Both have their place depending on taste and budget.

I hate to say this, but I really think it depends on what you like and there are pros and cons to each. First, gloss will show marks, such as fingerprints or smudges easier, so that is something to think about, depending on who uses your benchtop and how it is used. I have had clients use both, but personally, the gloss makes me a little crazy keeping up with the smudges, but that is more of an issue to me, in a darker colour. Gloss also gives a bit more of a luxe feeling and reflects more light, which can be a good or a bad thing, depending what you are after, and the amount of light your kitchen gets. I am assuming you have gotten a sample of both to look at in your kitchen and play with a bit. If not, definitely do that and see what you find. Let me know if I can help more.

Probably 15 years ago I did a shop front in what I think was called Engineered Stone , and I think it was made in China . Dreamers reference seems to be actual stone , the stuff I used seemed to be essentially stone ground up with filler and cement , and poured into moulds . Basically , the panels were 100cm x 50cm , and the pattern repeated every panel , and then there were internal and external corners available too , as well as sills . The stuff I used ( its still in place ! ) looked pretty authentic , but tap it and it has an almost hollow sound to it . Does yours 'feel' real ?

We have had composite stone bench tops for many years. First was Askilan (not even sure this is around anymore), then caesarstone which we had for over 15 years. It had one tiny chip at the edge of the under mount sink. It had a gloss finish in a white fleck and never showed a mark or stain. Replaced with a new caesarstone when we renovated the kitchen, this one has a Matt finish and shows more marks but us just as easy to clean - I love it.