Laminate counters can scratch easily, so don't use them as cutting boards. Also, avoid placing hot items directly onto the countertop to prevent damage.
Don't use harsh abrasive cleansers. These will dull the laminate finish. Don't use steel wool or scrubbing tools containing steel wool, they too will scratch and dull the finish. Don't use a laminate countertop as a cutting board.
Although laminate countertops have decent impact resistance, they're vulnerable to heat damage and scratch easily. Moisture can penetrate seams and cause delamination. Not repairable. Small scratches can be touched up with designated resin paint, but deep scratches and chips aren't fixable.
So, which countertop is best for cooks? Quartz ticks all the boxes for a chef-proof kitchen countertop. It's durable, non-porous, heat, scratch, and stain-resistant, low-maintenance, easy to keep clean, and maintains a low temperature year-round.
The short answer is simply: yes. It is entirely possible to cut food on a clean countertop surface. Countertops made of material like quartz are extremely durable and can resist cuts and scratches from casual knife work. Of course, you should make it a habit to thoroughly clean the countertop before and after use.
If you have quartz and granite countertops, then yes, you can cut food directly on them. Quartz is very durable and one of the hardest materials available on the market. It withstands cuts and scratches from slicing.
Materials To Avoid In Cutting Boards
Microban protection is not designed to protect users from disease causing microorganisms. Plastic– Plastic cutting boards may contain chemicals like phthalates, DEHA and Bisphenols, all of which are endocrine disruptors, that are often used in the production of plastic items.
You could be considering finishing, maintenance, staining, durability, color, or any other of the number of aspects that come with different countertop options. But when it comes to specific interests, namely doing high level cooking in the kitchen, top chefs in the world prefer granite countertops.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
We recommend mineral oil for treating your countertop. Mineral oil will both protect your countertop from water damage and also won't add any unwanted flavors, scents or toxins to your food.
Laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are all essentially the same thing; laminate is the substance, and Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both types are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters and available in a variety of colors and designs.
Once regarded as a cheap, low-end option, laminate countertops are now found in plenty of higher-end homes. They are a good choice for those who want an affordable countertop material that offers a vast range of design choices, or anyone who wants to try their hand at DIY fabrication.
With laminate, there's a risk of water seeping through cracks or joints and reaching the substrate underneath. If water reaches the plywood or particleboard beneath the surface, the wood is likely to absorb the moisture and warp or swell.
Laminate – No. Hot pans can leave permanent burn marks. Use trivets underneath appliances that get hot.
Spray the area with Windex and allow it to sit for a few minutes, then wipe clean. Rinse well if using near food preparation areas. Windex is great on countertops, too, including quartz, granite, marble, laminate and tile.
While most wipes are safe to use on hard, non-porous surfaces like laminate, sealed granite, vinyl, and fiberglass, they are not safe to use on unfinished wood or extremely worn surfaces. Always test in a small area to make sure there is no etching or discoloration.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
White marble will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years, and you can prepare food directly on it.
Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin. These materials create diverse appearance options that range from vibrant, customizable colors to the tried-and-true natural finish.
Made popular by Joanna Gaines, concrete countertops are a wonderful way to elevate a farmhouse chic kitchen or add a special touch to an industrial, modern kitchen.
1. Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages.
Quartz remains top of the wishlist for kitchen countertops. Quartz worktops are made from engineered stone – a combination of ground quartz, resins and polymers to create a really tough material.
Avoid using your knife on surfaces made of glass, granite, marble, or ceramic.
Bamboo cutting boards are harder and less porous than hardwoods. Bamboo absorbs very little moisture and resists scarring from knives, so they are more resistant to bacteria than other woods.
The best cutting board material is one that can be easily cleaned, and doesn't damage or dull knives. Common options for cutting board material are wood, plastic, rubber, and bamboo. Wood cutting boards are superior for their hard-wearing and self-healing properties, and their ability to preserve a knife edge.