Are you struggling to build your dream kitchen? A ceramic hob can be the perfect step to build one. But what is a ceramic hob? Don’t worry, I have got it all covered for you.

When we look at the kitchen essentials, several options will only confuse you, but you need to know the products well to make a wise decision. And clearly, the ceramic hob is one of the most intriguing products, with a growth of sales volume by 8%. 

Let’s have a look at the ceramic hob and everything you need to know.

Teardown of Ceramic Hob

It goes by the name of ceramic hob, but does it mean it is made of ceramic? Not exactly! Instead, the ceramic in the name suggests that it has a ceramic finish.

But what is a ceramic finish? It is a strong material that can bear a lot of weight and will not shatter when heated. It can withstand high temperatures, which is ideal for you to cook meals.

How Does a Ceramic Hob Work?

Ceramic hob looks like a rigid layer of glass laying on top of your countertop, but only with your naked eyes, of course. 

Although there is a glass, underneath you will find the heating system. When you turn on the hob, the heating elements get warm, and that heat transfers to the pan and then to your food.  

Why do you need to have a Ceramic Hob?

Let’s guide the elephant in the room; why do you even need to choose a ceramic hob? Here are the following aspects that you should consider before choosing a hob.

1. Easy to clean

The ceramic hob is designed in such a manner that it is convenient to clean it at all times. It is a flat glass that is easy to reach and clean. So, you can tick the kitchen cleaning checklist easily.

The traditional way to clean your hob is to use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

2. Elegant and stylish

Ceramic hobs look sophisticated, modern, and stylish. They are the right choice if you want something compact and fancy. 

Also, it will bring a new outlook to your kitchen that will stay flashy.

3. Cheaper choice

Sometimes we want to have something really lavish and extravagant, but our budget does not allow it. This is where ceramic hobs come into play. 

They are cheaper with almost the same benefits as an induction hob. Why wouldn’t anyone like an economical option that shall not be so heavy on the pocket?

Induction Hob Vs. Ceramic Hob

When anyone has to choose between two options, they are more likely to stumble upon both of them for a long time. The other option that goes head-to-toe with ceramic hobs is the induction hobs. So here is a better understanding of the differences between the two of them.

Induction hobs use magnetic principles: Induction hobs work only when the pan is in contact with the surface of the hob. It works on the principle of the magnetic field. This results in better control over the heat and, consequently, energy conservation.

Ceramic hobs have heating coils: The heating coils underneath take some time to heat up, which results in poor control over the amount of heat and the exposure time.

What are the Issues of Ceramic Hob?

Every product has its shortcomings, and you should be aware of them before you finalize your purchase.

No Control Over Heating: Unable to control the heat is crucial when it comes to cooking, and in a ceramic hob, you don’t lack heat control that can result in a bad cooking experience.

Not Safe Around Kids: You need to know that as a ceramic hob takes time to heat up, it will also take time to cool down completely. If anyone forgets and places their hand on the hob, they are likely to get hurt.

Conclusion 

To sum up, ceramic hobs are the new normal as they are convenient, cost-efficient, and a smart choice. All of us can not afford the expensive induction hobs, so it is a cheaper choice with almost all the benefits of a modish look and easy cooking. 

Still confused. Should you buy it or not? Yes, it can be a real deal, and if it strikes a chord, you should definitely consider buying.

Types of kitchen countertops are countless. In fact, you have to seriously consider your appropriate type in order to get the look you are looking for. Also, kitchen countertops, if you choose what suits your kitchen, will provide you with an amazing atmosphere to enjoy your cooking experiences.

Below you will find 15 types of kitchen countertops to give you a general idea about what is available in the market as well as help you make a sound decision. So keep reading especially if you are planning to replace your countertops.

1- Laminate Countertops

The first ones included in our list of types of kitchen countertops are laminate countertops The most commonly used as well as preferred countertops these days are laminate countertops. What are laminate countertops? 

It is a thin sheet fused over a board, preferably a medium-density fiberboard(MDF).

Pros

• The most affordable option in the market.

• This type also comes in a wide variety of designs. You can even do it yourself.

• Easy to install

• It’s durable and waterproof.

Cons

• The sheet is a thin material and is fixed over a fiberboard; hence it is more prone to getting ripped off from the edges.
• Though they are affordable, the finish looks relatively cheap.

Here, you can see prices for different countertops.

2- Granite Countertops are Another Type of Kitchen Countertop

People have been using granites for as long as I can remember. I do not think you go to explore your options for countertops, and you do not consider a granite countertop.

Granite stone goes for around $50 to $80 per square. An average countertop may come in at $2000 to $4000.

Pros of Types of Kitchen Countertops

• If you are more into nature, granite countertops are for you as they give an earthly vibe.
• It is a naturally occurring stone and hence highly durable and long-lasting.
• It is easier to maintain and keep clean and shiny.

Cons

• It is relatively expensive,
• Being a natural stone, it is porous and can have a buildup of oil and dirt. So it may need an extra top polish.
• Intensive labor is required for its installation.
• If you ever feel like you are done with the color, it might be pretty expensive to change as it firmly adheres.

3- Quartz countertops are Other Types of Kitchen Countertops

They are made with quartz dust or quartz chips bonded together with resin. The composition is usually 90-95% quartz dust and 5-10% resin.

Pros

• It is quite appealing to the eye due to the resin finish.
• They are sleek and elegant.
• The material is durable. Many users say that they stay free from scratches and cracks.
• It is non-porous, reducing the accumulation of any oils and dust particles.
• The designs are so versatile that they can satisfy your need to make everything perfect.

Cons

• It is not for people who are a little tight on budget.
• The resin added to quartz countertops is not heat resistant, adding to its disadvantage.
• If you are thinking of buying it for your outdoor kitchen, it’s a big No.

4- Marble Countertops Are among the Types of Kitchen Countertops

Just like quartz, they are pretty popular choices when choosing countertops for your kitchen.

They can change the outlook of your kitchen and make it look lavish.

Pros

• They can beautify your kitchen no matter what color you use.
• They are easy to maintain and clean.
• It can add to the value of your house.
• Once installed and taken good care of, they can last you a long.

Cons

• They are cumbersome to work with, adding in the installation costs.
• It is porous, which is a direct invitation to bacteria and dust.
• Marble countertops are expensive. As a result, not everyone can afford them if they have a big kitchen.

5- Quartzite Countertops

Quartz and quartzite are two different things. Quartz is artificial to some extent. Professionals made of chips and dust quartzite. Quartzite is the stone itself obtained from nature.

Pros

• It is heat resistant
• Quartzite countertops are low maintenance and easy to clean.
• It is one of the sturdier materials, making it durable for a kitchen’s daily wear n tear.
• As it is a naturally occurring stone, it looks versatile and attractive.

Cons 

• You need yearly sealing to protect it from staining.
• The color palette is not much to choose from
• Though less expensive than marble, they are still costly as naturally occurring stones.

6- Porcelain Countertops

They may not be your go-to choice for kitchen countertops, but they are getting some attention. 

Experts made it of clay and not just some random clay but Chinese clay, having a high percentage of minerals.

Pros

• Porcelain is stain-resistant.
• It is non-porous, making it perfect for your kitchen.
• The clay is cooked at high temperatures; hence take the heat.

Cons

• The stock is limited as people traditionally have been using other materials.
• Though it is usually scratch resistant, one needs to be careful with knives.

7- Sandstone countertops

It is a naturally occurring stone that can help achieve that earthly vibe. The earthly tones add to the depth of colors, making it stand you on its own.

Pros

• Like all natural stones, it is a natural beauty that never amazes you.
• It can be used both polished and unpolished for a sleek or rustic look.
• Heat resistance adds up to its advantages.
• They are easier to clean, especially if you have a polished one.

Cons

• It requires sealing to keep it in its best condition
• If the filling is not done, it is pretty porous. That is not what’s needed in a kitchen countertop.
• As it is a less commonly used material, finding an experienced fabricator proves to be one hell of a job.
• The surface is not scratch resistant.

8- Limestone As Types of Kitchen Countertops

Limestone comes in the category of natural stones. It also has been in the market for quite some time and has advantages and disadvantages.

Being an earthly stone, no doubt it is visually appealing. It is not wrong to say that it is a deadly combination of versatility and elegance.

Pros

• It is a value-added material.
• It fits in best with a minimalist look which is all the hype today.
• Limestone is simply elegant and timeless.
• Like every other stone. Limestone is heat resistant.
• They are cheaper than other stones like granite and marble.

Cons

• Limestone requires more maintenance
• It is porous, which means limestone can be stained or scratched easily
• While cleaning, you need to be very careful as it tolerates no harsh acids and chemicals.

9- Onyx

Onyx is a soft stone formed after limestone is dissolved. It is obtained from limestone caves. 

It is naturally made so that it has swirling lines that make it beautiful and just lovely to have as a countertop.

They usually need a lot of support being soft, but that goes way behind, considering how beautiful it looks like a kitchen countertop.

Pros

• It’s natural, which ultimately means beauty as well as a unique appearance
• It’s rare, hence a good choice if you are a fan of rare stones.
• The translucent finish makes it even more beautiful. The light shines through, making it an exceptional choice.

Cons

• As it is a soft stone, the fragility is considered before buying.
• It’s sporadic.
• You can just be done after installing, and it needs regular sealing to maintain its shine.

10- Concrete Countertops Are other Types of Kitchen Countertops

Concrete is not unknown to anyone. We all know what concrete is. But you might be thinking, concrete? It’s gray and such a boring material.

But that is not the case now. There are many designs available that are functional and stylish at the same time.

Pros of These Types of Kitchen Countertops

• It can be shaped as well as transformed as you like and according to the shape of your kitchen.
• The texture and designs are customizable.
• You can add in a glass or a light stone to add to the beauty of the concrete stone.
• Concrete is undoubtedly durable.

Cons of these Types of Kitchen Countertops

• It is high maintenance needing resealing annually.
• Concrete is not scratch-proof
• Once installed, you need to deal with the heavy weight of a concrete countertop that can affect the cabinets and floor underneath.

11- Stainless Steel

You can find stainless steel in many appliances and, I guess, professionals use it in their kitchens. But they can be used at home and are still elegant.

If you are someone doing professional cooking and your kitchen goes through that challenging work, consider adding this countertop to your kitchen.

Pros of these Types of Kitchen Countertops

• The shine standouts all the time
• Easier to maintain
• There is no rusting or burning when you are using stainless steel, unlike wood or other materials.
• As the name gives it off, you need not worry about getting permanent stains.

Cons

• If you are looking for a high-end look. Stainless steel is not for you.
• It would be best if you were careful with heavy pots and pans. If they hit hard on the surface, that might dent the surface.

12- Slate Countertops AreTypes of Kitchen Countertops

Slate countertops are also of excellent quality with a high-class durability factor. These kitchen countertops require less maintenance than marble, granite, or concrete countertops.

Moreover, here are a few major pros and cons of having slate countertops in your kitchen.

Pros

• The slate countertops tend to harbor bacteria and fungi, making them easy to clean.
• Due to their hardness and well-sustained durability, they often don’t get scratches.
• Slate countertops are more cost-effective and relatably affordable than granite or marble countertops.

Cons Concerning Types of Kitchen Countertops

• Have very sharp corners and can be brittle.
• They grab the spotlight rather than complement it.

13- Glass Countertops

Due to advancements in technology, designers are now producing unique and imaginative designs using glass. If you want to give your kitchen a fresh and exciting look, glass countertops are your way to go.

To address your fear, below, we have gathered a few prominent pros and cons of glass countertops that can help you make your choice.

Pros of these Types of Kitchen Countertops

• These are the most versatile countertops you can use in your kitchen.
• Glass countertops are available in various textures, designs, and colors.
• They go well with other materials used in making countertops.

Cons of these Types of Kitchen Countertops

• They have a low durability factor and can get damaged easily.
• They have high maintenance and repair costs.

14- Recyclable Material among the Types of Kitchen Countertops

Recycled material countertops are a great way to provide your kitchen with a new as well as fresh look without getting your pockets empty. Moreover, recycled paper countertops offer sustainability and aesthetic advantages to your kitchen.

Here are a few significant benefits and drawbacks of having recycled paper countertops in your kitchen.

Pros

• They are highly resistant to scratches, stains, bacterial growth, and heat burns.
• They are healthy for the environment.
• They are less expensive.

Cons of these Types of Kitchen Countertops

• They require maintenance regularly.
• They can be prone to stains and scratches if not sealed adequately. 

15- Solid Surface Are Other Types of Kitchen Countertops

These are artificial acrylic or resin countertops with solid surfaces and prefer natural stone countertops. They also have their pros and cons, like other countertop materials.

Pros

• Highly Durable.
• Have seamless joints.
• Easily maintained and repaired.

Cons of these Types of Kitchen Countertops

• Have meager resistance to heat.
• Finishes may not be practical.

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Last Words

To sum up, every countertops material has its pros and cons. The best choice is a countertop that best fits your accommodation style and provides you with a greater life span.