Countertops for Chefs

Image: Black Mist Honed Granite Kitchen Countertop on Perimeter, Calacatta Divine Quartz Island Countertop, and CS-Bianco Venatino Honed Herringbone Marble Backsplash from Arizona Tile

Choosing a countertop is not easy because there is a plethora of options from laminate to concrete to wood to stone. Regardless if you are designing a commercial or residential space, there are similar features to consider for your countertop as it is a surface that will be heavily used.

If you are unsure if you want a more standard countertop surface or a butcher block, there are a number of factors to consider. Knowing what the best countertop for chefs is will tailor your design and upgrade your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary.

Block Surface

Chances are you have heard of ‘butcher block,’ which is typically a hefty wood surface used for cutting. The joy about wood countertops is that you can cut directly on them, without the need of cutting boards, and your knives will not be damaged, unlike other surfaces. Reason being… wood is soft. The downside to this, however, is over time your butcher block will begin to show wear and tear. It is also more prone to staining, harboring bacteria, and looking generally unsightly. While wood is easy to restore by sanding and re-staining, not having to worry about that extra maintenance will make the day-to-day and year-to-year use more enjoyable as stone surfaces require less maintenance are resilient and provide lasting beauty.

As easily as you could find a nice wooden butcher block, stone slab is an attainable, cost-effective, low-maintenance chef countertop option for any residential or commercial kitchen.

Image: Crest Quartz Kitchen Island Countertop and Maxim Quartz for Kitchen Table from Arizona Tile

Stone Performance

It was already mentioned that wood may  not be the best option for durability, cleanliness, and overall appearance… granite and quartz countertops may  make the perfect countertops for chefs, and here is why:

Durability

Quartz and granite are incredibly durable. Granite is 100% natural stone, one of the hardest natural stones on earth, and naturally stain resistant. Quartz is man-made and consists of up of about 94% natural stone that has been finely ground and then mixed with a resin. Given this about quartz, it is not porous and therefore most quartz products do not need to be sealed. . Due to the extreme conditions in which granite is formed in nature, it is one of the hardest and most durable surfaces available.  As a natural stone product, it is recommended that a sealer be applied after installation which will prevent liquids from absorbing into the stone. Depending on the sealer used, this only needs to be reapplied every few years.

Though both surfaces are durable, any stone or quartz countertop should be protected from direct contact with sharp objects, heat, and abrasive chemicals. Not taking precautions against heat, knives, and chemicals will prematurely add wear and tear and could dull the surface. Therefore, simply using cutting boards and hot pads will prevent unnecessary damage, making both granite and quartz ideal countertops for chefs.

Image: Citrine Quartz Kitchen Island Countertop and 5 x 5 Flash White Ceramic Tile Backsplash from Arizona Tile

Cleanliness

Unlike wood that can harbor bacteria, this will not occur on quartz or granite. With quartz being non-porous and granite being one of the least absorbent natural materials that exist, bacteria is not a concern for either surface. And, unlike wood, which can have knife gouges and be tough to scrub clean, granite and quartz simply need to be cleaned with a wet cloth and a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner. At the end of a long shift in the kitchen, you and your kitchen staff will appreciate a simple cleaning process.

Appearance

Because granite is a product of nature, finding two identical slabs is nearly impossible—though very similar slabs is practical. Quartz, being man-made, can be duplicated. If you like the rarity of granite countertops, having a unique stone slab in your commercial kitchen can create a stunning countertop. If you want a consistent look throughout, quartz may suit your needs better. Regardless of which you choose, both surfaces will delight you with their beauty and longevity when properly maintained.

Image: Indian Premium Black Satin Granite Kitchen Countertop and Castle Brick White Porcelain Tile from Arizona Tile

Some Beautiful Options

Countertop options in quartz and granite are almost endless. Stopping in at an Arizona Tile store or slab yard will help in your design-making process.    Seeing the slabs in person can truly impact your ultimate decision. Whether you are focusing on a full countertop, a kitchen island, or a movable surface, pairing quartz or granite to design your kitchen will make any chef happy.

In a commercial kitchen, the best countertops for chefs may be of a neutral color, either light or dark, and come in different thicknesses to give the best look and performance. Darker colors like Slate Grey-N (charcoal grey quartz with tiny white flecks), Metropolis Dark (deep, slate grey quartz with charcoal grey and white flecks), and Indian Premium Black Satin (consistently dark granite with slight texture) would serve any kitchen well as they pair nicely with stainless steel appliances (like what is typically found commercially).

Image: Linea Quartz Kitchen Island Countertop, Indian Premium Black Honed Granite on Kitchen Countertop Perimeter, and Concerto White Glossy Porcelain Tile Backsplash from Arizona Tile

If you desire a lighter, brighter space, lighter countertops would be better for your design. Calacatta Divine (white quartz with fine to thick grey veining that come in “Super Jumbo” size which reduces seams), Linea (pure white quartz with faint taupe detailing), Maxim (creamy white quartz with taupe and gold veining), and White Ice (granite with white background and golden and gray movement) would enhance the look of the space to make a delightful countertop for any chef. A delicate in-between color option is Crest which is greige quartz with clear and brown detailing throughout or Alpine, a granite that is mostly feldspar and quartz, making it a very hard and durable product.

Style You Desire

It doesn’t only have to be the best countertop for a chef to utilize Arizona Tile products. From floors to walls, to kitchens, and to exteriors, the material Arizona Tile offers is high-end, near endless, and able to fit most any design- residential or commercial. Visit our online slab yard to see the amazing natural stone slab products we offer then stop by one of our many showroom locations to talk to our professional and knowledgeable staff. To help develop your design ideas, utilize the tile visualizer to see your favorite products in your space. If you have any questions, send them our way!