Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects thanks to their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. However, some homeowners wonder if these countertops can withstand placing hot pots, pans, and other objects on them without damage. Here is a detailed look at whether quartz countertops can handle the heat.
What is Quartz?
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with polymer resins and pigments under high heat and pressure. The resulting material is non-porous, making it very resistant to stains and scratches.
Quartz is an extremely hard material, ranking just under diamonds on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This high hardness makes quartz very durable and able to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Heat Tolerance of Quartz Countertops
The resins that hold quartz crystals together begin to break down at temperatures above 300°F. This means that quartz has a much higher heat tolerance than other countertop materials like solid surface, laminate, or even some natural stones.
In general, quartz countertops can withstand brief contact with hot pans, dishes, or other objects up to about 150°F without any damage. Higher heat or prolonged contact may cause discoloration or minor surface damage depending on the quartz material composition.
Quartz manufacturers claim their products can take temperatures up to 350-500°F before serious damage occurs. However, it’s best to avoid exposing quartz to sustained heats above 150°F.
Best Practices for Using Quartz Countertops
To prevent any issues with heat damage, follow these best practices when using your quartz countertops:
- Use trivets or hot pads – Always set hot pots, pans, baking sheets, etc. on trivets or pads to prevent direct contact with the countertop surface.
- Don’t put hot objects directly from the oven/burner – Allow cookware to cool for a few minutes before placing on the quartz.
- Avoid prolonged heat exposure – Don’t leave slow cookers, hot plates, or other heated appliances running for long periods of time.
- Use a cutting board – Protect the surface from heated cooking prep like chopping hot veggies or cutting meat.
- Wipe up spills – Clean up any spills from high-temp liquids like coffee or tea quickly to prevent excessive heat.
- Don’t expose to open flames – Never put candles, portable stoves/burners or other open flames on a quartz countertop.
What if Damage Occurs?
Minor heat damage like light scorch marks may be repaired by a professional quartz fabricator. They can polish out small imperfections in the surface.
For more serious damage, the affected section of a quartz countertop may need to be removed and replaced. This can be done seamlessly by an experienced installation company.
Overall, quartz can withstand normal amounts of heat in the kitchen. With proper care and common sense, quartz countertops will retain their beauty and function for many years of cooking and entertaining!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a hot pan on quartz?
Yes, you can put a hot pan briefly on a quartz counter, but it’s best to use a trivet or allow it to cool for a few minutes first to prevent any risk of damage from prolonged heat exposure.
Does quartz burn or stain?
Due to its non-porous nature, quartz is resistant to staining and burning. However, excessive heat can cause discoloration or minor surface damage over time. Follow the best practices to prevent any burning or stains.
How hot can quartz get before it burns?
Most quartz can withstand brief contact with temperatures up to 150°F. Prolonged heat exposure above this or temperatures reaching over 300°F may cause discoloration or damage.
Can you put a griddle on a quartz countertop?
It’s best not to put a hot griddle pan or electric griddle directly on quartz. Use a trivet underneath to prevent sustained high heat from damaging the surface. Allow any cookware to cool slightly before setting it on quartz.
Does quartz melt under heat?
No, quartz countertops do not melt or burn like plastic solid surfaces can. However, the resin adhesives can become damaged under excessive temperatures above 300°F resulting in cracks, marks, or loss of shine. Always use trivets and avoid prolonged heat exposure.
Conclusion
Quartz countertops have a high heat tolerance that allows them to withstand normal cooking and baking temperatures. However, care should be taken to prevent prolonged exposure to heat sources over 150°F to avoid potential damage. Using trivets, allowing cookware to cool before placing on the counter, and wiping up spills quickly will keep quartz looking beautiful for many years. With proper care, homeowners can enjoy the durability and low maintenance of quartz!