Laminate countertops don't have any heat resistance at all. They are so sensitive to heat that a cup of hot chocolate could crack or discolor the surface.
Natural stone materials like granite, marble and limestone require the application of a sealant to protect the countertop's finish. The heat and moisture from pans or other hot items you place on the countertop will eventually cause the sealant to weaken.
Heat resistance: Some countertop materials are better than others at resisting heat from pots and pans. Ceramic tile counters and stainless steel are virtually impervious to hot cookware. Crack resistance: Hardness does not necessarily confer crack resistance. Granite is hard, but it is prone to cracking.
Quartz kitchen countertops are heat resistant and can protect against the spread of fire. However, extra caution should be taken as the countertops can get damaged from exposure to excess heat. Ensure you use heat protectors such as coasters, hot pads and trivets to protect the countertops from heat damage.
Typically, granite has higher heat resistance than quartz with the former up to 450 degrees and the latter up to 150 degrees. Despite these levels of heat resistance, both materials must not be in contact with hot objects for long hours as it stains and discolors its surface.
Quick Answer: Can Quartz Counters Take the Heat? Unlike natural stone, Quartz countertops should not be exposed to hot pots and pans. A quartz countertop can withstand up to about 150 F before it takes damage.
Granite is 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.
If you were to put a hot pan or pot on a quartz countertop, the countertop could become very damaged. Quartz is made up of mostly quartz mixed with resin. The resin in the quartz is highly affected by heat, and this is why placing a hot pan on quartz is so strongly discouraged.
While most coffee and tea mugs will not burn through your quartz counter the first time you set them down, you do not want to tempt fate. Use coasters to protect the stone from heat marks. Over time this will help you with the maintenance of your counter.
Although quartz is generally heat-resistant, it can be damaged by high temperatures, as when you take a hot pot or pan off the stove and set it directly on the surface. Exposure to extreme heat, or temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit, could lead to scorch marks or discoloration that mars your countertop surface.
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 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.
Not only are granite surfaces beautiful, but they also hold up well against spilled substances, knife cuts and hot pots and pans. They also require minimal daily maintenance to keep them looking their best, even for the messiest of chefs.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation. Having a durable countertop is a lifelong investment and if you plan to sell your home at some point in the future, its value will be higher if you've used a durable countertop like quartz.
Quartzite requires sealing to prevent staining the surface, while quartz needs virtually no maintenance. So if you love a plethora of choices and a reliable, consistent look to your countertops, or perhaps you're searching for a durable material that won't break the bank, quartz may be just the thing for you.
Do NOT use crock pots or electric skillets while in direct contact with your Quartz surfaces. Always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your countertop. As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock.
Crockpots are not going to injure, stain or burn your quartz countertop. Most crockpots have legs or stands, and if you take the inner crockpot out and rest it on the table top, as long as it's not over 400-425 degrees, you are safe.
Unfortunately, the polyester resin in quartz can be easily damaged by heat from the toaster oven, electric frying pan, oven, crock pot, or any other appliance that produces a lot of heat.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Use Trivets and Mats
If you put hot objects such as pots or pans on the counter, it may break the fabricated quartz's seal and lead to an array of other problems. Make sure you protect the work surfaces by using trivets and mats under any hot object.
Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz rates a bit higher on the hardness scale and is slightly more resistant to damage.
You should not use Lysol on your granite countertops, backsplashes or vanity tops. The cleaner contains harsh ingredients that can cause your sealer to lose its effectiveness. In specific, scents such as lemon contain citric acid, so you need to keep away from those.
Quartz countertops are among the best alternatives. Choosing a premium quality quartz manufacturer like Caesarstone will provide homeowners with a worthwhile and valuable option that will last long and won't require much maintenance or upkeep.