The affectation for slide in ranges is entirely cosmetic. It's all about aesthetics. A slide in range is more expensive than the standard consumer grade range with a back guard. It let's more of a decorative backsplash show, which again is a more expensive choice than the standard 4" splash that comes on laminate. So, you've got a bit of snobbery induced aesthetics that because the choice is more expensive, it must be seen to be ''better''.

A real pro style range will need a back guard as part of the ensemble, even if it's a short ''island trim'' one.. And that is the ONLY way a true restaurant range comes. Because they breathe fire.

I do not think it matters what you put behind the stove. The large burners with the bigger splashes are generally on the front so the backsplash is not so accesible to grease. Seal your grout lines or have a stainless steel fabricator do a wall of ss behind the range and the backsplash on either side. You are the cook, get what you want and enjoy your cooking adventures.

SS backsplash.

Blue Ridge Kitchen · More Info

soosun2, the photo you posted is very similar to my kitchen except I currently have an electric cooktop that I plan to replace with a gas cooktop or range. I would have a 30" range/cooktop. The SS looks nice.