Choosing a stunning and highly functional material for countertops can be quite challenging with so many options and modern variants, especially if you're planning to equip them in the kitchen where heat is a considerably influential factor. Although quartz is incredibly popular as a countertop material, is it heat resistant?
High-quality quartz countertops can handle heat up to 300 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but this capacity is predominantly based on how it was created by the manufacturer. Placing hot items directly onto quartz countertops can lead to burn marks, scorched resin, and cracking in some cases.
While quartz has become extremely popular for its stunning aesthetic and versatility, it does have some weaknesses. Still, those choosing quartz countertops can benefit from this material with the right care and protective measures. Stick around to find out just how heat-resistant quartz is, and how you can ensure the longevity of your beautiful countertops over time.
Yes, quartz is heat resistant and is considerably more robust against heat compared to many other countertop material choices. However, quartz is not completely indestructible, and it can become damaged in various ways if put under too much pressure from heat.
If the temperature gets too high for the materials composition to handle, it may become tarnished, damaged, cracked, or scorched. The reason it can be susceptible to high temperatures is due to the use of resin during the production process. This is since quartz countertops are engineered through the natural quartz material being combined with epoxy glue resin on the surface.
Resin does afford many benefits for its functionality and longevity as a countertop irrespective of the intended use, such as the advantage of low maintenance, being scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. But, the resin applied to the surface burns much faster than the quartz itself, making the odds of damage far higher when confronted with high heats.
It is challenging to say exactly how heat-resistant quartz countertops are on a broad scale since different manufacturers all apply varying techniques and use of materials during the creation process. In most cases, the quartz itself does not react to the heat immediately, but the resin upon the surface is extremely vulnerable to direct heat.
Some Quartz countertops are comprised of 93% quartz, and the rest of its composition entails resins and pigments. Other variants comprise 96% quartz material and 6% polymer resin. There are some quartz countertops that only comprise 90% quartz and 10% polyresin.
As a result, the limitations differ since the resin will melt rapidly under heat, and the specifics of your quartz countertop model should be considered. These specifics should be available from the manufacturer or supplier and will assist you in identifying the limitations of the countertop in your unique case.
High-quality Quartz countertops can only handle temperatures up to approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit, a common motive for quartz countertops around fireplaces. However, the heat resistance limitations of quartz countertops can vary, depending on the manufacturer, the resin, and the design.
Most quartz countertops can only handle temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, but some variants can only handle approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperatures hotter than the range indicated by the manufacturer will likely cause damage to the countertop, whether it be surface-level damage to the resin or damage to the inner materials of the countertop as a whole.
Putting extremely hot items, such as hot pots and pans, directly onto quartz countertops will definitely harm the resin on the surface. Hot pans can exceed temperatures of 410 – 572 degrees Fahrenheit and will likely lead to damage, including burned or scorched resin on the surface. But, cracking is a process that involves many other variables.
The main contributing factor concerning quartz countertops cracking is thermal shock or rapid changes in temperature. If the temperature of the quartz countertop is cold or even slightly below room temperature, placing hot items on the surface will likely cause discoloring at best and cracking at worst.
This result is similar to many other objects, such as glass or porcelain, where taking a container out of the fridge and placing it into boiling water would have the same effect. It can be challenging to discern the temperature of a quartz countertop at any given moment, and the odds of the surface cracking are based on many influences.
Thus, it’s always advised to avoid placing hot objects directly onto quartz countertops. There are plenty of convenient and affordable approaches that owners can choose, and it will be worth it in the long run since damage caused by heat is typically undoable. It’s generally permanent and cannot be remedied in any way, leaving unsightly blemishes and scars on an otherwise sleek and beautiful surface.
Hot cups, such as cups of freshly brewed coffee or tea, generally do not exceed the heat-resistant limitations of quartz. Thus, quartz countertops may be able to handle hot cups to varying degrees. But, placing hot mugs and cups repeatedly can lead to marks and damage over time, so this sort of conduct should be avoided by users.
Although burn marks are more common, placing hot cups can lead to cracking as well in some cases. Even though damage may not be immediately noticeable, it’s still not worth the risk. Users are always advised to use coasters when placing their drinks down on quartz countertops.
No, it is not advised to iron on quartz countertops, even if you utilize an ironing mat on the surface. Most commercial irons use heats ranging from 356 – 428 degrees Fahrenheit, which exceeds the heat resistance limitations of quartz countertops in most cases. While irons are highly functional for their dramatic and rapid increase in temperature, this may cause cracking when used on quartz.
Generally speaking, toasters do not generate extremely high temperatures outside of the appliance itself, and the heat created is mostly contained within the elements and the enclosures. The odds of experiencing heat damage due to placing a toaster directly onto quartz countertops are significantly lower compared to placing hot items onto the surface.
Still, it is never a good idea to put appliances such as toasters directly onto quartz countertops. Always place trivets or cutting boards underneath these appliances, as they do emit heat while in use. While the outcome of putting toasters on quartz countertops may vary, it can lead to burn marks over time.
The best way to ensure the longevity and maintenance of your quartz countertops is to utilize robust placemats and holders for hot items. This includes highly heat-resistant coasters, hot pads, and metal or wooden trivets, which will absorb the heat from the hot item in question and alleviate the related risks.
Knowing what your specific quartz countertops are comprised of will greatly assist the maintenance approaches as well. Reputable manufacturers only use the finest materials during production, which typically leads to higher heat resistance thresholds and increased functionality.
Additionally, quartz countertops are not the best choice for outdoor use. Even though they do well in environments that expose them to indirect heat, they do not hold up well in direct sunlight. When equipped outside, quartz countertops can become quite hot, and direct sunlight can lead to damage as well.
Quartz is best utilized in bathrooms, where heat is not a real concern. They can be great countertop choices in the kitchen, provided that owners take the appropriate preventative measures and take extra care when handling hot items.
Granite is not invincible either, and care should still be taken since granite countertops are still vulnerable to burn marks and discoloration. Owners can ensure the longevity of granite countertops by using trivets and hot pads. But, granite countertops are far more heat resistant compared to quartz countertops.
Granite is one of the most heat-resistant materials for countertops, and most variants have limitations far superior to quartz. Many granite countertops can handle temperatures as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit, making them an excellent choice for kitchen countertops.
It’s far less likely for granite countertops to experience heat-related damage and problems, as the natural stone itself is more heat resistant than quartz, to begin with. However, they do not have the same low-maintenance characteristics when compared with quartz and will need to be sealed at least once a year to ensure their stain resistance.
Quartz is undoubtedly a versatile and beautiful choice for countertops, offering plenty of benefits for maintenance and functionality. But, the predominant weakness of quartz countertops concerns their heat-resistant limitations, and users should always consult the manufacturer to ensure they carry out appropriate measures to prevent damage over time.
