Are you wondering if you can put hot pans on marble counters? A marble countertop, after all, is the epitome of elegance and grandeur. But, on the other hand, some people may consider that marble is either excessively costly or too brittle.
You can place hot pans on marble counters without causing significant harm. However, it can cause discoloration and may get “thermal shock” from excessive temperatures.
You may have even heard that heat may harm a marble countertop. So, if you’re unsure about marble’s features, keep reading to find out if this classic stone is ideal for your countertop and how to prevent unwanted damages on your beautiful property.
Is Marble Counter Heat Resistant?
It’s natural to want to have nature’s beautiful and refined stone. Marble is everywhere, it’s even on our walls. However, suppose you’re planning a kitchen marble fabrication, you should know that marble also has some down sides to it. A big one is when you start crunching the figures and realize it can get expensive!
It isn’t all negative, but we value transparency above everything else when it comes to investing in your home. So, how heat resistant are marble countertops? Although marble is heat resistant, you must use it with caution. If you’re baking amid a heatwave, marble countertops will keep their cool.
The stone is also heat resistant, so it’s a fantastic choice if you have a lot of bake-offs in your kitchen. However, despite its capacity to resist high temperatures, you should never lay a piping hot pot on marble without using a potholder to avoid discoloring or scorching the surface.
You should be aware of the limitations of their ability to tolerate the heat, even though they are “resistant.” For example, placing a hot pot on a marble countertop will not emit fumes or burn the surface, but it will discolor it. Sharp temperature swings can also induce “thermal shock,” which can result in surface shattering.
Scratches are the most common result of placing hot pots on stone. Marble is softer than granite and will scratch easily, which is one of the reasons (the other being etching) why it is not advisable to place hot items on kitchen countertops. However, even if the likelihood of such damage is low, why take any chances? Using a trivet to place hot pots on, is both sensible and straightforward.
Does Marble Crack With Heat?
Almost all-natural stone countertops are heat resistant, which is why they are so popular in kitchens. Marble is heat resistant and can withstand hot pans remarkably well. Therefore, styling equipment should not cause damage to your bathroom’s countertop surface if you use them there. However, as we’ve mentioned, any temperature too high for the marble to handle can affect its natural beauty.
Cracking from Thermal Shock:
Is it true that lower-grade marble countertops are also heat resistant? No, they are significantly heat sensitive. When exposed to severe heat, the thermal shock can cause fissures in the marble’s surface, permanently destroying it.
Thermal shock is a temperature change that causes a material to become tensile. It is prevalent in brittle materials like ceramics, and it frequently causes a material breakup. When there is a quick change in temperatures, thermal shock occurs more regularly in structurally weak materials and has poor heat conductivity.
So, while you could set a hot pan on your newly installed marble countertops, you should still use a cushion or protector underneath to preserve them. If you do so, you may extend the time you can enjoy your marble countertops without having to worry about discoloration issues.
Is Heat Bad For Marble?
Heat is bad for marble if there is direct contact between the two. Marble, just like any natural stone, can react to extreme heat. It can cause scratching, cracking, discoloration or yellowing on some spots. Marbles are tough, but they also have some weak spots. Thus, you must use a potholder or any object that you can put in between the pot or pan and your marble counter.
What Happens When Marble Gets Hot?
Marble has been a highly used building material for ages. Its beautiful flow and subtle veining make it immediately identifiable. In addition, marble, like other natural stone materials, is incredibly long-lasting. However, it is not as hard as granite or quartz. As a result, it is more prone to staining and etching over time. But what about marble and heat?
Marble begins as limestone until it is bonded with additional minerals by intense heat. Although this process is not reversible in marble reverting to limestone, geologically high temperatures may drive it into liquid form. Although you may not believe that temperatures of 600 degrees Celsius may be easily reached at home, there are specific circumstances where this could occur.
The following are some objects that could harm your marble counters:
Neapolitan Pizza
Other forms of marble may be able to withstand 480 degrees Fahrenheit and higher temperatures, but you shouldn’t. For example, the dough will heat up to over 395 degrees in Neapolitan pizza ovens, creating around 700 degrees.
Most home ovens won’t even reach 550 degrees, but metal cookware will raise the temperature even higher. When transferring hot goods from the oven to your marble worktops, always use a trivet.
Curling Iron Burns
Hairstyling irons set to their highest setting, usually around 300 degrees Fahrenheit, can create a burn mark on a vanity marble countertop, which appears as a discoloration. Although curling irons dissipate heat more quickly, the risk remains. Therefore, it’s a good idea to install a hook so you can safely hang the iron away from marble surfaces.
Cigarette Burns
Let’s say you throw a party for your pals, and one of them drops a cigarette on your white marble floor tiles. When inhaling, the middle of a cigarette’s burning section, known as the cherry because it glows red, can reach 700 degrees Celsius. So, it’s wise to keep an ashtray or put a designated smoking area when your visitors arrive.
What Can You Do To Protect Your Marble Counters?
Like any other countertop surface, marble can get damaged by hot things. So, protecting any natural stone surface is a tiny amount to pay to ensure that your investment lasts for years.
Another approach to keep your marble countertops in good shape is to avoid cooking acidic items directly on them. It may result in a chemical reaction that leaves etch lines on the surface. Also, to prevent stains, place coasters under drink cups. Finally, you may seal your marble countertop, which will keep liquids from permeating the porous stone and give you peace of mind.
Some homeowners may prefer a low-maintenance approach and enjoy the patina of their antique marble worktops. Embracing marble’s natural character can be a significant part of its appeal! A honed surface can help hide etching and chips while also complementing old and rustic designs.
Conclusion
If you’ve had your marble countertop for a long time and it’s starting to show signs of wear, keep in mind that most damage isn’t permanent. Today’s market has a plethora of DIY cures and tools that can help you clean your marble and restore it to its former glory. Of course, in the worst-case scenario, you may always engage a stone restoration expert to repair your marble to its former brilliance.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about marble, now is the moment to take the plunge. It’s a fantastic material that’s both beautiful and unusual. Moreover, it can last a long time with proper care and upkeep. Just be careful as you put hot pans on marble counters next time!
Quintal’s Granite & Marble Inc.
408-295-8233
1775 Monterey Rd #64a, San Jose, CA 95112, United States
