No, a slide-in range does not require a countertop behind it. Slide-in ranges are designed to fit seamlessly between kitchen cabinets, and they have a built-in lip or flange along the sides that rests on the countertop on either side of the range.
The critical feature of a slide-in range is that it does not have a backguard (the raised panel on the back of a traditional freestanding range). Instead, the controls and display panel are on the front of the range, and the range smoothly slides in between the adjacent cabinets.
This design allows for a more integrated and built-in look, as there are no gaps between the range and the surrounding countertop or cabinets. The absence of a backguard also makes it easier to clean around the range and provides a seamless appearance in the kitchen.
Since the slide-in range is designed to fit between the cabinets and the countertop, it's essential to ensure that you have enough space for it within the cabinet cutout. Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, you'll want to make sure that the countertop surface is level to provide stable and secure support for the range.