I've had quartz (Caesarstone) for 4 years. Before that I've had formica and tile, never granite. I have marble in the bathroom, but that's a totally different environment.

The only reason I chose quartz is because it had the color/pattern I was looking for at the time. For the most part, I think it behaves and is maintained similar to granite, without the sealing.

I have no chips or damage to my counters. I have an eased edge and undermount sink with a slight positive reveal.

I'd decide what look I wanted for my counters and go with the surface material that best fit the bill.

I put Cambria quartz into my kitchen 13 years ago when there was very little to chose from and I've had not one single regret. Come to think of it, I can't think of any cons either, unless you count the fact that they came out with nicer patterns after mine was installed!

List of Cons with suggested solutions:

Can't put hot pots on it--use trivets.

It can chip on the edges and around the sink--be careful with cast iron pans etc.

It's more difficult to polish resin than stone if it does get damaged. You have to polish the entire countertop to keep an even sheen, costing hundreds of dollars-- pity the fool who ruins your countertop, and mete out whatever punishment is necessary so they never do it again.

It can have small to large areas of resin pooling, which may affect the appearance--view your slabs first and template around resin pools.

The slab can look different than the sample--view your slabs first.

I have silestone in a powder room, also used it as a windowsill. I have Cambria in a master bath. I picked up all those pieces @ the Restore and did the fabrication. It's easier/softer to work with than granite.

I have solid white Quartz. I have two kids, homeschool, cook 3x day, bake, food color, glue, whatever you can think of, we have done to these counters. Love them. The white shows crumbs easily, but I like that, so I know it's truly clean. Any stains that don't come up with soap and water comes up with soft scrub with bleach. No chips yet.

We chose quartz because DH and I both fell in love with a sample. We've had it 2-1/2 years, and love it. It is expensive, however.

How does it compare to corian or marble with regards to upkeep and price?

"Can't put hot pots on it--use trivets."

With the exception of the sintered tops (Dekton, Neolith) and stainless steel, all other countertops, including natural stone, require the use of trivets. Don't make me repost the pictures of the hot pot ruined granite, please.

I've had my quartz (Caesarstone Lagos Blue) for only a few months. I chose it because I liked the color & subtle pattern, and I liked what I heard about durability. I like it a lot.

Just a few days after it was installed, I dropped an ironstone platter on it. Platter shattered & left a dozen or so very small gouges in it. While no one else would notice the gouges, I do see them & feel them if I run my finger across. I suspect that most other materials would have done the same.

Don't tell my (soapstone) pizza stone that it can't take the heat. :)

We went from laminate to Cambria several years ago. I don't dislike the quartz material but don't love it. We have a peninsula that we eat at and it is always cold. There are 2 months when that feels good. You need to watch what cleaners you use. For crock pots they recommend a heating pad underneath. There are times I miss the carefreeness of the laminate. We are going to replace a bathroom counter soon. Right now I'm considering Coriander but haven't ruled out other options.

FWIW, I have quartz counters and I do not put pads under appliances - mot under the crockpot, coffee maker, toaster or any other appliance.

I've had quartz counters since last April. I love them. Like sjhockey I don't put pads under appliances either. I have an espresso machine that sits at all times on the counter and no problems on the counter beneath it. We use the toaster every day and no issues from that either. I do use trivets for hot pots and pans, and items right out of the oven. They are easy to maintain and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

You should always read the use and care section from the manufacturer. It's on their websites. Most say not to use a crockpot directly on the counter. Maybe it's fine with certain colors of quartz, maybe it will yellow the resins in a white quartz. Coffee makers and such are fine.

Joseph, I wouldn't put a hot pot on any counter, but she only asked about quartz.

I have also, on occasion, put a pan on the quartz directly from the oven (or rather DH has), with no problem.

I've had Piatra Gray caesarstone for over a year with no problems at all. I just clean it with whatever spray cleaner I happen to have. Never an issue. I don't make it a common practice to place hot pans on it. That just seems to be tempting physics a bit too much. meaning if my counters happen to be cold and a hot pan sits directly on them it could cause rapid expansion and then crack. That's my thinking anyway. But I do set all warming appliances on them because it won't cause a rapid temp change like a hot pan would. No problem with toaster- rice maker- or slow cooker. Maybe staining issues are more common with lighter quartz products. I've had no chipping.