Generally, high-quality porcelain countertops can resist temperatures ranging from 1,200° F to 2,000° F. Because it is fabricated in high heat over 2000° F, porcelain can easily hold its own against hot kitchen or bathroom environments.
Porcelain is one of the most durable countertop materials on the market today and has begun to surpass other surfaces like quartz. Porcelain is extremely durable, scratch, stain, and heat-resistant. Because it is non-porous, it is also one of the most hygienic countertops you can have in your home.
Durable and Heat Resistant
The fact that they endure such high temperatures during fabrication makes them resistant to hot environments such as the kitchen. A porcelain countertop can handle hot pans and pots placed on its surface. The porcelain won't smoke, burn, or emit any harmful substance.
However, porcelain countertops also have several drawbacks that should be considered: Requires professional installation: Gauged porcelain tile is extremely thin, which makes installation more complicated to avoid cracking. It is not a good choice for a DIY project.
Due to the unrivalled technical performance of porcelain, high temperatures and sudden thermal changes do not affect the surface, so hot pots and pans can be safely placed on its surface.
Porcelain is less likely to crack under extreme heat, whereas ceramic can become damaged, cracked, or even change shape when exposed to extreme heat.
Is porcelain tile heat resistant? Yes, porcelain tiles are extremely heat resistant, providing the perfect solution where high temperatures are of concern.
Porcelain countertops can easily chip, break, scratch, or crack by any blunt force, such as if you drop a tool in a sink basin, toilet, or bathtub. This is partly due to the hardness of the surface. Furthermore, when any natural stone countertop gets chipped, you can quickly repair or buff it out.
The lifespan of a porcelain countertop is at least 10 years and as much as a lifetime, depending on usage, care and maintenance. The bottom line: Porcelain countertops stand up to everyday life, and they look good doing it!
Generally, high-quality porcelain countertops can resist temperatures ranging from 1,200° F to 2,000° F. Because it is fabricated in high heat over 2000° F, porcelain can easily hold its own against hot kitchen or bathroom environments.
Once installed, however, porcelain is very hard and durable, so they are not considered fragile at this point. Cracking is rarely an issue after the countertops are installed.
Porcelain Surfaces Are Durable, Not Indestructible
Durable materials can chip if they suffer shock or impact in just the right place. Perhaps the most affected area of a surface is an edge. Countertops have multiple edges that can chip relatively easy if a hard object hits the edge.
Besides being easy to keep clean, porcelain is also non-porous and stain resistant. That's music to a countertop owner's ears because it means no sealing is required. Quality porcelain used to make countertops is scratchproof, along with being heatproof and highly durable.
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.
Generally, porcelain will melt or break when you subject it to temperatures above 1600C. This temperature is attainable when you expose porcelain tile to direct heat, such as that of a fireplace. Direct exposure will cause the porcelain to crack, melt or even explode.
It is typically resistant to cracking and breaking, but it can be susceptible to thermal shock if it is subjected to sudden changes in temperature. If you pour hot water into a porcelain vessel that is not heat-resistant, it is possible that the porcelain could crack or break as a result of the thermal shock.
In terms of material and installation cost, porcelain slabs offer a more affordable price than granite countertops. In terms of re-sealing process, both minerals can undergo the process but granite requires it more than porcelain. Moreover, both materials require low cleaning process.
As opposed to other flooring options, Porcelain floors don't require as much maintenance. They have high moisture resistance making them simple to clean, there is minimal upkeep (beyond regular cleaning) and the maintenance is non-existent. Durability is another big plus for porcelain tiles.
The nonporous surface of quartz makes this countertop a hygienic, stain-resistant, easy-to-clean product that will last for an exceptionally long time with minimal maintenance. Because quartz is more durable and easier to maintain than porcelain, it is a better choice for a countertop.
Cons to consider:
Although porcelain tile is extremely durable, it does occasionally chip, particularly around the edges. This may not be noticeable with through-body composition, but it is a concern. Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic and other popular flooring materials.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate.
Costs. The costs of quartz countertops and porcelain countertops are quite different. The average cost of porcelain lies between $55 to $120 for every square foot. On the other hand, the average cost of a quartz countertop ranges from $45 to $200 for every square foot.
Temperature range
While pure kaolin fires to maturity at 3272℉ (1800℃), most porcelain should be fired between 2381℉ and 2455℉ (1305℃ and 1346℃) for best results.
Porcelain tiles tend to be harder, more resilient and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. They are one of the easiest types of tile to maintain but their surface can eventually be eroded by the regular use of corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or acids that can also damage the grout and loosen the tiles.
In fact, porcelain tiles heat up easily and just as easily convey that heat to the environment. But the good thermal conductivity of ceramic tiles also applies when the radiant floor is used for cooling through the introduction of cold water into the coil, a possibility that makes air conditioners unnecessary.