Granite countertops are the most popular material. You might think that they need high maintenance or specialized care. That is because of their popularity.
No need to worry about damaging your countertop made of granite from heat. You can place hot pans straight from the fire and it will still stand.
Can you put hot pans on granite? You can put hot pans on granite because granite is heat resistant. The granite will not crack nor weaken but if you keep placing it on the same spot over time, the area will discolor. The discoloration can be polished off or cleaned using granite stain removal.
Granite can withstand elevated temperatures up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. In other cases, it can withstand up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to Herrick Kimball, home expert, and author, there are no dire consequences of placing hot pans on granite. He confirms this in his book, ‘The Kitchen Consultant: A Common-Sense Guide to Kitchen Remodeling’ Pg. 140.
It is, however, good to prevent possible damage to the granite surface. That can be done by avoiding extreme temperature changes.
These temperature changes are like placing something hot on the countertop. Then, place something that is cold afterward.
Here is a video that explains why granite is ok with hot pans:
Does Heat Damage Granite?
Granite is a strong cut naturally. It is resistant to cuts and heat. However, it can be easily compromised. That is by consistent exposure to heat, especially from pots and pans.
Some of the modern pans and pots are remade from high-grade steel which is a great heat conductor.
There is potential damage to your countertop caused by a repeated sitting of these pots and pans.
You wouldn’t want a scotched or scratched granite! This is an extreme condition that can only happen if the granite countertop is consistently abused.
Discoloration of a burn mark only happens on the surface of the granite. That means it can be repaired and there is always a solution.
There could be micro debris on the surface. If hot pots are placed on the debris, it gets trapped between the pan and the granite surface.
It is always advisable to use a granite sealer to protect your countertop from daily use of the surface.
How To Repair A Burnt Countertop
- Wipe off the surface using mild dish soap and an item of clothing.
- Apply toothpaste on the visible burn marks
- Wipe the counter using water and a clean cloth.
- Sprinkle a burn cleanser on the visible marks if you can still see them.
What Can Be Applied on Burn Marks on a Granite Countertop
- You can pour some flooring on the burnt area that matches the granite.
- You can use hydrogen peroxide. Stir it using a plastic scraper until the mixture gets the consistency of peanut butter. Smear it on the burns and let it sit for a while.
- You can use a burn cleanser by wiping it off on the burn marks.
- You can also use toothpaste by smearing it on the burn marks.
What Kind Of Countertops Can You Put Hot Pans On?
Any kitchen requires a countertop that can withstand daily activities. The daily activities include wear and tear use, every now and then.
Most of you ask if you can place hot pans and pots on a counter when looking for new materials. What everybody wants, one that can withstand heat.
There is a variety of durable options for the kitchen counter. not all of them respond well to hot temperatures.
The following is a list of varied materials used on countertops and how they react to heat.
Granite Countertops
Granite is a rock, granular igneous rock in specific. It is a choice for many when it comes to kitchen countertops.
Just like any other rock, granite is subject to thermal shock. Therefore, it could crack due to its quick expansion and contraction.
The most vulnerable areas are the overhangs or edges. Repeatedly setting hot pots or pans in a specific area will make it weak and eventually cause a crack.
Granite does not scorch. The surface will only discolor or degrade the sealant used. It could also transfer the sealant to the bottom of the hot pans or pots.
There are people who set wax paper with hot, fresh from the oven brownies on granite. That leaves little dark shadows of wax. The wax is embedded in the granite pores.
So, it is advisable to use trivets or hot pads with granite. That helps in preventing thermal shock and ruining the sealant.
Marble Countertops
Most of the technicians don’t advocate for marble for kitchen countertops. That is because marble is calcium-based.
It can be easily damaged by acidic fluids and other kitchen foods.
It is also susceptible to scratches and therefore, you should never use it as a meal prep surface. Put a marble block when doing meal preps and especially when rolling out dough.
Marble is weaker than granite and quartz in terms of thermal shock. Thus, you should not set hot pans or pots directly on the surface.
Soapstone Countertops
According to professionals at Natural Stone Institute, soapstone is heat resistant and chemical resistant. You can set hot pots and pans directly on its surface. There is no risk of scorching or cracking.
It is commonly used in chemical laboratories. it is softer than granite and quartz making it more prone to scratching.
The only countertop material that can safely be used in the kitchen is soapstone. also, sintered surfaces are considerable.
That is because you can set hot pans and pots directly on the surface and nothing will happen.
What Temperature Can You Put on Granite?
Under normal circumstances, it is hard to damage a granite countertop with heat from a hot pot or pan.
in the measurement of hardness scale, granite weighs six while diamond weighs ten. The rank indicates the density and strength of granite materials.
Granite, which is an igneous rock, forms from the process of intense heating and cooling. The formation of granite gives it a special resistance to heat damage.
Granite melts at 2210 to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot pan of up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit doesn’t damage the granite.
That extreme heat over a period will damage the surface. The damage involves a slight granite softening. That causes discoloration or gouges on surfaces that are intense.
Granite is slightly porous. Therefore, it is advisable to seal it with man-made, non-volcanic sealant. That is because overheating the sealant is hazardous.
Placing a hot pan or pot on the countertop sealant can shock it into cracks. It is the same theory applied to glass or ceramic items.
Cracked sealants store dirt and germs that cause diseases to people. The cracked sealants also allow these contaminants to sink into granite. They cause permanent stains that cannot be disinfected.
Damaged sealant results in dark or blackened rings, lines, or spots. They occur after pacing hot items on the sealant that scorches the surface.
The dark spots weaken the sealant prematurely and usually lead to other issues down the road. We all have to be very careful with granite.
Can You Put Hot Things on Quartz?
Quartz is heat resistant but not heatproof! That means it can sustain heat from hot pots and pans placed onto it but it gets damaged over time.
All quartz countertops have a thermal shock. They include Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, Silestone, Hanstone, and Pental quartz.
Thermal shock is the process in which materials expand and contract very fast causing a crack. The problem with quartz is not scorching or burning the surface. It is a thermal shock!
Quartz is made up of a significant percentage of pure quartz, like 90%. The rest of the material is pigments and resin.
Resin only withstands 150 degrees Fahrenheit, approximately. Therefore, the placement of items with high temperatures on the surface is wrong.
It constantly damages the countertop permanently.
When you place a hot item on the quartz countertop, you will notice that it will turn yellow or brown. That is not to mean that the countertop is ruined.
If it discolors it’s an indication of a resin burn that can be easily repaired. When you use a hot pad or trivet, the surface will be intact.
Another way to protect your quartz countertop is to use coasters. The coasters help you to hold your tea or coffee.
The third way is to wipe off any spill before it dries up. Hot and acidic liquids damage your countertops. These liquids include soda, wine, coffee, and cooking oils.
Can You Put Hot Items on Marble?
Marble can be recognized for its graceful movement. It also has a delicate veining, and it is exceptionally durable.
However, it is not as hard compared to quartz or granite. Since marble is a soft stone, it is susceptible to etching and staining over time.
You can place hot pans or pots on a marble countertop! It is not easily affected by elevated temperatures. If you keep placing hot items on it over time it might get damaged
Marble does not crack or discolor under hot temperatures. It is more likely to scratch. In extreme cases, marble is susceptible to thermal shock.
Thermal shock could occur when you repeatedly place hot objects on a cold marble surface. Other materials susceptible to thermal shock include granite and quartz.
The best way to take care of countertops of any material is to place a trivet of potholder under a hot pan or pot.
The Italian marble can sustain wear and tear from constant scraping. Also sliding of substances of high temperatures across it.
How To Care for Granite Countertops
The most popular countertop material is granite. You will be surprised that it does not require specialized care.
It is the easiest material on countertops to maintain. However, there are a few things you have to do to keep it in shape.
Seal The Granite
The material is porous, meaning if water is poured onto it, it will pierce into the inner layers. That puts the countertop at the risk of staining.
After installing granite as your countertop, seal it immediately. Test the sealant first to see which works best for the granite being in your kitchen.
Clean Your Countertop Daily
You have to take care of your granite countertop. That is by cleaning it regularly. you don’t want to have caked countertop with debris or dust.
Dirt on granite countertops may stain it. It also looks unappealing and unhygienic. That puts you and your family at risk of suffering from a myriad of diseases.
Use a cloth, paper towel, and water to clean your granite countertop. Scrub a little with a piece of cloth and water, then dry the surface with a paper towel.
Do not use an abrasive cleaner to clean granite. It destroys the protective sealant, and you will incur extra expenses to reseal it.
Here is a table that analyzes what others are using to clean their granite daily. The information is derived from various kitchen and house cleaning forums.
| What do you use to clean your granite countertops daily? | Percentage of total responses that were found |
|---|---|
| Soap and water were used by many to keep their granite clean. | 35% |
| Simply using water since it is void of the chemicals that some products contain that can get into the crevices of granite. | 26% |
| Using Clorox, the pre-soaked type, to kill bacteria daily from your granite countertops. Especially important when using raw fish and meat. You can buy your Clorox disinfecting wipes on Amazon, click here for pricing information. | 12% |
| Some suggest using Windex daily on granite countertops. That is what I use, but some say that ammonia can eat away at the sealant on granite. You can get your non-ammonated Windex online at Amazon, click here for your pricing. | 18% |
| Using a microfiber cloth and a mild dish soap was suggested on forums. Not sure if that is necessary since we are dealing with stone that is not brittle. | 21% |
| data from cleaning and kitchen forums online |
Get Rid Of A Spill As Soon As Possible
As soon as you spill something on your granite countertop, make sure you wipe it off immediately. You might think that the sealant will prevent liquids from soaking in but it is not as safe.
The sealant prevents liquids from penetrating into the surface, but it does not hold for long. The liquids slowly start soaking in after a while staining the granite countertop.
Protect Granite Surfaces from Heat
Granite surfaces are not affected by heat. The constant placement of hot stuff will damage them slowly. The surface has to be protected as much as possible.
Avoid placing hot pans and pots directly on the countertop. They make the surface fade or stain over time, and you will spend some extra money repairing it.
You should also take care of the countertop by avoiding scratching it with a knife. That means you should never cut anything directly on the countertop.
Final Thoughts
Setting hot pans on surfaces made of granite, quartz or porcelain does not damage them immediately. They start cracking after constant placement due to thermal shock.
Granite countertops are timeless. They are also beautiful and hypo allergic. Giving them proper care and attention can last generations. they will give your kitchen the wow factor!
