Are quartz worktops heat-resistant?

Are quartz worktops heat-resistant?

April 19, 2023

Are quartz worktops heat-resistant?

If you’re considering investing in a quartz worktop for your kitchen, you’ll probably want to know if these worktops are heat-resistant. The last thing you want is to spend a lot of money on a stunning quartz countertop only for it to be unexpectedly damaged by a hot pan after a couple of months of use. 

In this blog, we’ll cover how heat-resistant quartz worktops are, if you can do anything to protect quartz from heat, and how to fix heat damage on quartz worktops.

Is quartz heat-resistant?

The short answer to this question is ‘yes’. 

But it’s important to remember that quartz is heat-resistant but not heatproof. This means quartz worktops can be damaged if exposed to extreme heat.

Quartz worktops are made from natural stone pieces bonded with polymer resin to make an engineered stone slab. Resin makes up 1-10% of quartz worktops, depending on the type and manufacturer. 

The materials are heated and compressed into a large slab during fabrication. This heating helps make quartz worktops resistant to heat, stains, and chips. Have a look at our blog ‘How are quartz worktops made’ for more information on the fabrication process.

Although the natural quartz pieces can resist very high temperatures, the resin can only withstand temperatures around 150 degrees Celsius. This resin makes quartz worktops susceptible to damage from very high temperatures. 

Can you put hot pans on quartz?

Even though quartz is heat-resistant, it’s not advised to put hot pans or pots directly on a quartz countertop. This is because a very hot pan can cause the resin to burn. 

If you place an extremely hot pan on your quartz countertop, you might see brown or yellow scorch marks. You might also see discolouration if you continuously place warm pans in the same spot on your quartz countertop. 

 

How can you fix heat damage on quartz countertops?

If you accidentally put a hot pan on your new quartz kitchen countertop and see scorch marks or discolouration, don’t panic! These marks indicate resin burn and can be fixed.

The first step should be cleaning your quartz worktop with warm water and mild soap. Rub the affected area, being careful not to scratch the surface. Ensure you use a soft cloth rather than an abrasive one to avoid further damaging the quartz worktop. 

If this doesn’t work, you can try a mixture of baking soda and water. Let it sit on the area for a few minutes, and then gently rub it into the marks. 

Sometimes the damage might be too severe for you to fix yourself. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional to fix the damage.

 

How can you protect quartz worktops from the heat?

Here are some easy ways to avoid heat damage on your quartz worktop and keep it looking as stunning as the day it was installed.

 

Use trivets and hot pads

Busy kitchens can get pretty hectic, and between juggling cooking dinner and managing children running around the kitchen, it’s easy to accidentally put down a hot pan without protection. Although this might not always cause visible damage, it can cause damage to the resin over time. 

It’s best to use trivets or hot pads to place any hot pots, pans, baking sheets, and hot dishes to protect your quartz countertops from heat damage. Keep hot pads and trivets nearby to the stove for easy access, and try to get into a routine of using them.

Use coasters 

Although hot mugs are unlikely to damage quartz worktops, placing a coaster down is still a good idea when having a hot drink. Keep some coasters where you can easily access them when having your morning tea or coffee.

Install high-quality quartz worktops 

When choosing your new quartz kitchen worktop, buy from a reputable supplier. Although all quartz worktops are manufactured using similar processes, some are made from higher quality materials that help to protect the worktop against heat damage and discolouration. 

How Mo’s StoneX can help

Quartz worktops can be a stunning addition to any kitchen and can last for years if they’re properly protected from heat damage. If you’re considering investing in a quartz worktop, we can help. 

Mo’s StoneX has over a decade of experience supplying, templating, and installing quartz high-quality luxury quartz worktops. If you want more information about quartz or are worried about its heat-resistant properties, get in contact with our team today!

We stock a vast range of popular quartz colours and customisable finishes to help you find the perfect worktop, whatever your kitchen’s design. From muted natural colours, including our popular marble-inspired Carrara range, to in-demand sparkly options, we have something to suit every taste and style. Our professional and experienced team handles everything from the free initial quote to creating a custom template to installing your stunning new quartz work surface.

Fill out our online enquiry form for a free quote, and start your kitchen transformation today!