Daki's kitchen in the FKB is probably my favorite with a solid granite BS behind the cooktop. But there are quite a few more who have used either granite or stainless. I'm not sure formica would work as well because its not as fire resistant.

Here is a link that might be useful: Daki's kitchen

Wow- go Daki's kitchen! Second time today that it was referenced!

We have similar concerns. Our slide in is on an island right up against a 6" wall to an upper level. The upper countertop also hangs over a bit, making a perfect little trap for rising steam. We were going to use our countertop material as the island BS, figuring we wouldnt have to deal with steam, grease and other splatter weakening the tile over time. We ruled this out due to a few other challenges related to the depth of our stove.

So, after mulling all the options with our GC, we're going to install a metal sheet behind the oven, and tile the rest of the island wall. If we don't like it, we'll run tile back there and take our chances. It should be done within the next 2 weeks, and will post pics when done.

Who knew something seemingly so simple would become such a big deal!?

thank you! may I be greedy and see if there are other pix? I tried FKB, but don't have the patience to open each and everyone's entry.

There is a backsplash slideshow from FKB; many of these will include shots of the range.

We have an induction cooktop, instead of a range, but we do have a solid granite backsplash>5 years now, and we still love it!!! Easy to clean, and no worries as to what goes with our "Arandis Gold Granite"---More Arandis Gold Granite, Of course!!

Gary

We have a granite BS all over,,,really like it so far...will be much easier too keep clean than tile and grout.

Nikki--In my last house, the backsplash behind the gas cooktop was Formica. Works just fine. Since your range has a console, the oven heat vents in front so I see no reason why Formica wouldn't work in your kitchen.

The only thing is that those oil splatters that always seem to turn into varnish before I notice them didn't clean off of the Formica any easier than they do off just the painted wall I had in the next kitchen. Least ways, with the pattern that you have, the spatters would blend in quite nicely.

I was surprised that the spatters clung so tenaciously to the Formica. Wonder if treating the laminate with something like Armour All would have made cleaning easier? Never thought to try it when I lived in that house...