Things You Should Know Before Putting Hot Pans on Granite

Can you put hot pans on granite?

Granite is one of the most popular countertop choices. If you’re considering a granite countertop, then you might be asking this question.

Well, you might be surprised. The answer is not that simple.

Trust us. You would want more than a simple yes or no. Allow us to explain why.

What is Granite?

Before we continue, let’s briefly talk about granite. So, what is it?

Well, granite is an igneous rock. It is one of the most common among the different igneous rocks. That makes it an attractive choice for construction or architectural use. Additionally, it is composed of grains large enough for our eyes to see without aid. Which, in turn, makes it an attractive option for decorative purposes.

We know granite is an interesting rock. If you want to know more about it, feel free to go here or here.

You Can Put Hot Pans on Granite

Yes, you can put hot pans on granite.

Granite is an igneous rock. As you might expect, that would make it a pretty heat-resistant material. Hot pans will not easily ruin a granite countertop’s looks or effectiveness. In other words, heat will not easily damage granite countertops.

We all know it could be a little crazy and busy in the kitchen at times. You could be having some guests over and preparing some dishes. Next thing you know, everything is happening all at once! We understand the chaos. At times like this, it could be easy to forget some things. You might accidentally place a scorching hot pan on your new granite countertop for one. Well, you don’t need to worry. Your granite countertop could take the heat.

With all of that said, yes. You can put hot pans on granite. It is not something you would want to make a habit of, though.

Why You Might Not Want to Put Hot Pans on Granite

You could put hot pans on granite, but there are several reasons why you may not want to do that.

First, granite can handle heat quite well, but people can’t. If you place a hot pan on a granite countertop, the heat will transfer to the countertop. Once you take the hot pan off, the spot it was on will retain the heat for some time. That could be dangerous for an unsuspecting person or even you! Someone could accidentally put their hand on the spot and get burned. Depending on how hot the pan sitting there was, that could mean a trip to the hospital. We don’t want that now, do we?

Second, countertops often have a seal. This seal is not as good at handling heat as granite, but you want it on your granite. Placing hot pans on your granite countertops would weaken it. In turn, the granite part of the counterpart would be exposed. This would leave the granite vulnerable to staining.

Third, you can expect granite countertops to handle the heat well, but continual exposure to heat will inevitably cause wear and tear over time.

Protect the Granite!

With all of that said, it doesn’t mean you can’t put your hot pans on your granite countertop completely. You can! Maybe just not directly. With that, you would need help with kitchen tools.

Choose a Defender

Usually, we would be asking you to choose a fighter. This time, though, you need a kitchen partner that will defend your granite countertop.

Trivets seem to be the preferred choice of many when it comes to this matter.

Don’t have a trivet? There are other things you can use. You can also use hot pads or potholders as alternatives. You can even use a cutting board if you want to! The idea is to limit the heat transfer. So, you can use anything that you think can prevent heat damage.

Resealing

Another thing you can do to protect your granite countertop is resealing. Make sure you reseal your granite countertop as much as necessary. That could be as often as every few months or as seldom, like once a year.

When it comes to granite countertops, you want to reseal them as needed. Do not go by a schedule! Don’t worry. There are tell-tale signs when you need to start considering resealing your countertop again.

Granite might be great with heat, but the seal does not handle it as well. Heat and other things would eventually weaken the seal. You don’t want that! Granite is good with heat, but it is vulnerable to stains! You need that extra layer of protection to keep your granite countertop’s aesthetical appeal.

Things to Keep in Mind

Now you know the deal with hot pans and granite. Here are some other things you might want to keep in mind.

Other Things You May Not Want on Granite

Hot pots and pans are not the only things you might want to avoid putting on your countertops directly. Granite is a mighty fine choice for a countertop, but there are some things you might not want to put on top of it to keep it at its tip-top shape.

First on the list is acids. The strong ones, at least. Ingredients like vinegar and citrus fruits have some acid. Try to refrain from directly placing these things on your granite countertop. At the very least, clean up any spill or residue from these things as soon as possible. These things could damage the sealant, and later on, stain the granite.

Second, you. Yes, you read that right. You. We might be talking about a rock – a good heat-resistant rock, at that – but it could still crack under pressure. Don’t let anyone sit on your granite countertop as much as possible. Additionally, try not to use your countertops as stepping stools when reaching for something high.

Sealing

Earlier, we mentioned about resealing granite countertops. Now, if this is the first time you’re dealing with a granite countertop or the idea of resealing, then you might be wondering how to do that. Well, you don’t need to worry. We have your back! You can watch this nifty tutorial for that:

Why Granite?

Before we let you go, let’s talk about why you might want to push through with that granite countertop.

Aesthetical Appeal

When it comes to items such as this, style is usually one of the last things you would want to prioritize. Often, you would want to prioritize durability and sturdiness. It’s sort of hard to ignore a granite countertop’s aesthetical appeal, though. It comes in many different shades and styles, making it easy to blend in any kitchen.

Additionally, there is a very slim chance you would have someone with the exact same pattern with a granite countertop. As you might have already known, granite is naturally occurring. Nature rarely makes duplicates!

You don’t have to worry. That’s only the beginning. Granite countertops lure you in with their looks. They seal the deal with their other features.

Easy to Maintain

Another reason granite is a popular choice is due to how easy it is to maintain. Other options would have you reaching for strong and expensive cleaners. With a granite countertop, you would usually only need water and dish soap with granite.

Good Investment

They’re good investments in more ways than one.

Granite countertops are long-lasting. Take good care of them, and they could last you a lifetime. They are durable and won’t easily break. I don’t even think I’ve ever seen a broken beyond-use granite countertop! Even if you’re not trying hard, scratches, stains, and a few chips here and there would probably be the worst you’d see on a granite countertop. Given you’re not actually trying to break them, that is!

Additionally, you might be surprised. Did you know that granite can increase the value of your home? Well, it supposedly does! So, if you’re into real estate or simply thinking of selling your home in the future, then you might seriously want to consider granite for your home.

Now, these are only some of the reasons why granite never goes out of style in people’s homes. If you want to know more about how granite became famous and, basically, an American obsession, then you can go here.

Summary

Can you put hot pans on granite?

As you have seen, you technically could put hot pans on your granite countertop. A granite countertop is heat-resistant and would not just break down with a single hot pan.

Still, placing hot pans on your granite countertop is not a practice you want to be a habit. Occasionally placing hot pans on a granite countertop will not ruin it. Still, doing it often would cause wear and tear on the granite countertop over time.

If you have any other questions, you might want to take a look around. We might have the answer to your question or maybe the solution to your problem!