I think the key is which looks best with the off white cabinets. Tough to tell from the pic but it's looking like option 2 might be best.

1- is lighter than 2, I also want to make sure black stainless steel appliances are not too dark.

I see that 1 is quite a bit lighter, but I'm wondering if option 1 would be better with white than cream cabinets? Do you have any more pics of the granite choices?

Personally, I would like to see a granite with a bit warmer grays. 2 is getting there. Stainless is stainless not black, though your oven and micro have black doors. If there is any way to shift the micro to another location, you might be happier. An over the range micro does a poor job of venting and sits right in your face as you cook. Even a recirculating exhaust (not vented to outside) is better than an OTR micro.

I like 1 less maint. I had an extreme dislike of the over the range microwave in the previous house. I had to use the exhaust fan in the laundry room to clear the kitchen. A stove that exhausts outside is the way to go. IMHO

I like choice #1.

more choices of granite

this is the just a better picture of quartz, same as original picture

better picture of granite also same as the original picture

Samsung has come up with black stainless steel, it's a new color. The pic is just how it was at the store. Applinces will not be next to each other. Unfortunately, they didn't have a hood in a black stainless steel that's why we ended up buying above the range microwave. The sales person told us that the microwaves above the range are much better nowadays. I guess I will have to see if that's true :)

It's a matter of taste -- the granite has more grain and more drama, which can be good or bad. I'd also take a sample of the door color along with you to visit the slabs, as you'd hate to have a mismatch of undertone...

2

Pick the one that unites your cabinets, appliances and floor. Hard to say from your samples but one that has touches of all the colors. I understand your delema as we are going through the same thing...good luck!

I agree with acm. The undertone issue is the most important. There was a dilemma recently with cream tile floors and black and white counters. The OP was going to change one of them because it was just never going to work as it was. It was a shame as it was a brand new kitchen and the floor and counter were both beautiful, just not together. In your kitchen, it's the cabinet/counter combo that could run into that same issue. Hopefully not, but watch out for it. Look at the two together from a distance. That's where you'll notice the undertones.

#1 is lighter and has cream in it to go with the cabinets. With dark appliances, floors and cabinets go lighter for counters.

1

I like # 1 :)

I also like #1, and mostly because it's quartz. Quartz seems to look more modern and popular. It scares me tho that it's not fixible if it gets chipped

Be careful of dark stainless...I read elsewhere that it can chip. I vote for the quartz counter...#1. The lighter the better, especially if you're going with dark appliances. If your kitchen doesn't get much light, you'll be much happier with the lighter countertops.

Kitchen will be getting light all day long.

1 looks awesome!

If the floor is dark your counter top should be a lighter color it's hard to tell from the photos you attached.

Which did you choose? Have exact same dilemma!

1

You're safer with the lighter option, but since your kitchen gets a lot of natural light, you can go with either granite or quartz. You should compare materials, see what better suits your needs and, in the end, go with your gut and preferred choice.

A vote for 1!