The heat from the pan could cause a chemical reaction with the granite, thus causing discoloration of the countertop. High heat on granite also can cause the seal on the countertop to wear down and weaken, which makes the countertop more susceptible to absorbing spills and any residue left on the surface.
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.
Granite performs well when exposed to heat, though trivets, cooling racks and coasters are recommended to prevent staining, scratches and discoloration. Granite typically requires annual sealing to protect the stone from staining and taking on moisture damage, but is easy to clean during/after everyday use.
You can do a lot of your prep work on a plastic or wood cutting board which won't be cool to the touch. Plates can easily be warmed for 3-5 min in the oven and then won't cool on the granite and will actually help keep the food warm (place mats help too).
There is a boundary to how much heat granite countertops can bear before they start to fracture and break. For example, a 3/8-inch-thick granite countertop is found to withstand just nearly 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
An extreme heat source over an extended period could damage granite surface. The damage that might occur would involve a slight softening of the granite, which could lead to discoloration or gouges in an extreme scenario.
Can You Put Hot Cooking Utensils On A Quartz Countertop? The quick answer is no, you should aim to not place a hot pan on a quartz kitchen worktop as the heat from the pan will cause the quartz to burn. The resin that is in the quartz material can only withhold 150 degrees in heat before it reaches its maximum.
As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock. We do recommend that you always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your countertop. (Review your electric appliance manual as a reference.)
Don't worry about cracking your stone, granite can withstand up to 400 degrees F. The way to cook with granite is simple: you lay it over a heat source while your heat is warming. You can cook with granite over a gas stove, a grill, in an oven, and even over a campfire with the right gear.
Granite is heat-resistant but you should still place hot pans on pads or trivets rather than directly on the surface to be safe. Use coasters for cups, glasses and bottles.
Quartz countertops can cost between $80 to $140 per square foot installed. Granite countertops can cost between $80 and $175 per square foot installed. The price difference between granite and quartz will vary because both materials are international imports, so tariffs and other transport costs will impact pricing.
A hot pad is a pad of cloth or similar material for use underneath hot dishes to protect surfaces from potentially damaging heat.
Not Heat Resistant: Quartz is not as resistant to heat as granite, so caution will have to be used with hot pots and pans in the kitchen or hot hair tools in the bathroom.
Your granite countertop is sealed when installed, and it is recommended that it be resealed one year after installation or sooner if you start to notice water stains that evaporate slowly in a given area. You might also consider sealing granite if you are selling your home.
Cleaning Granite Countertops
In a spray bottle, create a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. One cup alcohol and one cup water should do it. Spray the entire counter down with the water/alcohol mixture and wait five minutes.
Putting Hot Pans on Your Countertop
While granite is strong enough to withstand the heat of a hot pan without melting or cracking, it's best to place a protective barrier in between. Granite can handle the heat; it is an igneous rock, after all. Brief encounters with a hot pot will not hurt your countertops.
Granite can withstand higher temperatures compared to many other rock types, and the heat transfers well through the rock making it good for cooking up different kinds of food, from meats, seafood, veg and dough based products.
Enamel-coated granite cookware is considered relatively safe compared to Teflon alternatives. It's durable, resistant to scratching, and doesn't react with acidic foods. However, chips or cracks in the enamel layer might expose the underlying material, impacting safety.
While you can technically place a hot pan directly on your countertop briefly without sustaining long term damage, it's not a good idea to do so. There are several reasons why we always recommend using a trivet, pad or potholder when placing a hot pan on a granite countertop.
As natural stones, marble and granite countertops have varying degrees of porosity, which means that yes…they will indeed absorb water. Natural stones hold a network of tiny interconnected channels (sort of like the body's capillaries), which permit penetration by liquids and gasses.
Yes, but you shouldn't. Although your knife blades won't damage the granite itself, they can wear down the seal over time. Plus, the granite counter is hard enough to actually dull your knife. That's why it's always a good idea to use a cutting board even if you have a stone countertop made from Granite or quartz.
Which is more expensive, quartz or granite? Both quartz and granite maintain their value for many years to come, and the materials cost approximately the same, with quartz being slightly less expensive. However, luxurious quartz products can be as expensive as granite slabs.
Use Potholders and Trivets
They can also be slipped underneath a pot to protect the counter or table surface. A trivet is a potholder designed for the countertop or table. They may be thicker or more rigid than potholders and can be quite decorative.
Quartz worktops are durable enough to withstand the heat generated by most kitchen appliances, cookware, and crockery. But, anything that comes off the stove or out of the oven should be used on a trivet or heat-resistant mat because anything over 150C (302F) can damage the worktop.