Drop In Gas Ranges

Replacing a Drop In Range with a Slide In Range

It's a big decision when replacing a drop in range with a slide in range.  You must consider several factors before you make your buying decision.

Replacing a Drop In Range with a Slide In Range

Prices for a slide in range is typically lower than those for drop in range models. It is probably due to the fact there are a lot more slide in ranges made because they are favored by builders due to easier cabinetry and installation and are more often purchased and installed in new apartments, condos and newly built homes. They may not offer the same cooking advantages but they do have the advantage of price and ready availability at most major home centers and appliance stores.

If you purchase a home that already has a drop in range installed, it is very easy to convert that space into a slide in compatible installation area.  This assumes that you will be staying with the same type of fuel source that is currently installed.  If you are converting to a different fuel source, you will have to run either a new gas line or electrical connection into the space.  While this is possibly a do it yourself project, unless you are very good as such projects, it will be safer and quicker for you to contract this out to someone who specializes in either gas lines or electrical work.

With the fuel source question resolved, next you need to shut off the fuel source either by finding the gas cutoff valve for the existing range’s gas line or shut off the breaker at the electrical box.  Next is the actual removal step.  You should enlist the help of an assistant as you will have to lift the drop in range out of the cabinet installation cavity and this can be extremely awkward, especially if the existing fuel or electrical line is not very long.  This will have to be disconnected in the process of removal.

The next step will be the modification of the drop in range opening in your cabinetry.  You will need to remove all prior installation pieces, wedges, shims, connectors and lumber.  This will also include the necessity of removing the bottom cabinet apron and any associated cabinet trim work.

After this step, you will want to carefully measure the opening and ensure that whatever slide in range you select meets the opening requirements.  It is possible to install and decoratively trim the opening if you select a range that is slightly smaller than the opening.  You DO NOT want to exceed the opening size by selecting a slide in range that exceeds this dimension. You should also verify the depth measurement to make sure that the new range does not fit to far in or extend too far out in either direction.  This will make the conversion unsightly and unappealing.

Once you have purchased the new range to replace the old drop in range, you will need assistance again since you do not want to literally ‘slide’ the range into place but lift as you insert and reattach your fuel source.  After installation, it is just a matter of turning the fuel or electrical source back on, testing your installation and finish with any decorative trim in front, below, or on the top side surfaces.