Kitchen Counters: Tile, the Choice for Affordable Durability

Standard 4-inch or 6-inch smooth tiles are best for countertops. They can be placed close together so grout lines are minimal. I've had no problems keeping my countertop clean. Wide grout lines would be a problem, but so can so other, more expensive countertop materials because they literally can't take the heat. I'll admit they are prettier and easier to clean but looks aren't everything.

has anyone had any luck using a tile countertop with an undermount sink?

I grew up in a house built in 1967. The kitchen counter was Formica and the bathroom counters were tile. Whoever did the tile work was skilled, because we never had a problem with water pooling behind the faucets. Apparently they knew how to angle the tile just enough to allow water splashes to run back into the sink. The Formica counter, on the other hand, would have a pool of water behind the faucet. After reading most of these comments, I'm inclined to think that the quality of the workmanship is the key to loving your tile. I generally use a cutting board or a pastry/bread board to prepare food. Now they make a flexible silicone baking mat that makes it very easy to roll out dough.