The powerful top layer of your kitchen

The kitchen worktop is the part of your kitchen that you use the most. It must therefore be able to withstand daily use, stains and wear and tear. A kitchen worktop also contributes to the look and design of a kitchen. For these reasons, it is not easy to choose the right worktop for your new kitchen. What requirements should your new kitchen worktop meet? Which kitchen worktop best meets your needs? Which kitchen worktops are there?

At Clear Kitchen kitchen worktops are sold in five types of material.

 

  • Silestone Composite
  • Dekton
  • Marble
  • Granite / Quartzite
  • HPL
  • Stainless steel / Stainless steel
Clear Kitchen Countertops

Silestone Composite worktop

This worksheet is very popular. It is a sheet composed of different materials, namely for more than 90% of quartz, a little granite and resins.


These are the positive qualities of the kitchen worktop:


• It is a durable, strong material.
• Due to its strength, it is impact-resistant, wear-resistant and scratch-resistant.
• The material exudes luxury.
• It has a natural appearance, similar to natural stone.
• The worktop has an even surface; it has no cracks, so bacteria and dirt cannot remain behind. It's hygienic.
• A composite top is more colourfast than a natural stone top.
• It is available in all kinds of structures and colours, making it suitable for every kitchen.
• It can be tailored to your needs as it does not need to be mined.
• It is easy to maintain and very stain resistant.
• 25 year warranty.

The disadvantages of this type of worksheet are as follows.
• The material is sensitive to heat. It is true that composite is heat-resistant, but if hot pans are placed on it, the resin of the top discolours, causing permanent discolourations.

Dekton worksheet

This material has not been used for kitchen worktops for very long, but it is already popular with many consumers. The worksheet has the following positive features:

• It is very hard.
• Maximum fire and heat resistance. It can withstand temperatures of up to 1200 degrees Celsius.
• Due to its hardness, it is wear-resistant and scratch-resistant; it is almost impossible to break.
• The color is easy to combine with other materials and edge finishes.
• The worktop is 100% colourfast, and therefore highly resistant to UV rays.
• The worktops are available in large dimensions, so there is often no need for a seam in the worktop.
• It is stain and water resistant.
• It is low-maintenance and hygienic due to its high density.
• 10 year warranty.

Disadvantages of a kitchen worktop made of Dekton are the following:
• Actually, there are almost no disadvantages with a Dekton sheet.
• The material is sensitive to point load. This means that if a sharp object, such as a knife, comes down hard on it, damage can occur.

 

A Dekton top is comparable in structure and look to a ceramic top, but where ceramic tops have a somewhat artificial appearance, Dekton has an aesthetic addition of a design level.

Marble worktop

A marble worktop is a real eye-catcher in the kitchen.

These are the points that make the worksheet type so unique:

• It is a natural product. This gives your countertop a luxurious, unique look.
• A marble top is durable, will last a lifetime.
• The material has beautiful veins.
• A marble worktop has unique colours; they are unmatchable.
• The worktop is very hard, making it impact-resistant, wear-resistant and scratch-resistant.
• It has a fairly homogeneous surface. That makes the blade reasonably hygienic.

Marble also has a number of disadvantages:
• The material needs a little more maintenance and some extra care, because it is a natural product.
• Although the material has heat-resistant properties, it is not completely heat-resistant. If a hot pan is placed on it when the leaf is colder in winter, a thermoshock may occur if the surface heats up too quickly. This can cause cracks in the material.
• A marble top is porous, which means that liquids can penetrate it. This makes the blade not completely hygienic.
• Stains can occur if colored liquid gets on them.
• The material is sensitive to corrosive agents. These can be, for example, bleaching agents, descaling agents and unclogging agents. This can affect the color of the leaf.

Granite / Quartzite worktop

With this material you get natural stone in the kitchen. The cold material gives your kitchen a warm appearance. Below are even more positive properties of the material:


• It gives a luxurious look to your kitchen.
• A granite top is very durable and strong; it gives your kitchen character.
• Due to its strength, it is impact-resistant, wear-resistant, cut-resistant and scratch-resistant.
• It is a 100% natural product. This makes it unique.
• It is a hygienic material.
• A granite top is fairly maintenance-friendly.

These are the disadvantages of the worksheet.
• It is slightly porous. This allows moisture to penetrate the counter top fairly quickly, causing permanent damage. For example, aggressive cleaning agents, wine or another corrosive substance can quickly cause damage.
• Its uniqueness makes it difficult to find a sheet that is exactly the same as your worksheet. If there is a follow-up project for your kitchen, it is better not to choose this material.
• The top can become dull if not properly maintained and cleaned with care.

 

In addition to our normal range of granite, we also offer Sensa granite from Consentino. This granite has undergone a special treatment that removes all the disadvantages of granite. The worktop then becomes low-maintenance and very stain-resistant, the Sensa worktops have a 15-year warranty.

HPL worksheet

This type of worktop is also known as a laminate kitchen worktop. The surface is made of plywood, the hard top layer is made of HPL. This abbreviation stands for High Pressure Laminate. A worktop made of this material has the following advantages:


• It has a smooth, non-porous surface. This makes the blade hygienic and easy to clean. Even stubborn stains can be removed with mild household cleaners.
• It is available in many designs and colours, so that it can be well matched to your kitchen.
• The edge finish has many possibilities. It can be made of solid wood, plastic, aluminum, stainless steel or combinations of these materials.
• It has a favorable price-quality ratio.

Disadvantages of this type of kitchen worktop are the following:
• The material is not heat resistant.
• It is not cut resistant.

Stainless steel / Stainless steel worktop

Stainless steel, or stainless steel, is a popular material choice for countertops in both domestic and commercial settings. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using a stainless steel worktop:

Advantages of a stainless steel worktop:

  • Hygiene: Stainless steel is a non-porous material, which means that bacteria and viruses cannot easily settle on it. It is easy to clean and disinfect, making it an excellent choice for kitchens and laboratories.
  • Durability: Stainless steel is highly resistant to heat, rust and corrosion, making it a long-term investment. It can also take a beating, which is useful in a busy kitchen.
  • Aesthetics: Stainless steel has a clean, modern look that fits many different styles. It reflects light, which can help make a small space appear larger.
  • Maintenance: Stainless steel is easy to maintain. It can be easily cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent.

Disadvantages of a stainless steel worktop:

  • Scratches and dents: Despite its durability, stainless steel can be susceptible to scratches and dents. Heavy pots and pans or sharp objects can damage the surface.
  • Stains: Although stainless steel generally resists stains well, stubborn stains or prolonged exposure to certain substances can cause discoloration. Also, water stains can be a problem if not cleaned regularly.
  • Sound: Stainless steel worktops can be quite noisy. The sound of crockery and cutlery falling on the surface can be amplified.
  • Cold look: While some appreciate the modern look, others may find stainless steel countertops to be cold and impersonal.

The choice for a stainless steel worktop will therefore depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your space.