Design & Usability

Compared with the freestanding model we know and love, this looks way more intimidating.

Though the mock-up we saw wasn't at all ready for production, it was clear that the {{product.model}} gives off some high-end vibes. The sturdiness, stainless steel, and front knobs clearly borrow from the trendy big fellas like Wolf and Viking — not to mention restaurant ranges. As it's a slide-in range, there isn't a backsplash so you'll have to make sure there is something protecting the wall from heat and errant sauces. That also means the knobs have been moved to the front—a location we prefer as you don't need to reach over a hot stove to change the temp.

Speaking of the control panel, it's quite impressive. It's canted towards the user for easy access, and though the plethora of choices may look intimidating at first, it has a handy feature called "Guiding Light" that only illuminates relevant buttons. So if you press "Convection," for example, it will dim everything but the keypad to let you know you need to select a temperature.

As far as the interior is concerned, we'll echo our praise for the original Flex Duo model. Remember, this is a mock-up, and that "Do Not Open" sign is for real.

{{photo_gallery "FI Exterior Photo 1", "FI Exterior Photo 2", "FI Exterior Photo 3", "FI Interior Photo 1", "FI Interior Photo 2", "FI Interior Photo 3", "FI Close Up Photo 1", "FI Close Up Photo 2", "FI Close Up Photo 3"}}

Features & Performance

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In addition to intuitive controls, this range has the coolest feature we've seen: Flex Duo convertibility.

We haven't run the {{product.name}} through our testing gauntlet yet so we can't be sure of how well it will score. We've seen $2,000 ranges fail to impress before, so we make no performance assumptions based on looks and price. However, we can say the last Flex Duo—the freestanding version—had very good results.

If the performance is as good as the freestanding FE710DRS/XXA, the features will be the icing on the cake—or, even better: the gin in the Campari. Up on the ceramic rangetop, there are actually five heating elements. Special burner features include a bridge element for cooking large items across two burners and a triple element for variably sized stoveware.

Our only complaint is with the slide-in design itself. Though they look sleek, kitchen designers and builders are often wary of slide-in ranges since they require sturdier cabinetry below and a narrow sliver of counter behind the range. Depending on the surface, that either means unsightly seams or a delicate installation process where two large slabs of heavy granite are linked only by a narrow isthmus that's prone to breakage.

{{photo_gallery "FI Features & Performance Photo 1", "FI Features & Performance Photo 2", "FI Features & Performance Photo 3"}}

Conclusion

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Samsung's Flex Duo technology is moving on up to a high-end platform, and we're excited.

When it comes to ranges, there's an inverse proportion between price and features as soon as you hit the $1,000 price point. Heck, some Thermador stoves don't even have timers.

Samsung is looking to make a name for themselves at the upper end of the spectrum. Their $2,299 slide-in range is equipped with the Flex Duo feature, which allows users to put a divider into a single oven cavity to turn it into a dual oven with dual temperature control.

We predict that Samsung's slide-in it'll be popular in niche markets: luxury apartments with small kitchens where there isn't room for a dual-oven setup, or the kitchens of those who appreciate both design and tech. Regardless, it's good to see the innovative Flex Duo feature gaining even more traction in the marketplace.