If you have a regular range, then it usually has a 4-5" metal back; if you have a slide-in or a cooktop, it should have been installed in a way that keeps the wall safe (according to manufacturer guidelines and building code). You could put a metal backsplash, but unless you have a sheet of glass there, a regular backsplash should be safe from heat, and you wipe it down as your protection from cooking splatter. If the backsplash is something porus like marble or natural stone, it should be sealed, after which it should clean up ok.

your cooktop manual should specify if you need 'island trim' or 'heat shield'. tile is not fireproof if there is combustible wall behind it, and your appliance store will be happy to give you island trim when you are installing against a wall and need a heat shield...so dig deep into your manual. your manufacturer will sell one that goes with the appliance. not cheap, but then not much is.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Broan-30-in-x-24-in-Splash-Plate-for-Range-Hood-in-Stainless-Steel-SP3004/202228406

30 in. x 24 in. Splash Plate for Range Hood in Stainless Steel

Stainless tile backsplash might be a more interesting option for the wall.

"Heat shield" requirements and limitations can be found in M1306 and G2409.

https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/code/553/9852674

https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/code/553/9854210

Fred - You seem to be very knowledgeable about the clearance of these appliances. We just installed our Bosch 800 (NGM8655UC) cooktop. It seemed to be a little off in measurements. The counter was cut as specified in the manual but we seem to be off about a 1/2 inch from the minimum rear wall clearance of 2”. Will this be a problem when trying to pass inspection on our remodel?

"The counter was cut as specified in the manual but we seem to be off about a 1/2 inch from the minimum rear wall clearance of 2”."

That statement does not add up from my end. Is the cabinet 24" deep? Are you measuring to the wall, or to a backsplash material added to the wall?

These instructions still leave a little uncertainty.

.

"The counter was cut as specified in the manual but we seem to be off about a 1/2 inch from the minimum rear wall clearance of 2”. Will this be a problem when trying to pass inspection on our remodel?"

Yes, if your local code makes the manufacturer's specifications the rule.

Appliance cutouts should always be done with local codes in mind. Manufacturers get their own dimensions wrong on occasion. A fabricator can't just cut-'n-run and expect to be paid.

The cabinet is 24” deep and the countertop comes out about 1.5” from the cabinet. If I measure underneath the cabinet (from wall to the cooktop “box” it looks to be the 3” but when I measure up top (from the wall to the metal edge of the cooktop) I don’t come up with the 2” clearance that the instructions call for. Something doesn’t seem right. Also, the instructions on the manual call for a 36” cabinet but my husband had to cut into the 36” cabinet to allow for the cooktop to be able to drop in.

I know the manual says that the clearance can be adjusted if you have a heat shield but it doesn’t say to what. The whole thing doesn’t seem too clear to me.

I appreciate all your input though.