In previous blog posts, we’ve been discussing different countertop materials and how to maintain and care for them. In those discussions, we look at each countertop’s heat resistance capabilities and how to best protect them. Most countertop materials can handle hot objects up to a certain temperature before they start to show signs of damage. However, there are some materials that are more heat resistant than others and can withstand higher temperatures. So, in this blog post, we’re going to discuss the five best heat-resistant countertop protectors and what makes them so effective.
So, what are the 5 best heat-resistant countertop protectors?
- Silicone countertop protectors
- Ceramic countertop protectors
- Wooden countertop protectors
- Bamboo countertop protectors
- Heating pads
When looking for heat-resistant countertop protectors, you have to find the right balance between decoration and functionality.
How Do You Protect A Countertop From Heat?
We can never escape using hot pots and pans in the kitchen. Whether we’re cooking a meal or boiling water, there’s always going to be a time when we need to use a hot pot or pan. We might accidentally set a hot pot down on the countertop and not realize it until it’s too late or, we might forget to use a potholder and grab the pan directly. Either way, accidents happen. So it’s important to have a heat-resistant countertop protector in place.
Some countertops are like concrete countertops, granite countertops, and quartz countertops are more heat resistant than others like laminate countertops. However, as a general precaution, you can help protect your countertops from heat damage by using countertop protectors such as hot pads and trivets, and placemats.
A countertop protector is a material that is placed between the pot or pan and the countertop surface. The protector acts as a barrier and protects the countertop from high temperatures. There are many different types of countertop protectors available on the market, but not all are created equal. Some are made from materials that are not very heat resistant and will not do their job very well. So, it’s important to choose a countertop protector made from a heat-resistant material.
Why Do You Need To Protect Your Countertop From Heat?
Protecting your countertop from heat is important for the following reasons:
1. Protects The Sealer
If your countertop has a sealer, then you need to be extra careful with it. The heat can cause the sealer to break down, exposing the countertop to potential damage. Sealers are typically applied to porous materials like concrete, granite, and marble. The sealer fills in the pores of the material and creates a barrier. This barrier protects the countertop from stains, spills, and heat damage. If the sealer breaks down, then the countertop is susceptible to all of those things.
2. Prevents Staining
Heat can cause some materials to stain. Drawing from the first point, if the sealer breaks down, then the countertop is susceptible to staining. But even if the sealer is intact, heat can still cause staining. Heat causes the pores of the material to open up and that allows things like spills and stains to penetrate the countertop. The finishings of countertops are made in a way to prevent liquids and spills from penetrating and staining the countertop, but heat can weaken those finishings.
3. Prevent Discoloration
Heat can also cause countertops to discolor. The high temperatures can cause the color of the countertop to change or fade. This is especially true for countertops that are made from light-colored materials. The heat can cause the color to bleed or fade, and it can be difficult to restore the countertop to its original color.
The discoloration is a cosmetic issue, but it can still be frustrating. Nobody wants their beautiful countertop to be discolored because of a heating accident.
4. Prevents Cracking And Chipping
Heat can cause countertops to crack and chip. When countertops experience extreme or sudden temperature changes, it can cause the material to expand and contract in quick succession. This expansion and contraction can cause cracks and chips to develop. Especially with materials that are already prone to cracking and chipping, like granite countertops. These materials are naturally heat resistant but continuous exposure to heat over long periods can weaken the stone leading to cracks.
5. Prevents Warping
Heat can also cause countertops to warp. When countertops are exposed to high temperatures, the material can start to bend and deform. This is most likely to happen with countertops that are made from softer materials like laminate countertops.
Warping is a serious issue because it can make the countertop unusable. If the countertop is warped, then it is no longer level and flat. This can make it difficult to place pots and pans on the countertop, and it can also make it difficult to use the countertop for food preparation.
6. Saves Cost In The Long Run
Replacing a countertop is not cheap. It’s a significant investment, and it’s something that you want to avoid if at all possible. By using a countertop protector, you can help extend the life of your countertop and avoid the cost of replacement.
The good news is that there are many different types of heat-resistant countertop protectors available on the market. Let’s take a look at some of them.
5 Best Heat-Resistant Countertop Protectors
Heat-resistant countertop protectors come in a variety of different materials. Let’s take a look at 5 of the best heat-resistant countertop protectors.
Silicone Countertop Protectors
Silicone heat-resistant countertop protectors are made from a heat-resistant material that can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. They are one of the best options for protecting your countertop from heat damage. They are durable and scratch-resistant, and they have nonslip surfaces that keep pots and pans in place.
Silicone heat-resistant countertop protectors are available in a variety of colors and sizes. They can be quite thick and large, which makes them great for protecting countertops from heavy pots and pans. Aside from protecting the countertop from heat damage, they also protect the surface from scratches, spills, and grease. They don’t absorb spills or kitchen odors, and very are easy to clean.
Silicone countertop protectors are made entirely of food-grade materials and are safe to use in the kitchen. So, you can be sure that they won’t leach toxins into your food. They are very flexible making them easy to store. You can simply roll them up and tuck them away in a drawer when you’re not using them.
Ceramic Countertop Protectors
Ceramic heat-resistant countertop protectors can handle temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. I should say this largely depends on the glaze used. Some ceramic countertop protectors are made with a higher quality glaze that can withstand higher levels of temperatures than others. They come in all types of colors, shapes, and sizes. You can find them in solid colors or with patterns and designs. Many ceramic countertop protectors are handmade, which makes them unique.
Although they offer great heat protection, they aren’t the most durable option. They can break if you drop a heavy pot on them. They are also susceptible to scratches and chips.
Their heat resistance is impressive but they can get as nearly as hot as the kitchen cookware you put on them. Because of this, some ceramic countertop protectors are grounded with a protective base. The protective bases are made of silicone, cork, or rubber and they help to dissipate the heat.
Wooden Countertop Protectors
Wooden countertop protectors are made from a variety of different woods, including cherry, maple, and oak. They offer good heat protection and are oftentimes used as trivets. Since wood is a natural, eco-friendly material, wooden countertop protectors are a good choice for those who are looking for an environmentally friendly option.
They can have thicknesses of up to 1.5 inches, which helps prevent heat from reaching the countertop. To further protect the counters and give them more stability, some wooden countertop protectors have added rubber feet or a silicone base. Typically, wooden countertop materials can hold up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit of heat depending on the type of wood used and how long they are exposed.
Wooden countertop protectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be round, oval, or rectangular. Some wooden countertop protectors have handles, while others do not. They are handcrafted, which makes them unique.
One thing to keep in mind is that wooden countertop protectors are not dishwasher safe. You will need to hand wash them with warm soapy water and dry them immediately.
Bamboo Countertop Protectors
Bamboo heat-resistant countertop protectors are another eco-friendly option. They do very well when it comes to heat-absorbing and the rubber feet under them help to further protect your countertop. Bamboo is a sustainable material that is growing in popularity. It’s also quite strong and durable.
Bamboo is a strong material, so it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It is also very lightweight, making it easy to move around.
Bamboo countertop protectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Like wooden countertop protectors, they can be round, oval, or rectangular. They can also be found with or without handles. They are handmade and their sleek and attractive appearance brings a natural and unique look to the kitchen.
Heating Pads
Heating pads are not as popular as the other countertop protector options, but they are still a good choice. Heating pads can be used on any type of countertop, including granite, marble, and quartz. They offer good heat protection and can be used as a trivet. They can be made out of a variety of materials, including silicone, cotton, and cork. All these materials are excellent at heat resistance.
Heating pads come in different sizes. Some are small, while others are large enough to cover a whole countertop. They are versatile and can double as a placemat or hot pad.
In conclusion, there are a variety of heat-resistant countertop protectors available on the market. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. There is sure to be one that meets your needs and fits your kitchen’s style. This above-mentioned list of the 5 best heat-resistant countertop protectors should help you make a decision on what to use in your kitchen. I hope you found this article helpful. Thanks for reading.
