The top of a slide-in stove lays on top of the countertop stone/material and covers it about 1-1/4 inches on each side and the back. There is no gap between stove top and countertop sides. A slide-in stove does not have "finished" metal sides. Cabinets on either side are required.

A free-standing stove is just that...there will be a gap of some size between the countertop and the sides of the stove. A free-standing stove has finished metal sides and it can stand against a wall without any side cabinets.

Thank you!

Also, a slide in range is not as deep as a freestanding range and requires a strip of countertop behind it. Also, most freestanding ranges have the controls on a backsplash but pro-style freestanding ranges such as Wolf, DCS, Bluestar etc. have the controls on the front just like a slide-in range.

Thank you! I'm going to stick with the free standing.

Pretty much all freestanding ranges have their controls on the back (electric). There are one or two exceptions out there (Kenmore) and the back panel is blank.

My gas slide in range has to be replaced. Would there be any advantage to get another slide in if I can find one over a free standing that will fit between the cabinets ok?