Granite countertops are trendy in the world of home décor, and for a good reason. There are dozens of reasons why granite countertops are the top choice of homeowners worldwide, one of them being their incredible resistance to heat.
In fact, granite is a mineral with some of the most heat-resistant capabilities globally. Let’s dive into the details and discuss why.
Granite Heat Resistance
Granite is highly heat resistant. It can withstand a temperature of up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, even though it can withstand a high temperature, it is safest to minimize the amount of heat on granite to 480 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
Durability
Granite is highly durable! The Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness is the unit of measurement for mineral hardness and density.
Using the Mohs scale, granite ranks 6 out of 10 for hardness. For comparison, Soapstone is a 1 on the scale, and diamond is a 10, earning the highest Mohs Scale ranking.
Granite Countertop Heat Damage
Like many other minerals, granite expands with heat. Also, be mindful of how temperature extremes can affect granite. If your countertop is exposed to extreme heat followed by extreme cold, it can crack. Cracks on granite countertops can occur starting at 450 degrees.
Generally speaking, most cooking scenarios do not reach granite’s maximum heat capacity. Remember, the boiling point of water is 212°F (100°C). However, it is still good to know to keep your countertop in top condition.
Cooking on granite countertops
Granite can withstand a lot of heat. However, this does not mean you should test the waters. Because Granite is expensive, take care of it as best as possible so it can last a long time.
It is strongly advised never to put hot pots and pans directly on a granite countertop. Even if there is no visual damage at first, this could change further down the line as the countertop’s sealant wears down.
Once the counter’s sealant comes off, the granite might stain and become discolored. Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry! Simply purchase some cute trivets, pot stands, and hot pads to place on top of the counter whenever using heat near the granite.
Remember to remain conscientious when using crock pots and slow cookers on granite countertops. They are easy to forget about and are typically left out on counters for long periods. Don’t forget to cover the bottom of these devices so they are not damaging the granite.
Granite Cookware
In addition to cooking on granite countertops, let’s talk about granite cookware itself! Granite pots and pans are very popular.
Granite cookware are in fact enamel cookware and mostly made of carbon steel or aluminum. They are not made of natural granite stones. The name comes from the porcelain enamel coating that looks very similar to granite. The popular brand GraniteStone says their cookware is made of aluminum with diamond infused non-stick coating.
Since granite cookware absorbs heat very quickly due to an aluminum core, it can get heated up faster. The enamel coating on granite pots and pans may come off when heated to extremes and lead to chipping. Thus, it is best to keep the heat at medium temperatures when working with granite cookware.
Most granite cookware can withstand up to 400 to 500°F which is much higher than the average cooking temperature.
How to Remove Burn Marks from Granite?
If you see burn marks on your granite countertop, don’t panic! They are common. Luckily, they are usually removable. It is almost impossible for granite to burn, so usually, the marks are simply surface level. Here are a few techniques you can use to remove burn marks:
1. Dish soap and water
First, try the straightforward remedy of scrubbing the marks with dish soap and water. If that doesn’t work, try the next few options.
2. Toothpaste and a toothbrush
Put a layer of white toothpaste on the burn mark. Wait for it to set, which will take approximately ten minutes. Next, scrub the area with a scrub brush or a toothbrush. Then, simply remove the toothpaste with a washcloth and water.
3. Baby oil
For more severe scorches, apply baby oil to the burn marks and allow it to soak into the porous material for 24 hours. Next, use a cloth to polish the baby oil into the granite. Finally, clean off the oil with mild soap and water.
4. Baking soda and sandpaper
To scrub the scorch away with a more abrasive material, you can use baking soda and sandpaper to remove the burn mark. Once you finish, use epoxy to fill in the hole that was created from sanding the material down.
If the burn marks were deep, you may have removed the sealant along with the burn marks. Hence, you may need to apply the sealant again which is fairly easy to do.
Protecting your countertop from heat
Although granite is immensely resistant to heat, you should replace the sealant on granite countertops every year. This will help to keep the granite protected.
It is also essential to know that suppliers do not always provide the best quality granite when selling countertops. Therefore, there is an easier chance of your granite becoming damaged. Annually reapplying sealant is a crucial step in protecting your granite counter.
Ultimately, granite is highly heat resistant, making it an excellent choice for countertops, backsplash or any other kitchen décor.