measure the width of the space. You also need to measure the depth, or far from the wall to the counter. While most ranges today are designed to fit in the designated space, even a half-inch too wide or too deep can make the range a huge headache to install. So make sure the stove you choose is no larger than any of the measurements. You can find out more by looking at home appliance sites or asking your local appliance dealer.
Final Thoughts
The main difference between freestanding and slide-in ranges is that the freestanding has a backsplash with rear controls, and the slide-in has no backsplash and controls on the front. Slide-ins used to be more customized, but today the differences are largely in design, with both models installable in the same space--but make sure before you buy, because you don't want to be stuck with a range that doesn't fit your space; it's an expensive and time-consuming problem to fix.
Thanks for reading!
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