The large selection of colors, materials, thicknesses and edge shapes available in the kitchen world ensures that there are hardly any limits when designing the kitchen worktop. When choosing the right worktop, you should take your time. After all, it is literally the basis of work for a long time. In addition to the color and the material, other aspects play a role when choosing the right worktop. If you don’t have a specific idea yet, you should consider the following points –
- Design – Which colors and decors do you like and harmonize with the color of the front of the kitchen, or even with the rest of the furnishings in your home? Do you prefer an authentic wood, or stone decor or can it be an unusual color?
- Material – Which materials, and surfaces are suitable for you? We will show you which materials are suitable for worktops in the article below.
- Robustness – How resistant is the worktop to scratches or cuts on the surface? Is it sensitive to the ingress of moisture?
- Work top size – will it be used just to put basic utensils, or small to medium weight smart appliances such as toaster, blender, or Rotimatic roti maker? Is it temperature resistance? Can hot pots, or pans be easily placed on the worktop without the worktop being damaged?
- Care – How maintenance-intensive is the worktop so that it remains visually appealing? Are regular impregnations necessary, or is the material resistant to stains and acids? Food safety and hygienic aspects are also important when choosing the right worktop.
These are some details which you need to consider before choosing the worktop for your smart kitchen.
An overview of the variety of materials for worktops
Real wood, natural stone, ceramic or, would you prefer Dekton? We will show you the advantages of the different fabrics that can be used for worktops. This gives you an overview of which material is the right one for your work surfaces.
Plastic worktops
Laminate worktops made of plastic are harder than real wood worktops, and are the most popular kitchen worktops because they are inexpensive, very easy to clean, and quite resistant. There is also a large selection of different patterns, colors and decors available. However, plastic has only a low heat resistance, and is not 100% scratch-resistant. Extremely affordable.
Worktops made of natural stone
Natural stones such as slate, marble, and granite look excellent, and optically enhance every kitchen with their unique, and individual grain pattern of the surface. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. And, when choosing, you should pay attention to how the pattern works throughout the kitchen. Thick worktops made of natural stone in dark colors appear very dominant, while small-scale patterns can often appear restless.
Worktops made of real wood
Worktops made of real wood are very easy to work with, and because of their authentic design and variety of colors in different wood tones, they go well with all kitchen styles. Wood gives the kitchen a warm atmosphere and is also a natural raw material. However, wood is particularly sensitive to water and stains. Regular rubbing with wood oil protects the work surface, and maintains the attractive appearance of the material.
Solid surface worktops
Worktops made of solid surface material consist of various mineral components, and acrylic resin, and impress in the kitchen with a silky surface. The artificial stone is poured into shape which enables a seamless transition to the sink. However, solid surface material is not scratch-resistant. Scratches and signs of wear can be repaired again because the material can be sanded off.
Worktops made of quartz stone / artificial stone
Worktops made of artificial stone, also known as quartz stone or, composite. Quartz stones such as Siltstone are extremely robust, largely scratch-resistant and have very good hygienic properties. The surface is not porous, which is why liquids cannot penetrate. Artificial stone is a good alternative to the more maintenance-intensive natural stone. Although quartz stone is heat-resistant, you should not place hot surface on the work surface.
Ceramic worktops
Ceramic is a mixture of finely ground clay materials that are fired under pressure, and high temperatures. Ceramic resembles granite, but is an artificially made stone. Ceramic kitchen worktops are heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. Cleaning is straightforward, and can be done quickly with a damp cloth. Ceramic worktops come in many different colors and decors.
Dekton worktops
Dekton is a material that is created by cold-pressing the raw materials under great pressure, then firing and then polishing. This makes the surface of Dekton extremely heat-resistant. The work surfaces are also resistant to stains, UV light and water. The material is one of the most scratch-resistant surfaces, you could cut directly on the surface with a knife.
Stainless steel worktops
Stainless steel worktops are particularly popular in gastronomy, but are also increasingly used in private households. The material has a lot of advantages. It is not only very easy to care for, but also extremely hygienic and heat-resistant. Neither moisture nor germs or, bacteria can penetrate stainless steel. Stainless steel is also tasteless and odorless. However, the material is not scratch-resistant. It is therefore better to always use a small cutting board so that the surface is not damaged.
Countertops made of glass
A glass worktop achieves an extraordinary look, it is available in a matt, satin or reflective version. The material is used for particularly thin worktops, and convinces with a large selection of colors. Glass is very heat-resistant, hot pots cannot do much to the temperature -resistant surface of glass. Glass is also very hygienic, the non-porous surface is moisture-resistant and extremely easy to care for. In order to protect the material from scratches, it is worth using cutting boards and coasters.
Conclusion
If you want to enjoy your new fitted kitchen, and the selected worktop for a long time, it makes sense not to make the purchase decision solely based on the price. Nevertheless, of course you would like to know in advance what costs you can expect for the kitchen worktop. But, don’t forget to add Rotimatic roti maker to your kitchen. Without it, the Indian kitchen is not complete. Read Rotimatic Reviews online, here.