Changing a freestanding range with a backsplash to a slide-in or a range without a backsplash can tremendously improve the look of your kitchen.
The slide-in range will not obstruct your view of your backsplash.
So your kitchen may transform from this:
To this:
That said, you can replace a slide-in range with a freestanding range in the same location.
However, to change a slide-in range to a freestanding range is not as straightforward as it seems.
In this article, you'll learn how to swap out your old range for a slide-in or freestanding range.
This way, you can change the look of your kitchen without running into any surprise costs.
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There are two types of slide-in ranges - a traditional slide-in and a freestanding (hybrid) front control range.
Unfortunately, they look pretty similar, so be careful before you buy one.
A traditional slide-in range has a width of 31 inches.
The overhanging lip rests on the countertop which prevents food dropping to the sides.
The slide-in range style leaves a gap in the back, which is usually filled with a 1-2-inch countertop strip (or filler) to complete the custom look.
Most stove fillers are sold separately, but some are offered as complementary with your purchase of the stove. The stove must be raised before sliding the stove in.
In some cases, the filler is made from a countertop material such as granite, quartz, or Corian.
A professional may be needed to cut and remove the material. Keep in mind, a quote is needed before hiring any professional.
Whirlpool, who owns Jenn-Air and KitchenAid, and General Electric (GE) created freestanding front control ranges.
These ranges are exactly 30 inches in width with a full body depth.
This doesn’t require any backfiller, nor any countertop filler. There is no overhanging lip to the edge.
This is by the far the easier replacement to a freestanding stove because it matches the measurement completely.
There is no need for extra installation here. A cord needs to be plugged into an outlet, or a plumber needs to connect the gas line, and a quick adjustment needs to be made on the legs to fit the countertop. Then you’re ready to use the stove.
Buy the front control freestanding range. It is designed to fit in the place of a freestanding without any cabinet modification.
However, buy the slide-in for new construction or if you can modify the cabinets. It will prevent spills from dripping into the seam between the cabinet and range.
Remember they look the same, so measure the cooktop surface in the store. 31 inches is a slide-in range while a front control freestanding range is 30 inches.
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