If you have been looking for a new kitchen countertop, there is a good chance that a granite piece caught your attention, they are not only beautify and sophisticated, but also one of the most durable natural stones there is.
That said, how goes granite handle with heat? Can I put hot pans on granite countertops?
The short answer is yes, you can.
To get the long answer and find out everything else there is to know about granite heat resistance, check out this article.
Granite can be pretty tough, but it’s not invulnerable. Do you want some tips on how to take care of your granite countertops? Then you need to read our definitive guide on them!
Can I put hot pans on granite countertops?
Generally, putting hot plates, pans or any other items will not damage your granite countertop, but you shouldn’t overdo it. After a while, excessive heat can weaken the sealant and let the surface be more exposed to other factors.
Sealant weakening
This is actually the main reason to try and get a coaster most of the time.
If your countertop is sealed, the heat and moisture from hot items can lead the sealant to weaken, leaving your stone exposed to other elements, like liquids, foods, etc.
Thermal shock will probably not happen
Thermal shocks occur when something is exposed to extreme temperatures, cold or hot, and when this happens in granite countertops, the slab can crack.
But, it’s important to say that thermal shocks on granite pieces are very rare. It’s highly unlikely that your countertop would be exposed to such high-temperature levels with just a hot pan.
What else to avoid in order to protect granite countertops?
As mentioned earlier in this article, granite is a very strong material, but there are a few habits that can increase even more its durability and maintain its beauty for many years.
Avoid abrasive cleaners
Abrasive cleaning products, like ammonia and bleach, are not recommended for natural stone countertops. They may remove the coat of sealant and leave the slab more susceptible to other elements.
Be careful with acidic foods and drinks
Acidic foods and liquids can weaken the seal on your granite, causing it to stain more easily.
One way to protect your granite slab from acidic elements is by taking extra care when dealing with these foods and use a cutting board every single time.
Clean regularly
If you use your kitchen often, one way to avoid spills from oil, acidic foods, or any other substance to penetrate the granite countertop or weaken the sealant is by cleaning it as soon as it happens and regularly. For that, you can do a simple cleaning with neutral soap or a granite cleaner.
Seal regularly
Sealing is by far the best way to prevent any kind of problems on your countertop. It’s important to say that not all granite types require sealing, especially the dark pieces, and because of that, there is no rule to define a periodicity of sealing that is valid for all types of stones.
One thing that can give you an idea of how often you should seal your countertop is by doing the water test, where you put some water on the countertop surface and see how long the water takes to be absorbed.
If you have no idea how to do it, don’t worry, we have an article that can help you!
Count on professionals to help you out!
If you’re having trouble choosing the best countertop for your kitchen or needs help with your natural stone surfaces, and you live around Sarasota in Florida, don’t hesitate to call us!
You can count on our help, just reach out to us and our stone and granite experts will be happy to assist you!
