A slide-in range is designed to slide in and fit flush with your counter top. Slide-in ranges have a slightly protruding cook top that rests on top of the counter top on each side. This is a nice feature as it keeps food and debris from falling between the range and adjacent cabinetry. There must be cabinets on each side a slide-in range because the side panels are not finished. Because it does not have a built-in back splash, it does not intrude on the look of your counter top or back splash tile. With a slide-in range, cook top and oven controls are at the front of the appliance.