Preventing Cracks in the Countertops

The kitchen trends of today are cooking with Instapots, electric skillets, and crock pots, but these devices could be damaging your countertops. Though you may need these things to make family dinners a more convenient occasion, they have been known to create creates cracks in Corian countertops and other counters made from solid surfaces. Don’t toss out your electric cookers, but check out this information for protecting your countertops.

The Heat Test

While the electric cookers protect users from the core heating elements, they can still become too hot on the bottom or around the sides where contact with countertops are made. A good rule of thumb to follow with your counters made from solid surfaces is the hand heat test. If you can’t hold the hot item in your hand without needing a potholder or oven mitt, then you shouldn’t put it on your countertop. Just like you would protect your hand from getting burned, you need to use something to protect the surface of the counter.

Protective Options

Many fabricators will provide you with a trivet or cutting board that can be used to protect the countertop at the time of installation. They also warn you of the dangers of setting hot items on the bare countertop. Most homeowners are too excited about the new look to pay attention. However, now you know. Make sure that your cutting board or trivet will sit flat on the countertop, as it prevents hot air from getting trapped underneath where it can cause damage. Thin glass composite boards aren’t enough heat protection. Cloth potholders don’t offer much protection either, though doubling-up on them may be enough if they are thick enough. Make sure you never insulate your electric cooking item with a cloth holder for heat protection, as it can create a serious fire hazard.

Countertops made from solid surfaces will last a long time, but only if they are taken care of. Take precautions when using electric cooking gadgets to prevent cracking and damage.