Stainless steel coutertops are contemporary and smart. They are rated for food preparation, antibacterial, and easy to clean.
For general maintenance, clean stainless-steel with warm water and soap using a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry to eliminate the possibility of water stains. For scratches, use a nonabrasive pad, such as Scotch-Brite, and rub in the same direction as the finish. For most finishes there is no need to deal with the scratches at all as the scratch blends in.
There are also finishes available that can mask or camoflage scratches. A random orbital finish with varying grits creates a refined, light grey, comtemporary swirl and eliminates worry about scratches. There are also a variety of popular edges available for stainless countertops.