Solid Surface

All acrylic and polyester solid surfaces are not heat nor fire resistant. They are still plastics and will melt. So you can't place hot surfaces like heated pots or pans on them.

While solid surfaces made from reconstituted granite are heat, fire and to a certain extent chemical resistant. The only recon granite solid surface I know of that is available in Sg is Silestone. Other brands of the same type of material include Caesarstone (not available in Sg). These are expensive - $160p sq ft and upwards.

The quality of Acrylic and Polyester based solid surfaces are determined by the amount of acrylic / adhesive mix. The more acrylic, the higher the grade and cost. Corian is one of the best there is.

But no matter how high the quality, even white Corian will stain and scratch. Choose a mottled light coloured surface to avoid seeing the stains and scratches. e.g. Grey Field by Corian

Solid Top usually comprises of material made from Acrylic and Polyester. Different brands got different mixture ratios.

Brand: DuPoint Corian
Composition: 100% Acrylic
Price: S$110-145 per ft run
Warrenty: 10 Years
Remarks: Considered the BEST of solid surfaces... but i think this reput was earn when they are the only company producing 100% acrylic surfaces.

Brand: LG Hi-Macs
Composition: 100% Acrylic
Price: S$90-110 per ft run
Warrenty: 15 Years Limited
Remarks: Proberly the next best alternative, however some ID advised against using this due to little price difference with branded stuff like corian.

Brand: Hardstone
Composition: 100% Acrylic
Price: S$70-80 per ft run
Warrenty: unknown
Remarks: Was introduced by ID on this brand, similar to corian also using 100% acrylic. Very limited colours.

Brand: Samsung Staron
Composition: Acrylic Resin + Aluminum Tri-hydrate
Price: ??
Warrenty: 10 Year Limited??
Remarks: na

Brand: Montelli
Composition: Acrylic + Polyester
Price: S$70-75 per ft run
Warrenty: 10 Year Limited?
Remarks: One of the standard solid surfaces used by local contractors. Not much info on this, but often see this brand's catelogue at IDs place.
1 year warranty

Brand: Cresto
Composition: Acrylic + Polyester
Price: S$65-75 per ft run
Warrenty: 1 Year?
Remarks: One of the standard solid surfaces used by local contractors.
10 years warranty

Other Alternatives:
Granite - around S$90 per ft run.

Extract from http://www.hometips.com/hyhw/surfaces/179countertop.html

Natural stone such as granite and marble are considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. Stone, however, is very expensive and requires some care: grease will stain granite and acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of marble.

Solid surfacing, a relatively newer countertop material, is quite durable and offers seamless, easy-care surfaces that often imitate the look of natural stone such as marble, granite or slate. Though these materials can be machined with standard woodworking tools, installation requires a professional.

Some natural stone care products in Home-Fix has some kind of sealer for granite..... maybe these products will help protect the granite top? I choose granite because of the hardness and price was reasonable compared to the high end solid tops. Think for granite, must apply sealers. With sealers, the cons of granite seems to be resolved.