Induction Slide-In Range Decision

11 years ago

Hi all, we're building a new house and I need to make my appliance selections very soon but am stuck on the range issue. Induction is non-negotiable, but I'd really like to have the look of a slide-in, which drastically narrows the field. The GE phs920sfss looks great and would be my #1 pick if not for the pesky fit issue wherein my 34.5" cabinets and 3cm granite do not = the min 36" height required for the glass cooktop to sit flush. I've talked to my granite fabricators, my cabinet people, and even Micro Trim about finding a way to make this stinkin' thing work, but it's just not working out for me, so I'm guessing I will have to give up on this model unless someone here has another creative solution. I've thought about filling in the gaps with custom cut glass (though no one seems to make strips that are 1" or less in width) or DIY wooden strips painted a glossy black, but when I'm spending so much more money for a slide-in vs a freestanding, it's kind of off-putting to have to jerryrig up a solution that may look cheap.

I threw out the Samsung slide-in on reliability/brand basis; I can't afford Miele and the like. $3000 is about the top of my budget. I'm considering the Bosch hiip054u but am a little scared of some mixed reviews and how many people have complained about the control panel being too easily bumped. I'd also like to know if anyone who owns the Bosch posts here - would this model even sit flush with my granite?

So I'm thinking I may have to give up the slide-in look altogether and just go with the GE phb920sfss which at least has solid reviews and no fit issues. I'm trying to console myself by saying that just having induction at all will be a huge upgrade from my current GE electric freestanding range, but was hoping for a 'sexier' looking range in the new house. The phb920sfss doesn't look very different from the range I have now, just with touchpad controls instead of knobs (which is actually probably a bummer in the end).

If you made it this far, thanks for reading, and I'd appreciate any advice offered!

Featured Answer

silken1

11 years ago

Could you raise that run of countertop as suggested and put a thin cherry veneer trim or moulding along the front under the counter top. If the counter top overhangs a bit it is mostly in shadow anyways.

Depending what your finished flooring is, could you not install it under the range? It does make it difficult to pull out when necessary but maybe you can come up with something creative for that. Lifting it just enough to slide something under it so it pulls out easily if you ever need to.

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Comments (11)

writersblock (9b/10a)
11 years ago
Well, it's definitely not sexier in any way, but there is the new Frigidaire that's available for as little as $1500:

http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/FGIS3065PF.html
Tara Krogh
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the suggestion, writersblock! I got all excited when I saw it had knobs but then realized that it's got Frigidaire's non-smudge stainless finish, which would normally be a positive but in this case would make it not match the stainless appliances I'm buying from other brands. It's darker than 'regular' stainless :(
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weedmeister
11 years ago
Some folks put plywood under their granite to reinforce it. 3/4" would work for you.
Tara Krogh
Original Author
11 years ago
weedmeister, we're doing natural cherry cabinets and the cabinet guys said it'd be a problem to do that bc they can't stain it to match the cherry and the way that cherry darkens over time :(
Nothing Left to Say
11 years ago
I had the frigidaire smudge proof stainless in the same small kitchen as a Bosch dishwasher (kitchen is currently completely gutted as remodel is underway). I "know" the finishes didn't match exactly, but I honestly never once noticed. I wouldn't rule the frigidaire out on that basis without at least seeing it in person--though maybe you already have and are just more discerning than I am..
fauguy
11 years ago
There is also a new Electrolux coming out

http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/EW30IS80RS.html

But the original model from 5-6 years ago had bad reviews with issues, hope Electrolux has resolved them with the new one. I like the GE slide in, good reviews. The Samsung model has some nice features, but not sure how good Samsung ranges are.
seb225
11 years ago
Have you looked at the new Kitchenaid? I don't know the specs but I haven't seen it mentioned. What about Kenmore? I don't know your timeframe but I think JennAir has new ranges coming out later this year. JA may be too pricy but if the free dishwasher promotion is still running it may become more competitive.
barjohn
11 years ago
I installed the Electrolux about 2-3 years ago in my vacation rental property. It has had very few minor issues that a power reset normally clears up and that is about it. However, at least for a rental, I would now buy one with knobs instead of push button controls. I almost bought the Viking unit back then and I wish I had as the knobs are just a more intuitive way to use a stove when cooking.
enduring
11 years ago
As silken states put the plywood on, then rip some trim, finished in your wood stain and it will look great. I did this on my sink run so I could raise the counter to get my dishwasher in and out, I had to put a keyhole in the ply at the dishwasher area. Long story there. Anyway, the 4" trim, finished in my cabinet color worked great. Carpenter ripped a 1/4 or 1/2" thick piece and fasted the ply. It all matches beautifully.
silken1
11 years ago
I'm curious to know what the OP decided in the end!