Can I Put Hot Pots and Pans on Granite?
One of the most common questions our customers ask when deciding whether granite is the right choice for their countertops involves the ability to put hot pots and pans directly on the surface of their counter. This is a nuanced question because it can depend on the circumstances. The short answer is yes, but it is best not to.
Granite is very heat resistant; however, we always tell people to use a trivet or hot plate to set hot things on — just to be on the safe side.
Granite is one of the most heat resistant stones in the world. During its formation process, it undergoes extreme and pressurized heat from magma. This instills a natural tolerance of heat in granite which is one of its greatest characteristics.
The ability to withstand high levels of heat contributes to granite’s ongoing demand for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Granite countertops have been a driving force behind the evolution of kitchen design over the last couple of decades. They bring together beauty and practicality in a way that previous, more boring industry standard materials such as laminate and tile were never able to achieve.
3 Reasons to Avoid Putting Hot Pots and Pans Directly on Granite Countertops
Even though granite countertops are notorious for being heat tolerant, it is recommended to place a barrier between hot pots and pans and your granite surface in order to maintain the longevity of your countertop.
There are a few reasons why this is considered best practice:
- It avoids damage from excessive heat
- It prevents injuries that occur when granite absorbs heat
- It helps prolong the effectiveness of your sealant
Damage from Excessive Heat
Brief encounters with excessive heat will likely not ruin or damage your granite countertops. However, if exposed repeatedly to excess heat, or if exposure to heat occurs for an extended period of time, the heat could burn the resin or sealant in the stone and even cause your granite to undergo thermal shock. This would result in a damaged countertop.
Thermal shock occurs when there is a drastic change in temperature and the heat is not evenly distributed among the surface, causing discoloration to the granite. In rare cases, it may also cause the granite to crack.
Injuries When Granite Absorbs Heat
It may sound beneficial that granite absorbs heat. However, as the granite heats, its surface becomes extremely hot and increases the chances of you or someone else getting burned once the heat source is removed. For your sake, we recommend not setting very hot pots or pans directly on your granite countertop.
On the other hand, if a pot or pan is not excessively hot, it will take longer for the granite to heat. Using fair judgment, you could set it down directly on the surface for a brief period of time. Granite’s natural heat absorption is something important to keep in mind when placing hot items on your countertops.
The Quality of Sealant for Your Granite Countertops Matters
Granite countertops should always be sealed because of their porosity and susceptibility to staining or etching. However, if they are not sealed with a premium sealant, high-level temperatures from heat sources or cookware can ruin or weaken the sealant by causing tensile stress.
It is recommended to have your granite countertop professionally sealed during fabrication with a high-end sealant that can withstand higher heat temperatures. Resealing is also highly recommended for maintaining the condition of your granite countertops. Store bought sealants are beneficial to protecting your granite’s porosity, but some of them are not able to tolerate the heat generated when hot pots and pans used from cooking are placed directly on your countertop.
Keep in mind that excessive heat can cause not only the sealant in the stone to react, but any resin in the stone as well. Most stones these days have resin impregnated into them to fill pits and crevices that could burn and discolor when exposed to heat.
When in Doubt, Use a Hot Plate or Trivet
We recommend to all of our customers, regardless of the type of stone they choose and its heat tolerance, to use a hot plate or trivet. This is not only because of the damage that excessive and repeated heat exposure can cause, but also due to the residue from cooking oils often left from hot pots and pans. These oils could bake into the surface of the stone and stain it. Acidic and oil-based substances are extremely toxic to natural stones and should be avoided whenever possible or quickly removed. For these reasons, it is always a good idea to place something beneath anything hot.
Granite Countertop Repair
If your granite countertop is damaged from a heat source such as a hot pot or pan, it may be able to be repaired. Depending on the type and degree of the damage, there are techniques professionals use to restore your countertop to its original condition.
Repairs may consist of:
- Sanding
- Buffing
- Polishing
- Resealing
- Filling cracks with epoxy or acrylic similar to the color of your granite
In many instances, granite can be repaired and restored. This is why granite is a great option for a countertop surface.
Granite and Marble Designs Fabricates and Installs Granite Countertops
Granite and Marble Designs has a renowned name for fabricating and installing granite applications in Denver, CO. We are here to answer any questions about your granite countertops, and we aim to educate our customers as much as possible. Customer satisfaction is our greatest priority.
Schedule an appointment to browse our warehouse in person or request a quote for your granite countertops!