This was a design failure. You simply can’t move a heavy range on and off a platform safely. But you can remove those too thick counters that are the source of your problems.

Take to task your KD, who couldn’t understand measurements and clearances, and have them pay for new counters.

Thanks. I agree and am really upset at their error
Not so easy to remove 3” counters as they are throughout entire kitchen and are brand new. Like on Thursday new!!!
I’m going to give thermidor service a call tomorrow to see if they have any ideas
I appreciate your feedback

I don't see why you couldn't do a plywood buildup underneath. Then you'd probably want to do a custom toe kick or wooden trim piece to hide the plywood. You could probably get a stainless toe kick fabricated for under $250 that replaces the stock one, and maybe your contractor would pay for it if you're really unhappy.

I think that is the exact solution we will choose. Thanks for taking the time to help

So your solution is ripping out beautiful 3" countertops that probably cost 10k+?

As someone who owns a 48" Thermador that weighs close to 700lbs and has personally moved it several times, it won't be a problem getting it onto a 1" sheet of plywood. Maybe a slight inconvenience for 10 minutes of your life. They actually tip, balance and slide pretty easy, it's deadlifting that you don't want to do and you won't have to. Put felt feet on it and it will be even easier.

If cleaning under is a concern, you could get a smooth finished sheet of plywood add a layer or two of poly so it wipes easy, then get a specialized shop vac attachment. I can't say that I will ever move my range just to clean under.

A fire from improper clearances costs way more than the KD‘s insurance eating 10K worth of counters, and you only hope that they are insured for a large enough amount to deal with that kitchen fire.

This is professional malpractice. In the worst possible way. Fixing it comes under the errors and omissions insurance that any design pro should carry. If the pro is not insured, then they bear the full financial responsibility to fix this in a way that complies with all of the fire codes that should have been considered in the first place. And they won’t make that 10K error again.

Again Houzz with all the people that like to scare others. Really don't get it.

There are plenty of clearance requirements with pro-style ranges, a big one being the hood must a minimum of 30" above in most jurisdictions. As long you meet code for everything else, a 1" sheet of plywood underneath will not violate any codes that I'm aware of. Ranges are installed over hardwood and bare plywood a large percentage of the time.

Professional malpractice... seriously? This is probably the only solution if you want 3" counters other than custom-built shorter cabinetry.

Edit: I suppose custom fabricated legs are another option, but it's possible that could violate your Thermador warranty.

Appreciate all the comments. For the record, I am not the KD but a residential interior designer
This one rests squarely on the shoulders of my KD and GC. But it reflects poorly on the entire team
Working on fabricating longer leveling screws then will create a compatible toe kick for oven that’s easily removed for cleaning
Thanks to all for your input.

Hi - Can you please tell me what solution you went with and if it has worked with you, because I am currently going through the same!

Thank you

Given that ranges are installed over wood floors all the time, I don't know why putting an inch thick piece of plywood under the range wouldn't work.

Thank you - that's basically what we are doing and hopefully my kitchen installer can finish it to match cabinets

You will need to purchase your very own air sled, in order to be able to move the range in and out for cleaning. Otherwise, it never ever gets cleaned under it. Because youre not moving a big heavy range on and off of a platform that is tightly wedged in between very expensive cabinets and counters. That doesn’t even begin to address the other fire hazards above.

https://www.ampro-online.com/products/567

Not necessarily. I can slide my 48" Thermador out pretty easily. Have hardwood floors and I put felt furniture pads on the feet. Doesn't scratch the floor either. Tipping to slide onto the platform will be a little tricky but not that difficult if you have two people.