Granite worktops are extremely popular thanks to their stunning elegant appearance and reputation for durability and strength. As trends come and go, granite offers a timeless appearance that has remained a favourite with people who value luxury in their homes.
However, worktops need to be practical as well as beautiful. So, when it comes to being heat resistant, you may want to know whether or not granite is the best option for your kitchen surface.
In this post, we will explore the heat-resistant properties of granite worktops and compare them to other materials.
Is it true that granite is the most heat-resistant choice for worktops?
To understand the heat resistance of granite, it’s a good idea to understand how granite worktops are made.
Granite is formed when lava cools down deep underground. It’s created very close to the Earth’s crusts, where temperatures reach between 200°C and 400°C.
As the magma or lava cools, it produces large crystals that clump together in a random formation to form granite slabs. It will usually comprise of 20% quartz with an additional mix of Feldspar and other minerals giving each slab a unique appearance. The slabs are then quarried from the ground and cut into sheets which are then polished and used as granite worktops.
The heat involved in making granite gives it outstanding heat resistance. Granite worktops can regularly cope with temperatures up to 248° C as their melting point is so high.
Unlike other materials, you can confidently place a hot pan on a granite surface without causing damage. That means no burn marks, cracks, or bubbles when putting a hot pan down straight from the oven or hob.
Should you protect a granite worktop from hot pans?
Whilst granite has impressive resistance to heat, there is still a reason for using trivets or mats to protect your granite worktops.
Granite is a naturally porous stone that must be sealed before being used and regularly resealed. Your worktop will usually come pre-sealed, and you simply apply a sealant every few months by wiping an appropriate product over the surface.
If you continually place hot pans on your sealed granite worktop, the sealant could wear off and leave your worktop exposed to spills and stains.
It certainly won’t hurt to place a hot pan down now and again, but it is a good idea to use mats most of the time. However, unlike other work surfaces, you do not need to worry about permanent damage caused by placing a pan down straight onto the surface.
How does granite compare to other worktops?
If you are looking for a heat-resistant worktop, comparing it to other materials is a good idea. We know granite can withstand temperatures up to 248° C but are granite worktops any good? Let’s take a look at other popular choices.
Laminate Worktops
Laminate worktops will withstand temperatures up to 66° C. If you place a hot pan down, you may see some bubbling or discolouration as the laminate melts and burns.
These marks will be permanent.
Compact Laminate Worktops
Although compact laminate is tougher than standard laminate worktops, it can only withstand temperatures up to 220°C for ten minutes. Leaving a hot pan on the surface can cause permanent damage, so trivets or mats should be used.
Putting down a hot plate for a few seconds while you grab something should be fine.
Quartz Worktops
Quartz worktops are made from a composite of stone and resin, with around 90% being quartz. Quartz is a tough mineral that is extremely heat resistant, but the resin that holds it together is not as tough.
You can expect a quartz worktop to handle temperatures up to 66°C. Placing a hot pan directly on the surface may lead to thermal shock and cause cracks to appear.
Marble Worktops
Marble is a natural material with good heat resistance. It can handle temperatures up to 248° C.
The problem is that lesser quality marble can crack when exposed to heat above 200° C and is also easily damaged by exposure to cold temperatures. Marble can also stain or suffer from burn marks.
Metal Worktops
Metal is often chosen for commercial kitchens where stainless steel makes an easy-to-clean surface. It is extremely heat resistant but can be hot to the touch once exposed to heat. They can also mark when exposed to heat.
Natural Solid Wood Worktops
Wood worktops are resistant to heat up to 180° C. It is always wise to use trivets or mats to protect wooden surfaces from hot pans as they mark easily.
Granite is more heat-resistant than other worktops!
You can see that granite is far more heat-resistant than any other worktop material. You don’t have to worry about bubbles, burn marks and stains, which hot pans can cause on other types of material.
You will want to protect your sealed granite surface long-term by using coasters, but there is no need to worry about permanent damage from heat.
Why choose granite worktops?
Heat resistance is an excellent reason to choose granite for your worktops, but there are many other benefits too.
Once sealed, granite will be resistant to spills and liquids. It is easy to keep clean and should remain stain free if sealed regularly.
It is low maintenance, provided you commit to wiping it over with a sealant every three months. Otherwise, it is easy to keep clean.
Of course, the primary reason for choosing granite is its luxurious feel and appearance. Being a natural stone, it is highly desirable for both traditional and modern kitchens.
Granite kitchen worktops offer something unique as each slab will have a slightly different composition of minerals, creating colours, crystals and patterns for each piece.
It can make a true statement and be used in the whole kitchen or on an island to make it stand out.
If you are looking for excellent quality granite for your kitchen, please contact our experts at Mo’s Stonex. We have a vast range of designs to suit your style and can advise you about what will make the right choice for your home. Our professional installers will ensure that your worktops are templated precisely and fitted with a seamless finish.
