Original Post: Whirlpool slide-in ranges that are not slide-in
Life has an uncanny way of connecting us to what we choose as being important to ourselves . The day that I finished my post about the Whirlpool slide-in range, I went to a trade show and at Whirlpool’s booth, I met some members of their upper-level management team and shared the thoughts in my previous post about their slide-in range. Normally those booths are only staffed with salespeople, so this was a fortunate opportunity.
- They seemed truly amazed that I could not find the peel and stick trim kit accessory anywhere, and promised to send me one to evaluate.
- They also seemed to listen intently to my concerns about the viability of a peel and stick accessory, and vowed to follow up with their design dept to see if a more permanent alternative accessory could be made.
Another topic I brought up to them was the need to have more open lines of communication between professionals like myself, who specify and install their products and their upper-level design and engineering team. I suggested using some type of login verification system for pros and their website or social media sites to allow professionals to communicate product deficiencies or needs directly to their upper level decision makers.
- They appeared intrigued by the idea and recognized a need and benefits to them instituting such a system.
The good part of this meeting was they both genuinely seemed interested and understood my concerns. Now comes the wait to see if the people above them that make the final decisions share their concern and sincerity.
I will keep you posted on any updates. Please keep letting them know your thoughts. The more of us who act on this, the more likely we will see a change for the better. We can all make a difference, one person at a time!
Hello Dan. I have been in trauma having to replace my 33year old downdraft electric range DACOR. And only now because the door fell off. BUt 30+ years is a good life. As you know I have 2 choices to replace the downdraft KitchenAid and JennAir. I need to keep with electric downdraft at this time. So I am stuck.
In addition to the luke warm reviews on both these units I like the look of the Kitchen Aid vs Jennair. But this trim kit is ridiculous. I totally agree with you.
I am using a pretty good contractor and will discuss with him before the install to see if he can mitigate the gap. Have you discovered any solutions? Going forward will most ‘slide in’ ranges have this issue?
Do you have any feelings on JennAir vs Kitchenaid downdraft. I understand that they are the same Whirlpool range insides…just different cosmetic look. So if JennAir might have a bit of an edge….I could go that direction…it’s just that the range is not as attractive—and knobs on top.
Thank you for your feedback.
From your previous post; I agree w/you whole heartedly about how the industry is trying to pull the wool over consumers. I am currently trying to find a true Slide In at this time for a kitchen remodel. Please keep me posted on this problem !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still can’t find a KA slide in range.
Your concern about Whirlpool/KitchenAid’s inappropriate changes to the traditional slide-in range design are valid. I’d be interested in hearing whether or not they communicate with you about this at all. Your post was well-written and effectively illustrated. Nonetheless, I think your prophecy about this new cheapened design becoming the new industry standard in the near future, is the most likely scenario. Thanks for your time spent putting the article together.
First off I am not a contractor. But have worked for various manufacturers in various capacities. We are currently looking to replace a 14 year old Frigidaire Gallery series Slide In range due to Electrolux discontinuing a door hinge. That is our first frustration. Having to replace a perfectly working range because of door hinge,,, REALLY! I found your article, which by the way, is very well written., because as mentioned, we also can not find a true Slide in Range to replace the current “Real” slide in we have. Only Bosch, Samsung and and an older Firgidaire model offer the real slide in. Very frustrating to find models you like and be forced into a cheap trim piece that will surely look like crap within a year or so. Please keep us posted. As mentioned before, I have worked for several manufacturers and in a Trade Show setting it is easy to show interest but the follow through is the tale of the tape. Hopefully it was not a smoke show.
I am trying to buy a slide in range and except for Bosch. I am hard pressed to find a brand that has that flange. The whole point of me wanting a slide in is to avoid food falling between the stove and the counter. Avon magazine sells plastic overlaps one can use, but really? Paying that much and doing a Reno I want both the look and the function. How has this happened?!
One Word: Monopoly! And this proves that Greed is never good!