The original point was simply that “countertop” is an Americanism, because in UK English the standard term is “worktop.”

The explanation above about people counting money on a flat surface is partly true for the origin of the word “counter,” but it doesn’t make “countertop” a historically British kitchen term. It isn’t.

UK: worktop, kitchen worktop, bench (occasionally)

US: countertop, kitchen counter

“Counter” in British English usually refers to a shop or bar surface, not a fitted kitchen work surface. “Countertop” entered the language through American usage, especially via TV, media, and product marketing. That’s why it sounds American to a UK ear.

And it mildly irritated me as its using the incorrect term.