If you are concerned about this risk, using a protective surface such as a trivet, ceramic tiles, heat-resistant mat, or silicone mat is recommended when using your air fryer.
Clare said, “I personally would use a silicone trivet or heat-safe board or mat to place an air fryer on. There are lots of heat-resistant mats and boards on the market." And, she says, don't forget the basket/tray, too. "I would also use the heat-safe mat for the air fryer baskets while you are serving the food."
Your quartz countertop can hold up to just about anything your daily life can throw at it, but it's not completely indestructible. Protect it from heat sources such as crock pots, deep fryers, and electric pressure cookers. Use hot pads or trivets instead of placing hot pots and pans directly on the countertop surface.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.
If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food. This will help make the cleanup even easier while still allowing the hot air to circulate and heat your food.
Your air fryer should always be kept on a level, heat-resistant countertop and in order for the exhaust vent to operate properly, allow five inches of space behind the air fryer at all times. TIP: These counter mats act as a wonderful protective surface for your kitchen island or counter top.
Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.
Don't put heat directly on counters: Yes, quartz is heat resistant and won't melt or burn if you put a warm pot or plate on it. However, it is stone, and sudden extreme changes in temperature can create thermal expansion and crack it.
Beyond its beauty, there's a reason professionals recommend quartz for chefs and bakers. If you're hoping that pizza dough or baked-from-scratch pasta will always turn out perfectly flaky and fresh, here's why quartz countertops are pastry-friendly and baker-approved.
Placing Hot Appliances on Your Countertop. While quartz may be highly heat-resistant, prolonged exposure will damage the resin causing it to discolor. Temperatures above 300° F can spell bad news for your countertop.
Don't: Plastic
Unfortunately you cannot heat up your foods in plastic containers, such as Tupperware and plastic takeaway containers in the airfryer (like you can in a microwave). The general rule of thumb is what can go in an oven, can also go in the airfryer.
Although quartz is generally heat-resistant, it can be damaged by high temperatures, as when you take a hot pot or pan off the stove and set it directly on the surface. Exposure to extreme heat, or temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit, could lead to scorch marks or discoloration that mars your countertop surface.
Meanwhile Lello Favuzzi, Executive Chef of Macellaio RC, said he preferred a more traditional oven than an air fryer. He said: 'Being a professional chef for many years, I believe air fryers are simply miniature of standard fan ovens that everybody has at home.
To help prevent food dripping, a tray or sheet pan should be placed under the air fry basket.
An air fryer is simply a small oven that runs on convection heat. The heat is circulated around a tight space by a powerful fan that lies just below or behind the heating element. Just as in a standard oven, it is perfectly safe to use aluminum foil in the air fryer.
Give the air fryer enough clearance
The air vents need ample space to release the heat, and if you put too close to a surface, say your wall, you risk a fire hazard. Allow up to five inches of clearance around your air fryer to give enough airflow.
For storage, go ahead and tuck the air fryer into a back counter or cabinet corner, but when in use — to get the most out of your machine — give the air fryer five inches of space on all sides. Be sure your air fryer is on a stable heat-proof surface while in use, too!
If you have a high-quality countertop with a heat-resistant surface, such as a granite countertop, you probably don't have to worry about using your air fryer on it. However, if you have a lower quality countertop, the heat from the air fryer could potentially damage the surface.
Conclusion. Clorox wipes should never be used to clean your quartz countertops because the solution used in the wipes can potentially damage the surface. Instead, use warm water and mild soap, white vinegar and water or a quartz cleaner.
Your coffee pot, a bowl of soup, or mug of hot tea won't damage quartz surfaces.
Abrasive cleaners and scrubbers such as Comet or Scotch-Brite are not recommended, as they can scratch the smooth surface of quartz. The best way to care for your quartz is to prevent damage before it occurs. Use trivets or potholders under hot pots and pans to avoid heat discoloration.