If you’re a chef, whether it be a wizard in your home kitchen or in the restaurant kitchen, you want to choose a countertop material that will be more like a companion than your enemy in the kitchen. So, here are some of the best countertop materials that chefs swear by. Hint: Stainless steel, granite, and quartz countertops are highly favored by chefs.
Countertop Surfaces For Serious Cooks
Quartz Countertops
If you’re looking for a great, durable, and reliable countertop material that isn’t a natural stone per se, then look no further, because quartz is going to be the answer for everything. Quartz is seriously an amazing material to go for. It is man-made, but the quality of this material is up there with some of the most loved and popular natural stones. It is quite budget-friendly too as compared to the exotic and very expensive materials that you can go for.
Also, if you love cooking with a lot of hot things and using your countertops as a cutting board, then you don’t need to worry about quartz in the slightest. Knife marks, scratches, and heat are something that quartz can take like a champ and it will surely impress you with its qualities. Even though quartz is amazingly durable and resistant when it comes to heat, too much of anything will lead to damage and unfortunately, heat will do that to quartz.
Even though a little bit of high temperature doesn’t hurt quartz, you still have to be careful when dealing with hot things, especially piping hot pans. They will cause heat stains on the surface of the countertops.
Stainless Steel Countertops
One of the best options when it comes to countertops for chefs who are fine with paying extra for a good. Is it expensive? Yes, a lot. But is it worth it? Also, yes. Stainless steel is one of the best materials out there that not only transforms your kitchen into a legit restaurant kitchen, but it is literally so easy to clean and look after.
If finger smudges don’t irk you a lot, then you’re good to go with this bad boy. In food businesses and commercial kitchens, stainless steel countertops are the norm.
Concrete Countertops
Chefs love working with concrete countertops and not just any concrete, it has to be polished concrete. This is such a wonderful countertop material and it really looks like one of those natural and polished stones that you love so much, but obviously a lot more reasonable in price.
Concrete can have a tendency to suck in water because it is basically like a hard sponge. But if you polish concrete countertops and apply a sealant, then you are left with a beautiful surface that not only looks amazing but works like a beast in the kitchen.
Granite Countertops
The most loved, granite, is also adored by chefs all over the world. It is a natural stone. It is beautiful to look at, it is heat-resistant and very durable, and it is also something that will last you a lifetime if you maintain it well.
The only thing that people don’t like so much about granite is the fact that it is expensive and it requires maintenance. However, it is a maintenance-heavy material, but that is the price that you have to pay for something that is extremely popular and long-lasting. Granite countertops Raleigh NC also add to your home’s value as everyone likes granite kitchen counters.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface is also another great option to go for, if you don’t care for fancy countertop materials that have a hefty price tag. Solid surface is very sturdy, so you can whip up amazing morsels of yumminess on this countertop material and it won’t budge. Many modern kitchens have quartz or solid surface countertop surfaces.
The only thing that you have to worry about is the heat resistance of this material. It is not very good. Well, considering the fact that the majority of this material’s composition is resin, it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but if you use a cutting board and protect the countertops well, then they will serve you well for years to come.
Butcher Block Countertops
Are you a chef who loves hardwood countertops but hates the maintenance? Well, you’re in for a treat, because you don’t need to let your woody dreams go. Presenting butcher block, which is made out of wood, but is somehow so much easier to clean and look after when it comes to maintaining it.
It also looks very rustic, and it is the type of material that looks like something a chef would use. So, it’s definitely an amazing choice to go for.
Soapstone Countertops
If you love the look of marble, but not the fragility, then soapstone is literally going to sweep in and steal your heart. Soapstone is a very soft and slippery material, which is perfect for kneading dough and working with your hands.
It is also lighter in color, which means that it won’t trap heat inside. The only thing that isn’t so good about soapstone is the fact that it is not waterproof. You need to seal it in order to make it waterproof and if you forget, then, well, the countertops will be decorated with stains all over the surface, which might sound okay, but is anything but.
Tile Countertops
If you want to add a bit of sophistication to your kitchen, then you can go for tile countertops. Tile is such a lovely material. It is lightweight, it is very easy to install, and it is a decently durable material too.
Yes, it is not indestructible, but it is still an amazing and decent choice to go for, if you want something that looks modern and gets the job done. You can also install it pretty easily and if a tile panel shatters or gets chipped, then you can easily replace it. It is as simple as that.
Terrazzo Countertops
If you’re a chef who wants to use recycled glass and wants to be more mindful of the countertop materials you’re choosing, then terrazzo is literally perfect for you. It has such a bright and unique appearance and it is basically a mosaic of glass, chips of countertop materials, and other things bound by resin.
The result is a strong and sturdy material that will literally be an amazing addition in the kitchen. You’ll just have to try it out to see what the hype is all about, but one thing’s for sure: You won’t be disappointed.
Laminate Countertops
If you want to go for a more reasonable material and don’t really care for the aesthetics, then laminate is a wonderful material to go for. It is a material that is well-loved in the kitchen and a lot of people rave about this material for its low cost. It can literally mimic any type of countertop material that you love, but way cheaper.
Also, laminate gets a lot of hate for not being durable, when it is fairly durable and lasts decently long. Just don’t expect the durability of stainless steel or quartz.
Conclusion
You know a countertop surface is going to be good when it’s recommended by a chef. It is seriously going to be a game-changer in the kitchen. So, which one would you choose when considering countertop replacement Durham NC?
