These Counter Protectors From Heat will keep your countertops protected and looking beautiful. Air fryers can do some damage if you don’t properly protect them.
Heat Protector For Countertop
I have been air frying since 2017, so throughout the years I have witnessed several horror stories and pictures of granite countertops cracking, counters buckling, and fires, so I am here to give you some solid advice about choosing a heat protector for your countertop, whether you think it gets hot or not.
Remember to read your manual first because some fans are underneath the air fryer, and blocking the fan, could cause the air fryer to overheat.
WARNING:
DO NOT PLACE YOUR AIR FRYER DIRECTLY ON THE STOVE AND, ALWAYS UNPLUG IT WHEN YOU ARE NOT USING IT.
The best silicone mats for countertops
Extra Large Multipurpose Silicone Pastry Mat
This is one of my favorite silicone mats for countertops. It’s what I use under my Omni, and it was only $15.99, so I considered it as safety insurance against cracking my expensive granite countertops, and it has served me well. I have replaced my silicone mats for countertops twice in my 3 years of air frying because they were getting ratty. This is heat resistant until 482 degrees F.
Here are some solid suggestions, and a couple down below, if you are lacking space in your kitchen:
Depending on the size of your air fryer, this is heat resistant up to 480 degrees F.
Insulated Non-Skid Counter Protection Mat/Liners
This is another favorite counter heat protector because they are really designed for hot pans. If you get a couple, you can put one under the air fryer, and have a second on the side to remove the hot dishes from and put them there.
Super Kitchen Large Multipurpose Silicone Nonstick Heat Protector for Your Countertop
This is a perfect counter protector for large air fryer models like the Omni’s and Vortexes.
Again, perfect for any air fryer, large or small. I like the size of these so that you can have extra space. The only problem is that it is only heat resistant under 390 degrees F,
What else can be used as a heat protector for your countertop?
Farberware Glass Cutting Board
This model does not list how heat resistant it is, but it’s tempered glass. Always check any glass product you are purchasing before placing it under the air fryer. You can also use a counter protector against acidic foods like lemons and oranges too. They aren’t just for heat.
This is a really inexpensive way, but the only problem readers have is you have to keep on shifting them unless you can find a large enough tile at Home Depot or Lowes, but remember to check the heat-resistant level before putting it under your air fryer.
Farmhouse Noodle Board Stove Cover
Tempered Glass Stove Burner Cover
Counter Protectors From Heat FAQS
Some of you have reached out with some more questions so I would like to help answer them all.
I would NOT recommend this! Air fryers are a very intense way of cooking, and some granite countertops have cracked and even melted under the extreme heat. it’s best to find some silicone mats for countertops to protect them properly.
You can absolutely store your air fryer here when it is not in use; always unplug it when you are finished. It’s not a good idea to use the air fryer in a cabinet. Instead, place it on your heat protector for your countertop. Then you can safely cook with it.
You can use the air fryer anywhere in your kitchen that is well-ventilated and away from items that could burn or catch fire.
Other Safety Tips
When it comes to laying something underneath your food in your air fryer, you want to make sure you are doing it safely.
Parchment paper can be used, but make sure the food is heavy enough to weigh it down, or the paper will fly around, and the food will not cook evenly, you can read more tips on using parchment paper in an air fryer here.
Aluminium foil is a topic that SO many of you have asked me about; there is no quick answer to explain this as you can use it, but you need to be very careful to do it correctly. Find out all my tips on using aluminum in the air fryer here.
The other important thing you do to keep your kitchen and yourself safe when using your air fryer is to make sure you clean your air fryer. This step is vital, as a buildup of grease under extreme heat is not a good idea and is a fire hazard. Do not worry, though, as I have got all the tips on how to clean your air fryer effectively and quickly.
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DonnaMarie Stenlake
What type of air fryer are you referring g to? We have ordered a French door emeril lagasse oven. Do we need counter protection for this. Will silestone need protection? Or granite?
Robert Walkling
What can you use to protect the wall behind the air fryer. something that can be removed when not using the air fryer
Kitchen Kriz
Great informative article for new air fryer user. Countertops are the most expensive part of a kitchen. It needs special care and attention. Using a silicone mat under air fryer will protect from heat damage.
Carolyn
Thank you very informative
Carmen
I just got an air fryer, don’t have a lot of counter space so thought about sitting it on my smooth top stove. I don’t use the stove so no chance of turning it on. If no, what is the best thing to put under it so as not to damage my quartz countertop.
Tammy G
Wow, I didn’t realize these could damage a countertop. Thank you for the wonderful tips!!
Kate
Hi Laurie 🙂 Thanks so much for all the great tips and recipes, you’ve made this AF newbie pretty excited to try almost everything! lol. I have a Ninja Foodi Grill, and a kitchen so very small, it should be illegal, ugh! I put a heavy cookie sheet (18″ X 13″), upside down, on both right-side burners of my ancient, apartment size electric stove. I removed both burner knobs (never use either of those anyway, but I’m a safety girl :). The AF vent is at the top of the back side – high enough that it blows air right above the panel with all the burner knobs. Think thats ok? I have one other place I can put the AF, and that has cheap linoleum – and I think the cookie sheet might slide around a bit. Thanks for your help!
Laurie
Thank you for your email. Truthfully, the best thing to put under any air fryer is a silicone mat as it will protect against damage and keep your air fryer in place. Providing no safety concerns.
Susan Bauer
I bought the Farberware glass cutting board to keep under my air fryer before I first used it. The size is perfect, and it does exactly what I wanted it for.
Patricia Baker
I have a new gormia 6qt air fryer I think the fan is underneath and I know there are small vents on each side near the bottom
Can I still use a silicone mat protector?
I have my cutting board under it
I don’t know if that is safe
Michele
Super handy post! I have very limited counter space so was trying to find out why I shouldn’t put my Vortex Plus on my glass stovetop.
DonnaMarie Stenlake
We’ve just purchased the emeril lagasse French door countertop 360 multi cooking oven . Can it be placed on a wood countertop?
DonnaMarie Stenlake
What type of air fryer are you referring g to? We have ordered a French door emeril lagasse oven. Do we need counter protection for this. Will silestone need protection? Or granite?
Sue
I use a bamboo wood cutting board. under my new Ninja XL. Do you think that is a good selection?
Keech
If what I use and never had any problems
Lyle
I’m a general contractor and I have built countless kitchens. The air fryer is relatively new (to me anyway) appliance my clients and friends love to use. However recently, I have a neighbor whose new quartz countertop suddenly popped while the air fryer was on. Is there anybody else having these issues?
Juliana
My quartz countertop cracked from the air fryer! Yikes! Fortunately it was a small counter top and not our big island. Wish I had known this could happen.
Sandy
Hello
We purchased a kitchen island with a natural wood top for our emeril 360 XL air fryer. This is not butcher block. What is best to put under the air fryer? You have so many suggestions, but not sure which to use.
Thank you in advance.
Laurie
Look for anything that is heat resistant to at least 500 degrees F.