Quartz countertops are popular options for kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance. However, some homeowners worry that subjecting quartz counters to high heat could cause cracking. Here is a detailed look at whether quartz countertops can crack from heat exposure.
What Is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments. The resins bind the quartz particles together to form a hard, non-porous surface.
Key properties that make quartz an excellent countertop material include:
- Extremely hard and scratch resistant
- Non-porous so resists staining
- Heat resistant
- Available in a wide range of colors/patterns
- Requires little maintenance
Compared to natural stone like granite, quartz offers superior stain, scratch, and heat resistance. This resistance comes from the durable resins that bind the quartz crystals together.
Can Direct Heat Damage Quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered to withstand brief, intermittent exposure to moderate heat. According to manufacturers, quartz tops can tolerate sustained temperatures up to 150°F and brief exposure up to 300°F without damage.
Examples of heat sources that should not harm quartz:
- Placing hot pans directly from the stovetop or oven
- Setting still-warm serving dishes from the oven
- Brief contact with an activated stovetop burner
However, damages can occur if very high, sustained heat is applied:
Prolonged contact with temperatures above 300°F may cause quartz to crack, discolor, or lose its shine. Oven mishaps and uncontrolled open flames from burners or candles are common culprits.
Why Extreme Heat Harms Quartz
When quartz countertops are exposed to very high heat, the resins that hold the material together can soften, discolor, or even burn. This deterioration of the binding resins causes the quartz particles to loosen, resulting in cracks, marks, or dull spots.
Cracks from thermal shock tend to start small. But they can expand over time from repeated heating and cooling cycles. Preventing damage requires keeping quartz away from excessive direct high temperatures.
Tips to Prevent Heat Damage on Quartz
With careful use, quartz countertops should never crack from normal cooking tasks. Here are some tips to keep quartz looking beautiful:
- Use trivets or hot pads – Always set hot pots, pans, baking sheets, etc. on trivets or pads. Never directly on the quartz.
- Add padding under appliances – Appliances like instant pots, air fryers, and crock pots can get hot enough to damage counters. Put a trivet or towel under them.
- Don’t leave boiling pans unattended – Stay near the stove when boiling liquids to avoid spills/overflows.
- Cool baking dishes before setting down – Allow dishes coming out of a hot oven to cool for a few minutes before placing on quartz.
- Wipe up spills ASAP – Quickly wiping any spills prevents prolonged heat exposure in one spot.
- Avoid open flames – Never leave open candles or gas burner flames too close to the countertop surface.
- No hot pads/trivets directly on quartz – Place these protective layers under dishes, not directly on the counter, to prevent marks.
With proper care, quartz offers all the beauty of natural stone with maximum resistance to cracking and heat damage. Follow these precautions, and your quartz counters will stay gorgeous for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hot pans damage quartz counters?
Setting a hot pan briefly on quartz should not harm it. But prolonged direct contact with temperatures above 150°F may cause damage. Always set hot cookware on trivets.
What happens if you leave a hot pan on quartz?
Leaving a hot pan directly on the quartz allows heat to build up, which can burn the resin and cause discoloration or dull spots. Using trivets prevents this.
Can quartz crack from boiling water?
Boiling water alone cannot crack quartz. However, allowing boiling water to boil over for a prolonged time can concentrate heat in one spot and damage the countertop. Never leave boiling pots unattended.
Can you put a 600° oven pan on quartz?
No. Pans fresh out of a hot oven around 600°F should never have direct contact with quartz. Allow them to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before setting them on countertops.
Does a hot crockpot damage quartz?
Crockpots can reach temperatures up to 200°F on the outer surface. To prevent the chance of damage, always place crockpots on a protective hot pad or trivet.
Conclusion
In summary, quartz countertops can indeed crack from extreme prolonged heat exposure over 300°F. But normal intermittent contact with hot cookware should not cause damage if proper precautions are taken. Setting hot pots and pans on trivets and promptly wiping any spills will keep quartz looking pristine for decades. With simple care, homeowners can enjoy both the functional beauty and thermal resilience of quartz counters.