I'll just be honest and say I am not a fan of the Niche for oils. Oils are sensitive to heat, and will go rancid easily. Spices too will deteriorate when exposed to heat and light. Also, I don't like the idea of reaching across the burner flames and steaming pots or splattering frypans to get to my bottle of oil. Just my $.02.

I like mine. I've got olive oil, canola oil, salt, pepper and a small teapot sitting on the ledge. The ledge is a small piece of granite which matches the counter and window sills, left skinny, not laminated, and has a slight overhang.

The oils are not in very large bottles, so they get used up failrly quickly. Also I have an induction cooktop so I imagine there is less heat generated into the air than if it were gas. If heat is a concern, maybe a pottery-type of bottle would be better than glass.

I'll post a pic when I'm home.

I dont have one, if I did I would prefer it to the side, rather than directly behind range, due to splatters and reaching over hot burners.

I keep mine on an open shelf just a few steps from the stovetop. I don't care for those niches at all. Worst ones are in back because that's a spot guaranteed to get gunk and heat. Don't care for them on the side either as I feel it isn't safe reaching around hot pots.

Best places are nearby or on a pull out to the left or right of the range.

I think they look cool, but think they are in reality impractical. Keep the niches in the showers where they belong and do a pretty tile mural if you need some drama behind the range.

It's the worst place in the world for actual oil and spice storage. I can't think of what else would be practical to store close to the spatter zone that would be easily cleaned. So, you can tell I'm not a fan. But, I'm a function before form person. Some people are in the form before function camp and love the idea of that focal point.

Here's a pic of mine. If I had a gas range I might not want to have this, but I like the convenience and breaking up the area visually. My spices are in a drawer though, away from light and heat.

It's totally practical and useful for me. I love having a few often-used things at my fingertips. Haven't had any issues with the oil going bad or cleaning problems.

But I do agree it would be impractical if you have a gas range because of the reaching and extra heat generated. If I had a gas range, I think I'd put those things into an upper cabinet which would be just a short arm's reach away.

Thanks guys...it's a form over function thing, actually. Sounds like the best spot would be for me to have a cute caddy near the stove to put all that stuff. I will have gas.