Today we see an increasing amount of sales on freestanding front control ranges. A front control typically fits in the space where your old freestanding rear control range was positioned. We are not comparing the true slide in ranges which overlap your counter tops at the rear and sides and do not always include side panels. These slide in units definitely require countertops on both sides for the installation.
Why would you select one verses the other style? Here are a few things to consider when selecting the next range.
- Price
- Availability
- Features – Sometimes features like a warming drawer may be on the front control but not included on the similar freestanding unit
- Ease of use and safety
- Aesthetics
- Colour availability
- Kitchen layout and tiled backsplash
With most manufacturers their front control ranges are at a higher price point than that of similar rear control models. Why pay the extra price? The front control can give your kitchen a new modern look with the ease of front controls. Many customers have commented on reaching over boiling pots to adjust temperature on the rear controls. Some customers are more concerned with keeping front control knobs away from toddlers. These control knobs do have safety devices where the operator has to intentionally push down and turn the knob at the same time.Â
Many manufacturers do not make every model in every colour group. If all of your appliances are black you could possibly find there may not be a black alternative in the style and with the features that you require.
Sometimes the deciding factor is the kitchen layout and if you have a tiled backsplash does it come down low enough to cover the space behind your range.Â
The choice is yours. There are many effective models in both styles. Come in and take a look at both styles at Barber and Haskill!
