Assuming you purchased a range (a cooktop and oven combination unit) that uses the same fuel source as your old range, installing the new appliance should be as easy as sliding in or dropping in the unit. (You can also choose a freestanding range, but it’s the same as a slide-in model — only not surrounded by cabinets.)
A slide-in range is the easiest to install regardless of the fuel source. After the fuel source connection is made, you simply push or slide the range into position — hence the name “slide-in.”
The main thing to avoid in this installation is damaging the floor. Plastic appliance mover strips that you position under the legs of the range enable you to slide the range into place easily without scratching, or even contacting, the floor. You can also use part of the cardboard box that the appliance was shipped in; however, be careful not to rip the cardboard while sliding the range.
Electrically powered slide-in ranges use either a heavy cord that’s plugged into a dedicated 240-volt/50-amp circuit or a length of flexible metal cable with individual wires inside, which is connected to an electrical box located behind the range. Gas-fired slide-in ranges use a flexible gas line that’s attached to the gas supply line’s shut-off valve, or gas cock, on one end and to the range’s gas connection on the other. Gas connections use flare nut fittings to attach the gas supply line to the main gas line. When installed properly, they provide the best seal for preventing gas leaks, and they can be taken apart easily if, for example, you need to move the range out to work on the area behind it.
Making a gas connection to an appliance isn’t difficult, but it must be done correctly to prevent a gas leak. Flare nut fittings are used on both ends of the flexible gas line. After the connections are made, check for leaks. If you detect a gas leak after testing and refitting the connection a couple of times, you may want to call a plumber to handle the hookup.
Both electric and gas ranges usually have a clock and other cooking accessories that run on electrical power, but only 120 volts or a standard circuit is required. The ranges have a standard 120-volt power cord that’s plugged into a 120-volt receptacle located on the wall behind the range. An electric range needs two outlets behind it — a 240-volt for powering the cooking components and a 120-volt for the clock and timer(s).
A drop-in range requires a cutout cabinet and countertop area so that the range drops into the cabinet. This type of range often has a flange around the edge of the cooktop surface. The flange rests on the countertop and supports the entire range. Then the range itself is screwed to the cabinet. The fuel-source hookups are the same for a drop-in range as they are for a slide-in type.
