Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. Soapstone is much softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz however, so preparing food directly on your soapstone counters could easily scratch it.
Granite and marble can also withstand high heat from a hot pan, but only soapstone can also maintain its quality and durability under direct contact with fire. Soapstone resists heat in the home and is a metamorphic rock that was naturally formed in the earth by incredible amounts of pressure and direct heat.
Some types of mineral oil may not be food-safe because they are derived from petroleum products. They may also leave your countertops with a greasy feeling. It's also not a good idea to use any kind of harsh scrubbing product or tool on your soapstone countertops.
These natural stone surfaces are among the most resistant to heat that you can find for kitchen countertops or other home surfaces. Placing hot pots, hot pans and hot items in general will not damage your granite countertop.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
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.
Dolomite is very resistant to heat when compared to other material. However, it is never advisable to put hot pans directly on any kind of countertop. The use of protective coasters is always recommended.
DO NOT PUT HOT COOKWARE DIRECTLY ON THE CAESARSTONE SURFACE. Therefore we always recommend placing hot pots, oven trays and fry pans directly from the oven or hot plate onto a wooden chopping board or heat trivet. We also recommend that electric fry pans and slow cookers are also used on a wooden chopping board.
Granite. One of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available today is granite. This natural stone requires extremely high temperatures and high pressure to form. You can place pans straight of the stove or oven on a granite countertop, and you won't see any marks or stains on the surface.
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. It's commonly used as a countertop material in chemistry labs for this reason.
Believe it or not, bleach will not harm it either. However, Bleach is not needed, since the soapstone's natural high density will not harbor bacteria of any kind. Simple soapstone and water or vinegar and water. Will work wonderfully well and clean any surface bacteria just as well as bleach or harsh cleaners.
Soapstone is non-porous and, unlike marble and granite, does not need to be sealed. You can purchase our special formulated Soapstone Care Mineral Oil from our online store. This is a lighter grade mineral oil, which is easier to apply than standard drugstore mineral oil.
Stains are easily cleaned by scrubbing or even sanding the stains away. However soapstone is a very soft stone and is prone to scratches. Minor scratches are easily repaired with an FDA approved food grade mineral oil or enhancer.
Soapstone Tiles and Wall Panels
Soapstone is heat resistant and does not burn. That makes it an excellent wall covering behind wood-burning stoves and ovens. Fireplaces are also lined with soapstone to create a hearth that quickly absorbs heat and radiates it long after the fire is out.
The natural qualities of soapstone make it a stunning choice for your outdoor kitchen. It withstands rain, sunlight, and cold temperatures. Because it is a dark stone, under direct sunlight it can get very hot to the touch. Use caution if it has been sitting under the sun all day.
If you constantly find yourself placing hot materials on kitchen countertops, then a soapstone countertop is ideal for your space. Soapstone countertops are heat resistant. As such, you do not need to worry about discolorations or damage from heat. This makes soapstone countertops ideal in most kitchens.
1. You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them. Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Although you can generally place hot items on a marble countertop without worrying about any major damage, it's best to play it safe. In reality, placing pots and pans directly on marble is more likely to cause scratching than cracking, discoloration or yellowing.
We do not recommend placing very hot items (such as saucepans and oven pots) directly on any stone bench top surface, as this can cause extreme THERMAL SHOCK.
Choice of any colour – even for bathtubs
Our technicians are able to colour match or mix any colour you desire for your kitchen or bathroom surfaces.
How to seal a dolomite countertop: Purchase a dolomite countertop sealer of top-notch quality. At the Yard, you will find MORE Stone Sealer, which can protect the countertop surface for about a year, although the actual number relies on the porosity.
Dolomite contains varying levels of crystalline silica, which can cause damage to lungs or even cancer when it is breathed in. The material can also cause irritation to the skin and eyes. The Department of Health also attested to dolomite's health risks, especially the adverse reactions in humans when inhaled.
Dolomite, like most natural stones is porous and needs to be sealed to prevent staining. Although it performs better than true marble, It can scratch and etch, so be aware of the maintenance concerns before using in a kitchen.