By "little crack" do you mean on the side of the range or in the back? Most slide in ranges have the same gap on the sides, but there are a few brand that sit on the counter.

Otherwise I don't think there's a difference in functionality. I just bought a GE Cafe series slide in today. There were a lot of great options, it was hard making a decision.

A slide-in allows more counter depth even if it doesn't go in an island or peninsula.

There are pros and cons of each style.

I think what Mrspete is talking about with the "crack" is that many slide-in ranges come with a lip on each side for the countertop to fit under, so that the annoying crack between counter and range is covered.

A slide-in range has slightly more usable space on the cooktop surface, because there is no back panel to take up inches.

A slide-in's oven fan may be louder and stay on longer because the electronics are so close to the oven. A freestanding range has some distance between the oven and the electronic controls, so the fan does not have to be as powerful or on as long.

With a freestanding range, some people don't like having to slide their arm over the cooktop while things are cooking in order to operate the controls.

A backsplash looks nicer with a slide-in because it's not interrupted or covered by the back panel of a freestanding range.

Freestanding ranges are less expensive than slide-ins generally.

Most freestanding ranges don't even have fans. But other than the fan and the increased price, slide ins don't really have any disadvantages compared to freestanding. You get a nicer look and the convenience of controls up front.

Traditionally slide ins had that lip that went over the countertop. However, the definition of slide in is changing a bit; some manufacturers are now interpreting it as a freestanding with front controls. In particular, the new Whirlpool built side ins are full depth and don't have the lip. Some others are full depth with the lips; a few are still the traditional reduced depth (meaning you have a strip of countertop behind). Look at the units in a showroom, check the specs carefully, and make sure you know what you're buying!

Slide-in is 'prettier'. I'd choose one over free standing unless the front controls would be a problem with small children.

The new "hybrid" slide in ranges are the same size as free-standing and go all the way to the back wall behind it (without the little strip of counter that goes behind the traditional slide in range). Most have the gap to which you're referring. However...we found Bosch electric ranges that go all the way to the back wall AND have the edges of the glass cooktop portion that go over the countertop so you don't have the little gaps.

http://www.bosch-home.com/us/products/cooking-baking/ranges.html

I really want a cooktop and wall over in the base cabinet under the cooktop but it's a lot more money. The cost of the two appliances is more than one plus I'd need to buy a cabinet just to cut it up to hold the oven and it would use another 30" of granite countertop just to cut a hole in it for the cooktop.

Still, in my heart that's what I want. But probably won't get.

If you have a cabinet guy, he can make you a base for an under counter oven. Not a big deal.

Thanks weed, We're using factory ordered cabinets rather than custom. Given that we're not sure how long we'll be here, DH doesn't want to spend the extra money. For what we're saving, we can update the cabinets in the bathrooms.

I think the cooktop/oven combo is more attractive in our smallish kitchen than a range though.

What I really want is a gas cooktop but I almost fell on the floor when we got the estimate to run a gas line from the meter to the kitchen. Big advertising plumbing company wanted $4000 and an independent plumber $900 to $1900 (estimated without seeing the job).