Bosch Benchmark Slide-In Range First Impressions Review

Design & Usability

Chefs without borders

Despite their clear European design cues, these ranges are aimed squarely at American homes. And crucially, they're full-depth. That means they'll fit flush into any free-standing range cutout without countertop modification or those unsightly trim extenders that you sometimes see near the back of cheaper range cooktops.

The extra space afforded by the additional depth has allowed Bosch to situate a fifth, larger burner (or element) in the center of the cooktop—a decidedly more convenient spot. This design isn't without its challenges, though: Venting off oven heat requires complex engineering, and the unit actually exhausts hot air forward and up from the back of the cooktop to protect your wall.

Further attention to detail is evident throughout the range. Uncompromising zinc-alloy is used for the rock-solid yet finely detailed paneling, and the the oven handle is a single thick piece. Pure 100% stainless steel knobs dot the control panel, rather than plated plastic with weights inside, like some other manufacturers have tried.

Features

Minimalist design hides an extensive feature set.

{{gallery "design"}}

Bells and whistles abound in this range. The 4.6-cubic-foot oven is accessed via a slam-proof door, and of course this is a convection chamber for even cooking. An optional meat probe measures the internal temperature of your food and automatically shuts off the oven when it's ready. From there, pull out the fully telescoping oven rack, and dinner is served. All models come with a warming drawer below the oven itself to keep foods hot and ready between preparation and dinnertime.

Conclusion

Kitchens are going European.

Bosch is—at least thus far—one of the most compelling companies at Design and Construction Week here in Las Vegas, and brand new products like their slide-in ranges are among the reasons why.

Little expense was spared in the construction of these ranges, and if day one of the show is any indication, the mood seems right for a move toward European design in the U.S. The remaining impediment is sure to be the price: These interior showpieces start at $2,899 for the electric, and cost as much as $3,549 for the induction.

Neither of the slide-in ranges were actually hooked up and working on the show floor, so look for our full review later this year for detailed impressions and lab results.

Meet the tester

Christopher Snow

Managing Editor

@BlameSnow

Chris was born and raised less than ten miles from our editorial office, and even graduated from nearby Merrimack College. He came to Reviewed after covering the telecom industry, and has been moonlighting as a Boston area dining critic since 2008.

See all of Christopher Snow's reviews