I currently have a drop in range, but have my eye on a new free standing. Will there be massive reconstructive surgery to make this happen, or is it as simple as cutting out the upper and lower parts of the cabinet?

If this is an electric range, you might want to check how the drop-in wiring is connected to see if a new outlet is needed.

Thanks....and I found out that drop ins are wired direct.....this is alot more trouble than I thought it would be.

Installing a range receptacle onto the existing power supply line would usually be very minor compared to the cabinetry work that will be required.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site

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hey, let's expand on this a little bit as lo and behold, i'm considering the same move.

is the carpentry work consisting of basically removing the back bit of the counter and the lower baseboard? or will there need to be additional room added by moving the surrounding cabinets out?

i'm planning to re-laminate the counter anyhow.

Well as far as I have gotten on this research is that after cutting out the excess cabinet....you have to make sure that you have enough support on each side. I also found the required clearance specs in the paperwork that comes in the oven....the one that I am looking at is at ***** ...and like I said the paperwork was right there inside the oven.....now all I need is the time off work to get all this accomplished.....hope this will help you out.

** is the carpentry work consisting of basically removing the back bit of the counter and the lower baseboard? **

Yes, besides making sure the space is wide enough to accommodate the free-standing range and installing a wall plug for the power supply.

** or will there need to be additional room added by moving the surrounding cabinets out? **

Not usually. A stove can stick out anyway.

** you have to make sure that you have enough support on each side. **

Support for what? A free-standing range won't need any but if you have to cut the space for the range wider, your cupboards might need it.

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site

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[This message has been edited by DanO (edited January 30, 2003).]

Why are you all getting rid of the drop-ins?
I think they look more fitted and cleaner and that the counter can fit under a lip or at least be a closer fit. HELP! I think this is a good idea for my new house, but you guys are making me rethink, why? lenmelcat@msn.com, Melanie

** I think this is a good idea for my new house **

From 'The Purchase' section of my site linked below.

quote:

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When deciding between a built-in model or standard, you should also take into consideration that sometime in the future the appliance may need to be replaced. Built-in products are not standardized in size (except dishwashers) and you may have a difficult time finding a replacement that will fit, down the road.

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JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site

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as a person who is the owner of a 22 year old, ugly as sin, drop in range who is now facing the predicament of replacing it to update the look of the kitchen, let me urge people who have a choice not to install one of them....unless, of course, you have plenty of money and don't mind the additional cost as they are much more expensive than free-standing ranges.

they don't make that many drop-ins anymore....if they made that many to begin with, so you have to worry about the limited choice you have. also, they seem much more difficult to take out if you are wanting to do something like re-laminate the countertop. which is another question i would like answered....