How exciting! I had to buy a custom hood for my Capital because of our layout. If you are concerned about the stainless, don't worry - here is a picture of my Capital with a grill. I only have a stainless cap over tile behind my range and it has not been an issue at all. If you prefer the backsplash, you should be fine.

{{!gwi}}

You can use WD40 to clean SS. It'll bring back the shine and helps to prevent from rusting.

Thanks for your feedback.

Julier - great hood - looks very cool!

Any other feedback out there??

What about flip-down shelves instead? Then they'd be out of the way except for when you were using the warming lights. They'd probably stay cleaner that way, and you wouldn't have to worry about a permanent shelf affecting venting.

One thing I have always wondered about is, what do you put on the shelf? I really like the look of open storage, but in the magazines they always show oils, vinegars, spices on shelves behind the range, which actually is a big no-no if you cook at all, because the range's heat will ruin such foods quickly.

Instead maybe you could put things there temporarily, while you're cooking? Or a canister of tools. Or just display plates, etc. there, but you'd have to clean them periodically because wouldn't they get all greasy?

I'm wondering too!

Thanks Maeveo - I would stick to the backsplash option - it's a cleaner look too.

Julier,
Love your kitchen, could you add more photo's, I'm thinking of doing something similar, I would really appreciate it.
Also what dimention between island and sink aswell as island and range?

I am still struggling with this issue. I posted on the appliance forum as well and the one response was from someone who loved their high shelf - uses it to keep things warm when doing a stir fry, helps to defrost items or bring things to room temp more quickly, warms plates, etc. DH loves the "look" - they do always look clean, shiny and uncluttered in the mags, but not sure if they will look like that in my house. But, with DH's input I convinced myself to get one. Then called the salesman who tried to talk me out of it. He said he thinks warming lights just dry out food and the shelf does get dirty and hot and the people he knows with prof. style ranges stick with the tile backsplash. UGGH!! Now I am totally confused. I have a few more days to wrestle with this one, but will need to make a decision soon. Anybody else with the high shelf out there????

Alku - thanks for your suggestion about the wire racks, for some reason I just don't like that look.

I chose a 10" SS backsplash for my Wolf range. I know from previous experience that it'll be great for catching any splatters from the back burners. I figure easier to clean that than white subways.

I had an old stove with a "shelf" in the old kitchen. It could be used to cover the stovetop completely, or left partially open (folded) with the shelf design.

IMO, the only reason for a shelf is to store something. Oils and herbs are not good candidates for above a heat source. So what do you put up there? And if you can't come up with a good answer then you probably don't need a shelf.

Here is a link that might be useful:

I posted a few weeks back because we have a viking range with the high shelf and a stainless hood, and have had it for 15 years. We are now remodeling and I want to keep it because I love it. I commented that I don't see the high shelves with wood hoods which is what I want now.
I use it to keep things warm when I have large parties like Thanksgiving. I also use it to hold salt, pepper mill, timers. We keep ours clean with a spray stainless cleaner.
It is not at all difficult to keep clean.
I made the decision last week when we met with our cabinet maker that I will keep it with the wood hood.

Okay, I am leaning back towards the high shelf. Cody07 - thanks so much for your comments. I was thinking it would be a good place to keep a timer, salt and pepper and some of the things I was using as I cooked. DH thinks as long as we are getting "free" warming lights we might as well be able to use them with the high shelf. ( The high shelf will be $200 more than the backsplash I was planning on - so nothing is really free). I appreciate everyone's comments and open to more!!

wisrose - here is the link to more pictures-
http://s213.photobucket.com/albums/cc53/julier1234/

maeveo - I hope this is the toughest decision you have to make - I second guessed everything. Finally, I got sick of it and just said "whatever". Of course, that's how things get messed up.