At a Glance
Price Ranges Slide In vs Freestanding Range
Size and Space Considerations Freestanding vs Slide In Range
Depth of Freestanding vs Slide In Range
Slide In vs Freestanding Range Differences in Features
Best Freestanding and Slide In Electric Ranges
Why Trust Plaza Appliance Mart?
Whether you are replacing your range or choosing one for your new kitchen, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a new range. You must choose fuel, features, brand, capacity, and other key factors. When replacing a range it is important to make sure that the new range will fit in the available space in the kitchen design.
There are three different types of ranges: drop-in, slide-in, and freestanding. Slide-in and freestanding ranges are the most common, but they are not interchangeable. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between slide vs. freestanding ranges.
Price Ranges Slide In vs Freestanding Range
The first thing you’ll notice when looking at freestanding ranges vs slide in ranges is the price. Freestanding ranges tend to offer more basic functionality, and as such, they are much less expensive than slide in ranges that have a more sophisticated design made to work seamlessly with your existing kitchen cabinets.
When you’re remodeling on a budget and not worried about having a lot of features or sophisticated aesthetic, go with a freestanding range. Property managers and apartment complexes tend to go for freestanding electric ranges as a budget-friendly and durable option.
Size and Space Considerations Freestanding vs Slide In Range
The size of a range vs the available space for the appliance is a very important safety consideration. You must make sure that there is enough space around the range to vent heat properly and avoid heat damage or fire. Both slide in and freestanding ranges should leave a minimum of 30 inches between the range’s cooktop and the bottom of the upper cabinets. Some range hoods do not require quite that much clearance.
Space Needed Around the Range
Fire safety standards dictate how much space should be between your range and any walls or counters surrounding it. Slide in ranges need at least 2-3 inches between the back wall and the appliance because they are enclosed on both sides and need space to vent heat.
How much space is needed on the sides of the range depends on the type of range. Slide-in electric ranges do not need any clearance between the counter and the range as long as the cooking elements sit at least 1 inch higher than the counter. Slide in gas ranges need 3-6" on either side separating it from the cabinets.
Freestanding ranges are designed to be against a wall with open sides. No space is needed behind the appliance because two or three sides are still open to the air. You will probably need to leave about an inch at the back for cords and connectors. When there is space between the range and the counters, you can hide it with panels that look like an extension of the range but are actually connected to the range and the counter with little other attachment.
Height Considerations
There is also a big difference between the height of a freestanding vs slide in range – about 11 inches worth. The height of ranges is measured from the floor to the cooktop but does not include the cooktop itself.
Freestanding ranges are a standard height of 47 inches, which gives you a larger oven capacity. These models also usually have a decent-sized storage drawer, which is usually replaced by a broiler or baking drawer on slide-in ranges.
Slide in ranges, on the other hand, are only 36 inches, which is the standard height for counters. Freestanding ranges will not work in slide in cabinet cutouts because they would be too tall to leave the appropriate clearance between the cooking surface and the upper cabinets. In addition, freestanding ranges are difficult for children and shorter adults to use.
Depth of Freestanding vs Slide In Range
Depth is another reason you can’t interchange freestanding and slide in ranges. A slide-in range has less depth so it can have the appropriate space behind without jutting out too far from the cabinets. The decreased depth results in lower oven capacity. By contrast, a freestanding range has full appliance depth.
Slide In vs Freestanding Range Differences in Features
There are big differences in features between these two types of ranges as well. Freestanding ranges have fewer features, but some of them are not available on slide in ranges. Slide in ranges have more features for a more functional kitchen.
Slide in ranges have these beneficial features:
- Baking drawer for added oven capacity
- More refined appearance
- Induction cooktops are the standard for safety reasons
- More likely to have a self-clean mode
- More likely to have smart features
The freestanding range models have a basic design with either traditional burners or induction cooktops. They rarely have self-clean options, but cleaning a freestanding range is not difficult.
Best Freestanding and Slide In Electric Ranges
Electric ranges are quickly becoming the favorite for most cooks. While professional and hobby chefs prefer the control they get with a gas range, the average cook is happy to trade that off in exchange for faster boil times, safer cooking surfaces, and convection ovens. Since you can’t interchange these two types of ranges, we are featuring our bestselling models in each category.
GE® 30" Black Free Standing Electric Range
This GE freestanding range is the best option for homeowners needing a budget-friendly range when no cutout exists for a slide in or drop in model. A freestanding range can also work at the end of a bank of counters. This range in particular is popular among property managers, apartment complexes, and small-budget homes. GE is a well-trusted brand known for functionality and durability.
This GE freestanding range has traditional electric burners, a large removable storage drawer, and a high-capacity 5 cu ft oven. Instead of a convection oven, it has an oven with top and bottom burners for more even heat distribution.
 
In short, the freestanding range is economical, efficient, functional, budget-friendly, and works in most open-concept kitchens.
JennAir® 30" Stainless Steel Slide-In Electric Induction Range
This slide-in electric range is on the high side, with JennAir famous for their upper-quality line of kitchen appliances. The JennAir slide in electric range uses induction technology with a convection oven. This range is a favorite among home chefs cooking frequently. It has a baking drawer that extends the use of the lower-capacity oven, with some other amazing features. These ranges are also popular with bakers and are particularly helpful while making bread with even convection heating and a proofing option. While not the top of the JennAir line, this slide in electric range is packed with features you won’t find in freestanding models. Here are just a few of the features listed for this slide in range:
- Sensor boil to come to a hard boil fast then automatically adjust the temperature to avoid boiling over
- Multiple strength induction elements for cooking complex meals
- Auto and manual convection modes, baking drawer, and broil element for ultimate versatility
- Self-cleaning technology and easy-to-clean glass cooking surface
If neither of these models looks like it will meet your needs, come visit the experts at Plaza Appliance Mart to get the best appliances to fit your existing or newly remodeled kitchen.
Why Trust Plaza Appliance Mart?
Plaza Appliance Mart is a local, family-owned, appliance store in North Carolina where you can get personalized, expert service that you won’t find at the big box stores. Plaza Appliance Mart is YOUR source for competitive prices with knowledgeable in-store professionals here to help you every step of the way, whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you're remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products. And, our delivery and installation specialists will assure that your new appliances arrive safely and are installed properly.
If you were to ask the employees at Plaza Appliance Mart about their roles in the company, they'd say they're not just employees, they're family. So as you might imagine. a team of professionals like this who are already so tightly knit and bonded together make for a perfect partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. Apart from their community ties, Plaza Appliance is an accredited Better Business Bureau company with an A+ Rating.
Shop Electric Ranges at Plaza Appliance Mart
Stop by Plaza’s Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, or Pineville locations to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop ranges online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the right range for your home — whether you call us at 704-568-7600, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: Slide In vs Free Standing Ranges: How to Decide