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We've had porcelain tile on our kitchen floor for about five years now, and I'm happy with it. Over time, I've become convinced that for a kitchen, it's the best option. Porcelain tile is denser and more durable than regular ceramic tile, it absorbs less moisture and grease, so stains from oil or wine don't set in as deeply. When you cook a lot, that matters. Plus it's less slippery when water gets on it, which is important in a kitchen.
Regular ceramic tile is cheaper, that's a fact. And for a backsplash above the counter it's perfectly fine. But for the floor, where there's constant moisture and you need resistance to wear, I'd go with porcelain tile. There's another thing too - grout lines. On porcelain tile they're less noticeable because of how dense the material is, and on regular tile dirt collects in the grout lines faster.
If your budget is tight, you can compromise: porcelain tile on the floor where there's heavy use, and ceramic tile on the walls and backsplash. The main thing is to get quality material from a decent manufacturer, not something random that just got printed on there.
Porcelain tile is more reliable if we're talking about kitchen flooring. It's denser, absorbs less moisture and grease, so stains are easier to clean off. Ceramic tile is softer, breaks faster when a heavy pot drops on it, but it's cheaper. For a backsplash the choice is less critical - there's no wear and tear from foot traffic and less contact with sharp objects.
From my own experience at home: I laid porcelain tile in my kitchen five years ago, water gets spilled regularly, pots fall - it holds up perfectly. Ceramic is harder to keep clean because of its porosity, you have to wipe it more often. But tile has a wider range of design and color options, and porcelain usually looks colder.
If you're willing to pay extra for durability and easy maintenance, go with porcelain. If your budget is tight and you're okay with repairs in a couple years or you're just using it for the backsplash, ceramic tile will do the job. The main thing is to lay it so the installer seals the grout lines properly, otherwise dirt will get packed in there regardless of the material.
Porcelain tile wins in the kitchen - it's denser, doesn't absorb moisture or oil, and is easier to maintain. Ceramic tile is cheaper, but after a couple of years cracks can appear between the tiles from temperature fluctuations near the stove.
If you're willing to spend a bit more, porcelain tile is denser, doesn't absorb moisture and grease, so it won't pick up odors and won't darken over time. I saw a kitchen with regular ceramic tile at my neighbor's cottage - after a few years it started to darken near the stove, even with a hood. Porcelain tile doesn't have that problem, plus it's harder to scratch and easier to clean. The downside is installation is trickier - you need a more careful installer, because the material is rigid.
Ceramic tile is cheaper and easier to install, that's a fact. If your budget is tight or you're not planning to stay in this apartment long, you can go with good glazed tile - it holds up pretty well too. The main thing is to choose something specifically for the kitchen, not a universal option. Keep in mind that grout will need more maintenance than with porcelain tile, especially near the cooktop.
If you can afford it and have time for renovation - definitely porcelain tile. It'll last longer, so you won't have to redo it in five years. If you're cutting costs - tile does a decent job, just pick something with a matte finish, because you see every drop on gloss.
Porcelain tile is better for a kitchen - it's denser, doesn't absorb moisture or grease, so it's easier to clean and lasts longer. You'd choose ceramic tile if you need a budget-friendly option and you're willing to maintain the grout more often, because it's more porous in ceramic and darkens faster. Plus, porcelain tile handles direct heat better, so you can use it more confidently right next to the stove.
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