Did you know that even granite can become warped if you put something too hot on it for too long? A lot of home cooks had to learn that lesson the hard way but if you’re reading these words, you can prevent it from happening to you.
The fact is that most countertops are susceptible to heat damage so you need to protect them. Besides, these countertop protectors are good for protecting your dining tables too. So let’s get into the best heat resistant countertop protectors.
Smithcraft Square Silicone Trivets
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
A lot of the items on our list will be made of silicone, including number one. That’s because silicone is food-safe, it’s flexible and it is very heat resistant. These Smithcraft trivets can withstand heats of up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit.
They can will also protect your tables and countertops from temperatures as low as negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit. These are very affordable silicone kitchen counter mats too with each 4 pack going for about $13.
Gasare, Extra Large, Thicker, Silicone Counter Mats
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
These silicone kitchen countertop protectors are 1.4 millimeters thick to provide your tables and kitchen surfaces with extra protection. The thickness makes them suitable for placing large, heavy dutch ovens and stock pots full of food.
They are extra large too. Each one of these mats is 25 inches long and 17 inches wide. The pack comes with 2 matching mats and you can choose from a variety of colors. You can even use these mats under your toaster oven, coffee maker or air fryer.
Smithcraft Silicone Trivet for Hot Dish
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
This next countertop protection mat features ridges which adds to the grip of the silicone material. This simple feature makes this mat pretty handy to have around because you can use it to pick up hot pots or to open tightly sealed jars.
The pack comes with two granite countertop protector mats and each one is 12 inches long and 9 inches wide. The mats are made of BPA free silicone so they are very flexible and durable. They can withstand temperatures of up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit.
Envision Home Heat-Resistant Printed Trivet Mat
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
If you are looking for a countertop heat protector that is a bit more aesthetically pleasing, this would be a good fit for you. This heat resistant counter mat is made of a cloth material that features a nice floral pattern.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not anti-slip. On the bottom side, the cloth material is studded with grippy anti-slip pads. It’s 17” x 11” size makes it a great fit for casserole and baking dishes and it comes in multiple colors.
WD – KC Countertop Protector
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
The 5th countertop protection mats on our list are made from rubber and steel coated aluminum. The bottom side is made of rubber so it won’t slip around on your countertop and the top half is made from steel coated aluminum which makes it exceptionally resistant to cold and heat.
And if you’re worried about the surface layer being too slippery, the steel coated aluminum is imprinted so it has a texture to it.
Silicone Mat, Countertop Protector, Thick Extra Large
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
As far as silicone mats go, this is one of the thickest you are likely to find. This mat is 2 millimeters thick so it makes a great countertop protector for large pieces of cookware and can double up as a rolling mat.
Again, this mat is made of food-grade silicone and it is also pretty large. It’s about 23 inches long and 15 inches wide so this would be a good choice for when you have a lot of countertop space that you need to protect.
LogHig Large Silicone Trivet Mats
Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Last on our list is a mat from LogHog that you can use as an anti-slip countertop protection mat just as easily as you could use it as pot holder. These mats boast a thickness of 6 millimeters so they offer great protection for your hands.
The textured surface provides plenty of grip so you can use it to open tough jars and other lids without hurting your hand. These mats come as a set of 2 and each one is 11.5” long and 8.9” wide. And they are dishwasher safe!
Heat Resistant Countertop Protector Buying Guide
They may seem super simple but even the best heat resistant countertop protectors should have certain features:
BPA Free Design
You don’t want harmful plastics anywhere near your food so if you choose a silicone countertop protection mat, make sure it is BPA free.
Thickness
The problem with thinner heat resistant countertop protection mats is that they can become brittle over time. But thicker silicone mats will hold their form for longer and provide more of a cushion between extremely hot/cold cookware and your kitchen surfaces. Again, if you opt for a silicone mat, try to find one that is at least 2 millimeters thick.
Large Mats
If you usually use large cookware or if you want your countertop mat to double up as protection for your toaster oven or air fryer, you may want to opt for a larger mat. Just make sure it won’t take up too much of your counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you protect a countertop from heat?
A: Other than the heat resistant mats on our list, you can use a pad of cork or bamboo for heat protection.
Q: Can laminate countertops withstand heat?
A: Laminate countertops are among the most susceptible to heat damage. On average, a laminate countertop can only withstand about 150 degrees Fahrenheit before permanent damage occurs.
Q: What can I put under my air fryer to protect my countertop?
A: Silicone is one of the most heat resistant materials. Plus, a silicone heat pad can be easily moved as needed.
Some Final Advice
Chances are you spent a pretty penny on your countertops. So why not protect your investment? Unless your countertops are made of engineered stone, they are susceptible to heat damage. But the products on our list of the best heat resistant countertop protectors are affordable and effective.
For just a little bit of money you can ensure that your countertops stay beautiful and functional. So take a look at the items on our list if you don’t already have a heat resistant counter mat.
