During the fabrication process, porcelain endures ridiculously high temperatures – we're talking around 1,450 degrees Celsius (2,642 degrees Fahrenheit). So, it's no surprise that this material is extremely heat resistant.
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.
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.
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.
The technology in its production makes this material the perfect choice to create countertops. countertop, it is also useful as it is able to withstand temperature variations, being able to receive hot pans on it, to have great impacts, and even being resistant to falling objects.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate.
Laminate countertops are a type of plastic product simulated to look like other types of solid countertop material. The material is layers of plastic bonded to Kraft paper or particleboard, and can look like marble, stainless steel, or wood. However, the plastic used in laminate countertops have low heat resistance.
While even considerable heat won't damage your granite countertops, excessive and extreme temperature changes might. Outdoor countertops are at the highest risk in this case, as cycles of high temperatures in the Summer and low temperatures in the Winter expose them to significant fluctuations.
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!
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.
Like competitive quartz and solid surface materials, porcelain slab tops are nonporous, so they're a safe and healthy option for food preparation. Unlike those two materials, however, porcelain can be installed outside and is both heat and frost tolerant for homes across the country.
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.
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.
Is porcelain tile heat resistant? Yes, porcelain tiles are extremely heat resistant, providing the perfect solution where high temperatures are of concern.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
What is the most durable material for kitchen countertops? There is some discussion about which is the most durable material for kitchen countertops – but the top two are granite and quartz. Granite is a natural material, with each slab unique, and beautiful colors and veining 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.
Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
You could be considering finishing, maintenance, staining, durability, color, or any other of the number of aspects that come with different countertop options. But when it comes to specific interests, namely doing high level cooking in the kitchen, top chefs in the world prefer granite countertops.
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.
Granite and porcelain are both durable and can withstand the dramatic changes in the weather, however, only porcelain is UV resistant and will not fade under the harsh light of the sun, making it the best choice for outdoor installations.
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.