Hot Pans, Thermal Shock And Your Granite Countertops - Colonial Marble & Granite (2024)

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Hot Pans, Thermal Shock And Your Granite Countertops - Colonial Marble & Granite? ›

Granite is naturally heat resistant, and heat damage would occur only if the granite was heated unevenly. So briefly putting a hot pan down on your granite countertop isn't going to cause long-term damage. That said, we don't recommend putting hot pans on granite countertops — not for the granite's sake but for yours.

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.

Most natural stone countertop surfaces are resistant to heat, which is why they are preferred in kitchens. Marble is heat resistant, and it can stand up surprisingly well to hot pans. If you put them in your bathroom, styling tools should not cause damage while they heat on the bathroom's countertop surface either.

Granite is so heat resistant that you can place a hot dish directly on it without leaving marks or stains. When it comes to heat-resistant materials, quartz is your second-best bet. You can't easily scorch quartz, but you will want to use a hot pad before placing a dish directly on it, or you could damage the quartz.

How to Protect Your Countertop. You can put hot pans on granite with no worries if you place something underneath them. A trivet, pad or potholder will absorb the heat from the pan before it reaches the surface, preventing damage to your countertop and preserving its beauty.

However, this also means that there is more of a risk that a scalding hot pan could cause thermal shock. If a pan is extremely hot when you place it on the cool marble, it could lead to cracking, although this is also true of granite and quartz as well.

In terms of lifespan, granite will typically outlast marble since it's harder and more durable, and marble is considered the softer stone in comparison. Unlike granite, marble is not heat resistant and can etch easily, especially outdoors or in the kitchen.

Heat resistance: All natural stone, including marble, is heat resistant up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can lay a hot pan or dish on your marble countertops without a trivet.

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.

1. Quartz. Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin.

How much heat can a granite countertop take? ›

Granite will resist damage from heat. A hot pan up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit will not damage granite, even if you place the pan directly onto the granite counter. An extreme heat source over an extended period could damage granite surface.

Granite can handle up to 1200 degree F. But, it can be damage if something sits on it for too long. Granite top is fine to use an air fryer on, but if you are using it constantly you may want to consider using a protective board underneath. Marble Countertops is the same idea as granite and quartz.

To cook with confidence, try silicone pads or thicker cloth trivets that are specifically designed for hot pots and pans. These will keep your food accessible, and your counters safe from heat damage.

Covering granite from the sun is highly suggested. Due to extreme heat, granite can become very hot and hard to touch. Finding a way to shade your countertop can be done by using an umbrella or awning. Shading the granite is great and you can stay cool as well.

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.

Just as you shouldn't place heavy loads on the countertops, granite countertop installers Rockville also advise against standing or sitting on the countertops. You also shouldn't place heavy kitchen appliances such as microwaves on the surfaces.

As with all types of sinks, granite composite kitchen sinks are heat resistant. However, they are not heat-proof when it comes to extreme temperatures such as a hot pan taken off the hob and placed directly into the sink. The acrylic resin in the mix of a granite composite sink could warp or melt.