Among the many factors to consider when choosing a countertop surface is how well it will withstand the abuse of a busy kitchen. With cooler months upon us and more nights spent inside prepping meals, many of us may be looking at our kitchens and realizing it’s time for an upgrade – in both style and function.
There are two clear leaders in the category of heat resistance and overall durability. These options can be counted on to hold up to a hot pan or crock pot without suffering any cracks or lasting damage.
Granite Granite has remained one of the most popular countertop materials for decades, and for good reason: it’s naturally heat resistant and low maintenance. Unless you plan to try out new steel welding techniques on your kitchen island, your granite counter should withstand normal cooking temperatures, even if it comes in direct contact with a hot frying pan once in a while.
Even so, you should take some measures to protect your counter – mostly so you don’t have to worry about re-applying the sealer that protects your granite from stains. Invest in a trivet to make your granite last. And be careful about placing extremely hot items near cold ones, especially near an overhang. Granite is susceptible to thermal shock, which can be caused be extreme temperature changes.
Marble Marble is naturally heat resistant. It’s often used for fireplace surrounds since it can endure an open flame – so your hot cookie sheet is nothing. Marble is not quite as impervious as granite, and if you’re using it in your kitchen, it will require a little extra TLC to protect it from scratches and stains. But rest assured that when it comes to high temperatures, marble is one of the most heat resistant stones available.
Engineered Quartz Engineered Quartz is growing in popularity, and we’re always hearing questions about its durability. How does Quartz, which is technically an engineered product, measure up to granite and marble?
Quartz is harder than both granite and marble, and therefore often referred to as more durable. However, it is not as heat resistant as granite or marble. When weighing your options, be sure to ask your countertop fabricator about the specific pros and cons of each product.
Home owners who cook frequently and spend substantial time in their kitchen may be looking for a surface material that’s not only aesthetically beautiful, but can also hold up to the occasional crock pot or pizza stone.
When planning an overhaul of your kitchen, consider how often you’ll be actively using your cooking space. If a reliable surface that is naturally heat-resistant is your top priority, then granite and marble are two safe bets.
