Many people choose granite or quartz countertops because they are beautiful and durable. However, while they can take a lot of abuse, they're not immune to damage. The sealants and resins used in these counters are susceptible to discoloring when exposed to high heat. Here's how to keep your new counters beautiful after a kitchen renovation.

How to Protect Your Granite or Quartz Countertops From Heat

1. Potholders & Trivets

Potholders come in a variety of styles and materials, including fabric and silicone. They can provide a buffer between a hot object and the countertop. Keeping a supply of potholders handy near your stove makes it easy to grab one when you need to set a hot pot or pan down on your granite or quartz countertop. 

Trivets provide a stylish way to protect your counters while also enhancing your new kitchen renovation. These useful tools are made of a wood, stone, ceramic, or cast-iron surface for keeping hot items off of your countertops.

2. Serving Dishes

You can avoid placing hot pots and pans on your countertops by transferring hot food into a serving dish. While the food will warm the dish, it won't reach the damaging temperatures of a pot coming right off the stove or a casserole dish straight out of the oven. 

To avoid putting the hot pot on the counter, spoon the food directly into the serving dish while it's still on the stove. Then, move the empty pot directly to the sink. Keeping the sink clear of dirty dishes will discourage you from setting a hot pan on the countertop. 

3. Heat Mats

When you're cooking several dishes at once, a heat mat can hold more pots and pans or a large cookie sheet to protect a larger area of the counter. These mats come in various sizes and can be made of silicone, wood, bamboo, or fabric. 

If you don't have heat mats handy, a large dish towel can serve a similar function. However, make sure it is thick enough to provide the needed protection. If the towel is thin, try folding it over a couple of times to increase the thickness. Placing a couple of heat mats or towels on your counters before starting a big cooking project will keep them looking new and help you enjoy your kitchen renovation for years to come. 

If you are ready for a kitchen renovation featuring quartz or granite counters, talk to the experts at Kitchen Living in Marlborough, CT. This full-service kitchen remodeling company has over a decade of experience providing top-quality flooring, cabinetry, and countertops. They work closely with you to design the functional space and personal aesthetic you desire. Stop by their kitchen living showroom to get inspired, call (860) 819-5847 to discuss your project, or visit them online to learn more about their products.