I am all about quartz! Virtually indestructible. Non porous surface resists staining. I would choose it over granite any day. I do like the honed look as well, but oil spills can cause dark spots. The dark spots can be removed, but it can be a process. The same is true with soapstone.

Quartz and soapstone are both non-porus surfaces so they are the least maintenance! Granite needs to be sealed annualy but also VERY strong!

Here's some things to remember about each though...

Quartz- is resin based so NEVER set direct heat on it, it will burn through.

Soapstone- will scratch over time but can easily be buffed out :)

Granite- needs to be sealed

All are beautiful and easy to take care of! :)

Engineered quartz will be your best option. Honed is great but it will show oily smudges and lighter colors can surface stain, usually a little Vim will get them out. Nothing is bullet proof so make sure to use cutting boards, matts for hot items and clean off spills as soon as possible. Next would be granite, though it will require sealing periodically.

Graham

Honed surfaces are not for folks seeking low maintenance and that want their countertops to look good over time and with much use.

Soapstone actually takes regular oiling and it does easily scratch. I just tested some for a client and we could not buff the scratches out of the sample - it must take much more effort than we used. I have also heard soapstone users say that if you go around and buff just the scratched areas, that over time you can see the spots that have been buffed. Some people still love it.

Granite is easy to take care of - but I would stay away from really dark colors. Sealing is quick and easy. Quartz (man-made) is easy to take care of but based on comments from users here on Houzz, it is not as indestructible as some people say it is. There are reports of chips, staining and etching even with quartz.

i have honed absolute black granite and quartz. that type of granite needs no sealing. oil spills do need a soapy sponge but they dont stain. you need to buff dry or you'll have sponge marks. quartz doesnt stain but also if you have a dark color (i dont) sponge cleaning needs to be buffed dry or water spotlets will show. i dont set a hot pan on either although i expect the granite would be more forgiving.

there are rumors that some white quartz yellows in sunlight, i havent found that to be the case in my kitchen but its enough to make me close the blind near the counter in the afternoon when i think of it.

Adding to what @nnigrt said, quartz shouldn't be used outside (like an ourdoor bbq) because it is resin based and will yellow or burn in the sun..but inside with window light is fine 99% of the time :).

The granite even black absolute honed should be sealed as it is still granite and porus...you may not notice anything now but it helps protect is over the lifespan you have it in the kitchen :)

no, truly, you shouldnt try to seal absolute black. it won't sink in and leaves a real mess, there have been a couple dilemma threads about it.

Ive been importing black absolute granite (which comes from a quarry in India) for almost two decades directly from the quarry and at the quarry itself they recommend sealing because it is a granite. Theres a lot of misinformation online, but granite is porus and should be sealed for longevity. :) (With that said, I have had plenty of customers forget to seal their granite annually and be okay..I just wouldn't advise it)

You won't make a mistake going with either granite or quartz. Both are durable and beautiful, although they don't have the same characteristics. You can read about the differences between them in detail here. Considering your style and way of life, we would recommend quartz.

Quartz is a great option and now there are so many styles and colors to choose from. You can even have one that looks like marble! It's very durable AND anti-microbial. Would love to see your final choice!