If the reason you're doing this is for enhanced aesthetics, and that's the only reason anyone chooses a slide in over a free standing, then you want to make sure that the decisions you make will actually look right. With laminate counters, unless you replace the counters entirely, it will not look right to have the attached backsplash for the counter and then have it interrupted for tiled section in the middle where the range is (without the laminate backsplash section). It will look like a mistake or afterthought. Considering that you're saying money is too tight to do a backsplash right now, much less a counter top, and that a slide in range costs about double what a free standing range costs, it really doesn't sound as though choosing a slide in would be in your best interests economically. Replace your current range with another free standing one if your range needs replacing due to functionality issues. If you have your heart set on a slide in, then pick up a "new to you" used freestanding one on Craigs List and save your money to be able to do a new range, countertop, and backsplash all at one time. That's the only way to integrate a slide in range successfully into an existing kitchen design.

I want a induction unit which is pretty pricey for us already but makes the most sense for ease/cleanup/efficiency for the amount of cooking I do. (I cook three meals a day from scratch - no boxes, cans, packages of mixes) for a family of 7.

The slide-in is only $500 more than the freestanding version and the only reason I'm considering it is burner layout. I like to can as much of our food as I am able but the freestanding unit the large burners are too close together to handle a stock pot and canner at the same time. However the slide-in has a "normal" burner layout where the hobs are more to the corners and can easily meet my canning requirements.

So while I'm not set on a slide-in, this particular stove has the best combination of features I'm looking for (including the double oven) in the very limited selection of all in one induction units that are available (separate units are even pricier).

So I guess I'm not the standard customer in my reason for selecting a slide-in. I know whatever I do would not look as nice as if it truly matches but I'm looking for ideas to make it look less weird if that's possible.

Glass topped range, including induction, are contra indicated for canning. Even if you do choose induction for everyday cooking and ease of cleanup, you would need a separate coil top for a "canning area" much like macybaby has. She has a "summer kitchen" area located outside the main kitchen with an old coil top just for her canning. So, let that factor into your decision as well.

One way that it could look more integrated is if you had a stainless fabricator create a "whole wall" backsplash behind the range, including the wall spacer. That would give it a clean and integrated look.