We often prioritize the looks and costs of kitchen counter materials, and with good reason. Good quality countertops are a serious investment in your kitchen space, and you definitely want the best value for your money. 

However, we must also consider heat resistance when it comes to counter materials. You will be moving hot pots and pans from your cooktop or oven and onto the counter. Let's look at the main types of heat-resistant counters for kitchen safety. 

Natural Stone Countertops 

Granite is the top choice of material for heat resistance. Granite is naturally formed under extreme heat and pressure, efficiently handling hot pans from the oven. Granite is resistant to scorching or warping, making it ideal for busy kitchens that churn out dish after dish. 

Quartz is another natural stone counter material that is very heat resistant. You can make quartz counters from crushed quartz crystals mixed with resin adhesives, making them durable, heat, and scratch-resistant. For kitchen safety, choose rounded edges rather than straight edges and corners on your quartz countertop. 

Marble is a great option if your budget allows for a more expensive countertop. It is the perfect work surface for chefs who do lots of kneading and rolling, such as making fresh pasta, bread, and fondant. Counter durability is key for these food preparations; you want your surface to last longer, even with heavy use. 

Engineered Stone Countertops 

Engineered stone, also called quartz composite, refers to a counter surface made from a mixture of natural stones and a binding agent like resin or epoxy. It comprises crushed quartz, glass, and marble from other applications such as flooring or wall products. 



Engineered stone counters are very heat resistant and almost as hard as granite in terms of counter durability. They are also an eco-friendly alternative because it uses recycled stone.

Concrete Countertops 

A concrete counter is ideal for chefs who want a completely customizable kitchen countertop. Concrete is highly heat resistant and durable, particularly when reinforced with wire mesh, fiberglass, or stainless steel fibers. 

Concrete offers the kind of counter durability you need in a bustling kitchen. Choose prefabricated, cured, and finished concrete slabs for your kitchen counters that will last a lifetime. 

Mix and Match Counter Materials 

Before you settle on any specific kitchen counter material, consider using different materials in your space. For example, add a slab of marble or granite to your counter if you're a baker. You will appreciate the cool working surface when handling the dough. 

Splurge on a marble counter, but only for your kitchen island. This gives you that wow factor without breaking the bank. At the end of the day, any of the above heat-resistant counters will look fantastic in your kitchen. 

Pro Tip: Check Your Cabinets First 

These heat-resistant counters, especially granite, marble, and quartz, are heavy. If you're upgrading your kitchen, check that your existing cabinets can handle the extra weight. 

At Planet Stone, we believe that the kitchen is the very heart of your home. In addition to fully customizable stone counter materials, we also offer a complete line of cabinets and sinks to meet your needs. Get in touch today.