Yes there is a black metal piece that can go behind the range. I have tile behind mine so I didn't use it.

I just had a Bosch slide-in installed, which needs a filler behind the range as well. My counters are marble, so the marble guys just brought a 3" x 30" strip made from marble scrap for the filler. The seams are small and tucked behind the range, hardly noticeable.

Having the filler strip as a bridge between the two sides of the counter (like your counter person advised) would not only be very wasteful, but would be very vulnerable to breakage during transport and installation.

Nicole

We also recently installed a Sears Elite slide-in electric range. We had the 3" piece of granite installed and the two seams barely show. Actually the exposed parts of the seams are closer to 2" (than 3) because of the cooktop's overhang.

A bit OT, but after all the appliances were installed (by us), we had this long black metal piece left over. We couldn't figure out what it was for and we were really hoping it wasn't any sort of structural support piece so we put it in our basement just in case....

Now, thanks to traceys, I now know what it's for and can toss it!

nigel-bigel, so are you telling me you have the piece put in and it isn't a good thing? I think my counter guy was trying to tell me NOT to put the bridge in and use one piece with the 30" range cut out, but the cost is sooooo much this way. Can I just use the black piece that come with the range? Or would this be too unstable and if so what could happen.
Thanks a bunch : )

I'm saying that I had the extra marble strip installed behind the range and I am very happy with it.

The seams are very inconspicuous. I didn't have to pay for all of the waste involved with making a cut out in one solid piece. I didn't have any risk of the bridge breaking during transport and installation.

You could also use the black piece that comes with the range.The rear strip (whatever material it is) is purely decorative and provides no support.

Nicole

OK, the trim pieces are not that nice looking. They are used when you have an existing counter and free standing range and then switch to a slide in. Since you are getting a new counter have the guys put the piece of counter at the back for you. I had this done after the fact when I realized the metal piece was not pretty and that my counters are a bit deeper and the metal stip would not cover the gap completely. It cost me $50 to have them come back and seam this in.

Thank you, exactly what I needed to know everyone : )
Saskatchewan girl