Injuries in the kitchen are no joking matter and you need to be extra cautious to make sure you don’t get burnt or accidentally destroy something.
One of the main reasons is the use of hot cooking pans.
Not everyone knows how to handle hot pans properly.
Since many of the houses has a quartz coutertop, a common question is whether you can put hot pans on quartz countertops or not?
Let’s find out!
Can You Put Hot Pans on Quartz Countertops?
NO, you cannot put hot pans on quartz countertops. Most homes have quartz counters and they’re known to be extremely durable. However, despite this durability, you cannot place a hot cooking pan, straight off the stove on top of it.
Doing so will damage the surface and, in some cases, can even cause cracks. You could end up seriously ruining the countertops in your home.
It is better to use items like a stove mitt or even a trivet to create a small barrier between the pan and the surface. Taking this extra precaution will ensure that you do not crack or discolor the counters.
Some things to know about Quartz Countertops
Here are some other things that you did not know about quartz countertops.
They’re Man-Made
Quartz countertops are man-made to mimic the beauty of quartzite. Since this material is porous and needs to be treated regularly, it is not perfect for most kitchens.
Quartz countertops are a great alternative to quartzite. They bring all the beauty of quartzite and enhance the durability of your countertops without requiring care and maintenance.
They Can Chip Easily
Apart from getting discolored and cracked, quartz countertops can also get chipped very easily. Despite being extremely strong, this countertop does not put up with a lot of mishandling and will eventually start to wear down.
The edges of the countertop are more vulnerable to being damaged, especially from being banged by heavy pans and pots.
They’re Not Suited for DIY
If you ever accidentally crack, discolor or chip your graphite counters, you will be sad to hear that repairs can only be done by experts (which can be expensive).
This countertop is not flexible and does not respond well to DIY remedies. It might cost more but it is better to fix the issue with the help of professionals.
It can prevent further damage and will mean that you do not end up destroying the countertops completely.
Is Not Meant for Heat
Certain items are just not heat resistant. While quartz counters can be resistant to heat to a certain degree, they cannot deal with high temperatures like the one from placing hot pans on kitchen counters.
Avoid putting anything hot on the counter; otherwise, you will cause serious damage to them.
As you can see, you cannot put hot pans on quartz counters. Plus, carelessness in the kitchen can seriously ruin these counters.
So, you need to learn how to handle hot pans properly. Luckily, we are going to be exploring this area as well.
Being Cautious is a Good Idea
Now you know the answer to can you put hot pans on quartz countertops or not. However, you should exercise caution here because it is not just your quartz countertops that are at risk.
You and your family can also suffer from serious injuries such as thermal burns from the hot kitchen pans.
Data highlights that thermal burn caused by contact with hot liquids, steam or surfaces is extremely prevalent.
- 86% of all patients with thermal burns require hospitalization and attention from the burn center
- 43% of all burns happen from exposure to open flames
- 34% of burns occur from scalding accidents
- 9% happen because of contact with a hot object
- A total of 450,000 patients suffer from burns on an annual basis
- 30,000 of these people have burns so severe that they have to be admitted to the burns center
Given these statistics, it is a good idea to make sure that you know how to handle hot kitchen pans properly. This can make sure that your kitchen is a safe environment for you and other members of your family.
How to Handle Hot Pans Properly
Even if you know not to place your hot pans on quartz countertops, you might still make mistakes in the kitchen.
It is very important to handle hot pans properly not just for the sake of your countertops but also for other people who might step into the kitchen.
Hot pans can cause 1st-degree burns but some have been known to cause 2nd-degree burns as well.
By paying close attention to the tips mentioned below, you can learn more about how to handle hot pans safely in the kitchen.
Always Protect Your Hands
Whether you were cooking, baking, broiling or even blanching something, if you are using a pan, make sure you have are wearing appropriate protection materials.
Some pans can have handles that also conduct heat, which can mean that when you grab the handle, you could end up burning your hand (happened once with me with my Le Creuset cast iron pan).
Always have oven mitts, or use thick grab clothes to hold the handles. These can ensure that you are able to handle the hot pan properly.
Even if you are just baking and need to check on the cake, make use of a cloth to grab the pan before you do anything else.
Never Wave Them About
When you are picking up a hot pan, always know where you are going to put the pan down. By being uncertain, you are more likely to place the pan on surfaces like the kitchen counter.
Additionally, just carrying the pan around can mean that if you are walking behind someone and they accidentally turn back toward you, you could cause a collision that will be painful for both.
While this largely happens in professional kitchens, the risk of this happening at home should not be overlooked.
When most people cook, their pets or children are even their spouse is near them. Waving a hot pan around can result in some burns for you and them.
Let them Cool on the Stove
Once you are done with the pan, let it cool on the stove before you set it aside. Never put hot pans in the sink or put them on counters.
Even if they are off the heat, hot pans will still retain the temperature of the stove for a little while.
Waiting 15 to 20 minutes will ensure that the pan will come down to room temperature and then you can proceed to wash it or place it anywhere you like.
Hot pans are no joking matter and if you handle them improperly, you could cause damage to the pan and to your
Do not Put Them Under Running Water
A major mistake that people make with hot pans is that once they remove the food items, they pop the pan straight into the sink and under a running tap.
This sudden change of temperature is extremely harmful to your pan and can cause it to crack, lose the coating it has, or warp and get disfigured.
Sudden temperature changes are not a good idea. Instead, you should put the pan on a cooling rack and allow it to come to room temperature.
Then, pop it under the sink and wash as usual. Even if you have to soak the pan, wait for the pan to come to room temperature first before you do so.
Turn their Handles Inside
If you are cooking with multiple pans, always make sure that the handles have been turned to face the inside of the stove.
This means that no pan-handles will be sticking out at odd angles. When this happens, there is a higher risk that someone could accidentally topple the pan over.
The handles can also catch on the clothes of a person, which can result in a painful kitchen disaster. By turning all the handles to make them face the inside of the stove, you can ensure that this does not happen.
Moreover, handles that get hot can also be kept aside and have a lower likelihood of heating up.
Be Mindful of the Pan Type
When you’re being mindful of hot pans, also pay attention to the type of pan that you are using. Different pan types may heat up differently but some could reach higher levels much faster.
For example, it is always recommended to use ceramic pans on low to medium heat.
They can heat up too quickly because ceramic is a good conductor of heat. Similarly, other pan types like cast iron skillets are known to give heat evenly for cooking but they can also retain heat for longer.
Knowing the pan type will help you to be more mindful of handling it carefully when it is hot.
Key Takeaways
If you’re wondering can you put hot pans on quartz countertops, the answer is no.
Additionally, the following are also some important takeaways:
- Hot pans can crack or discolor quartz countertops
- Hot pans can cause thermal burns in varying degrees of severity
- Knowing to handle hot pans in the kitchen is necessary
- Good kitchen practices can help you avoid burns
By paying attention to these, you can make sure that you, your family and your kitchen space stays burn-free with ease.
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