Drop ins are completely obsolete. Look at slide ins instead. Preferably induction if you must have electric.

By "how close to the wall" do you mean on the side or behind? Either way the install guides should clearly specify.

"Preferably induction if you must have electric."

I agree with the first two words of that sentence, but I think there are plenty of gas-to-induction converts on this forum who wouldn't go back.

This is an apartment I will probably spend 3-4 months in, since I live in NJ and want to escape for the worst of the winter. Induction would be great, but it might not make sense for me to buy an expensive range at this point, since I am totally part-time there for the forseeable future.. Unfortunately, I am stuck with electric (hate, hate, hate it!). I will look at slide-ins. I'm replacing a 1970's cooktop with oven above it (in harvest gold). ARGH. There is a one inch spacer between the range and the wall, but who knows what code is these days in Florida? Thanks for your feedback: any recommendations for brands?