When it comes to looking for kitchen countertops, you have to look beyond style. These countertops experience a lot daily, especially dealing with heat. So you have to make sure that you choose a countertop that can resist heat well. On this page, we are highlighting some of the best heat-resistant countertop materials for your kitchen.
1. Granite
Granite has been a favorite countertop material for many house owners around the world. The igneous rock features an elegant crystalline structure and sophisticated appeal. Earlier it was among exclusive countertop options that were mostly found in luxury residential space.
But over the years, granite has become one of the popular choices of house owners, making it more conventional. And it is not merely beautiful to look at; granite is highly heat resistant; this can be because the material is made under high heat.
2. Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops are generally combined with ground quartz, plastic resin, and polyester. They are designed to look like granite countertops, but they cost significantly less than the latter. Therefore the material is quite popular among homeowners. But how heat resistant are they? You will be glad to know that they have high resistance to heat.
In addition to being heat resistant, the non-porous material is resistant to scratches, moisture, fade, and dents. Another popular option for a solid surface countertop is acrylic. These countertops have a high quantity of acrylic with a little epoxy. The latter has emerged as quite popular; you can know about epoxy on this page.
3. Porcelain Tile
It is one of the classic choices for floor covering due to its high durability. Apart from the floor, you can use this material in countertops, fireplaces, backsplashes, saunas, showers, etc. People use it as a kitchen counter because the material is resistant to thermal shock and scratches. This material can resist heat better than many other popular countertop materials.
4. Natural Stone
Natural stones are versatile and beautiful. They add a distinctive appeal to your bathroom floors and kitchen. But a benefit that many people do not realize is that the material is high-resistant, making it perfect for your kitchen. Each tile features distinctive texture as well as composition to bring out the elegance of natural stone.
5. Stainless Steel, Aluminum, And Copper
Metal countertops are highly heat resistant, and they are easy to clean. While there can be slight discoloration, you can remove that using mild abrasives or metal-cleaning solutions. Metal countertops also retain heat more than other countertop types. Therefore you should not place cold food on when the countertop is still hot, as it can promote bacteria growth.
6. Soapstone
Although soapstone is less common than other countertop materials, they are backed with great properties. It is a pliable material which means that it is less brittle. Therefore it will not crack easily from weight or stress. Additionally, soapstone is highly non-porous and highly heat and stain-resistant.
So you can expect it to sit beautifully in your kitchen for a long time. This is a soft material; therefore, do not cut stuff directly on it. Overall the material is easy to clean; all you need is mild soap and a dish rag or sponge. If you want a natural stone on low maintenance, soapstone is an ideal choice for you.
7. Concrete
Gone are the days when concrete was also seen in driveways and sidewalks. Poured-concrete countertops offer high resistance to heat, making them ideal for the kitchen. So you can put hot pans and pots over the concrete surface without worrying about damage. A great benefit of this material is that it is highly customizable as per your needs.
8. Wood Countertops
Wooden countertops have a charm that none of the other materials fails to offer. Along with easy to clean, they have a natural ability to kill bacteria. And you have so many sophisticated wood countertop options that can be sealed using different materials. Maple, oak, walnut, etc., are among the popular wood choices for countertops. And not to forget, wood countertops impressively heat resistant, which further makes them ideal for your kitchen.
9. Recycled Or Crushed Glass
It is a relatively new material in the market but has some solid potential. The material is strong as well as durable. A great thing about recycled glass is that they are made from beer bottles, windshields, and traffic lighting, making them highly eco-friendly. There are two options for recycled glass countertops.
First, when it is set in acrylic, the glass looks like it is floating. Another option is set in cement, creating a shimmery mosaic. The benefit of this countertop is that it does not chip, stain, scratch, or burn. Since these countertops are non-porous, there is no need to apply a seal.
10. Tiles
Whether you want to craft or contemporary, tiles can fulfill your needs. This versatile material is a great addition to your kitchen. It offers high resistance to stains, cut, and heat. Additionally, they are easy to clean, so you do not have to spend a lot of time, money, or effort in cleaning. Moreover, you will find tiles in a wide range of colors and styles. So you have the opportunity to mix and match to create your own style.
Simple Tips To Improve The Durability Of Your Countertops
Following are some useful tip that will make sure that your countertop stays new as ever:
- Always cut the vegetables and fruits on a cutting board instead of countertops.
- Make it a habit of using coasters to place coasters before placing liquids over the countertops. The water rings look dirty and do not go away easily.
- Make sure you do not place a hot pan or pot over the countertops. Use trivets, pot holders, or oven mitts to protect your countertops.
- No matter the spill or stain, make sure to clean it immediately. The longer you let it rest, the harder it will be to clean.
The Bottom Line
When you invest in a countertop, you expect it to last for a long time. We consistently work with hot pans and pots in the kitchen, so heat resistance is an important property for countertop material. Above are some of the best heat-resistant countertop materials that you can consider.