Quick Take
Granite: Natural, unique, high heat tolerance; needs periodic sealing.
Quartz: Engineered, non-porous/low-maintenance; heat-sensitive (use trivets).
Quartzite: Natural, very hard, great heat/scratch resistance; usually seal.
Dekton: Ultra-compact, top-tier heat/UV/scratch resistance; no sealing.
Granite
Pros: Natural one-of-a-kind slabs; high heat tolerance; long lifespan with care.
Cons: Porous—can stain if unsealed; occasional sealing; can chip under heavy impact.
Best for: Cooks who want natural character and solid heat performance.
Avoid if: You never want to think about sealing or patina at all.
Quartz
Pros: Non-porous; no sealing; consistent looks and colors; easy daily care.
Cons: Not heat-proof—resins can scorch/discolor from hot pots; protect from strong solvents.
Best for: Busy households wanting low maintenance and uniform patterns.
Avoid if: You frequently set very hot pans directly on the counter.
Quartzite
Pros: Extremely hard; strong heat and scratch resistance; natural marble-like veining with better durability.
Cons: Usually needs sealing; can be pricier; fabrication can be tougher.
Best for: Natural-stone lovers who want durability close to granite with elegant veining.
Avoid if: You want zero sealing or the lowest upfront cost.
Dekton
Pros: Outstanding heat/UV/stain/scratch resistance; outdoor-friendly; no sealing; large formats and thin profiles.
Cons: Edges can chip under hard impact; higher price in some markets.
Best for: Heavy cooks, outdoor kitchens, modern aesthetics, and low maintenance.
Avoid if: You’re rough on edges or want traditional natural-stone variation.
Bottom Line
Choose granite or quartzite for natural beauty and robust heat tolerance; quartz for zero-sealing simplicity (with strict trivet habits); Dekton for the most all-around durability, heat, and UV performance.