The use and popularity of Air fryers in recent years have increased steadily, with these more compact and futuristic devices partially replacing traditional ovens and fryers due to the array of advantages that come with them.
Though air fryers are not new to the market they now come in various aesthetically pleasing shapes and sizes.
Regardless of which type of air fryer you choose to use, a general feature of this device is how it cooks your food very quickly and evenly due to the higher temperatures they generate.
Due to those temperatures, you may be wondering whether or not they will damage your granite countertop. Here we take a closer look.
Will My Air Fryer Damage My Granite Countertop?
It’s unlikely with one use but your air fryer may eventually cause damage to your countertop. Granite is normally one of the more durable countertop materials you could use in your kitchen but you can cause burn marks on its surface.
Granite is an igneous rock, which is formed with extreme heat and then cooling. However, an extreme heat source such as an air fryer can, over an extended period, cause damage to your granite surface.
It’s unlikely that the bottom of your air fryer will get hot enough to cause damage but it isn’t a certainty. This is why it’s a good idea to use a heat-resistant mat when using one.
How An Air Fryer Can Damage A Granite Countertop
As stated above, a granite countertop is pretty much heat resistant and is not at a risk of melting for instance. The melting point of Granite is from 2210°F to 2300°F while the highest temperature of an air fryer is around 350°F to 400°F. So, if an air fryer cannot melt a granite countertop how can it cause any damage you might wonder.
Ways an air fryer can damage a granite countertop include leaving brown burn marks. Due to the hot air being released from the vent every time the air fryer is used, heat will over time leave dark brown burn marks where the air fryer was placed on the countertop.
These ugly stains don’t come off easily and may stay there for a long time. They can also begin to crack after enduring the heat for long periods of time.
Why Some Air Fryers Cause More Damage Than Others
While it may seem a little over the top that an air fryer can actually cause your granite countertop to crack, it is worthy of note that some are actually more prone to causing damage than the others.
It does not have good insulation – You are more likely to have your granite countertop damaged by your air fryer if it’s one of those cheaper, bad quality models that do not come with good insulation.
All the heat generated from an air fryer with poor insulation gets released onto the surrounding area so it is advisable to purchase one with a decent insulation to reduce the amount of heat that is released.
Air fryers with air vents at the bottom – A red flag to look out for when purchasing an air fryer is air vents at the bottom. There are some models that are designed this way with the hot air directly releasing from the bottom onto the granite surface, leaving the countertop more prone to heating up and eventually cracking.
How You Can Safely Use an Air Fryer on a Granite Countertop
Your granite countertop does not have to suffer the misfortune of being burned up by your very effective air fryer. The most common and reliable solution to protect your granite surface is the use of a heat-resistant mat. This mat is inexpensive and washable.
This mat will basically shield your kitchen surface from the heat off your air fryer. In terms of heat resistance, it is able to withstand temperatures from between 180°F to 480°F. Most air fryers reach maximum temperatures of 400°F so mats can easily withstand the hot air just as it protects your countertop from heat damage.
Other Known Ways to Protect Your Countertop from Excessive Heat
While the use of the aforementioned heat resistant mats are more popular, there are a number of other materials that can be placed underneath your air fryer in order to protect the granite countertop from excessive heat.
Instead of placing your air fryer directly on granite countertop, you can place it on top of a good old ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles are normally heat resistant and easy to clean. You can also place your air fryer on a piece of heat-resistant glass. Like ceramic tiles, glass will also clean without much fuss.
Another option is the use of hardwood or bamboo chopping board. These will also protect your countertop. All you need do is place it under your air fryer and it will do a job.
FAQ’s
Can You Place An Air Fryer On Say Wooden Surface?
Some types of wood are not very resistant to heat and would be prone to damage when faced with the intense heat that is generated by an Air Fryer. However, Countertops built using wood are usually treated. This makes them protected against heat.
Are Air Fryers Healthy?
Air frying is reportedly healthier than frying in oil. It cuts calories by up to 80% and has much less fat. It is believed to be healthier as it cuts other harmful effects of oil frying.
Final Thoughts
Granite can be damaged by air fryers over a prolonged period of time. Due to the excessive heat generated by air fryers, it is advisable to protect your kitchen countertop by placing a heat resistant material underneath the air fryer. This will absorb the hot air being generated by the fryer when in use.