The kitchen is an essential room in the house, and it is exposed to many potential dangers, including fires.
Homeowners therefore should be careful when buying kitchen appliances and anything that goes into the kitchen, including countertops.
When buying quartz countertops, homeowners consider beauty, durability, and sturdiness. Moreover, heat resistance should be a significant factor to consider when purchasing. This article answers the question, “Are quartz countertops heat resistant?”
Are Quartz Countertops Heat Resistant?
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Although they look like it, quartz countertops are not entirely composed of solid stone. Their surface has a layer of sealant that prevents water from seeping through. Hot kettles and plates can damage this layer by discoloring, so they are not entirely heat resistant.
However, quartz has a stronger sealant that can withstand brief exposure to heat before damage takes place. Therefore, it is essential to take safety measures before discoloring and chipping occur.
Quartz Counters Are Composite Stones
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A composite stone is an artificial slab that resembles a natural stone. It is from stone chips, and resin is used to hold the materials together. Manufacturers mix quartz and resin with different colors to give the quartz countertop a color.
The chips and flakes decorate the artificial slab. The manufacturer pours the composite quartz slabs when they are hot and lets them cool to become the hard, stone-like countertop.
Although Caesarstone quartz countertops are heat resistant, you should not put boiling pots on them. It is always advised that homeowners use a trivet or heat mat when dealing with hot cookware or appliances.
Advantages of Quartz Counters
There are many reasons people prefer quartz countertops to marble and granite counters. Some of the reasons are:
Durability
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Quartz is a hard stone, and it owes its durability to the method of manufacturing and the chemicals used to strengthen it. Your countertop can survive scratches and chips for more years than you thought.
The tops also have high scratch and abrasive resistance. However, this does not mean that you use abrasive cleaners to clean the top. Also, avoid using the countertop as a cutting board and ensure you don’t drag heavy objects across the counter.
Non-Porous
Porous surfaces allow fluid into the pores, and it takes a while to dry up. The liquids can be a breeding zone for bacteria and other germs, making the counter unsuitable for kitchen use.
Quartz is non-porous, meaning fluids do not get absorbed into the surface. This way, your kitchen counter stays clean and dry, and free from bacteria. Also, quartz counters do not absorb heat.
Do not use paint markers or leave tea and colored liquid spills on the counter. These can stain it, and some stains are stubborn to clean.
Easy To Maintain
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Quartz countertops rarely get stained, and they are easy to maintain and keep clean. All you should do is clean the surface frequently with soap and water. Keep hot kettles and pots away from the table to maintain its aesthetics.
Available In Various Designs And Colors
Unlike other metal stones, quartz comes in various designs and colors. This makes it easy to choose quartz as a countertop. You can also customize the look of your quartz counter to look like marble or granite.
Caring For the Quartz Countertop
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Although the quartz countertop can withstand heat, it is not entirely heat resistant. To keep the top’s aesthetics and prevent it from heat damages, you should take these precautions:
Use Trivets or Potholders To Prevent Quartz Countertops Heat Damage
Buy trivets or silicone potholders to place on your countertop before putting a hot pot on the top. You can also get decorative ones to place on the table before putting a hot plate or pots. This protects the top from burn damages.
You can use the potholders to get pots from a fire or pans from the oven. Ensure you put them in an open place, where you can readily reach for them anytime you need to hold hot pots and plates.
Place Heat Mats And Towels On The Tables And Countertops
An alternative to potholders is heat mats and towels. You can get them from a variety of materials like silicon, woodblocks, and bamboo rolls. You can also use hand towels as heat mats. Always place the heat mat on the counter before getting the pot from the fire.
Use Coasters
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The heat from mugs and tea kettles might not be too high to harm your countertop. However, you don’t want to give anything a chance to tamper with your counter’s aesthetics. Coasters are a perfect way to protect your countertop from hot kettles.
Leave The Pot On The Stovetop
The pot could be as hot as 200 F, but the food is not this hot. Transfer the food to a cool dish instead of carrying the hot pot to the counter or table. Although this dish will be hot, it will not reach the dangerously high temperatures of the pot.
Wipe Spills Immediately Using A Clean Cloth
Wipe any spills with a clean cloth and soapy water. It ensures there is no chance of stains making permanent marks on the counter. Wiping also removes any chemicals from alcohol that can cause damages.
Buy A High-Quality Stone
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Although quartz countertops have similar materials, they are not all made using the same method. Some stones are hard because manufacturers use different chemicals and degrees of heat to strengthen the stone.
These methods of manufacturing are what determine the quality of the engineered stone. The quality of the material can reduce the chances of damage and burns. High-quality stones are expensive but worth the coin.
Final Words
When buying kitchen equipment and materials, one of the significant factors to consider is heat resistance. Quartz kitchen countertops are heat resistant and durable, but not indestructible. Care and maintenance will lengthen your countertop’s lifespan.
