Will Hot Pans Damage Your Granite Countertops?
June 10, 2017Granite is hailed as one of the best-selling countertops for the kitchen. Many homeowners are choosing this natural stone because of its beauty, wide variety of color selections, and durability. However, some have questioned granite’s heat resistance and worry about the potential for cracking.
In this post, we debunk the myth that contact with hot pots and pans will damage your granite countertops.
Granite is Actually Formed by Heat
Don’t worry about a little heat affecting your granite—it’s used to taking the heat! This igneous rock is formed as a result of pressure and extreme heat from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth’s surface.
This hot fluid can range from 1,300 degrees to 2,400 degrees and creates lava, granite, and other igneous rocks from the cooling process. The natural stone’s composition of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals gives it its granite color. As you can see, this natural stone is made from very, very extreme temperatures!
Granite is Heat Resistant
The primary concern with heat and granite is cracking. Homeowners don’t need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken.
Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor. However, even discolorations can typically be cleaned or polished away by using a poultice for granite stain removal, or by hiring a professional to take care of more stubborn stains.
The only instance when cracking could happen is when temperatures rapidly change from one extreme to another. For instance, if someone placed an ice bucket on the countertop and then set down a boiling pot of water in the same spot without letting the granite warm up or cool down, it could potentially crack.
This is similar to a glass cracking or stainless steel warping when quick and drastic temperature changes occur. However, with regards to normal cooking, your granite will be as durable as ever.
Granite Has Other Durable Features
Granite is known to be one of the strongest stones in the world. Besides being heat resistant, this very hard material won’t scratch. On top of that, properly sealed granite will last for many years because the sealing helps protect against stains.
In fact, some properly treated slabs won’t need to be resealed for another decade, while others will need to be sealed every year. With granite, you can have peace of mind knowing that your kitchen surface will stand up to the wear and tear of your busy family and lifestyle.
No matter what color or pattern of granite you choose, make sure to take good care of it. It’s important to have your natural stone sealed so that it can remain strong and resist heat, stains, and scratches.
When it comes to normal use, remember that there’s no need to worry about cracking or damaging your surface with hot pots and pans. With proper cleaning and sealing, your granite countertops will stand up to abuse for a very long time.
If you're ready to start redesigning your kitchen with durable granite, contact us to help! Chat with us online, visit one of our showrooms, or find an MSI authorized dealer near you.
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