Heat resistance is the thermal resilience of a material and its reaction to heat flow. To put it simply, something is heat resistant if it is not burned or melted by fire or excessive heat.
According to reports by The National Fire Protection Association, it is of critical importance to use nonflammable kitchen materials since 49% of residential fires are related to cooking. Using heat-resistant countertops protects homeowners from the potential risk of a fire.
In this post, we will shed light on heat-resistant countertops, and give you some tips on how to ensure heat resistance for your countertops.
Table of Contents
What Countertop Materials Are Most Heat Resistant?
Here is a list of common countertops and their heat proof levels:
· Quartz countertop heat resistance is around 300 degrees Fahrenheit or 149 degrees Celsius.
· Granite countertop heat resistance goes up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit or 649 degrees Celsius.
· Marble countertop heat resistance goes up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius.
· Soapstone countertop heat resistance is 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 232 degrees Celsius.
· Concrete countertop heat resistance goes up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit or 538 degrees Celsius.
· Porcelain countertop heat resistance goes up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit or 149 degrees Celsius.
· Laminate countertop heat resistance goes up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 66 degrees Celsius.
Therefore, the most heat-resistant countertop materials are granite and concrete.
Is a quartz countertop heat resistant? Or Is a granite countertop heat-resistant? Homeowners want to know whether or not their countertop is heat resistant. Oftentimes, heat resistance is a significant factor people consider when buying a countertop. Consider the list above when evaluating countertop materials in terms of heat resistance;
Granite
Granite is a popular choice for countertops, and one reason is its heat resistance. Granite can withstand very high temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit or 649 degrees Celsius, making it a great choice for those who do a lot of cooking or baking. However, it is a porous stone, meaning it can absorb liquids and potentially stain if not sealed properly.
Quartz
Quartz countertops are engineered from quartz crystals and resin, giving them excellent heat resistance, up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit or 149 degrees Celsius. However, they’re not as heat resistant as granite or soapstone, so hot pots and pans should not be placed directly on a quartz countertop to avoid potential damage.
Marble
Marble is a natural stone that is known for its elegant and luxurious aesthetic. However, when it comes to heat resistance, marble has a few vulnerabilities.
While it is more heat resistant than materials like laminate and porcelain, it’s less resistant when compared to other natural stones such as granite or soapstone. Marble can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius, but it’s not recommended that you place hot pots or pans directly on it as extreme or prolonged heat can lead to discoloration or even cracks due to thermal shock. It’s always safer to use a trivet or heat pad to protect the surface.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural stone material that has excellent heat resistance, up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 232 degrees Celsius. It is less porous than granite and does not need to be sealed. It can withstand direct heat without damage, but is prone to scratches.
Concrete
Concrete countertops are incredibly heat resistant, able to withstand up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit or 538 degrees Celsius as well as being extremely durable. They have become increasingly popular in recent years. Like granite, concrete is porous and needs to be sealed to prevent staining.
Porcelain
Porcelain countertops are actually very heat resistant, up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit or 149 degrees Celsius, which makes them a good choice for kitchens. They can handle hot pots and pans without the risk of damage, such as burning or discoloration. Porcelain is also resistant to scratches, cracks, and chips, making it a durable option for countertops. Additionally, it’s non-porous, meaning it’s resistant to stains and doesn’t require sealing. It’s also available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Laminate
Laminate countertops, such as those made by brands like Formica, are not as heat resistant as many of the other options mentioned above. They are made from a thin layer of plastic laminate material bonded to a particle board or MDF core. Extreme heat can cause the laminate to discolor or warp, and can even melt if the temperature is too high. It’s always recommended to use trivets or heat pads when placing hot items on laminate countertops to prevent heat damage.
You can read the blog post 7 Reasons To Stay Away From Laminate Countertops for more information about laminate countertops.
How To Protect Your Countertops From Heat Damage?
The following tips will help you protect your countertops from heat damage:
- Use heat pads and trivets.
- Use oven mitts or pads to handle hot items.
- Avoid putting extremely hot items on your countertop.
- Clean hot spills as soon as possible
Is Heat Resistance the Only Factor to Consider When Choosing Countertops?
Heat resistance is an important factor, but not the only factor to consider when buying a countertop. Here are some other factors you can consider:
- Aesthetic beauty
- Cost
- Functionality
- Easy maintenance
- Durability
- Stain resistance
- Scratch resistance
- Versatility
How to Test the Heat Resistance of Countertop Materials?
You can test the heat resistance of your countertop by following one of 2 ways:
- Put a hot pan on the countertop, and wait for 30 minutes. If you see any damage, it means your countertop is not heat resistant.
- Put a hot pan on the countertop, wait for 30 minutes again, and then put an ice pack in the same spot. If you see cracks or discoloration, it is a sign that your counter is not heat-resistant.
In this video, you can watch a heat resistance test for granite and quartz.
How to Maintain Heat Resistant Countertops?
To maintain heat resistance countertops, first, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, use trivets and hot pads to prevent damage or discoloration of your heat-resistant countertop.
How to Clean Heat-Resistant Countertops?
How you clean a heat-resistant countertop might vary depending on the type of material it’s made from. However, a soft cloth or sponge and mild dish soap should be enough for daily cleaning. Also, you should avoid using abrasive acidic cleaners.
You can read the ‘How To Clean Your Quartz Countertops: Pro Tips’ blog post for more information.
Preventing Damage on Heat-Resistant Countertops
If you want to prevent damage to your heat-resistant countertop, follow these tips:
- Use a heating pad or trivet regardless of your countertop material.
- Use a cutting board or countertop protectors.
- Don’t put hot items directly on the countertop.
- Clean spills immediately.
Repair and Refinishing Options for Heat Resistant Countertops
Professional countertop services can help you with all types of refinishing and repairing jobs. Alternatively, you can buy some DIY tools such as countertop coating, makeover or refinishing kits, and other techniques.
How to Choose the Right Countertop for Your Kitchen
Your lifestyle and cooking habits are the two most important factors to help choose the right countertop for you. Then, you can decide on the size and shape of your kitchen countertops. When it comes to material selection, think about your needs and expectations in terms of functionality, practicality, and aesthetic beauty. You can also get samples of some countertops materials from local dealers, or see them installed in your neighbors’ or friends’ homes to get a better idea.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Countertop Material
Consider the following factors carefully when choosing your countertop material:
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Cost
- Heat resistance
- Scratch and stain resistance
- Style
- Installation
Pros and Cons of Popular Countertop Materials
The following table illustrates the pros and cons of popular countertop materials:
| Countertop Material | Pros | Cons | Additional information |
| Granite | heat-resistant, durable, natural, color and pattern variety. | Expensive, porous, needs sealing, heavy, difficult installation | You can read Pros and Cons of Choosing Granite Countertops blog post |
| Quartz | Non-porous, antimicrobial, stain-resistant, low-maintenance, scratch-resistant, | Costly, seams may be visible, limited edge styles | You can read Quartz Countertops Pros and Cons blog post |
| Laminate | Affordable, easy to install, wide range of colors and designs, easy to clean | Prone to scratches, burns, and stains, not very durable, low resale value | |
| Marble | Elegant, timeless, unique veining, cool surface for baking | Expensive, porous, prone to etching and staining, high-maintenance | You can read Marble Countertop Pros and Consblog post |
| Concrete | Durable, easy to repair | can crack, Susceptible to stains and scratches |
