What's the best surface material for my kitchen counters?

Hello. The best counter material is quartz. It is non porous so it doesn't need to be sealed. It also resists stains. I do think keeping the back splash would be fine.

If I had to do it over again I would choose Quartz. It does not stain, needs no sealing each year, and easy to clean. Yes you can keep your backsplash, I did that when I had my granite installed.

See above reply, thanks!

You currently have small white tiles on your countertop, and are wondering what other kind of countertop would be better to replace then with? Or do you currently have another kind of countertop, with small white tiles as a backsplash?

Quartz is great, but it is not heat proof. Use a trivet or hot pads when removing dishes from a hot oven to the countertop.

Is quartzite heat proof, as it is a natural stone?

Thanks!

Ah, thanks for the details.

No, I do not think that it would look odd at all to have one material on the countertop, and the white tiles on the backsplash. If you did proceed with replacing the tiled countertops with another material, then if the backsplash tiles were still in good condition, as you say, no one has to know that they were on the wall previously.

Removing tiled countertops is a dirty job though. You will need to wear protective gloves and goggles as shards of broken tiles will be falling all over. Depending on the condition of the surface that is remaining, and what type of new countertop you wanted to have installed, it may need to be either replaced, or removed entirely. This will require having the sink and faucet removed, which of course will result in having no water in the kitchen for the duration.

If the tiles on the countertop are also in good condition, but it is just the grout that is dirty, perhaps you might consider the option of thoroughly cleaning it, and reapplying a new layer of grouting if required.