We have a slide in range and tumbled marble backsplash with a light coloured grout tho not white. I was worried too and started a thread here. A number of people responded by saying they never had a problem but most did seal it all after installation. We did too. I used two coats of a spray on tile and grout sealer and it seems very water and stain repellent at the moment. We've only had ours since January but I do cook a lot and use the sink a lot. I have a 3 panel folding metal screen that I stand up occasionally if I am making something really messy at the stove-just as a precaution against a stain. To date everything has wiped off my backsplash with no effort and it looks like new.

I have that exact model slide in range with bone tile and grout. I have not had a problem with staining, and because the large burner is in front, very few splatters make it all the way to the wall. Good luck with your kitchen!

You could also do your venatino tile backsplash everywhere but just behind the range. Behind the range, do a stainless steel panel. It is a very professional look, and there have been several Kitchens Forum members who have done that. A stainless steel panel is also not that expensive. A nice option is to get the stainless steel panel in a pattern such as quilted or tiled. Martha Stewart did her studio kitchen with stainless steel panel in a tiled pattern behind the range, and grouted subway tile in the rest of the kitchen.

I will also link below an older thread on this topic.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchens Forum Thread about SS Sheet behind Cooktop

This post was edited by akchicago on Mon, Jul 7, 14 at 8:28

I really like that Martha Stewart stainless tile look...very classy.

Well, I've had my kitchen for 8 years now.
I've never had any problems with the grout on my backsplash.

Now why is that, (8 years is a long time), and no sealing has ever been done.

The reason is, "There is No Grout", Zip, Nada, None!!!!

We installed the same granite as a backsplash as is on the counters, Luv it and if we've had to clean it, I sure don't recall when that was.

Gary

Well, in my previous home, I had no problem with grout on my tumbled travertine backsplash either, and I most certainly did have grout. Just seal it, and wipe it down with a sponge when something does get on it.

Thank you, everyone!