When it comes to kitchen countertops, choosing the most durable and wear-resistant material is always a smart idea. It may be more expensive, but if it’s going to last you forever, then it’s worth every penny. Cooks will agree; they need a countertop material that can withstand their daily chopping and use of hot pans, after all.
But if you’ve never cooked a day in your life, what should you consider when choosing a countertop? It’s impractical to go for materials made for cooks, as they don’t fit your needs and lifestyle. If you’re only going to put takeout meals on your counters, splurging on granite, for example, will be useless.
If your kitchen is pretty much for display only, you have an excuse for considering a countertop’s appeal alone. But of course, it won’t hurt to prioritize durability as well. Good countertops add value to your home, and who knows, maybe you’ll learn how to cook one day.
Without further ado, here are the best countertop materials for lazy cooks:
1. Marble
If you’re willing to splurge, consider marble. This countertop material is expensive but highly unique. Every sheet is different, so even if marble is a popular countertop choice in luxurious kitchens, your own counters will never look like any other.
Marble is good for lazy cooks because of its tendency to stain and scratch easily. But those weaknesses don’t hurt a marble’s appeal at all. It’s still commonly used for kitchen islands, backsplashes, and baking surfaces. Plus, it adds value to a home.
2. Solid Surface
Solid-surface is a mid-tier material only a few brands sell. It’s still on the expensive side, but not as costly as marble. As such, it also fits luxurious kitchens as well as mid-range ones. However, it’s vulnerable to damage from hot pans, which makes it good for lazy cooks. Still, you can easily remove marks and stains from a solid surface by sanding it.
Also, you can get a solid-surface countertop with an integrated sink. That’s one less expense for your kitchen construction.
3. Concrete
Concrete countertops are good for both lazy and committed cooks. This material has been gaining popularity lately due to its industrial appeal. But it can also fit other interior design styles like a contemporary and modern farmhouse.
Bought from a store, concrete slabs can be pricey. Luckily, you can make one yourself. All you need are high-quality concrete countertop supplies, which are available in DIY stores. It just takes some construction skills to make this countertop flawlessly, and installing it requires help because of its weight.
Both store-bought and DIY concrete countertops are heat and scratch-resistant. If you ever decide to try cooking, you can rest assured that your counters will stay pristine even if you mess up. It just requires treatment and special cleaning products for maintenance, though. And you shouldn’t apply ammonia, bleach, vinegar, and lemon juice on a concrete slab.
4. Soapstone
This lesser-known material is also a natural stone, like marble, but it has a dark-gray color with a smooth and silky feel. It’s common in historic homes, but modern abodes are starting to use it too. And as with a solid surface, soapstone is also available as a sink material.
Soapstone is heat-resistant, but a little susceptible to scratches and cuts, making it a safe choice for lazy cooks. But you can protect its surface from damage by applying some treatment, particularly mineral oil.
5. Quartz
Quartz suits both lazy and committed cooks as well. It’s heat-resistant, appealing, and easy to maintain. But placing very hot cookware on it can cause discoloration, so take note of that. Protect the material with a pot-holder if you decide to do some light cooking.
6. Butcher Block
This wooden countertop is adored by non-cooks and cooks, but it’s more suitable for the former. Butcher block is pretty high-maintenance, so cooks who frequently work with liquids and seasonings may not enjoy it. Knives can cut and scratch its surface, and if food residue is left on it, bacteria may grow on the countertop itself. So if you’re using this material, ensure that your takeout meals won’t leave residue on the counters.
Be ready for its thorough maintenance as well. Butcher block requires re-oiling and resealing periodically. Keep a piece of sandpaper close as well; it will remove stubborn stains.
Being a lazy cook shouldn’t stop you from choosing high-quality countertop materials. These options may have their weaknesses, but maintenance will keep them in top shape and appearance. Besides, hard-wearing materials aren’t perfect either. Keeping your kitchen tidy and treating the counters with care are keys to making any material last long. You may be a lazy cook, but that doesn’t mean you can’t love your kitchen.
