Can't seem to edit:

I do want to know what you are using, instead, if you are. Right now, I am going with a good-quality satin finish (paint) -- cleaning grout lines over a range sounds thankless, and I've seen (with my coffee maker) what it is like to clean stainless (hah!) steel located close to a range.

I'd like to know other options people have used for behind cooktops/ranges, and how these have worked out for them.

I have not decided so am following this thread! I am planning on wooden countertops, but I do think that it can be nice when the counter and backsplash are the same, that just won't work for wood.

I was originally planning on using stainless steel but decided instead to go with a clear heat tolerant Acrylic. Will be similar to just clear glass. I had a glass one in a previous house and it was so easy to clean. And this just takes 4 screws so any time I decided to change it it will be a simple job.

We have paint. I just did a BM semi-gloss, but it held up well for 9 years. Time to repaint it, but I think I'll Paint the whole kitchen anyway.

Using my granite that is my countertop also behind the range. No grout, easy to wipe, barely shows anything. I actually had this setup in a previous home in a kitchen put in by previous owner - though a different granite than I will be using. Absolutely loved it. Very easy care, though it's crucial to get the right granite that doesn't stain. Ive tested my sample and it appears stain proof.

I've done the grouted tile behind the range, never again. However my backsplash will be tiled everywhere else. Cream subways, because my granite has a lot of pattern. But behind the range will be smooooth stone.

I am surprised at the responses with just paint behind the range. In my experience, wipeable paint like Benjamin Moore Aura can only be wiped a couple of times before becoming streaky and non-wipeable, but perhaps there are better paints for this purpose I am not aware of.

We have sheet stainless behind the range and hood, ceiling down to below the range top. Super easy to keep clean and we love the look!

Stainless behind the range, paint on all other back splash areas.

This might be absolutely crazy, but I am going to try a primed and painted piece of Lincrusta. I haven't seen it done anywhere but I have lusted after it for awhile. I figure if its lasted in houses for 200 years, I'll get 10 years out of it behind a stove ;^)

Ravencajun, I'm going to look into that acrylic, and heatheron, into Lincrusta. Hmmm, lots of promising ideas, thanks all!

I'm glad that's working for Cajun, but while it may be heat resistant, acrylic is inflammable. Before you follow suit check code in your area, and range specs.

I've been wiping my backsplash down regularly for over 8 years - the paint is holding up fine - it absolutely has not become "streaky and non-wipeable"!

Too bad it's not in style at the moment 4" backsplash on the counters and stainless behind the stove. With paint you can hang things on your walls or change the color of your kitchen...easily.

Paint. It's Clark & Kensington brand. I wash it weekly at least -- no problems so far (3 years nearly) and still looks new.

Lincrusta was new to me so I had to Google it. I saw this in the first item.

A note of caution: Lincrusta is a flammable material . Under no circumstances should it be exposed to an open flame. IINCRUSTA IS A LINSEED OIL COMPOUND

My stove has a pretty high back so there is a minimal amount of space between the top of the back of the stove and the microwave vent.

I had a granite slab for the full backsplash for 18 years and it was a breeze to clean. No grout and simple.

I'm struggling with backsplash choice right now because I prefer a slab but don't have the budget for it.

Paint won't protect your cabinets, walls, floor, and subfloor from water damage... the whole point of a bs (other than beauty).

I think most practical for me will be paint or a glass over paint backsplash. My range will not have a high back - controls are in front (ADA). Paint looks great, if the right shade. I can see using a slab of countertop material, perhaps, although I'd have to wait on that (sell current house first...)

Eam44 water damage from what? I can't picture that.

Behind the (gas) cooktop and as backsplash, we have laminated sheet glass. It cleans up very well, and has a pale green tint (which I like). It is caulked (siliconed?) where it meets the counter, and for the cooktop its held on either side by a stainless pin.

Practigal, have you ever spilled water on your counter? The bs is supposed to be water tight, and have a silicone seal to your counter so that liquid cannot reach your plaster/sheetrock, leak down behind and beneath your counter to your cabinets and floors. It needn't be as water resistant as a tub surround, but the reason no bs is a terrible idea is that you risk subfloor, floor, and cabinet plywood delamination as well as mildew in your walls, from even a non-spectacular spill.

Practigal, ask me or any of the hundreds of people who experienced massive major flooding this year we can share some pictures lol.

I have a 4" back splash with silicone seam at the counter so no issues at the countertop. I don't understand how carrying the back splash up the wall or to the ceiling is more protective. Water damage from a true flood would stll get to the wall behind the tile and everything else in the kitchen and its walls. To me everything over that first 4" of bs is decorative and I would rather decorate with something that I can easily change, paint.

I think a spill behind the range is not likely if your range has a back behind it of several inches. At my current home, it's half a foot. My new one won't have a back extending up.

Therefore I will go with a glass backsplash, although a section of countertop laid vertical there would be a great idea. I just know I'm not going to be able to keep up after grout...

Ah, I forgot, the Corian countertop continues up as a 4" backsplash, with paint above. After we moved in we pulled off wallpaper to paint. The vinyl wallpaper was in great condition behind the stove, and soooo easy to clean. No seams back there, so it held up really well. It was just even more dated than the 4" backsplash lol.

As stated above a 4" backsplash is really an outdated look but they are very practical. I would hesitate to put vinyl wallpaper behind a gas stove if the flame could actually reach the paper if it were to wrap around the bottom of a large pan, otherwise, it is a great idea.

We are doing full Cambria backsplash.

I can deal with "outdated" if it is practical and functional.

Although a full quartz backsplash to match my countertop would be lovely - 4 inches would certainly be fine.

If you have a 4" bs, or even a 2" bs.... you have a bs. I'm trying to explain why chosing NO bs (or "paint" as a bs, or being in the ABB club) is a bad idea.

eam, thanks! I'll make certain in my case!!!

Stainless steel behind range. Easy to clean, looks great