What is Quartz?
Quartz is an engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground quartz crystals combined with polyresin adhesives and pigments. The quartz provides strength and hardness, while the resins bind the material together.
Compared to natural stone like granite or marble, quartz is non-porous, so it resists staining and etching from acids. It’s also harder than other stones, rating around a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. These properties make quartz an ideal choice for busy kitchen counters.
Do Quartz Countertops Withstand Heat?
The short answer is yes, quartz countertops can withstand heat very well. Here’s a more in-depth look at how quartz handles heat:
Cooking Heat Resistance
Quartz countertops are engineered to be highly heat-resistant, withstanding temperatures up to 300°F. This means quartz can easily handle hot pots and pans straight from the stovetop or oven.
You don’t need to worry about discoloration, burns, or cracks from exposing quartz counters to everyday cooking heat. Just use standard precautions like hot pads when moving cooking ware.
Prolonged Heat Tolerance
In addition to withstanding brief cooking heat, quartz also endures prolonged heat exposure above its design threshold.
Quartz doesn’t melt or scorch when exposed to temperatures up to about 450°F over an extended period. For example, a hot pan forgotten overnight likely won’t damage a quartz counter.
However, repeated exposure to extreme heat can eventually cause discoloration or cracks. So it’s best to avoid intentionally subjecting quartz to very high, sustained heat.
What About Direct Flame or Extreme Heat?
While quartz counters can withstand brief contact with moderately hot cookware, direct prolonged flame can damage the material.
Avoid exposing quartz directly to open flames from gas stovetops, candles, or other sources. The intense heat can discolor, burn, or crack the surface over time. Use a trivet or hot pad under very hot pans and flames.
Likewise, refrain from placing extremely hot items like smoking pans or flaming liquors directly on quartz. Temperatures above about 500°F may eventually compromise the solidity of the material. Exercise some basic precautions against extreme heat exposure.
How to Protect Quartz Counters from Heat Damage
While quartz stands up to typical daily cooking heat quite well, a few preventative measures can help avoid potential damage:
- Use hot pads for removing dishes from hot ovens.
- Allow cookware to cool slightly before placing directly on quartz.
- Avoid leaving heated pans, electric griddles, or other appliances running for prolonged periods.
- Use trivets or mats under very hot pots and pans.
- Don’t expose quartz directly to open flames.
- Prevent burns by keeping candles in stable holders on quartz surfaces.
With some simple care and precaution, quartz offers superior resilience against both brief high heat and sustained moderate warmth. So you can cook comfortably knowing quartz countertops can withstand heat.
Advantages of Heat-Resistant Quartz
The ability to withstand heat is one of quartz’s biggest advantages compared to other countertop materials:
- Marble and granite can be prone to cracking, crazing, and discoloration when exposed to heat. Quartz’s resins make it more resilient.
- Laminate countertops can melt, bubble, or scorch at high temperatures. Not so with quartz.
- Butcher block requires extra care to prevent burns and charring. Quartz needs less maintenance.
- Tile countertops have grout lines that can stain from spills of hot liquids. Seamless quartz avoids this issue.
So if you desire worry-free counters that can take the heat, quartz is an excellent option. Its thermal resilience and durability make quartz a smart, long-lasting choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a hot pan on quartz?
Yes, quartz can withstand brief contact with hot pots, pans, and bakeware fresh from the oven or stove. Use reasonable care as you would with any surface.
Does quartz burn or stain?
Due to its non-porous composition, quartz resists staining, burning, and heat damage under typical use. But prolonged extreme heat above 500°F may eventually cause discoloration or cracks.
Is quartz better than granite for durability?
Quartz is harder than natural granite and less prone to damage from impact, scratches, and heat. Its resin binders make quartz more flexible and resistant to cracks.
Does quartz lose its shine or dull over time?
With proper cleaning, quartz retains its glossy sheen very well. Its non-porous surface resists clouding, etching, and buildup of residue that can dull natural stone.
Is quartz expensive?
While pricier than laminate, quartz is competitive with many natural stones and provides excellent durability and heat resistance for the investment. Ongoing maintenance costs are low.
Conclusion
With high heat tolerance, durability, and easy care, quartz offers quality and performance homeowners demand from a kitchen countertop. Its ability to withstand routine heat makes quartz an ideal surface for active cooking.
Observe basic precautions against extreme sustained heat, and quartz will retain its smooth, flawless beauty for many years. For cooks who want worry-free, heat-resistant counters that can take whatever the kitchen dishes out, durable quartz is the clear choice.