In answer to the question posed "what do I like?" My fav surface to work on is a smooth top formica (not heavily dimpled) - these days you can get some pretty impressive styles the only drawback is that you have to be totally anal about sealing any joints and KEEPING them sealed (L-shaped tops etc) otherwise the particle board will expose and will eventually get wet and swell (there is a business opportunity if I ever saw one!). I like stainless - it's forgiving on china etc but I think (personal observation) stainless steel tops and appliances can make the kitchen look commercial and it detracts from the "homely" look if the place looks like a KFC prep area. Ceramic tile is harder on china and glass but not to the same degree as granite and also can be made to look good - the grout always gets stained though and eventually winds up as a dirty ivory color if white or off white was used.
