An Honest Review of the Best Kitchen Benchtops on the Market
An Honest Review of the Best Kitchen Benchtops on the Market
In full disclosure, most of the materials covered in this article are not sold by us at Archant. We currently specialise in two benchtop materials, porcelain, and quartz. Nevertheless, we thought it was important to give a wider overview of the options available on the market today. We feel an educated consumer is our most valued client. As you’ll read, each material has pros and cons that require careful thought. Cost and durability are certainly essential considerations, as is style. This piece mostly focuses on those areas to get your research started. Just note that the best benchtop for your kitchen may be quite different from someone else’s based on how you envision and use your space.
Porcelain
A rare blend of form and function, porcelain benchtops are often referred to as the future of kitchen design. This revolutionary surface offers the widest range of choices. Whether you’re interested in a single colour, the texture of stone, the elegance of marble or the extravagance of metal, porcelain can bring all the elements of the kitchen together with style and practical functionality. Its durability is also far superior to most of the other options. It’s scratch and stain-resistant for those who work in a busy kitchen. There’s also the unique benefit of its heat resistance. It’s not a problem to put cookware directly onto the surface straight out of the hot oven. Porcelain can even be used outdoors and won’t fade or discolour from the sun’s UV rays.
If all of this sounds too good to be true, porcelain is not without its potential issues. Fabrication requires skilled technicians as it’s a more challenging material to work with. Kitchens with multiple joins, edges and other cuts will see higher costs due to the specialised labour. Like most stone benchtops, chipping can occur if you’re not careful. As such, it’s recommended that you never stand on, or use heavy force or pressure on a porcelain bench. While this can be repaired, accidental misuse is not covered by the warranty.
Dekton
Dekton is made by combining quartz, porcelain, and glass. It’s quite similar to porcelain in terms of durability. The big features are heat, stain, and scratch resistance. You can also find a wide variety of colours and finishes to fit your desired style. In terms of cost, you can expect it to be slightly more than other stone options as it’s a newer product. There have been some concerns regarding its longevity. This stems from a Consumer Reports study in 2015 which showed that Dekton cracked during its impact test. As we’ve noted many times before, no benchtop minus stainless steel is impervious to this kind of force.
Stainless Steel
With their industrial appearance and durable makeup, stainless steel benchtops are often a favourite of chefs. They’re easy to clean and won’t ever chip or break the way stone can. You can smash a bag of ice on the surface without worry. As you might imagine, they last for an exceptionally long time making them a smart value. While some may love the sleek look, it’s not necessarily as high-end as other options covered in this article. Still, if you’re looking for a solid blend of form and function, stainless steel is hard to beat.
Laminate
When you think about laminate benchtops, the first thing that comes to mind is cost. In comparison to stone, you will save a great deal here. There are some other surprising benefits though. First, you may be surprised to learn just how deep the variety of styles is with this material. In recent years we’ve seen laminate benchtops that take on the appearance of stone, timber, granite and more. It’s also quite lightweight making it easier to work with. Homeowners and DIY enthusiasts will be able to install it themselves and save accordingly. Of course, the big differences here are in terms of durability. You won’t be able to cut on it, nor place a hot pan down or you will quickly ruin the surface. For some busy kitchens, this lack of functionality may be a deal-breaker.
Quartz
Strong and stylish, quartz has long been a favourite of our customers in New Zealand. You can choose from beautiful stone inspired designs, stunning whites, deep browns, concrete-like greys, and shimmering blacks. With its non-porous surface, the surface is highly resistant to scratches and stains from daily household products such as coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar and makeup. Although these spills will not stain, this surface does need additional maintenance and may need deep cleaning and thorough wipe down to remove these spills. Since quartz is one of nature’s hardest materials, it offers exceptional scratch resistance. Extra care should be taken with hot pots and pans. If placed directly onto the surface, they can leave a burn mark by melting the resin that’s mixed with the quartz. It’s also advisable to avoid using heavy pressure or force to prevent chipping. This is especially relevant near the edges of the bench which are more prone to damage.
Concrete
This unique option has several benefits starting with the potential to shape it specifically to your design specifications. There are also a seemingly endless array of colours and styles. This kind of flexibility makes it a stylish choice for any style of kitchen including modern and traditional spaces. The harder surface does very well to resist scratches much like the stone benchtop alternatives. Similarly, it comes with a higher price tag as fabrication and labour are more challenging. Concrete benchtops are of course heavy, and therefore it’s often necessary to strengthen and reinforce cabinets and even flooring to adequately support the weight. Homeowners will also need to seal the surface every year to keep them looking their best.
Granite
This beautiful surface has been a favourite selection in high-end kitchens for many years now. They hold their value well and are long-lasting. Because these benchtops are formed through a process involving high heat and intense pressure, they won’t burn from hot cookware being placed directly on them. They’re also easy to clean with mild cleansers and a soft cloth. Although they do resist stains quite nicely, most manufacturers recommend the benchtop be resealed at least annually.
While granite is a wonderful choice, it’s not without some areas of concern. It can crack or chip under heavy pressure or force. It’s also quite heavy making installation challenging and more costly than many of the alternatives. The price difference in labour is substantial, often reported as three times more expensive than the cost of materials. Like concrete, granite benchtops are very heavy so homeowners may need to strengthen existing cabinetry to best support it. This needs to be factored into the overall cost of installation. may
Timber
If you love the warm, natural look of wood these benchtops may compliment your kitchen perfectly. There are all kinds of colours to choose from including light blonde, medium and rich darker tones. It is in truth, softer than stone and of course stainless steel, but that’s not necessarily a weakness. Timber benchtops can outlast most other options. This involves sanding down scratches and wear and refinishing the surface with varnish. Using recycled timber can reduce costs and be an environmentally friendly way to go. Ultimately though, this is a much more rustic look, and will not have the highly polished, pristine appearance of the other alternatives. Think carefully about the aesthetic you’re trying to create and choose accordingly.
What Is Your Ideal Benchtop?
This list includes many of the best benchtop options available today, but it’s in no way a conclusive study. Use this as a launching pad for your research, and feel free to contact us with any questions. We’d love to help pair you with the best solution for your home.
Additional Reading
Porcelain Benchtops: Do They Make Sense for You?
Porcelain vs Dekton: Which is Best?
When Will My Benchtop Be Installed? A Breakdown of the Process
Porcelain vs Quartz: A Pricing Comparison
How We Safely Prepare and Install Stone Benchtops in New Zealand
