Never place a scorching hot pan directly on a Quartz countertop or table. Many of us learn this lesson early in our cooking journey, often the hard way. You might wonder why—it’s just stone, right? Most countertops are made of solid stone, and stone can handle heat, can’t it?
Solid stone countertops are indeed highly resistant to damage from hot pans. However, most countertops aren’t made entirely of stone. Even high-quality granite counters have a sealant layer that protects the porous stone from water. Exposing countertops to heat regularly can cause the sealant to discolor, melt, or peel. Quartz countertops, though, behave somewhat differently.
Can Quartz Counters Take the Heat?
Unlike natural stone, Quartz countertops should not be exposed to hot pots and pans. A quartz countertop can withstand up to about 150 F before it takes damage. The most common result is a discolored ring on your countertop if a hot pan touches the quartz countertop surface. Fortunately, a few normal safety measures in the kitchen can protect your countertops and your hands from the usual kitchen burns. With the potholders and trivets we all learned to use as kids, your quartz countertops are completely safe.
Quartz Counters are Composite Stone Slabs
Not all stone countertops are made from solid slabs. Quartz countertops, for example, are a manmade composite stone composed of 93% quartz chips bound by a strong resin. This composite stone is an artificial material created by combining stone chips and resin, then sealing and curing them to mimic the look of natural stone slabs.
When the quartz slab is mixed, the quartz and resin are combined with color elements that determine the primary color of the countertop along with chips and flakes that will act as part of the decorative grain of the artificial slab. Composite quartz slabs are then poured and cool to a tough, stone reminiscent of natural solid slabs.
Benefits of Composite Stone Countertops
Although quartz countertops are manmade, they come with a few natural-inspired technological improvements. Unlike granite, the resin used to bind quartz is water-resistant and acts as a built-in sealant. Additionally, the densely packed quartz chips create an exceptionally hard surface, making it even more durable than granite.
How to Protect Your Quartz Countertops from Heat
With durable, heat-resistant countertops, maintenance is easy, and keeping them looking great requires minimal effort. However, it’s still important to take precautions to prevent potential damage. Regular cleaning with a quartz cleaner will maintain their shine, but following a few simple care tips can help protect your quartz countertops from heat damage.
Place Hot Pots & Dishes on Trivets
Life in the kitchen can be pretty hectic. Your evenings may involve helping your children with their homework, and cooking a meal for the family while also tending to your dog, who seems to want all your attention. With so much going on, it can be easy to get distracted and place a hot pot directly on the countertop after straining your pasta. Although a hot pot left on the counter for a short period may not cause visible damage, it can damage the resin within the countertop.
To prevent the possibility of heat damage, you should always place hot pots, pans, baking sheets, and dishes on trivets or hot pads instead of laying them directly on the countertop. In doing so, you’ll be protecting your quartz countertops from the excessive heat that can result in discolorations or cracking. Instead, allow pots and other hot dishes to cool on your stovetop before placing them on the counter.
Use Coasters When Possible
Even though you probably aren’t drinking coffee at 300 degrees Fahrenheit (ouch!), it’s wise to treat all hot dishes as potential hazards for your quartz countertops. To avoid the risk of heat damage, keep a few coasters easily accessible on your kitchen counters. That way, you can grab one for your morning coffee while you finish preparing breakfast for the family.
Install High-Quality Quartz
Your research shows that engineered quartz is a durable countertop option. While all quartz undergoes a similar process when being turned into countertop slabs, certain quartz offerings use higher quality ingredients than others that better protect against heat damage, discoloration, and cracking. It’s important to not only research the type of countertop you want but also find a reputable countertop provider that offers the highest quality quartz countertop colors and patterns on the market so you never have to worry about possible damage.
How to Protect Your Quartz Countertops from Heat Damage
- Use Potholders and Trivets
- Keep Hand Towels Handy
- Lay Out Heat Mats
- Protect Your Curling Iron
- Serve from Separate Serving Dishes
- Keep Your Sink Clear
Use Potholders and Trivets
Potholders are thick, flexible squares made from cloth or silicone. They protect your hands when grabbing hot pot handles from the stove or removing pans from the oven. Additionally, they can be placed under a pot to safeguard countertops or table surfaces.
A trivet is a potholder designed for the countertop or table. They may be thicker or more rigid than potholders and can be quite decorative. Keep your potholders and trivets handy so one is always available when it’s time to handle or set down a hot dish.
Lay Out Heat Mats and Towels
Heat mats are like large trivets and are made from a variety of materials. Wood blocks, bamboo rolls, silicone mats, and even hand towels can do the job. If you know you’re about to be juggling hot pans, heat mats create a safe counter space where the pans can be set down without damaging the counter.
Protect Your Curling Iron
For quartz countertops in the bathroom, be especially careful with curling irons and straightening plates. Any hot part of these hair tools can leave scorch marks on the counter. Make use of spoon rests or a stylish trivet-like mat in the bathroom so there’s always a safe place to put the curling iron.
Installing or Replacing Quartz Countertops
If a quartz countertop completes your dream kitchen remodel, don’t stress it. When you consider sealant, Quartz countertops take no more care than a sealed natural stone countertop. We’ll gladly help you install your new quartz counters and share helpful pointers on how to keep your counters looking beautiful for years.
If you have an older quartz countertop that already has a few burn scars, we’ll gladly replace your old counters with a new design of your choice. A new countertop is your chance to take personal care of the counters and keep those surfaces pristine without mistakes of the past marring the surface.
