I love the 2" backsplash look! But I think it needs to stop completely at the range, and have the stainless panel start right at cooktop level. First, I think stainless starting above a quartz strip will just look really weird. Second, the area right by the cooktop is the area most in danger from damage from cooktop heat or hot pans. Quartz shouldn't be in that space. For people doing a full -height quartz slab backsplash, it's usually recommended to do a stainless trim for the first few inches above the cooktop.

Thank you so much @mcarroll16 - you always seem to have thoughtful answers and helpful advice for me! I really appreciate it.

Quartz was not my original choice, so I hadn't spent as much time doing the research. I did quickly learn that it is not as heat-proof as some other countertops, but I didn't think it through to the logical decision not to put it directly behind the range. I'm thinking that using the filler strip that comes with the range is the way to go, with the stainless steel directly over that. Thanks again.

Heat resistance behind ranges has nothing to do with material and everything to do with following the appliance manufacturer's installation instructions.

Get the slide-in and make the backsplash continuous; it looks the best.

@Joseph Corlett, LLC - thanks for that advice. I’m still researching, and mostly it does seem that quartz is ok to use behind a range, especially a measly 30” electric range (lol).

But then, uh oh, I come across this downright scary thread on Houzz from last year:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6016107/is-it-safe-to-use-quartz-as-a-backsplash-behind-a-range

I mean, my main take away is that the 2” quartz backsplash will be ok, but I’ll admit that some folks make me a little nervous about using the self-cleaning function on the range. From past personal experience, it certainly does seem to get very hot back there! Because my quartz is dark (see below) and will be only 2” high I’m not concerned so much about the appearance of scorching as about actual cracking, but I don’t think that’s a problem I have to worry about (hopefully.)

And @Mrs Pete, thank you for posting those pictures. Honestly, just about any backsplash on an entire wall is a bit much for me. Even something as simple as subway tiles like in the one picture you posted. And I agree that a “simple color choice” plays a very big part of the entire scheme. I think mine fits that bill.

The Arlington Grey quartz with white shaker cabinets (Those are not my actual cabinets)

Here it is outside in the sun:

This photo is the closest to what I’m envisioning, but with the shorter backsplash, more-to- my-taste countertop, and a chimney hood over the range.

The 2” quartz backsplash I’m getting would only be slightly taller than the filler piece that would otherwise be used on the back of the range, so it probably wouldn’t look out of place with the stainless steel above it. I definitely don’t care for the 4” backsplash in this picture - my eye immediately goes to that and I find it jarring.

I sometimes have a difficult time drawing the line between researching and obsessing! Thank you all for your replies.

I’ll admit that some folks make me a little nervous about using the self-cleaning function on the range.

Self-cleaning is the devil! I used it exactly once, and it was a disaster: The oven heated up-up-up (which it's supposed to do), but it wouldn't turn off! The oven was terrifyingly hot. We had to turn off the breaker, then the oven wouldn't turn on again. We had to call a repair man, and -- oh, it's been a decade ago -- it was the mother board (?). Big repair bill.

Never, never again.

Yikes - that is scary!! And obviously you're not alone in that type of experience.

I've had and used self-cleaning ovens forever, and I've never had an issue or given it a second thought. Of course, now that I'm aware I'm compelled to worry about it. The price to pay for doing research. I guess when we redid a kitchen 12 years ago the excessive heat concern wasn't on my radar. I'm sure I'll figure it out...