Epoxy countertops have become a popular alternative to granite and other more expensive options. They are made of epoxy resin, which is a combination of resins and hardeners.
When combined, they create a liquid plastic that can be poured over an existing surface, such as concrete or pre-existing countertops. Epoxy countertops offer several distinct advantages over traditional materials such as granite and marble:
- They come in many different colors and patterns.
- Unlike stone or tile surfaces, epoxy countertops are seamless and non-porous. This means they won’t absorb liquids like wine or cooking oil and they won’t allow bacteria to grow on their surfaces.
- Epoxy can be treated so that it resists heat (up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit) and stain resistant.
Can you put hot things on epoxy?
The short answer is yes, you can put hot pots and pans on epoxy countertops. How hot? Epoxy is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is not heatproof (unlike granite or quartz), so be careful not to leave scorching-hot pots unattended for too long.
Not only does epoxy resist high heat, but it’s also highly resistant to stains and scratches. Because of its nonporous nature, epoxy countertops are easy to clean and won’t require sealing as marble or wood do. The nonporous material also means that your countertop isn’t beating your kitchen’s humidity every time you cook something. If you’re worried about the look of an epoxy countertop, rest assured that there are plenty of options when it comes to colors and patterns that will fit into any room design aesthetic.
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What countertops can you put hot pots on?
There are several types of countertops you can put hot pots on. These include:
- Granite
- Quartz
- Marble
- Concrete
- Soapstone
- Slate
What should you not use on epoxy countertops?
There’s a lot that you can’t use on epoxy countertops: no hot pots or pans; no cutting boards; no sharp knives; no abrasive cleaners; definitely no hot pads.
But there are more things you should never, ever do with your epoxy countertop. Things may seem obvious—but are still worth mentioning! For instance, don’t put your epoxy countertop in the oven. Don’t use a heat gun on it. Don’t wave an open flame around it (we’re talking fire starters, matches, blow torches).
Definitely don’t pour or apply any kind of propane torch to your epoxy countertop—that’s just asking for trouble! And lastly, make sure not to put any sort of epoxy resin on your already-existing epoxy countertop surface. That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen and we don’t want anyone to have an accidental meltdown in their kitchen!
Do epoxy countertops burn?
Epoxy is flammable, and it does burn. However, the smoke produced from this resin is very toxic (and can lead to some pretty nasty respiratory problems). Epoxy burns at a temperature of about 500°F.
The bottom line: You should never put hot pots on your epoxy countertop.
If you want to be extra careful during the installation process, you can coat your countertops with a mineral oil finish and then apply a food-safe urethane finish once the epoxy has had time to cure. For more tips on how to care for your epoxy countertops, check out our Epoxy Care Guide!
How do you make epoxy heat resistant?
Use a high heat resistant epoxy. If you want to use your countertops for hot pots or pans, it’s best to use a heat resistant epoxy with a high heat deflection temperature. This means that the epoxy will withstand higher temperatures before any damage occurs.
Most liquid glass epoxies have thermal deflection temperatures of 200 degrees Fahrenheit and above, which is more than enough to keep your countertop safe from boiling water or hot cookware.
Can you put hot pots on resin?
Can you put hot pots on resin? Yes, epoxy resin is heat resistant, but not heatproof. Epoxy resin can withstand temperatures up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (about 71 degrees Celsius).
You can put a hot pan or pot on your epoxy countertops, but you must use caution. While the surface will not burn or melt, the heat will transfer to the countertop and that’s where the real danger lies.
Epoxy resin is not a good insulator, so it will conduct heat. You must always place something between the hot pan and the countertop—a potholder or trivet.
If you make this part of your routine whenever you remove a pan from the stovetop and place it on your countertops, then there should be no problems with your epoxy counters getting damaged.
Can you place a hot pan on quartz?
No, you cannot. Quartz is heat resistant, but it is not heatproof. This can be confusing because quartz is one of the best countertop materials for heat resistance, however, heat will still affect the appearance and color of your quartz surface.
To prevent a change in color or appearance, you should use a trivet or hot pad with any very hot pans, pots, or appliances to avoid coming into direct contact with your quartz countertop.
Quartz has been tested to withstand up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit without damage. If you are looking into installing a new countertop in your kitchen with heat resistance as a priority then look no further than quartz!
What is the most resilient countertop?
When it comes to overall resilience, epoxy is the most durable material available. With an epoxy countertop, you can rest assured that:
- You can put hot pots and pans on your countertop without damaging it
- You won’t scratch or damage your countertop when using sharp knives or other cutting instruments
- When you’re working with chemicals and paint, you’ll be able to easily clean up any spills
- Epoxy is waterproof and completely sealed so you don’t have to worry about liquid damage or bacteria buildup addition to all its durability benefits, epoxy countertops are also very easy to clean. Since it is a smooth surface and completely sealed there are no cracks or crevices for dirt and grime to get stuck in—you simply wipe them down as needed.
Conclusion
- You should keep in mind that epoxy is not an ideal choice for a countertop if it will be exposed to high heat.
- If you need to put a hot pot on an epoxy countertop, you should use a trivet or hot pad underneath it.
