Air Fryer Cook

How to protect countertop from air fryer?

If you are nervous about whether an air fryer will burn or crack your countertop then leaving your air fryer on one spot for too long may be on your mind. The answer depends on what material your countertop is made of.

Different countertops have different heat tolerances and while many can handle the air fryer max temperature of around 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232.22 degrees Celsius) like the Ninja DZ201, not all can. Some air fryers like the NuWave Bravo XL can even go up to a maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). So, it’s a good idea to make sure you know exactly what your countertop is made from before cooking with the air fryer on top of it.

will an air fryer damage a granite countertop

Types of countertops

Granite is a typical countertop material that is found across the country and has become increasingly popular over the years. It is great for kitchens because it can withstand heat and water to some degree – but it doesn’t do well with scratches. Although it is water-resistant, it is not water-proof.  This means that if liquids are left on the granite countertop for a long period, little amounts will be absorbed and cause damage over time. As granite countertops are not entirely heat resistant, kitchen countertop protection accessories should be considered while using your air fryer on this type of countertop.

Quartz is another sought-after material that has become incredibly popular in recent years. This material is an engineered stone that is made up of mainly quartz pieces and other minerals. It can handle high temperatures, scratches, and stains better than granite. So, if you have quartz countertops then you’re all set to use your air fryer without any worries!

Laminate countertops are made from plastic sheets that are bonded to a plywood board. These countertops are not heat resistant or water-resistant which makes them susceptible to burns, scratches, and chipping. Therefore, kitchen countertop protection accessories are recommended when using your air fryer on top of these countertops in your home.

Stainless steel countertops are common in commercial kitchens but have become increasingly popular within homes as well. This is because they are resistant to heat, water, and stains. However, they are scratchable. When hot items are placed on the surface, there is no damage caused. The heat will cause that specific spot to heat up but it does not spread through the countertop to make the whole surface hot. Using the air fryer on this surface would be fine because it can handle the heat.

Marble can also be found in many homes across the country and it is very popular due to its beautiful natural look. It too can withstand high heat but it is vulnerable to scratches or water damage. Although it is heat resistant, discoloring and burning of the surface can occur when heated items are placed on top of it. Therefore, it is safer to use kitchen countertop protection accessories while cooking with your air fryer.

Butcher block countertops are made of hardwood that is glued together which gives a warm and cosy feel to any kitchen. They are high-maintenance countertops because they are not resistant to heat, water, scratches, and stains. Hence, kitchen countertop protection accessories will need to be placed under the air fryer.

countertop protector

Recycled glass countertops are one of the newer options in the kitchen and typically have a glossy speckled design. They are made with recycled glass and some are mixed with concrete to create the countertop slab. This non-porous material is good at resisting stains and burns. However, cracks and chips can occur due to the weight of heavy items (particularly near the edge and corners). It is also heat resistant but any extreme change in temperature from hot to cold can cause damage. Accordingly, it is recommended to use kitchen counter protection accessories while using the air fryer. As air fryers can weigh as light as the Dash Tasti Crisp air fryer of 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) to 26 pounds (11.8 kilograms) like the NuWave Brio air fryer, placing it in further from the edge or corners of the countertop would be safer.

 

Concrete is perfect if you want to add a special touch to your kitchen. This is because the concrete is usually cast in your kitchen which means you can design your countertop. It is heat and stain-resistant however, damage can still occur if the incorrect or weak sealer is used. In addition, don’t be surprised if fine cracks are appearing over time because this is due to the shrinkage of the cement over time. So, it is best to use kitchen counter protection accessories if you place your air fryer on concrete countertops.

These are just some of the most popular countertop materials so you will need to do your research before purchasing one for your kitchen. If you already have a countertop then it’s important to look into what exactly it is made from and whether or not it can handle an air fryer.

cracked countertop

How to use an air fryer to prevent countertop damage

No matter what countertop you have in your kitchen, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to make sure that your countertop air fryer is safe and the surface isn’t damaged. Here are a few air fryer hacks to protect your countertop.

User manual: Always read the user manual on how to set up your air fryer and whether certain safety measures need to be followed when using your air fryer.

Overheating of the air fryer: Smart use of the appliance is crucial for preventing damage. When cooking your food, make sure the fryer is not overfilled or overcrowded, as this may cause the air fryer to overheat if it’s set at a high temperature for a long time. Using too much oil may also cause overheating of the air fryer.

Air fryer cooking time: Most air fryer recipes are no longer than 30 minutes because the air fryer heats up and cooks the food rapidly. So, avoid using the air fryer to cook food that takes longer than 30 minutes at high temperatures.

The heat generated from the air fryer: Air fryer temperature may reach as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) depending on the model you have. This internal heat is released outside through an air vent which is usually located at the back of the appliance. Therefore, the air fryer should not be placed near other appliances, walls, or splashbacks as the heat and moisture will cause damage. Additionally, the heat from the internal chamber can heat the outer layers of the air fryer. So, this is why it is important to know which countertops are heat resistant to prevent any possible damage.

Regardless of what type of countertop material you have in your kitchen, considering how expensive it could be to repair or replace countertops, it’s always better to be on the safe side and use one of these kitchen countertop protection accessories.

Conclusion

Using an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to cook food, but you must keep in mind that certain countertop materials do not do well with heat. It is important to know which countertops are heat resistant and use your air fryer smartly and appropriately.

Ultimately, the kitchen countertop is generally expensive to repair or replace so it is worth a tiny investment to use kitchen countertop protection accessories to reduce any risk.

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