We had formica when we moved in here about 20 years ago. to me it wasn't maintenance free. I had to watch what was put on it (no hot pots) and worry about stains. I spent a good amount of time polishing it to get it to look the way I wanted. Maybe they have been improved. We had the Formica Brand. About 4 years ago put in granite. I like it a lot. I only sealed it once when it was installed. I clean it with a cleaner/polish all in one and have no stains. Water still beads on it instead of soaking in. I haven't cracked any dishes on it and I do like that if I put a piece of frozen meat or fish on it, it will thaw very quickly. We are redoing a kitchen in a house we are moving into later this year, in another state (son is managing the kitchen redo) and we are going for quartz. That will be even more maintenance free.