We have Corian (mojave) it has preformed well over the past 2 yrs. If you are looking to place a hot pot directly on the counter then you should consider granite or soapstone. Solid surface is not heat resistant. If you have a solid surface sink it is recommended that you run cold water while you drain boiling water into the sink. Solid surface also scratches. However, you can buff out scratches with the green side of a scotchbrite sponge. The pros of solid surfaces are they can be repaired, no visable seams,they do not require special sealers or cleaners and are available with an integral sink.

My only experience is with Corian - I've had it a little over two years - including the integrated Corian sink. . I've been very happy with it. It does scratch - you notice the first few scratches but in time it all blends together and not noticeable. My cats generally stay off the counters so can't say much about how it holds up to cat claws. I'm more concerned about them trying to jump up and digging their claws into my cabinets. They were more curious right after the kitchen was done but not so much any more.

I have corian flint (dark gray). With the lighter colors you are looking at scratches shouldn't be as noticeable. If you are worried about scratches be sure to pick a light to medium color with pattern (not solid) to it. Mine is dark and while not solid, its pretty close, so scratches are noticeable, but like the pp mentioned they blend in after awhile or can be buffed out.

While solid surface is heat resistant, its not heat proof like granite and other stones. You would not want to sit a pan straight from the stove to the counter. From corians website, "We do not recommend placing a hot pot directly on Corian®. Although Corian® remains stable and undamaged in temperatures up to 212ºF (100ºC), high heat or flame will damage your surface. In most cases, this damage can be repaired. To protect your Corian® from heat damage, always use a hot pad or a trivet with rubber feet when using hot pots, or heat-generating appliances like electric skillets or electric cooking pots."

If you want a "heat proof countertop" buy Stainless Steel. Otherwise use a heat trivet.

As far as manufacturers of S.S. - LG is a good product very similar in make up from what I can tell but they do not guarantee the installation where as DuPont does.

In other words, if your fabricator screws up your installation with LG Hi-Macs you are out of luck because they do not "guarantee" their fabricators work. If on the other hand your "licensed" fabricator from DuPont screws up on your installation, DuPont will cover the problem. You can make sure your fabricator is a licensed "CFI" (Certified Fabricator Installer) by going to DuPonts Corian website or by calling 8004CORIAN. The big issue on this is around the seams in the countertop. DuPont covers them, LG does not.

Not trying to say one product is better than another. If you need to save a few bucks by all means look at the imported S.S. Just make sure your fabricator knows what they are doing because the manufacturer doesn't have any "investment" in that regards.

P.S. Granite shouldn't crack from heat but when you place a hot pot onto sealed granite it breaks down the sealer and then you can get a stain which is not easily removed if it can be removed at all. Therefore you should always use a trivet.

P.S.S. I have also seen Quartz products damaged from heat exposure. It can become "whitened" and once that happens it is permanent.