Up until I read the words, “heat resistant” I was thinking solid surface. But if you want something truly indestructible and heat resistant, the only choice is soapstone. Luckily, it’s gorgeous too.

The only stone that is heat resistant, stain resistant and durable, is a hard variety of soapstone, like Belvedere.

Soapstone is impervious to everything. It doesn’t stain or etch. You can put hot pans and pots directly on it, and it will not crack. Unlike granite and other stones, soapstone never gets cold, even during cold North East winters. It absorbs heat slowly, so is not prone to thermal shock. Also, it’s anti-microbial.

For a kitchenette, a remnant should be all you’ll need, and will be cost effective.

My hard working kitchen has soapstone counters. After 4 1/2 years, they still look brand new. It’s our favorite thing in the kitchen. Click to enlarge.

Stainless steel. Can't bust it.

Homebound... I’m conflicted about quartz after seeing many posts on a local FB page about etching and water stains. Do you feel that’s an issue? I won’t be there wiping up spills when they have their term friends over. None of the kids are reckless, they are responsible and good about cleaning, but I could see spills happening and getting missed until the end of the evening.

Teen friends, not term...

I imagine there might be some conflicting feelings about it, especially given it is advertised as being practically magic for your home. 😁 It is stain resistant but not stain proof and if you choose a light color you will be more likely to see a stain left behind from ketchup or hot sauce if it sits for more than 2 hours.
This article may help you choose wisely based on various tests if you want to consider using quartz.
https://usenaturalstone.org/do-engineered-quartz-countertops-stain/

@Eliza-Page Interiors, llc, you cannot put hot pots and pans on quartz...they will scorch and/or melt. They could also suffer from thermal shock, and crack.

I don’t know where you’re getting your info from, but quartz counters are not solid stone. Quartz counters are made from ground up quartz (a mineral), mixed with polymer resins. Those resins will not stand up to heat. In fact, damage from placing hot items in quartz counters will void the warrantee.

Why are you suggesting that cutting on quartz, or using abrasive pads on quartz counters, will not damage them? Are you purposely giving misinformation? Or, are you making statements, without having the proper information? Because, it’s common knowledge that those are things one shouldn’t do with quartz.

It makes me question what kind of a “pro” you are.

Partim - thank you. We eliminated the range, but have the wiring for it for future. Also would likely have an instant pot, griddle, or plug in burner for the in-laws to use when they stay. But you are right, maybe that won't be too much of an issue, as it isn't really in the main kitchen as pots are always either on the stove or on the grate in the sink. I think stain resistance would be my number 1 priority, with durability being up there as well.

@Eliza-Page Interiors, llc...tell that to the many posters here, who started threads about their scorched quartz counters...because they thought quartz was the perfect surface, and didn't use a trivet when removing a hot pan directly from the gas rangetop. Or, the several people who thought it was a good idea to use quartz as a backsplash behind the range...without fireproofing the wall behind it. They posted photos of their scorched quartz backsplashes, and were in distress over having their expensive backsplash ruined.

Or, the many who complained about scratches, because some memberof their family, or a guest, didn’t use a cutting board when cutting a bagel, or whatever.

When it comes to automobiles, and lawnmowers, CR gives exemplary reviews. But, kitchens...not so much.

Most of the complaints about countertops on this forum, are about quartz...unexpected staining, burns, scorches, and scratches. Oh, and of course, the installed color looking very different from the sample the had. Do a little googling, you’ll see.

"Hot pots, serrated knives, abrasive pads, and most stains are no match for quartz."

No engineered stone (quartz), natural stone, or solid surface is exempt from trade association or manufacturer instructions requiring the use of trivets, thereby making them equal in heat resistance practically speaking.

I've repaired hot pot marks in engineered stone. It is no match for me:

Fortunately, this was an older larger particulate estone. This won't fly on the modern movement look-alikes. Better burn near the sink so I can cut it out and replace it with a sink with a drainboard, or it's toast.

Durable, heat resistant, stain resistant--I'd recommend honed Jet Mist granite. It is my favorite product for a counter top. Looks a lot like soapstone.

But really, for a basement kitchen, laminate would work just fine, at a lower price.

I have quartz and I absolutely love it. I put pots hot from the stone on it all thd time and it's never scorched. i have spilled red wine and not noticed for an hour or two while hosting parties and its cleaned up fine. I am getting ready to remodel a kitchen in a house we are purchasing and im pretty sure I'll choose quartz again. This is our kitchen. We have strays white which have cloudy grey particles on a white ground. This is our kitchen. You would see any stains if we had them.

Before and after 1880s Rowhouse Kitchen · More Info

Before and after 1880s Rowhouse Kitchen · More Info

Hot pots from the stove not stone....

Color was a typo. Stratus white by Zodiaq recently bought by Corian. Here is the color. Great product!

Agree with partim: teen space kitchenette, use laminate/formica or an ikea wood top. All are budget friendly. This is a teen space - accidents will happen until they grow out of that clumsy stage . Plan for them by having an inexpensive material that you can replace.

Homebound Designs LLC you are incorrect about the heat resistance of Quartz. As a Pro, you should be aware. The warranties of the various Quartz manufacturers exclude damage if Quartz is installed near a heat source. Here are a few pics of Quartz scorched or cracked from heat.

Quartz, never had any issues.

“Granite Gold states "Quartz can handle about 302 degrees Fahrenheit."

Homebound Designs LLC - Granite Gold is a cleaning liquid in a spray bottle. I do not know how that connects with my caution to you about issues of heat resistance of Quartz.

”My granite guy warranties up to 400 degrees”

Per the pics I’ve posted, if your granite guy is warrantying Quartz, that will be great for you. A hot pot or baking pan can easily be more than 400°.

“I know how many Weizenbeck rubs are in the fabric that I use on your sofa and how that's relevant to you”

I wish more designers had the level of expertise you do.

“I didn't say to put your dang Thanksgiving turkey on there, or that it will be the last thing standing if the house caught on fire.”

Nor did I. Please see the pics I posted of damage to Quartz. Your response doesn’t mention the pics.

“Don't question my professionalism. I have been doing this for 20 years. My info. is based on the experiences that I've had working with other professionals.”

Again, I was solely talking about Quartz and being careful about exposing it to heat. That’s it. The warranties of the Quartz manufacturers exclude direct or sustained exposure to heat. When advising clients about pros and cons of different counter materials, it might be helpful to mention that. Here is a screen shot from Cambria’s website:

This screen shot below is on the Cambria website’s “For Pros” page, the Designer section:

Granite is durable , heat resistant and stain resistant what is the problem get it polished it will outlast anything else except for soapstone usually a lot more money.