While a popular and convenient kitchen appliance, air fryers can also cause costly mistakes. For example, you may incorrectly place the air fryer on the countertops, causing the countertop to melt or crack. Then you may wonder, “Do air fryers damage countertops?”
The answer is yes. An air fryer can damage countertops if they’re not heat-proof. Air fryers usually produce an intense amount of heat while operating. If you place a fryer directly on a countertop, especially one made from heat-sensitive materials like laminate or wood, the high temperature can cause melting, cracking, discoloration, or other damage.
Strong and durable materials like Quartz, Granite, and Marble are also prone to damage caused by air fryers. These materials are heat-resistant but not heat-proof. They can consume up to 1000 degrees F on average, but they can still be affected by the excessive heat generated by a fryer. Using the fryer more often and placing it on the countertop too long will cause damage.
In my previous experience, I’ve also noticed that the excessive weight of air fryers can damage countertops. They can leave scratches or dents on more delicate surfaces. Additionally, moisture and spills could lead to strains or damage to your kitchen worktop.
What can I put under my air fryer to protect my countertop?
Now that I’ve gone through different countertops, I’ve covered you with some effective methods to protect your kitchen worktops. Firstly, you can put some heat-proof underneath your air fryer while using it. Fortunately, I have tried a few different methods. And the most effective way I’ve found is using a heat-proof silicone mat.
Silicone-based mates are great for consuming high temperatures before transferring to the countertops. Alternatively, you can also try a large ceramic platter or a cutting board. These materials also helped protect my kitchen countertops from cracks, scratches, and heat damage.
Can you put an air fryer under the counter?
Putting your air fryer under the counter is not a good idea. Sometimes, you can store it under a counter, but I do not recommend using it there. Air fryers work with air, and they’re designed to extract the excess air outside. So, we shouldn’t block off these parts around the fryer, but we should ensure it has enough ventilation to release the air and steam.
Using the fryer under the counter will not provide enough breathing space, which can lead to overheating and other potential damages. So, when I use my air fryer, I place it on the counter, pull it out from the wall, and ensure there’s enough space around it. Then, once I’m done, I let it cool down and store it anywhere, under the counter or in a cabinet.
Where should air fryers not be placed?
Where you place an air fryer is crucial. You cannot put it anywhere, as there are various safety issues to be aware of. While trying different air fryers, I’ve explored certain places where we shouldn’t place our air fryers. Let’s discuss them in detail.
An Enclosed or Unventilated Area
As we already know, air fryers need enough ventilation to release heat and steam. So, first, I always avoid placing my air fryer in an enclosed area, like under the counter or inside a cabinet or cupboard. Otherwise, it may cause the appliance to overheat, leading to fire or other potential hazards.
Near Heat Sources
Secondly, we shouldn’t place our fryers near heat sources like a stove, oven, or toaster. The extra heat these appliances generate can damage the air fryer and its surroundings.
Near Water Sources
Since air fryers are usually electrical devices, we should be aware of water sources. I always keep my air fryer from the sink or other water sources in my kitchen. This will protect us from splashes and other possible electrical damage.
Near Flammable Things
Additionally, we should avoid placing air fryers near anything flammable, such as kitchen towels, tea towels, shopping bags, etc. These can easily catch fire or cause other potential accidents.
On Sensitive Surfaces
This could be the most essential thing to consider while installing an air fryer in your kitchen. Ensure you place the appliance on something other than delicate or unstable surfaces, such as laminate or wooden surfaces. I also consider it very important to keep the fryer away from the edges of the worktops to prevent any safety hazards.
Close to the Wall
Make sure there’s enough space between the wall and your fryer. Placing the appliance directly against the wall may cause severe damage to your kitchen over time. The fryer’s surroundings can be scratched or damaged if it touches the wall directly.
Close to Other Appliances
An extra precaution when placing an air fryer is not to put it next to other appliances and electrical sockets. When the air fryer produces additional heat, it can damage the exterior of other appliances.
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