Thank you. I'm getting so smart on how scary my kitchen could be-lol.

Well it took a whole month for the Thermador tech to come to our house. His verdict: nothing is wrong with the oven. We need the back guard. The sales guy and his rep were wrong!!!! Our current range set up is meant for islands, not against the wall!

"The sales guy and his rep were wrong!!!!"

I am convinced that they are trained to be wrong by (insert brand name). It is ALL ABOUT selling for looks and bragging rights for the most power. Nobody needs that many BTUs on the back burner...so the saying "put it on the back burner" goes. Let's face it. If the customer knew they needed a backguard to cover up their pretty back splash, many people would buy the cheaper brands that already have the backguard built into the range. The story of the sales people telling you that a backguard is not required is Nationwide.

If I had known, I would get a regular 30" range. About 70 percent cheaper and just as good. :(

So if anyone followed this and was curious how this was handled. I finally have an update. After almost 3 months of back and forth with Pacific Sales, Thermador, the installers, their technicians, etc, it was finally determined that this was a faulty installation and Pacific Sales insurance will cover the cost to repair/replace the backsplash and the low backguard. What a pain in the behind it's been!

thanks for letting us know. i really have been thinking of you, and another person who has had the same dilemma.

Problem corrected. the installer who came this time still insists they are not necessary. Oh well until they have to deal with another insurance claim..

he must have seen what your backsplash looked like!?

He said it is because my hood isn't powerful enough and most people buy these for the looks, not to cook. He didn't realize Pacific sales gave 2 grand and this low guard as part of the insurance settlement.

i don't buy reason 1. hoods arent even required. reason 2, sure.

He said by code the hood is required. It is also supposed to be 3 times stronger than the stove top of something. However the stain for us is caused by the oven exhaust, not the stove top.

This guy is totally clueless.

Since when does "strongly recommended" mean "code requirement" ?

https://portal.bsh-partner.com/TCcustomBSH/controller/download_file?PDFOBID=ugilalacdcso0pdmdb---oTG&UMOBID=ugilalecdcso0pdmdb---oTG

Most wood burning fireplaces are more for looks than to heat the house now days, so maybe he also thinks it is OK to build the fireplaces out of plywood, instead of brick and mortar, as long as you promise not to build too big of a fire in them. LOL

What happens when the house gets sold and nobody warns the new owner that it is "Just for looks" even though it is fully functional (in a burning down the house kind of way)?

Unfortunately, wood studs are still "combustible" behind other things like tile or stainless steel. Only a few things reduce clearance to combustible materials.

Coming across this dilemma as I’m about to place final orders for appliances and THANK GOD stumbled on these threads about Thermador. Does anyone here know if that big old metal backgaurd thing is also necessary for Wolf ranges Or is this a Thermador only issue? Seems like everywhere I’m finding threads about this about Thermador ranges only.

All the pro ranges have the same issues.

Hi! I am so glad I found this thread. I am actually experiencing the exact same issue with my Thermador 48" all gas range. At first I thought it was because I installed a marble backsplash but now I am seeing that it's not the marble but the island trim that was installed. My appliances were installed in Fall of 2016, the kitchen started being used in January of 2017 and about 4 months later we noticed a pale yellow stain. We had the stone installer come out and treat it but a year later is was super yellow. I am debating on whether I should get the guard piece or try to live with the current island trim set-up (assuming I can get the stain removed) and just stay on top of cleaning it. Do you think this issue is worse with all gas ranges?

Caroline, I have the same issue and the same range as you and I can tell you it can get worse: the marble surface can eventually crack.

OMG..... what kind of range do you have? Is your backsplash marble?

Get the heat guard. Its necessary. The island trim is inadequate as spelled out in the installation instructions. It will also cover the damaged area. .

Here is my dilemma. Tile behind range being discolored. Only six months old!
This doesn't come off- this is true discoloration from extreme heat. Not s happy camper......

You need a heat guard too.

Good thread. Getting a 48" Thermador delivered tomorrow and was told nothing about this. Also getting a marble backsplash and a powerful hood installed in the next month or so. I wonder if the hood will help prevent this. I'll report back eventually.

Having same issue and would like to know if the thermador heat guard solved the issue or if it just extended heat /stain up the backsplash. Thanks

I'm glad this thread has helped others, at the same time, I'm sad that this is still in issue. I wish the retailers would be more responsible when it comes to selling the correct trim. After a couple years of wear and tear, the heat guard has some aluminum heat discoloring like the backsplash in the first picture. I honestly don't know if the guard really protected the backsplash because it hides the backsplash.

I've had the heat guard for four years. My glass backsplash is fine.

Hi All,

Just thought I'd circle back as I am in the woes of replacing my Thermador Hood (another story) and possibly backsplash. While I haven't replaced my backguard (yet), I am debating on replacing my marble backsplash with ceramic tile. In the meantime I have been using this - propping it up behind the oven where the flu is preventing the backsplash from getting hot. It seems to be working, though of course it would be my preference to not to have to use it.

https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Range-Kleen-14-x-17-in-Silverwave-Counter-Mat-SM1417SWR/204657159?mtc=Shopping-BA-F_HDH-G-D29B-29_29_HOUSEWARES-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-Kitchen_Org&cm_mmc=Shopping-BA-F_HDH-G-D29B-29_29_HOUSEWARES-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-Kitchen_Org-71700000053156028-58700005102355539-92700046592911984&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiZPvBRDZARIsAORkq7dgvQzYxCppsXnMGWBqFoKpWqy1RTT7hzi8iVeztTlpaLCr9Z_G8h8aAsoZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

bigangellover I just came across this thread as I installed a thermador 2 months ago and am now experiencing the same issue as you did. I have the same oven and just want to ask a couple clarifying questions. Did you install anything special directly behind the stove and between the wall or did you just install the heat guard on top of the vent alonf the back? I have a very powerful vent hood but am getting the discoloring on the wall and the stone backsplash I have gets VERY hot. Can you please give me a bit more detail about exactly what is behind your stove and you did to make sure all was safe? I really appreciate it so much. Thank you.

FYI, I bought my range at Best Buy through Pacific Sales as well and they said NOTHING about needing a heat guard...

Greg Nieglos - You do need the heat guard. Your Thermador in currently installed using the island trim which is improper and dangerous. The heat guard is instead of the island trim, not over it. Once you purchase the required heat guard, your stove will need to be pulled out to slide on the heat guard and then pushed back in.

Wow. Can’t even believe that people are continuing to face this problem and that Thermador doesn’t advise to put the back guard. I sent the link to this exact thread to the guy at the appliances showroom when I decided not to get the Thermador based on this thread, and he just rolled his eyes and said “Oh, you’re one of those Houzz comment readers” and said he’s never heard of any such problem.

Marble is more porous and can stain whether exposed to spatter, heat or food. The heat diffuser may help, but marble isn’t meant to be in the direct heat of the stove exhaust. I wouldn’t even use it for counters. Best Buy and most stores don’t always hire people who know facts and details, but there is usually one person who knows stuff.

The heat guard exhausts out the front. The island trim (where there is no backsplash) exhausts up. Heat guard isn't a diffuser; its about an inch thick with an air space gap that keeps the heat off the back against the tile.

call thermador to confirm. this is no joke.

So on Best Buy Website when I look up the Back Guard PA36JLBG 9" High Back Guard and front ventilation (the one pictured in bigangellover post) it says it is discontinued and replaced by PA36WLBG 7" High Back Guard and top ventilation. Feels like the new recommended one would just cause the exact same discoloration further up my wall so I called Thermador customer service.

I spoke with Thermador and they linked me to the product overview on their page for model "Thermador PRG366JG Pro Grand Gas Range" and said they recommend PA36JLBG as this was the one designed for my specific model. I have found it on websites other than Best Buy for $499 and seems like that is my best option to both protect my house as well as my wall tile (we went with white dolomite stone). Luckily at this point I have been able to reduce the discoloration with a Magic Eraser and the accessory will cover these tiles at any rate once installed. The wall does get unusually hot at the moment but hoping this accessory will help reduce that? I am not sure how thick the Back Guard is to reduce heat from contacting the wall or tile. Since it vents out the front i have to imagine my XO hood is more than strong enough to capture the heat output.

If I may be missing anything I would appreciate a heads up. Thanks so much to you guys for responding so quickly!

Maybe more like 2" deep on the outside. 9" tall. My glass tile is right behind it. No issues after 4 years. Yes I paid $500.

I'd need a professional to remove the toe kick and lift my stove out and install the heat guard and get it back in without damaging the quartzite. Its so tight.

Does anybody know the general codes or accepted practices for behind the range? Does that need to be a noncombustible surface as well, or is it only above the vent that needs to be noncombustible?

It really depends on the specs for a particular stove. Most of what I've seen pertains to the area above the vent where there is heat and fire. The low back vent is usually an island trim and is not okay for a stove against the wall and just tiling that area will not comply. So you would need a heat guard.

Thanks @suzyq53. I have a 48" Thermador and marble tile starting at the countertop. According to Thermador's manual, it's ok to use the island trim with a 0" clearance as long as the wall is "covered" in a noncombustible material, which includes marble. Screenshot below.

I'm aware this may not meet my local codes, just wondering if you're supposed to continue the noncombustible surface down behind the range.

I think the back of the range is closed and insulated to go against dry wall so you don't have to continue the marble behind the entire range. I have seen issues with the island trim staining marble or cracking glass tile above it with the big gas ranges. So maybe use the front burners for high temp cooking and use the rear for lower temps.

I do not have a Thermidor, I have a slide in Jenn Air Induction range. Like all of you I too am having a problem with the discolouration of the black splash. Due to the porous nature of my tiles I cannot even clean the yellow hue off my tiles. Any suggestion?
Could this be a fire hazard in due time?

Are your tiles properly sealed? Since you say they're porous, it sounds like they're a natural stone. Sealing is one of the main ways to prevent discoloring in natural stone.

Discoloration is mostly from the tile absorbing smoke and grease as it warms. As long as they're properly sealed they shouldn't absorb anything. Seal them once per year or at least every other year. A "lifetime" sealer is a marketing term and not applicable in the real world, at least in my experience. Doesn't take long once you get the hang of it.

As for fire hazard, as long as Jenn-air states that it's acceptable to place the range directly against your backsplash material, it should be fine. (see the Thermador label a few posts up)

Hi,

I had a solid marble slab backsplash, professionally sealed, and I would reseal it myself - and it still stained. I also had it professionally cleaned and resealed - without success. I ended up replacing my marble backsplash (very sad) with glazed tile and am having no issues whatsoever.

If the staining isn't too high up, perhaps you could have something like this fabricated. It should vent the air properly and might conceal some of the current discoloration -

https://www.gardenista.com/posts/my-dirty-secret-or-how-i-learned-to-live-with-a-marble-backsplash/

Good to know @Caroline Myers Interior Design. I also have a marble backsplash, but no discoloration after one year and we use it every day.

When you had marble, did you also turn on your hood every time you turned on the oven or cooktop? That's another way to draw the heat away from the backsplash. Also, I never use high heat on the back burners so that might help too.

I actually fabricated something similar to your blog post to deflect heat because I was so worried about it at the beginning, but it's much smaller. I'll take pics and share at some point soon.

@HU-993723755 What year is your Thermador and is it an all gas range or electric/gas? I do know that in later models (mine is a 2016) they changed the way the air vents out - even with the island trim - so I am thinking that perhaps the heat staining is not as big of an issues as it was with older models (of the all gas range). Also, from my understanding the electric/gas combo range did not have quite the same issue with the heat.

Yes - I used my (Thermador) hood vent. But that was another disaster entirely and also contributed to us having to remove the backsplash and replace the hood vent. The hood vent leaked grease onto the backsplash making for an additional, horrible stain. I perhaps could have lived with the heat stain with a modified by 3rd party vent as noted in the blog post, but not this leaked grease stain. Yes, we cleaned our vents regularly. Yes, we had a Thermador serviceman look at it. Yes, we had someone caulk the seams where the grease was apparently leaking - but none of these things solved the problem.

Using the back burners never seemed to be the problem. It was heating up the oven - that generated a ton of concentrated heat onto the marble. If you look in your island trim, you can visually see how the design concentrated this heat out.

Here is another thread on this same issue -

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/4562589/thermador-range-question

I have this one, 2019 model all gas: https://www.thermador.com/us/products-list/ranges/48-ranges/PRG486WDH

I'm diligent about turning on the hood every single time I turn on the oven or the cooktop, I think this helps. (most people don't when using just the oven)

That's unfortunate the hood leaked. I don't even see how that's possible, must be a design flaw. Do you do a lot of high-oil/grease cooking & deep frying?

Maybe the discoloring is a combination of running the oven and high-heat on the back burners at the same time?

I'm pretty sure they changed the venting on the 2019 range model. There is a heat deflector in the flu pipe of 2019 (and forward) models. See image - you can see the heat deflector in the island trim. Prior year models do not have that.

The hood was most definitely a design flaw. We cook a lot and replaced it with a vent-a-hood and are having no issues whatsoever.

That's strange, mine doesn't have nearly that much bend to it. Wonder if they changed it in 2020?

Pics attached of that and the deflector I had fabricated. The combination of sealing the marble, heat deflector, and using the hood with the oven seems to be working for me... at least so far.

@Jennifer Noonan @Caroline Myers Interior Design

Hi! I know this post was a while ago but Jennifer- I love your tile and mine is similar to yours and I‘m having the same issue. Did you find a solution?

And Caroline- mine happened from the oven as well and we never had any issues with the gas stove tops. Do you think the same issue would occur if we got a new appliance that was less powerful so to speak? Or will we always need a heat guard? Thanks!

For those with stains, is your Thermador a dual fuel or all gas model?