How Much Heat Can Quartz Countertops Take?

Quartz is one of the most popular and desirable options for kitchen countertops these days, thanks not only to its beauty, but also its reputation for being more durable and easy to maintain than granite. The reality, however, is a bit more complex. Despite their durability, there are still some things you should never do with quartz countertops. One of the biggest things to avoid is exposing them to too much heat. Even though quartz counters are non-porous and considered relatively heat resistant, they can't handle nearly as much heat as soapstone and granite countertops, which are far less likely to be damaged by heat. Temperatures as low as 150 degrees Fahrenheit can cause staining and damage to quartz worktops, and at temperatures around 300 degrees Fahrenheit your counters can even warp or crack. 

It's not necessarily the quartz itself that is becoming discolored. Instead, it's the resin it is mixed with to form the slabs for the worktops that begins showing signs of damage and discoloration at these temperatures. Regardless though, this means you need to be mindful when putting hot items on your quartz counters, and make sure to protect the surface from heat by using trivets or hot pads. 

While you may have expected that you shouldn't put a pan that you've just pulled out of a 500 degree Fahrenheit oven directly onto your countertop, you might be surprised that even a hot cup of tea or coffee can cause damage. These beverages are often heated around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is plenty warm enough to damage your countertop. If you inadvertently end up with discoloration due to heat damage, you may be able to fix it yourself by gently scrubbing the cooled stain with soap and water or a baking soda paste. If this doesn't fix the discoloration or if there is more serious damage like cracking, then your best bet is to contact a professional to see if they can repair it.

Just because quartz counters need protection from high temperatures doesn't mean they aren't good options for your kitchen. They are far less likely to stain than granite and conveniently don't require regular resealing. Protecting your counters from heat doesn't have to take away from their beauty either, as long as you opt for trivets, hot pads, and coasters that match your kitchen's aesthetic. You can even make your own trivets out of old mason jar lids.