Slide-in ranges have consistently held a small footprint in the vast and very competitive range market. Today, they account for about 5% of range sales. Slide-in ranges are known for their clean and unique look, with the cooktop and oven controls located on the front, so they are very popular in upscale kitchens providing a better aesthetic.
In recent years, gas slide-ins have increased in output. A few have more output than professional style ranges on one or more burners.
Slide-In vs. Freestanding Video
Freestanding ranges, which account for about 90% of range sales, come standard with a backsplash and that is where the oven controls are located. Another difference to note between these two styles is that the sides of a slide-in range are not finished, so it would need to be set between two cabinets. Unlike the freestanding range, that come standard with finished sides and doesn’t necessarily require being set between cabinets.
Slide-In vs. Drop-In Ranges
Slide-in ranges are very similar in appearance to the now limited market of “drop-in ranges”. Some recognize them to be one in the same. One of the more obvious differences between the two is that the bottom of a drop-in range is set to end (or disappear) into a lower base cabinet. They do not offer a lower drawer. With a slide-in range, the unit will extend all the way to sit securely on the floor. The lower drawer is standard. In some higher-end units, the drawer can be used as storage, a warmer or a second oven. Both the slide-in and drop-in are configured so that the sides and the rear of the unit overlap the countertop by about 1/2”. This will help eliminate any food particles from dropping down along the sides or the rear of the unit minimizing the exposure to unwanted pests.
With the slide-in gas range being in more of a specialty market, with fewer options than that of its freestanding counterpart, we’ve categorized them below as the Most Powerful and best valued 30 Inch Slide-In Gas Ranges.
|
Electrolux is the second biggest manufacturer of appliances in the world. They offer one of the best looks in the slide-in category. They’ve always been well recognized for their stylish design and appeal. This model offers 4 sealed burners with a BTU (British Thermal Units) output of 46,500, with one of the burners being dual-flamed at 18,000 BTU high and a very low simmer at 450 BTUs. It also offers easy to use digital oven controls that are set on the top front of the unit. The 4.2 cu. ft oven comes standard with an output of 18,000 BTUs, a luxury glide rack, temperature probe and their convection technology features a third convection element for consistently even results, up to 30% faster cooking times and even more baking options. There are no current rebate offerings on this range. The Wave Touch controls offer the most cooking modes for proofing, Perfect Turkey and dehydrating out of any range currently on the market |
|
GE has a long history in the appliance industry. Typically used by many contractors in new developments for the sole purpose of discounted pricing with bulk buys & special contractor pricing. This specific model offers one of the strongest power burners in its class. It’s a Tri-Ring Power Boil Burner with a 20,000 BTU output. The cooktop surface is made up of 5 sealed burners, with a total BTU output of 55,100. The 5.6 cu. ft convection oven is also one of the largest in its class and comes standard with an output of 16,000 BTUs. This range also offers a warming drawer. There are no current rebate offerings on this range. To be transparent we do not sell any GE products at Yale. |
|
Frigidaire is part of the Electrolux Company and is better known as their value brand. Their slide-in gas range doesn’t boast as much power as their parent companies model, but still offers very decent output. This model comes standard with 4 sealed burners, with a power burner of 17,000 BTUs and a total cooktop BTU output of 46,500. The oven is 4.2 cu. ft. with a BTU output of 11,500 and offers True Convection (convection fan is wrapped by a heating element so that new heat, rather than re-circulated heat is introduced to the cavity). This unit also comes standard with a warming drawer and is also A.D.A Compliant. This range currently offers $75.00 in mail-in rebates. |
|
Whirlpool is the biggest manufacturer of appliances in the world. They’re the parent company to JennAir, KitchenAid, Maytag and Amana. They’re consistently recognized as a leader in the industry. The Whirlpool Gold Gas slide-in offers 4 sealed burners, with a power burner of 16,000 BTUs and a total cooktop output of 42,700 BTUs. The 4.5 cu. ft convection oven comes standard with an output of 18,000 BTUs. There are no current rebate offerings on this range. |
|
KitchenAid is part of the Whirlpool family and is recognized as one of the premier labels in the group. This range offers a TripleTier power burner of 15,000 BTUs. It comes standard with 4 sealed burners and a total cooktop BTU output of 39,500 BTUs. This range is also available in a professional version, model KGSS907XSP. The True Convection oven is 4.1 cu. ft., with a BTU output of 16,500. This range also comes standard with a temperature probe, warming drawer and is also A.D.A compliant. This range currently offers $75.00 in mail-in rebates, plus, this can be included in KitchenAid’s current package rebate up to $700. |
Which is the Best?
It really depends. GE Profile is more powerful with 20,000 BTUs and total cooktop output of 55,100 BTUs. The 20,000 BTU power burner is more powerful than most professional ranges. You are probably cooking on 12,000 to 15,000 BTUs on a range that is 6-8 years old.
Ultimately, Electrolux is an overall better value. With a powerful 18,000 BTU power burner. The strength of this oven is the controls, which allows you to cook all foods in any mode very easily. It is the best and most intuitive oven controls in the industry for gas slide-ins.
I also like Frigidaire for value and reliability.
Related Articles
Additional Resources
Download the Yale Gas Cooking Buyers Guide with features, specs and inside tips to every major manufacturer. Over 45,000 people have read a Yale Guide.