There are a variety of materials that can be used for kitchen countertops, but not all of them are heat-resistant. That makes choosing the right material important for people who might use their countertop to brew tea or cook food in the oven and could risk burning it and damaging the counter. Below is a list of eight possible materials, as well as descriptions about why they're heat resistant and how long each could last if exposed to intense heat.
The 8 Most Heat-Resistant Kitchen Countertop Materials:
Granite is formed from intense pressure created during volcanic eruptions, which helps make it an extremely tough stone. If granite gets hot enough, chemicals inside of it will expand and pop, causing the stone to crack. This makes granite one of the more heat-resistant countertop materials. However, direct exposure to intense flames could still cause irreparable damage. You'll also need to seal it periodically.
Benefits of Granite Countertops:
Granite countertops are ideal for people who enjoy baking and cooking on the stovetop. It's tough and heat-resistant, so it can withstand daily use without suffering damage.
Drawbacks of Granite Countertops:
Granite is more expensive than many other countertop materials, including marble or quartz. While cleaning, you'll want to avoid using acidic cleaners because they could etch into the material.
Like granite, quartz is also formed from intense pressure during volcanic eruptions as well as heat and cooling over time. This makes it extremely sturdy and durable, with high resistance to chemicals that might cause discoloration or etching. If you're looking for kitchen countertops that are resistant to high temperatures, quartz is an excellent choice.
Benefits of Quartz Countertops:
Quartz is much less likely than granite to scratch or crack if exposed to extreme heat or another hot material. They're also very low maintenance and easy to clean without the risk of etching from acidic cleaners.
Drawbacks of Quartz Countertops:
The cost of quartz countertops can be more expensive than other materials on this list, such as wood, laminate, tile, and even some types of vinyl that go for a moderate price rather than a high one. Sealing is also required periodically to ensure that it doesn't get stained by spilling liquids on it.
3) Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a metal that's heat-resistant as well as chemical resistant and extremely durable. Uncommon metals like chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and carbon provide strength to stainless steel, which makes it a good option for kitchen countertops. When exposed to high temperatures, the metal will change colors but won't be damaged or weakened by the exposure.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Countertops:
The main benefit of using stainless steel is its ability to withstand extreme heat without being warped or weakened in any way. You'll never have to worry about your material cracking from hot pans sitting on top of it. It also looks sleek and modern with plenty of variety when it comes to color and design.
Drawbacks of Stainless Steel Countertops:
Stainless steel is a more expensive option for countertops, making it a bad choice for those on a budget. Additionally, the material can be difficult to clean because it shows smudges and stains easily, which means you'll have to wipe your counters down often. It's also hard to repair if damaged or dented.
Soapstone is composed of talc, which is a naturally occurring mineral. It has an incredibly low melting point, meaning it's heat-resistant and safe to use on all types of stovetops. The material also comes in many shades that enhance its beauty as well as provide tons of options for decorating your kitchen design.
Benefits of Soapstone Countertops:
Soapstone is a soft stone that won't scratch if you accidentally scrape against it with a knife or something else sharp. This makes it a safer option than other materials, especially if you have children or pets running around the house while cooking. It doesn't require sealing either, so there's less maintenance compared to other options out there.
Drawbacks of Soapstone Countertops:
Soapstone is porous, meaning it will absorb stains and spills that are left sitting on the surface. If you want to avoid this, you'll have to wipe your countertops down after every use. The material also scratches easily, so be careful when placing hot dishes or other heavy objects on top of it.
Quartzite is made of the same materials as quartz countertops with one addition: it has flecks of color throughout its exterior. Hence the reason it might be mistaken for granite at first glance, but quartzite is actually much harder and more durable than granite.
Benefits of Quartzite Countertops:
Like soapstone, quartzite resists stains and will never need to be sealed because it's naturally resistant to heat. It also resists scratches without being damaged by knives or other sharp objects that you use in your kitchen.
Drawbacks of Quartzite Countertops:
Quartzite is extremely rare to come across, which means it's both expensive due to availability as well as difficult to repair if brought to a professional for repair. You'll also need to clean it regularly, or else it will become permanently stained.
Laminate isn't the most attractive option for countertops, but it certainly gets the job done when you're on a budget. This countertop is made of thin sheets of various materials that are glued together over the top of a particle board base. The material doesn't warp or crack when exposed to heat and can be used on any type of stovetop without needing extra attention paid to it.
Benefits of Laminate Countertops:
The biggest benefit of using laminate is its affordability, which makes this an excellent choice for those with small budgets that must stick to them no matter what. It's also very portable, so if you ever decide to make a change, you can simply take it with you.
Drawbacks of Laminate Countertops:
Laminate is not attractive in any way and will diminish the value of your home when compared to other kitchen countertop options. There's also a limited color palette that doesn't allow for much creativity in designing a unique look for your kitchen design. Finally, laminate is easy to scratch and crack, which is why it's never recommended for homes with children or pets.
7) Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is incredibly durable and resists staining as well as heat damage on all types of stovetops. This material comes in both glazed and unglazed form, so you'll be able to find something that will match your existing kitchen design. It's one of the most affordable options out there, making it another choice for those on a budget.
Benefits of Ceramic Tile Countertops:
Ceramic tile is non-porous, which means that not only does it resist stains and heat damage, but it can also be cleaned with just soap and water. The material also comes in many different colors as well as designs, so finding something to accentuate your current kitchen design should be pretty easy no matter what type of theme you have going on.
Drawbacks of Ceramic Tile Countertops:
Ceramic tile warps and cracks much easier than other materials since it's made up of small instead of a solid piece like many other countertops such as quartz or marble. You'll need to be careful when cleaning it because the grout between tiles is always a point of weakness and will likely crack if you're not careful enough.
If you want to go "all-out" but don't have the budget for granite, marble might just be the perfect solution for you. The material comes in various colors and patterns, so finding one that matches your kitchen design shouldn't be too difficult, even though it's less common than stainless steel and granite.
Benefits of Marble Countertops:
Marble counters are beautiful and elegant, which makes them an excellent choice for those who want their home to stand out on its looks. The material also resists stains, heat, and scratching, making it a practical choice as well.
Drawbacks of Marble Countertops:
Marble is porous, which means it stains easily and will need to be sealed regularly in order to keep looking its best. It's also more expensive than other countertop options. Still, if you want a beautiful centerpiece for your kitchen design with only the most heat-resistant option available, marble may be worth the extra cash.
Now you have plenty of information about the most heat-resistant kitchen countertop material options available. Each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, but you'll be able to choose which is best for your home after reading through this article.