When your kitchen turns into holiday HQ, your countertop takes the hits. This guide compares quartz vs. granite on the three things that matter most for heavy entertaining –stain resistance, heat, and maintenance – and gives you practical testing notes, care products we recommend, and realistic expectations so you can cook hard without worry.
At Crowley’s, our in-house template, fabricate, install process means most Portland-area projects move from template to install in about 10 days, keeping your kitchen usable until right before installation. Crowley’s Granite
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The quick take for entertainers
When you’re juggling sheet pans, stockpots, and cranberry splatter, here’s the bottom line:
- Stain resistance: Quartz is non-porous and shrugs off most spills with basic cleaning. Granite also performs very well when properly sealed. Start with our Quartz Cleaning Guide and Granite Cleaning Guide.
- Heat tolerance: Granite wins for hot cookware. Quartz contains resins; always use trivets or hot pads on quartz. See “Can Quartz Counters Crack or Burn?” in our Learning Center.
- Everyday care: Both are easy, mild soap or a stone-safe cleaner and a soft cloth. Our newer roundup covers specifics by material: How to Care for and Maintain Your Kitchen Countertops.
Stains & spills: wine, cranberries, oils, and gravy
Holiday messes are often acidic, pigmented, or oily, sometimes all three. Here’s what to do and what to avoid.
Why this matters: Using the right method preserves the finish and prevents ghosting or dark spots.
Quartz
Wipe promptly with warm water + a drop of dish soap, then dry with microfiber. For stubborn residue, use a non-abrasive cleaner from our Quartz Cleaning Guide. Skip harsh chemicals and abrasives, our post on Quartz Care explains why.
Granite
A good impregnating sealer makes granite highly water- and oil-repellent. Blot, then clean with a stone-safe product (see the Granite Cleaning Guide). If a bright stain lingers, try the DIY methods in How to Remove Stains & Discoloration or ask our team.
Heat: cookie sheets, Dutch ovens, and surprise scorch marks
Hot pots move fast during the holidays. Materials react differently so, plan accordingly.
Why this matters: Heat is the quickest way to cause a permanent mark, especially on quartz.
- Quartz: Heat-resistant, not heat-proof. Always park hot items on trivets or pads. For context and prevention tips, see Can Quartz Counters Crack or Burn?.
- Granite: Naturally more tolerant of brief, incidental heat, though trivets still protect finishes and sealer. If you’re considering a dramatic full-height splash near a range, read our Backsplash Overview for sequencing tips.
Maintenance: a realistic routine that works
You don’t need special chemicals, just consistent habits.
Why this matters: Simple, repeatable steps keep the surface party-ready without voiding warranties.
- Daily (both): Mild soap + warm water; dry thoroughly. See our up-to-date, material-specific advice in How to Care for and Maintain Your Kitchen Countertops.
- Quartz “don’ts”: Avoid harsh solvents/caustics and abrasive pads. Details: Quartz Cleaning Guide.
- Granite “musts”: Keep it sealed with a quality impregnator. Sealing myths and exceptions are covered in Do Stone Sealers Really Work?.
Recommended care products (what our installers use at home)
Here are the product categories we recommend; brand specifics vary over time, but your local store will have equivalents.
Why this matters: Using compatible products keeps finishes looking new and avoids warranty issues.
Which should you choose for heavy holiday cooking?
Both materials look fantastic and perform beautifully with good habits. Choose based on your hosting style:
- Pick quartz if you want: Uniform color/pattern, very low day-to-day maintenance, and simple cleaning and you’re committed to always using trivets. Start with our Quartz Countertops page and Quartz vs. Granite overview.
- Pick granite if you want: Natural movement and higher tolerance for brief heat and you’re comfortable resealing on a sensible cadence. Explore options on our Granite Countertops page.
Crowley
Written by Crowley’s Granite & Quartz
With over 20 years serving the Portland metro, Crowley’s Granite & Quartz is the region’s trusted source for premium stone countertops. We specialize in quartz, granite, marble, quartzite, porcelain, and more—offering complete design-to-installation service backed by unmatched craftsmanship and a 10-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both perform great with good habits; granite handles heat better, while quartz is more stain-resistant thanks to its non-porous surface.
Get the full comparison here: Should You Choose Granite or Quartz?
Yes, it can, quartz is heat-resistant, not heat-proof; always use trivets or hot pads.
Learn why and how to prevent issues: Can Quartz Counters Crack or Burn?
It can if spills sit, but a quality sealer and quick cleanup make stains unlikely.
Cleanup and prevention tips: Granite Cleaning Guide
Yes, frequency depends on your stone and usage; many kitchens reseal every 1-3 years.
Our take on when/why sealing matters: Do Stone Sealers Really Work?
Low maintenance, not no maintenance, daily wipe-downs are still best practice.
Simple care routine: Quartz Cleaning & Care and Care & Maintenance
Use mild dish soap or a pH-neutral stone cleaner; avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives.
Material-specific dos and don’ts: Quartz Cleaning • Granite Cleaning
Try a poultice after standard cleaning; severe stains may need pro help.
Step-by-step guidance and when to call us: Care & Maintenance
Use a cutting board, it protects your knives and preserves the finish on both surfaces.
Daily best practices: Care & Maintenance
Polished shows fewer marks and is simplest to maintain; honed is a beautiful matte that may show fingerprints or etch-like marks more readily.
Finish considerations within each material: Care & Maintenance
Yes, with proper clearance and planning; still use trivets for hot cookware on counters.
Sequencing & options: Backsplash Overview
Direct high heat, harsh chemicals, and misuse are common issues, always use trivets and approved cleaners.
Care rules at a glance: Quartz Care • Can Quartz Counters Crack or Burn?
Yes, book a quick consult and we’ll match your cooking habits, colors, and timeline to the right surface.
Start here: Contact Us • See how fast we move: Our Process