Does she cook? Because induction can heat a pan red hot, and burn quartz, just like gas will.

Read the installation guide to the range. It will tell you what the set-back requirements are. But yes, sadly, quartz can scorch even if the range is properly installed. Beyond that, encourage your friend to get on and post for herself. Offering advice through someone else is generally not that helpful.

• Quartz Backsplash In A Kitchen – Pros, Cons & Expert Advice
• Can quartz be used as a backsplash behind stove?

Nearly all induction ranges have a raised vent at the rear of the range. That will prevent pots from sliding off the cooktop and touching the backsplash but heat will also be exhausted near the backsplash.

LG ranges have a rear filler that's attached if the countertop does not extend behind the range. Cafe range fillers are attached for all installations.

Be sure to read the installation instructions for the range(s) you're considering. Be sure to verify that the cabinet opening's dimensions, countertop dimensions, distances from nearby cabinets, and location of the electrical outlet(!) are all correct.

I suggest she ask the contractor to install a fireproof wall behind the induction range. That is, steel studs and fireproof wall board. There’s a name for the wall board that escapes my memory. The contractor should know. That, and have a spacer placed between the range and wall.

Alas, the instructions to many cooking appliances do not address the issue of harm to backsplashes.

Btw, it’s not so much the cooking surface that can damage a quartz backsplash, rather it’s the vent at the rear of the oven, where the heat escapes, that’s the issue.

Great info everyone. Thank you.

I wonder if this changes the calculus: I forgot to mention that they will be using a free standing range instead of a slide in because they are much less expensive. Does having the back of the free standing change any recommendations about what is put on the wall behind it?

@Travestine Yes, they do cook almost all of their meals at home. Two of them. No kids. In their 60s. Small kitchen.

I suggest she ask the contractor to install a fireproof wall behind the induction range.

For 25 years they have had a gas range in the exact same space where they will be putting their induction range. Is there something about induction that necessitates a fireproof wall that a gas does not? Is it the vent at the back that is a fire hazard? I believe the walls are plaster. The exterior walls are extremely thick stone walls. 1930s house.

Since her current range is 25 years old, chances are it has a built in backguard ,probably with oven controls, preventing heat and oven discharge from reaching the wall, , In all likeihood, the current induction range she is looking at does not have said backguard., that is the issue.

If they want to be price conscious, then tell them to look into large format tile - 2 ft x 4ft. It's a lot less expensive and will have minimal grout lines. Just a thought.

I have not seen any issues with electric ranges - all the photos I see are gas

and it is an issue with quartz and tile!

You don't have that grill in the back with an electric model.

Good luck

Thanks all. No more running quartz up the wall! On to another brainstorm instead.

How much is she redoing? In some layouts, the normalish 25.5" counter depth can be enlarges to 30 inches front to back. That width would give more ventilation space between the range and the backsplash. A deep counter can add a lot of function to work zones.