A slide-in range is an excellent addition to your kitchen if you’re going for that seamless look, as it will fit right between the kitchen cabinets and look almost as if it were a part of the actual cabinet setup.
However, what many people dislike about the slide-in range is that there is often a gap behind it, which is rather impractical.
Luckily, there are a few highly efficient yet aesthetic methods to get rid of this gap and create a truly seamless kitchen look that is also functional.
How to Fix a Gap Behind Slide-in Range
A slide-in range is a style of cooktop that uses an electric heating element. This cooktop is built into the counter, so you can’t buy separate units for your oven and stove. Unlike other types of ranges, it doesn’t require ventilation hoods because the heat is contained within a metal box underneath the cooking surface.
There are a few different types of slide-in ranges, each with its own advantages. Some are designed to match your current kitchen style and cabinet layout, while others offer a built-in microwave or a ventless hood design that makes it easy for you to cook without worrying about cleaning extra parts.
However, when the slide-in range is installed, there is often a gap behind it. This is because the oven backsplash isn’t flush with your countertop.
You may also need to add a panel on top of your cabinets, which can be a pain if you are already attached to your existing space. It is recommended to fill the gap in some way that will be both practical and aesthetic, as the food spills and dirt can get caught there or end up all over your tiles or walls.
Overall, a slide-in range is a great choice for any kitchen. It offers a customizable cooking surface that is easy to clean and maintain. If you’re unsure what would be the best solution for the gap behind your slide-in range, here are some of the most convenient methods.
1. Use Caulk
Caulk may be the most convenient way of filling the gap behind your slide-in range. Applying only takes a few minutes and leaves your kitchen looking instantly more attractive.
Caulk is designed to bond with a wide range of surfaces, so it can easily fill any gap between the wall and the slide-in range. It dries quickly and can still be painted over if desired, making it an ideal solution for many homeowners.
Before applying Caulk, first, wash the area thoroughly with warm water and a little dish soap to remove any grease or excess dirt that may be present. Be sure to dry off the area well before you apply the Caulk.
When it comes time to use the Caulk, squeeze some out onto your finger and spread it across the gap you’re filling. Be sure to apply it in a smooth, even layer and avoid any excess that may squeeze out. If necessary, use a wet rag or wipe to remove excess Caulk before it dries.
This can also be done while the Caulk is still wet, but this will require some extra time and effort on your part. Once the Caulk has dried, you can paint over it if desired. This will not only make your wall look nicer, but it will also hide any imperfections that may be present.
When properly applied, Caulk is one of the easiest and most effective ways to fill the gap behind a slide-in range. It allows you to quickly and conveniently hide the gap without spending much time or money on other solutions.
2. Use Plastic Tubing
Plastic tubing can be a very efficient way of filling the gap behind the slide-in range. It is extremely easy to position because it is flexible and will conform to the space behind the range.
Another advantage of plastic tubing is that it comes in a wide variety of diameters and lengths, making it easy to find one that fits your situation perfectly. You don’t need to worry about wastage or over-ordering since you can cut any excess tubing to the exact size you need for your situation.
All you need is a simple pair of scissors and a tape measure: just use them to measure your space, cut the plastic tube at that length, and you are ready to go. You can also purchase plastic tubing in various colors, making it easy to match your existing kitchen or other room décor.
Depending on the style and design of your slide-in range, plastic tubing can be used just behind the range itself or extended out from behind the range with additional tubing if desired. It is also very easy to remove if you want to update or change your range, so there is no need to worry about a permanent installation.
3. Use Premade Gap Fillers
Did you know there were premade gap fillers specifically for the gap behind the slide-in range? These gap fillers are simply strips of material that can be cut to fit the gap behind the slide-in range.
The premade gap fillers for the kitchen come in different sizes and thicknesses, so you have different options when choosing a filler strip. They’re mostly made of plastic, vinyl, silicone, or stainless steel, and they’re usually T-shaped, with one end having a lip that fits into the gap and the other end resting on the counter.
Some premade gap fillers also come with adhesive strips, so you can easily attach them to the wall behind your slide-in range. To install these premade gap fillers, measure the space between your slide-in range and the wall behind it and decide which type of premade gap filler you need.
After that, just cut the filler strip to size and stick it into place either with an adhesive strip or with a bit of glue for extra security.
Although premade gap fillers are often used specifically for installing appliances like slide-in ranges, they’re also great for filling the space behind kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, wall-mounted toilets, built-in bookshelves, and recessed lighting fixtures.
4. Backsplash
The backsplash is the coating that covers the gap between a countertop and kitchen walls. It typically has a horizontal surface, similar to wallpaper or paint, but with different textures, colors and patterns.
Most backsplashes have a simple design, but other more complex ones can be installed, such as mosaics or hand-painted tiles.
A backsplash can be installed on the wall behind a stove, sink, or kitchen island. The type of coating you choose depends on several factors, such as whether it will get splashed with water, if it is easy to clean, how much maintenance it requires, and of course, its style.
A backsplash is installed by applying a thin layer of adhesive mortar or mastic to the wall surface and then pressing the backsplash into place.
After that, it is usually important to seal the edges with Caulk or another type of sealant around the countertop and floor. The next step is grouting between tiles to ensure they are firmly installed.
While backsplashes are usually installed to protect the wall from water and grease, they can also have aesthetic purposes.
A beautiful backsplash can give your kitchen a unique look, especially if it is made of mosaic tiles or hand-painted panels. Backsplashes come in many different materials, including glass, metal, and tile.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
