Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for modern kitchens and bathrooms. Made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, quartz offers an attractive, durable, and low-maintenance surface. However, quartz is not indestructible. One common question homeowners have is whether quartz can withstand hot pans from the stove or oven. Here is a detailed look at the heat tolerance of quartz and tips for protecting your countertops.
What is the Heat Tolerance of Quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered to be very heat resistant. However, they do have limitations. According to most manufacturers, quartz countertops can withstand brief exposure to temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged direct heat above this threshold can potentially cause damage.
For reference, here are some common heat ranges:
- A simmering pot of water reaches temperatures of 180 to 212 degrees F.
- Medium heat on a stove is about 200 to 350 degrees.
- Some pans reach 500 to 600 degrees when heated empty.
- The inside of an oven can be 350 to 500 degrees F.
So while quartz has good heat tolerance, caution is still needed with pots, pans, and baking trays coming straight from the stove or oven.
Can You Put Hot Pans on Quartz Countertops?
Yes, you can put hot pans on quartz, but with some precautions:
- Use trivets or hot pads under extremely hot pans coming directly from the stove or oven. This protects the quartz from prolonged exposure to excessive heat.
- Don’t leave boiling pots unattended on the countertop. The sustained heat can potentially damage the surface over time.
- Let pans cool for a few minutes first. Quartz can handle brief contact with moderately hot pans, just not extreme, sustained heat.
- Avoid dropping heavy, hot pans directly on the countertop. The impact can chip or crack the surface.
With some care, quartz should easily be able to handle the typical use of hot pans in a kitchen. Just don’t treat it as indestructible.
Tips for Protecting Quartz from Hot Items
Here are some useful tips for avoiding damage when using hot pots, pans, and other items on your quartz countertops:
- Always use trivets, hot pads, or thick oven mitts when moving items directly from the oven or stove. Never place anything over 150 degrees F directly on the counter.
- Add some extra protection under especially heavy, hot pans. Thicker trivets or multiple hot pads prevent concentrated heat in one spot.
- Let pots and pans cool for 3-5 minutes before setting them on quartz counters. This allows them to drop below the 150F threshold.
- Avoid prolonged contact between hot pans and quartz. Continual exposure to heat can create hairline cracks or burns over time.
- Clean up any spills from hot liquids like boiling water or hot oil immediately. The longer the exposure to heat, the more potential for damage.
- Use flanking stovetops and avoid cooking over quartz surfaces whenever possible. This minimizes overall heat exposure.
- Consider adding a backsplash behind or next to the stove. This can protect the counters from incidental splatters of oil or steam.
With routine care and common sense, quartz countertops hold up well to typical cooking demands while providing an attractive, low-maintenance surface. Just take precautions when dealing with extreme heat from the stove or oven. With a few preventative measures, quartz offers lasting durability and beauty for kitchens and baths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a hot pan directly from the oven on quartz?
No, you should not put a hot pan directly from the oven onto a quartz countertop. Anything above 150°F can potentially damage quartz. Always use trivets or hot pads to prevent direct contact with extremely hot items.
What happens if you leave a hot pan on quartz?
Leaving a hot pan on quartz for an extended period can potentially cause cracks, burns, or discoloration from the sustained heat exposure in one spot. Never leave hot pots or pans unattended.
Can quartz counters withstand heat from a crockpot or electric griddle?
Crockpots and electric griddles often reach temperatures between 200-300°F. This level of sustained heat can damage quartz over time. Always use a hot pad or trivet with heated appliances. Never place them directly on quartz.
Is it OK to slice something hot or cook food on quartz?
It’s best to avoid slicing very hot food or cooking directly on your quartz counters. The prolonged direct exposure to heat in one area could lead to damage. Always use cutting boards.
Does boiling water damage quartz?
Boiling water over 212°F should not be left on quartz surfaces for extended periods of time. The sustained heat could potentially cause damage. Let pots cool a few minutes before setting on quartz.
Can you put a griddle on quartz countertops?
No, do not put griddles or grill pans directly on quartz. The intense concentrated heat can damage the surface. Always keep griddles on the stove top or use trivets if transferring briefly to the counter.
Conclusion
Quartz offers homeowners an attractive, durable option that can withstand moderate heat exposure in busy kitchens. While not indestructible, simple precautions like trivets and allowing pans to cool minimally will prevent any issues from hot cookware. With routine care, quartz countertops provide long-lasting beauty and functionality. Just be sure to head off any extended direct contact with extreme heat sources.