I don't have the range yet. I was looking at the GE Profile. The new laminate is in. The problem is that the laminate backsplash is about 1 or 1-1/2" thick and seems that it would look odd with a thin backsplash between the laminate behind the stove. I'm wondering if I should build up something to match thickness. I do really want a backsplash there, not just paint because I do splatter behind the stove. It's the one place that I want a full backsplash. The wavy glass isn't hard to clean, it's big waves and would wipe easily, which is the selling feature for me, besides looking clean and streamlined. I was also considering a sheet metal backsplash, either bronze or stainless. Maybe that would be easier to work around. The alternative to the slide in would be a free standing range with control riser in the back. That's what's currently there, and so there's no issue with the laminate splash on either side. I really don't like that ALL the new ranges have the large burners in the front. I cook lots of big pots of stews and sauces. At least the slide in range with controls in the back would give me a little buffer in keeping the hot stuff away from the children. At least I've realized this before purchasing so I have time to figure things out.

Sjhockeyfan, that was what I was thinking and why I asked. I was also thinking that I will have them continue the backsplash even with the counters behind the range just in case I ever get a slide-in range, you know? My range is a great GE profile and only 3 years old so it shouldn't be soon, but just in case. It's settled, and I am relieved that for once the simpler option wins out.

Our GE Profile has a vent at the back too. But I can't say I have ever had a bunch of smoke or anything coming out of it. It almost doesn't seem to emit smells from back there. The oven seems so air tight that you can only smell what is baking once you open the door. And we have had to adjust to being careful not to get our faces too close when we open the door as the heat and moisture blast could singe eyebrows! So I am not sure what that part actually vents but it is an open vent. I do use this (see link) spatter guard when I am frying or making a tomato based sauce to prevent excess splattering all over everything. But I have still gotten tomato and grease on the backsplash and it has just wiped off. I don't leave it there and clean up as soon as I can. The product I used was recommended by our tile supplier. It is called aqua Mix Rapid Cure (Sealer's Choice Gold) Good for granite, marble, limestone, travertine,porous tile and grout. I only used it on our tile backsplash. Not on our granite countertops. This is it: Aqua Mix But I would test it on a scrap or clear it with your fabricator.

Yes, @Fori, that's what I said to my husband about the molding there--he's a bit of a perfectionist!! I was like, you don't need that there! But he can be a little obsessive about some things! I will pull out the range later and look at the space for that pipe. In figure 3 it looks more centered than to the right where we have it. We'll have to see what we can do about it. Better yet, I will just pull it all out and redesign it. No worries. Lots of time during COVID. Thank you for letting me know @JuneKnow. Although, it's such a little space, not much can be redesigned as there are only the two walls! Better yet @User, I can just leave the backsplash until it scorches too--then pull it all down and put up something else. No different than pulling it down now. Same money and time. :)