Every new air fryer user has a similar question. “What to put under the air fryer to protect the countertop?” Every kitchen’s most expensive and gorgeous feature is the countertop when it comes to utilising hot conventional ovens on the countertop in the kitchen. So, how can you keep your countertop safe from the heat generated by these appliances?
Granite, marble, wood, or laminate materials may be used for your kitchen countertop. During operation, these gadgets generate heat, which might cause damage to the kitchen surface. So, why take a chance with your countertop?
Air fryers are traditional, heated appliances. In the operating mode, they might generate much heat. If you operate your air fryer irresponsibly on your kitchen countertop without any protection, your countertop may break or be damaged. After some investigation and experience, we discovered several solutions/best things to put under the air fryer. We have provided a detailed description of the solution below.
Table of Contents
6 Best things to put under air fryer to protect countertop
#1. Silicone Countertop Protector
Silicone is an excellent heat-resistant countertop material. It can withstand temperatures as high as 450°F and as low as -40°F. As a result, a silicone mat can be used as a countertop protector and a refrigerator shelf mat.
The Gasare silicone mat is one of the best silicone counter mats for protecting your tabletop when using an air fryer. Because the mat is 25′′ x 17′′ in size, you may use it with any medium- or large air fryer or appliance.
The Wellhouse Extra Big silicone mat (23.6 x 15.7 inches) can easily accommodate a large air fryer. Smithcraft Silicone Pot Mats (7.57.5) are the ideal silicone mats for 2-3 quart air fryers.
These silicone mats are composed of high-quality silicone that the FDA has authorised. They can also be used as a baking/pastry mat or for other food preparation tasks such as vegetable cutting, potholders, pizza mats, etc.
The silicone mat is highly flexible and rollable. The mat can be kept in any location. If oil or food debris stains your mat while cooking, it is time to replace it. You can easily clean them with soap and warm water.
Silicone mats are simple to clean. Wash it, dry it, and begin working on it again. These mats provide a clean atmosphere for cooking and food preparation. These eco-friendly mats are also reusable and recyclable for up to a year, and so on.
Another significant benefit of using silicone heat-resistant mats is that they are easy to clean. They protect your appliances and hot dishes from sliding by providing an anti-skid surface. When your kitchen countertop is laminated with wood, silicone mats are the most effective.
#2. Insulated Non-Skid Granite Countertop Protector Mat
The steel silvery pattern on this non-skid insulator mat is one of our favourites. This mat may be cleaned without being washed. Wipe the mat’s upper layer with a damp towel.
This mat is composed of high-quality silicone and can withstand temperatures of up to 450 °F. It absorbs all of the heat from your air fryer. The dimensions (20′′ x 17′′) are suitable for all medium-sized air fryers.
The distinctive pattern design grabs your countertop and gives your air fryer a non-skid solid surface. It can also be used to protect your coffee maker and toaster oven. If you have two mats, you can use one for your air fryer and the other to keep hot dishes warm if you have two mats.
#3.Wooden Cutting Board For Protecting Countertop
A hardwood cutting board can also be used as a heat-resistant surface if you have a spare cutting board in the kitchen. It can be placed beneath your air fryer. These wooden cutting boards come in various sizes and forms, including rectangular and large. These wooden cutting boards can readily accommodate almost all models of air fryers and ovens.
They can withstand heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and protect your tabletop from thermal shock. The hardwood cutting boards are slightly heavier than the plastic ones, so they do not slide about as quickly and provide a sturdy cooking surface for your oven gadgets. These, too, are waterproof and may be washed after each usage.
Read More: Can You Put Plastic In An Air Fryer? Expert Answers in 2023
#4. Plain Ceramic Tile To Put Under Air Fryer
Old plain ceramic tiles can suffice if you are looking for a low-cost strategy to shield your countertop from high heat. You can also use the ceramic tiles left from your home renovations.
These ceramic tiles are heat-resistant and straightforward to maintain. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, have some drawbacks. These tiles are heavy, and the edge region has a slight elevation where dust is always left behind after washing.
#5. Bamboo Chopping Board To Put Under Air Fryer
If you have an extra bamboo chopping board, you may use it to protect your kitchen countertop by placing it underneath your air fryer. Like wooden cutting boards, these are also heat resistant.
You may easily find this in your local market or on other e-commerce websites. Most people use cutting boards like this and share their experiences with us on our Facebook page. You can use it to cut vegetables and as a counter protector for your air fryer.
It is machine washable and convenient to store. After washing, there was no trace of the stain. As a result, many air fryer users recommend these. As a result, you can use it to protect the tabletop beneath your air fryer.
#6. Glass Cutting Board To Protect Countertop
A glass cutting board is another item recommended by air fryer customers. These types of cutting boards look stunning under oven gadgets. It can be used as a decorative protection mat on the dining table.
Although the glass cutting board may withstand the heat of an air fryer, it is not heatproof. As a result, you can use it as a heat-resistant counter guard.
Almost all oven models will fit inside the glass cutting board’s space. These can be washed and reused. Oil and food stains are easily removed with this product.
Read More: Air Fryer Not Heating Up – What Is Reason?
Will an air fryer damage a granite countertop?
Granite is a mineral that can be found in the earth’s crust. It is the most complex natural building material and has a strong heat resistance of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because of the crystal structure, the material is beautiful. It is becoming more popular in our local market because it is reasonably priced. As a result, most individuals choose granite for their kitchen countertops.
They believe granite is a good heat absorber and does not shatter when exposed to extreme heat. This appears to be accurate, given that granite can withstand up to 1000 °F. As a result, they use any hot oven equipment on the granite countertop without protection.
However, because it is a natural material, there may be some flaws in the construction. It is possible that your granite has a small crack on the inside or that the entire granite sheet is not equally strong on all sides.
We all know how rapidly our air fryer heats up and cools down. As a result, your granite countertop is subjected to a thermal shock effect, which causes it to heat up and cool down swiftly. The small crack quickly develops and squeezes, and the tiny crack emerges with significant damage. So, why should you take the chance?
It could turn out to be a costly blunder in your life. As a result, employing a heat insulator mat or some other protection can help safeguard your granite countertop from any harm caused by air fryer heat. So, how do you protect the countertop from the air fryer?
Read More: Can Silicone Molds Be Used In An Air Fryer? Why Is It Secure?
Where to put an air fryer in the kitchen?
The air fryer is a small, convectional kitchen device. Because it uses hot air technology, it generates much heat when in operation.
Suppose you are unsure where to store your air fryer in the kitchen because you have been using it recklessly. Then you could be involved in a fatal accident, losing both your property and your life.
Because almost every air fryer weighs more than ten pounds, utilise a firmly fixed surface such as a kitchen countertop, table, or similar. Never use it on a shelf that is prone to sagging.
Otherwise, you will have to use an extension cord if your air fryer connector does not reach the power socket.
Under your air fryer, always use a heat-resistant counter protector and leave a five-inch vent area from the wall. Hot air from inside your air fryer is ejected through the vent to keep the problem of overheating at bay.
After you have mastered the fundamentals, carefully study the instructions included in the box by the maker of your air fryer.
If you are a beginner, you should read the article because it will be beneficial.
Mistakes to Avoid if You Own an Air Fryer
#1. Never “Stifle” an Air Fryer
This entails preventing the air fryer from venting. It should be placed on a level, hard surface (most kitchen countertops are fine).
#2. Washing Infrequently
From personal experience, hand washing your air fryer is the best way to care for it. This may not be the level of convenience you were looking for, but trust us when we say it will be worth it in the long run. The air fryer will smoke if there is any remaining food in the basket.
#3. Only Place it Near Heat Resistant Materials
Remember that the air fryer will produce heat. You will want to be sure that anything close to the air fryer can handle the heat.
Read More: How To Clean Air Fryer Oven: Useful Kitchen Tricks For Housewives
FAQs
#1. Should you put something under the air fryer?
During operation, the air fryer generates a temperature range of 180 °F to 450 °F, with all of the heat transferring to your kitchen table top if your countertop is unprotected.
It will be even worse if your countertop is not heat-resistant. Your countertop will not withstand intense heat if constructed of wood, laminate, or other low-quality materials. The heat from the air fryer could harm your countertop.
Any heat-resistant materials, such as a silicone mat, a wooden board, or tiles, should be used immediately. However, the ideal alternative is to use a heat-resistant silicone material. They are dependable, heat resistant, anti-skid, flexible, and washable. It will also prevent heat damage to your countertop.
#2. What to put under the toaster oven to protect the countertop?
Toaster ovens are classified as hot appliances because, like an air fryer, they release heat when in use. However, they create less heat than an air fryer, and their regular use may cause damage to your counters. To withstand heat, you should also utilise any form of heat-resistant material.
Conclusion
We talked about our problem of what to put under the air fryer to protect the countertop and the options we came up with. We are hoping you have gotten some helpful information. Small oven equipment is known as an “air fryer.”
As a result, it generates heat, which can break and harm your granite countertop. As a result, always use heat-resistant tabletop covers or any aforementioned products. These items can prevent heat from reaching your counter.
Silicone mats, wooden cutting boards, and glass are excellent heat insulators with non-skid surfaces. They are machine washable and long-lasting. So, why take a chance with your countertop? You can acquire excellent countertop protection for your air fryer with a small investment.
