Every slide in I have had had a small strip of countertop that went behind it. You see that in other installation instructions for other models, but not yours. The good news for you is that the backsplash goes last so you will be able to take the range out and study it before installation. We found one of the keys was getting the counter installer to cut the little cut outs in the front. Here is a link that might be useful: ge profile installation instructions

Is it ok to bump my own thread? If anyone has advice on the above, I'd love to hear it! I have visions of nothing fitting at the last minute! I can't see the picture I posted earlier, so I'll include again... Thanks! Ott2

That's overkill I think. We use tile and grout on backsplashes because it's fairly easy to clean. Tile and grout on counters is another story, although there are some epoxy grouts that are supposedly simple to clean. Just seal your grout with and you'll be fine, if worse comes to worse, and the grout does yellow overtime and spray on bleach doesn't clean it, there are grout paints that go on easy and color and seal in one step. Your tile should not yellow.

Do you mean like this? Mine has a Shelf as well.