We’ve all been there. You’re in a rush, cooking for your family and without thinking, you place scolding hot pots or pans on your granite countertops. Most kitchen surfaces nowadays are pretty durable so the question is, could you put hot pans on granite?
Don’t panic! If you’ve ever placed a hot pan on granite, the good news is that you can relax. Yes, you can occasionally put hot pans on granite, however, you certainly don’t want to make it an everyday occurrence.
Why You Can Occasionally Put Hot Pans On Granite
Granite is actually an igneous rock that is formed by extremely high heat. Because it is formed by high temperatures, granite is one of the most heat resistant surfaces for your kitchen and other surface areas in your home. In fact, granite can guard against heat, up to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit!
The chances of you ever placing an item on your counter exceeding 2,400 degrees is slim to none. So you may be wondering, if granite is such a durable material, why do I need to use caution? This questioning often leads to the next question.
Should You Put Hot Pans On Granite?
Your household surfaces are an important feature of your home. It is where you cook, slice, display items, play, work, etc. Kitchen countertops are an essential part of your everyday life and if you’ve invested in granite surfaces, the last thing you want to do is ruin the robustness.
Because you use these surfaces frequently, proper cleaning and maintenance will keep your granite surfaces in tip top shape. Placing hot pans on granite is definitely not recommended. So the answer to the question is no, you really should not put hot pans on granite.
When you place hot pans on granite, you are leaving your surfaces exposed to a few potential risks.
What Are The Potential Risks When You Put Hot Pans On Granite?
Routinely placing hot items on your granite surfaces can cause long-term damage to the finish and overall durability. Most granite surfaces are coated with a sealant to protect the finish and overall aesthetic of your counters.
Over time, hot surfaces can damage these protective sealants and leave your granite surfaces vulnerable to stains from foods, beverages, or anything else that may come in contact. In addition to losing the sealant, repeatedly placing hot pans on granite can lead to cracking or discoloration. Two risks you really don’t want to unnecessarily take.
To avoid all of these threats, always use a trivet, pot holder, or some other protective item when placing hot pots or pans on granite surfaces. Also, remember to use a trivet or some other protective item when using a crockpot, waffle iron, or other cooking devices. It is important to note that granite that is properly maintained will not be affected by the occasional hot pan.
How To Maintain Granite Countertops
Practice A Daily Cleaning Routine
When it comes to daily cleaning, less is more. It can be in our human nature to want to use a little bit of elbow grease and scrub granite surfaces thoroughly to keep them squeaky clean. Pause! Before you grab your scrubbing brush and harsh cleaner, know that it’s truly much simpler and these items can cause damage.
In reality, keeping your granite surfaces clean is easier than you think. For every day cleaning, a microfiber cloth will do the trick. You can use the microfiber cloth to wipe down your granite surfaces daily to keep dust away.
When a mess is made and a little more effort is required, you can dampen a microfiber cloth with water and a simple drop of dish soap.
Weekly Maintenance
Once a week, give your granite surfaces a little more attention by cleaning with a cloth and a special stone cleaner. You want to use a cleaner that is formulated with a neutral pH.
Remember to avoid using anything harsh. This would include the very popular Clorox or Lysol disinfecting wipes. The citric acid in the cleaning solution on these wipes is dangerous to the seal.
Want to make your granite countertops really shine? This DIY solution will do the trick! Simply pour a drop of cooking oil on a soft cleansing cloth (microfiber is fine) and wipe it on the areas you’d like to add a little sparkle. Bonus: This will also make your countertops a little more stain resistant.
Perform Monthly Inspections
Inspect your granite at least once a month. Take a good look at the pattern of your granite surfaces and look for chipping, cracks, or shifting of any seams. When you are busy with your daily life, it can be easy to overlook imperfections. Make it a habit to take a few minutes at least once a month to look under appliances, in corners, and places that are not noticed every day.
Never miss an inspection by adding a monthly reminder on your calendar or in your phone.
Yearly: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Sealant
Sealing is key! Just like getting a haircut every so often or trimming the lawn, your granite surfaces require a little extra maintenance to keep them pristine. Most professionals will recommend getting your granite surfaces sealed at least once per year.
How do you know if your granite needs a little TLC? Perform this simple test! Sprinkle some water on the area you want to test. Watch it carefully. If you’ve ever had your car waxed, this test will look familiar. If the water beads up and stays in position, your sealant is fine.
If the water seems to spill and not form any beads, it’s probably time for some sealant. Sealant is very important to the overall longevity of your granite and is not something to be taken lightly. It may seem like an unnecessary cost or extra chore, however, neglecting to care for your granite could lead to thousands in repair costs.
6 Things To Avoid Placing On Granite Surfaces
Strong Chemicals and Cleaners
Just like chopping too frequently or placing hot pans on granite, chemicals can strip or weaken the sealant, leaving your surfaces exposed. For example chlorine bleach, anything abrasive, vinegar, citrus and ammonia can be harmful.
Instead, you can always use a mixture of dishwashing soap and water for an effective, safe clean. If you have a family with young children, this is the best option because you don’t want harsh chemicals used in areas where you prepare food. Also, you’ll have a peace of mind knowing that your children won’t have access to a chemical that can potentially harm them.
Sharp Knives or Objects
Yes, granite is strong but anything that could cause a cut, crack, or scratch, be sure to use a cutting board. A sharp object can cut through the sealant. To avoid accidents, make sure your cutlery is stored in a knife block when not in use.
Liquids That are Highly Pigmented
For example, red wine or juices left on your granite surfaces could lead to staining if not promptly cleaned. The occasional spill is not an issue. Cleaning up these spills as quickly as possible will avoid any possible staining or discoloration.
Yourself, Children, or Anyone Else
Remember, granite is strong however it is a natural stone so it isn’t perfect. Just like any other natural stone, there are natural fault lines throughout the piece. If too much pressure or weight is put on that line, the granite will break.
To avoid climbing, kneeling, or standing on your granite surfaces, always have a stepping stool easily accessible. In addition to standing, avoid bathing children in the sink. The weight from the child could cause the sink mounting to weaken. Over time, the weakened sink mount could lead to a severe break in the granite.
Raw meat
Yes, granite surfaces are ranked as one of the best sanitary materials because it doesn’t absorb bacteria the way tile or laminate would. That being said, you still want to use caution when it comes to raw meat because of microscopic germs to seep into the stone.
Remember, the raw meat won’t affect the look of the granite but for sanitary reasons, always use a cutting board (or some other surface) when working with raw meat. Cross contamination when placing other food in the same spot or transferring bacteria onto other items is where there is a need for concern.
Heavy Machinery
If your garage is close to your kitchen, avoid the temptation of placing heavy objects that are often stored on your granite countertops. The weight can disrupt the fault lines and lead to a massive break. Yes, granite is a solid material but it is still a natural stone and is not 100% fool proof.
Conclusion
Overall, granite is heat resistant, durable, and absolutely beautiful. There are so many custom stone patterns to choose from and it’s a great investment to make in your home. It is vital to protect your granite surfaces at all costs and to use care as much as possible.
The takeaway is that you can breathe a little easier when your family places a hot pan directly on your granite surfaces as long as you are keeping up with the recommended maintenance.