We went with SS for exactly these reasons. Just posted these pics over on the appliance forum related to an install issue, but, since I still had the pic code stored and ready to paste, thought I'd insert them here as well. Wasn't sure I was going to like it, but I actually love it. We have a variety of SS tiles on the opposite wall, so it will tie things together nicely.

{{gwi:1466963}}, {{gwi:1466965}}

AnnaA, it looks great in your kitchen! Do you mind me asking where you got SS backsplash?? We ordered a Broan one from Lowes for $300...I find it a little ridiculous to pay $300 for a piece of metal! but maybe that's just the going price...

I'll ask my GC tomorrow, but I know he got it special from somewhere as he wanted a thicker piece than what HD or Lowes carried.

I prefer tile which we have behind our range. It has not been hard to keep clean at all. I really dont like the look of stainless behind the range personally. I think it looks too industrial or something.

Idrive65, I love that backsplash! I can see how it would be very easy to clean!

Jcee730, my GC used a 1/8" thick sheet he got from the metal fabricator who also made this incredible steel frame we used under a desk-like area in our kitchen. It didn't cost him anything (he believes it was built into the cost of the frame...) since the guy had a piece of scrap, rather than us having to purchase an entire sheet. He said the SS screws, however, we're $5 / piece! And unlike idrive65, there is no design to ours other than the shine, so definitely cost effective.