Granite countertops are known for their durability, but can they withstand the heat of a hot pan? It’s a common question for homeowners, especially those who love to cook. While granite is a heat-resistant material, it’s not completely impervious to the high temperatures of a freshly used pan. In this post, we’ll dive into why you should still take precautions when placing hot cookware on granite, the effects it can have over time, and how to keep your granite looking great while cooking. Stay tuned as we explore everything you need to know to protect your countertop investment!
Can you put hot pans on granite countertops?
If you want to buy granite in Australia and wonder if you can put hot pans and pots on them, we’ve got to say yes, you can place hot pans on granite countertops, but it’s not always recommended. Granite is heat-resistant and can tolerate temperatures up to a certain limit, usually around 200-300°F. However, extreme temperature changes (such as moving a hot pan from the stove directly to the granite) can potentially cause thermal shock, which might lead to cracks over time, especially if the granite has weak spots or existing imperfections.
To protect your granite countertop, it’s best to use heat pads or trivets when placing hot pans or pots on the surface. This will safeguard your countertop from heat damage and maintain its integrity for the long run.
Is granite heat resistant?
Yes, granite is heat resistant, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular choice for kitchen countertops. It can withstand normal cooking temperatures without being damaged. Granite countertops can handle hot pots and pans placed on them, but that doesn’t mean you should place extremely hot items directly on the surface.
While granite can endure high heat, thermal shock can occur if there’s a sudden, drastic change in temperature. Over time, this could lead to cracks or discoloration, especially in certain weaker areas. For the best protection, always use heat pads or trivets to shield your countertop from intense heat exposure.
Can I use knives on granite countertops?
While granite countertops are incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, it’s not ideal to use knives directly on the surface. Even though granite is a tough material, cutting directly on it can potentially cause knife dullness over time, as the stone can be too abrasive for the blade. To protect both your knives and your countertop, it’s always a good idea to use a cutting board. This helps preserve the sharpness of your knives and prevents any unnecessary wear on the granite surface.
How much heat can granite withstand?
Granite is a highly heat-resistant material, capable of withstanding temperatures up to about 1500°F (815°C) without sustaining damage. This makes it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops, as it can handle the heat from hot pots, pans, and dishes without cracking or warping. However, while granite itself is resistant to heat, sudden temperature changes, such as placing a very hot pan directly onto the countertop from a stovetop or oven, could cause thermal shock and potentially crack the surface over time.
To ensure your granite remains in top condition, it’s still recommended to use heat pads, trivets, or hot plates to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
Are hot pans better on quartz or granite?
Both granite and quartz are durable materials, but when it comes to placing hot pans on them, granite tends to have the edge due to its natural heat resistance. Granite can withstand high temperatures (up to around 1500°F/815°C) without damage, while quartz, being an engineered stone, is typically less heat-resistant.
Quartz countertops are made with a combination of natural stone and resin, which can be damaged by sudden heat exposure above 150°F (65°C). This means that placing a hot pan directly on quartz could potentially cause the resin to warp, discolor, or even crack.
While both materials are strong, it’s still recommended to use heat pads or trivets to protect both granite and quartz surfaces from extreme heat.
Does heat damage the granite sealant?
Modern granite sealants are engineered to withstand everyday kitchen temperatures and occasional heat exposure, yet continuous or extreme heat can subtly degrade the sealant over time. Research and product testing indicate that while these sealants generally resist thermal stress, repeated contact with very high temperatures—especially in the absence of any protective barrier—may lead to micro-cracking or a reduction in the chemical integrity of the sealer. This gradual degradation can eventually compromise the barrier against moisture and stains. Therefore, to ensure longevity, it’s advisable to use trivets or heat pads consistently to minimize prolonged exposure to intense heat on your granite surfaces.
What temperature does granite crack?
Based on current research, granite itself is extremely heat tolerant and can withstand gradual heating to temperatures well above 1000°F. However, it isn’t the absolute temperature that causes granite to crack—it’s the sudden, dramatic temperature change (thermal shock) that’s the real culprit. For instance, placing a red-hot pan (often above 300–400°F) directly onto a cool granite surface can induce stress, leading to microfractures that may eventually result in cracking. The actual temperature at which granite cracks can vary depending on factors such as the stone’s moisture content, pre-existing stresses, and how quickly the temperature changes occur.
