As a chef, the kitchen is your domain. You spend most of your time at work or home in the kitchen. Your countertops, like your knives, are a vital tool in your arsenal, so you naturally want the best material for them. Here are the top reasons why granite is a timeless choice for the kitchen of your dreams:
Hardness Ranking
Mohs Hardness Scale ranks rocks and minerals on a scale of one to ten. The higher the number, the harder the material is. For example, diamonds are a ten. Marble, limestone, and travertine are five and below. Granite is between six and seven, making it one of the hardest natural stone countertops. Because of this, granite is impervious to sharp knives scratching it. You would also have difficulty chipping or cracking your countertop with your standard cooking equipment.
Durability
Partly due to its hardness, granite is incredibly durable. If you cook frequently, you will want countertops that can tolerate some spills or heat. Granite is an igneous rock formed from lava cooling, so it’s incredibly dense and resistant to heat. Whether you’re an expert or just starting to perfect your craft, your countertops will be safe from boiling water, hot pans, and even your cooking torch. Although, you shouldn’t test your granite with open flames for fun.
Etching from acidic or corrosive substances like coffee, wine, vinegar, citrus, condiments, and household cleaning products is another risk for natural stone countertops. However, granite’s hardness and density save it.
You might be concerned because natural stones are porous and susceptible to liquids soaking into them. However, your granite supplier will typically have it sealed before installation, and it’s straightforward to maintain to prevent future stains.
Cleaning Ease
Granite is one of the most low-maintenance natural stones you will find. If you use your worktops often, you don’t want to worry about a complicated clean-up routine. A daily wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth keeps your countertops sparkling. A film can build up if not wiped down frequently, but a little elbow grease and some dish soap for any greasy spills will do the trick.
If you have a glossy finish and want it to shine, you can apply polish, but it’s not required to maintain its integrity. Most slabs have other natural minerals embedded, so your countertops will always catch light and gleam with or without polish.
Hygiene
Even when you are cautious, preparing raw ingredients for meals always comes with some bacteria risks. Countertops that get scratched easily, have a lot of seams, or cannot tolerate disinfectant cleaners, will house more bacteria. In addition to being scratch resistant and tolerant of most cleaners, granite fabricators cut the stone in large slabs so there are minimal seams. These attributes make it one of the healthiest countertop options, which is a valuable addition to your home.
Clean Living
When taken care of, granite can outlast the most other components of a home. This reduces how often you will have to replace your countertops and the impact on your wallet. It’s also an organic substance that won’t emit formaldehyde, radon, or VOCs in your home, so it has a high indoor air quality value. A key attribute for products you will spend most of your life around. You can easily revive and refurbish granite if you decide to replace your countertops. It can be recycled or repurposed around your home, reducing its environmental impact.
Aesthetics
Granite is a highly versatile stone available in many colors, veining, and striking patterns. If you’re looking for an earthy, grounded feel for your kitchen, granite has you covered. You can find white or black granite slabs if you are looking for a minimalist, clean aesthetic. Whatever the theme, there will be a slab for you as granite can match just about any decor. Unlike manufactured materials, no two slabs of granite are the same, so your kitchen will be as unique as your cooking style.
When reviewing your countertop options, granite can withstand the heat and resist stains prevalent in any kitchen. It’s one of the best options for performance and functionality; it’s low maintenance, durable, and customizable to make your kitchen exactly how you want it.
While you may find joy in the food you make, granite will inspire a happy and soothing atmosphere. It will immediately improve the overall look of your kitchen. You will be at ease to create, stepping up your game as a chef. It’s an investment in the quality of your workspace and yourself. As any aspiring chef has probably learned, there’s always room for improvement.
Infographic
The kitchen is a haven for professional chefs and cooks, providing the perfect environment to create delectable dishes. Many choose granite for its beauty and functionality to make their sanctuary even more special. You can find out more in this infographic to uncover why expert chefs turn to this natural stone material when crafting the ultimate culinary workspace.