Aside from looks and durability, one thing you should look for in kitchen countertops is heat resistance. This feature is especially important if you cook a lot at home. Your countertops should be able to handle the heat from steaming pots and pans without sustaining damage.
Here are the options you should consider.
Engineered Stone
Unlike laminate countertops, engineered stone won’t discolor or crack due to heat. Solid-surface countertop options are usually made from layers of fused acrylic. While they are heat-resistant, they can easily get damaged by hot pots and pans as well as extremely cold objects. On the other hand, engineered stone quartz countertops consist of quartz and other stones. They withstand heat better and vary in heat resistance by manufacturer.
Granite
One of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available today is granite. This natural stone requires extremely high temperatures and high pressure to form. You can place pans straight of the stove or oven on a granite countertop, and you won’t see any marks or stains on the surface.
Quartz
Like granite, quartz is also very heat-resistant. However, you may still need to use trivets or hot pads for hot pans to prevent damage and stains.
Stainless Steel and Aluminum
Aside from being heat-resistant, stainless steel and aluminum countertops are also easy to clean. You should still be careful with placing hot items on these countertops as heat may result in discoloration. These stains can be removed using mild abrasives or special metal cleaning solutions. You should also be cautious in placing cold food items on them while warm as it could encourage bacteria growth.
Looking for cheap granite countertops? Turn to Granite Works. We offer quality and reasonably-priced kitchen countertops. Call us at (301) 640-5010, or complete our contact form to request a quote. We work with clients in Maryland and Washington, DC.
