Heat is a welcome element for cooking but make sure you keep it off the laminate countertops in your kitchen. Hot cookware can leave permanent burn marks on many countertop surfaces including laminate.
Granite is so heat resistant that you can place a hot dish directly on it without leaving marks or stains. When it comes to heat-resistant materials, quartz is your second-best bet. You can't easily scorch quartz, but you will want to use a hot pad before placing a dish directly on it, or you could damage the quartz.
In terms of heat resistance, laminate countertops have close to none. Because of its plastic component, it will sustain permanent damage with exposure to temperatures as low as 66 degrees Celsius or 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This is approximately the heat generated by a cup of coffee.
Every precaution should be taken to protect your laminate surface from chemicals commonly found in rust removers, metal and oven cleaners, drain and toilet bowl cleaners - never put these types of chemicals on your laminate countertops as they will etch, corrode and permanently damage the laminate surface.
Solid laminate worktops are resistant to heat, however, we strongly advise that you do not place hot pans or dishes directly onto the surface, this may result in lasting damage to the worktop; instead use a pan stand, trivet or hotrods.
Use Trivets or Hot Pads for Hot Items
This is why it is so important to keep heat from coming in direct contact through the use of trivets, hot pads, or other types of pads creating a layer of protection between hot pans and countertops.
The report found that natural stone (think: granite), engineered quartz, and tile counters will look good for 100-plus years. It's trendy options like laminate, which usually lasts 20 to 30 years, that could pose a problem down the road.
Laminate counters can scratch easily, so don't use them as cutting boards. Also, avoid placing hot items directly onto the countertop to prevent damage. Clean the surface with a mild soap. Laminates are also susceptible to burns and chipping, which is one downside.
We recommend always using a heat pad or trivet under hot or hefty items to reduce the impact. Think of them as a stylish way to protect your countertops!
Laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are all essentially the same thing; laminate is the substance, and Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both types are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters and available in a variety of colors and designs.
Granite. One of the most heat-resistant options for kitchen countertops is granite. This natural stone is formed underground through a natural process incorporating high pressure and temperatures. Typically, the heat generated by cooking will not be high enough to cause damage.
With laminate, there's a risk of water seeping through cracks or joints and reaching the substrate underneath. If water reaches the plywood or particleboard beneath the surface, the wood is likely to absorb the moisture and warp or swell.
As mentioned earlier, laminate countertops lack durability. You will almost certainly chip or warp them eventually.
Granite is the preferred choice for heat performance.
We always recommend placing a trivet or potholder of some kind when placing hot pots and pans on the counter, but we understand real life means you don't always have them available.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
Granite countertops are great for people who want their kitchens to look natural and fancy. Granite has unique patterns and colors that make it look luxurious. It's also a strong material and can handle heat, so you can put hot things on it without worrying about damage.
Laminate countertops / Formica countertops
Laminate materials are not heatproof and prolonged use of a heating element on the counter can cause cracking, burn marks, and even melting in some cases. The best option for using an air fryer on a laminate surface is to use a protector.
Whether you love the classic look of square white tiles or want an affordable way to get the look of granite, tile is a great solution for covering dated laminate. If you aren't starting with a particleboard base, first install a sheet of thin cement board over your existing laminate counter.
While both a laminate and quartz countertop have their variations in terms of appearance, when it comes to durability quartz is proven to be the more adept to heat resistance.
Once regarded as a cheap, low-end option, laminate countertops are now found in plenty of higher-end homes. They are a good choice for those who want an affordable countertop material that offers a vast range of design choices, or anyone who wants to try their hand at DIY fabrication.
Laminate is making a comeback and is being used more and more these days because of its improved design and style. Today's laminate looks more like natural stone, and because of improved printing techniques and designers who are creating better recreations of stone, laminate has made a dramatic comeback.
Laminate countertops are more affordable and come in a variety of colors and patterns, but they are less durable and can be easily scratched or damaged. Granite countertops are more expensive, but they are durable and heat-resistant and can add value to a home.
With a long-lasting and robust material, you can be sure that you won't need to make another large investment anytime soon. Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation.
They're Better at Handling Heat
Place a hot pan on a laminate countertop and it will leave a mark. Laminate countertops do not do well with heat. Even a few seconds of exposure to a hot pot can damage the countertop. Granite and quartz offer much more heat resistance, with granite being the most heat-friendly.