Bench top: Timber, steel or stone

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Picture this, you have an oven full of searing food, ready to be placed on the bench for cooling and then the best part - eating. But can your bench top withstand the searing heat of your pots and pans without a protective mat?

If you have a stone or steel bench top - the answer is yes. If your bench top is made of wood or laminate - then a protective mat is a must-have.

Choosing the right bench top for your kitchen is not an easy task, and you should make the decision with caution.

Steel bench tops

The chefs best friend. Although you must be careful to use a cutting board when slicing, this bench top is probably the most durable and hygienic you will ever come across. You can be assured the steel base can withstand searing hot temperatures, and the steel can also be a nice cool base for icing cakes in hot kitchen conditions.

Ensure you oil the bench top regularly after disinfecting. The oil will keep the stainless steel smooth and less inclined to scratch or dent.

Wooden bench tops

Conjuring the image of a country style kitchen these bench tops can be raw wood style or more modern laminate tops. Either way, you cannot apply hot pots, pans or trays to the bench top without placing down a protective heat mat.

Wooden stained bench tops have a tendency to dent easily and stain, red wine and juices can be hard to clean. On the other hand, the wooden bench top is probably your most cost effective option, and can sometimes cost about half the price of a steel or stone bench top.

Stone bench top

These bench tops come in a range of colours and grains and their shiny finish will set off any kitchen decor. You can be worry free about placing hot items straight onto the stone, and it is unlikely the surface will scratch or dent very easily.

Before you determine what type of bench top you need in your home, ensure you have done a budget analysis. The differences in price can vary significantly and the look and feel of each bench top needs to coincide with the general decor of your kitchen.