Freestanding Range / Stove
A freestanding stove/range is exactly as described: freestanding and not attached to any walls or cabinetry. It includes a cooktop and an oven. It typically features a control panel at the back of the appliance that sits 6” to 10” above the cooking surface. Its sides are finished, which means it can be placed wherever there is a gas or electrical hookup. Most freestanding ranges are available in 24” or 30” widths. A freestanding range is the most economical option on the market.
Freestanding Range
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Things to know about this layout option:
- Small kitchen spaces and budgets often drive the decision to use a freestanding range.
- A freestanding range does not have any special cabinet requirements.
- Since this is a freestanding appliance, you will have a small gap between the appliance and the countertop.
- As with any cooking surface, it is best to have at least 12” of countertop space on the left or right. More is better, but if you’re tight on space, 12” will work.
- Note that the back control panel will sit in front of your backsplash. If you like a clean, uncluttered look or want your backsplash to be a focal point, you may want to consider a Slide-In range as a modest upgrade.
- Installation is fairly simple, but may require a support piece at the back of the appliance. This type of range is also easy to replace in the future as long as you match the width.
- It is common to see a microwave or a microwave vent hood above a freestanding range. It is a good use of space, but does require planning for the cabinets above.
- KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY – While a microwave or microwave hood over your range is a great space-saving idea, keep in mind that this location can be a safety hazard for children or even shorter adults. Reaching over a hot range to access the microwave can be dangerous. And, removing hot items from a higher level can be challenging. If you have kids, consider selecting a different location for your microwave. Talk with your designer about options.
The dollar signs are used to show a price comparison relative to the cost of the cabinetry and the appliances. Of course, depending on your final choices, cost will vary.
Slide-In Range
Unlike freestanding ranges, slide-in ranges have no bulky control panel on the back. Instead, the controls are located on the front to ensure you’ll never have to reach over a hot pan to adjust burner or oven temperature. While slide-in ranges blend seamlessly with the countertop to create a built-in look, they do require cabinets on either side due to their unfinished side panels. Most slide-ins are available in a range of sizes from 30”to 48” wide and work with either electric or gas hookups. It is also important to note that the larger widths typically require additional ventilation. In the end, while a slide-in range is a slight upgrade, it is still an affordable option that can really make a big impact.
Slide-In Range, Microwave Vent Hood
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Things to know about this layout option:
- This is a great option when budgets are tight but you still want a more polished look in your space.
- Slide-in ranges blend seamlessly with the countertop since the lip of the range typically overlaps the countertop. One of the main benefits of this overlap is cleanability since food and spills can’t drip down the sides of the range.
- A slide-in range must be installed between two cabinets as the sides are not enclosed.
- As with any cooking surface, it is best to have at least 12” of countertop space on the left or right. More is better, but if you’re tight on space, 12” will work.
- The “plug and play” nature makes installation easy. This type of stove is the easiest to switch out with another model in the future as long as you match the width.
- It is common to see a microwave or a microwave vent hood above a slide-in, but there are many options available.
- KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY – While a microwave or microwave hood over your range is a great space-saving idea, keep in mind that this location can be a safety hazard for children or even shorter adults. Reaching over a hot range to access the microwave can be dangerous. And, removing hot items from a higher level can be challenging. If you have kids, consider selecting a different location for your microwave. Talk with your designer about options.
Slide-In Range, Microwave Vent Hood & Second Oven
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Things to know about this layout option (In addition to the notes in the above example):
- If you want a second oven in your kitchen, but upgrading to a cooktop is out of reach, this scenario may work well for you.
- This layout uses a slide-in range and a single built-in oven.
- This option will require a special oven cabinet. In this scenario, you end up with a great amount of storage space above and below the oven.
- You will enjoy the added benefit of oven space and improved function in the kitchen, without the higher cost of a built-in cooktop or a typical double oven.
- By having an additional oven separate from the cooking surface, the flow of traffic will be vastly improved when multiple cooks are in the kitchen. No more running into each other while cooking and baking.
- It is common to see a microwave or a microwave vent hood above a slide-in, but there are many options available.
- KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY – While a microwave or microwave hood over your range is a great space-saving idea, keep in mind that this location can be a safety hazard for children or even shorter adults. Reaching over a hot range to access the microwave can be dangerous. And, removing hot items from a higher level can be challenging. If you have kids, consider selecting a different location for your microwave. Talk with your designer about options.