What heat-resistant Mat To Put Under Air Fryer To Protect Countertop

Air fryers are great for many reasons, but one of their most appealing aspects is their compact size, being small enough to fit on top of almost any kitchen counter. However, one of the common questions every new air fryer user asks is, What should they put under their air fryer to protect the countertop?

Kitchen countertops can be one of the most beautiful and expensive areas of the kitchen. It could be made from marble, wood, laminate, or granite. When you use an air fryer on the countertop during the cooking mode, it releases heat, which can lead to unwanted damage – such as cracks on the kitchen countertop.

You can protect the countertop from the heat of an air fryer by placing it on a heat-resistant material, such as an insulated mat made of silicone, ceramic tile, or an insulated metallic pad. With my own experience and research, I have compiled a list of the best materials you can put under an air fryer to protect your countertop. Keep reading to learn more.

Before you check the best 6 mats for your countertop, you should know this basic information.

Do Air Fryers Get Hot On The Outside?

Air fryers tend to get hot on the outside due to the extreme heat they generate internally to air fry, reheat, roast, or bake – depending on the model you own. 

Generally, an air fryer can heat up to 200° Celcius/400° Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is very important to use it in a safe, sturdy location. You should bear in mind, though, that some air fryers are already designed to keep the heat fully contained in the unit – we’ll cover those too. 

Does An Air Fryer Cause Damage To Countertops?

While an air fryer is convenient and allows you to make any kind of food you want, it can end up causing damage to your kitchen countertop. If it heats up too much while on the countertop, it can cause damage if the countertop is not protected.

Is The Air Fryer Bad For Your Countertops?

Yes, the air fryer can be bad for your countertops, especially if you are not putting the right material underneath it. Hence, the best way to mitigate any damage is to come up with a way to protect your countertops.

Best 6 Heat-Resistant Mats To Put Under Air Fryer To Protect Countertops

Your kitchen countertop could be made of granite, laminate, wood, or marble. No matter the material used in making it, it is advisable to put some heat shielding between your air fryer and the countertop. The barrier between the air fryer and countertop should be flat, rigid, and heat resistant.

Here are some of the best heat-resistant mats to put under an air fryer to protect countertops. Different protectors have their own pros and cons, you need to read them carefully!

1. Air Fryer Trivet

First on our list of 6 heat-resistant mats is the trivet. A trivet is a small, round stand or mat, usually placed under a pan or hot pot, to protect the countertop or surface of the table. It can protect the surface from being scratched or damaged by hot dishes.

Trivets can come in several festive and fun designs. However, you can also find plain or neutral styles to fit in with your kitchen setup better. They are made of different materials, such as metal, silicone, plastic, and wood, which is important to consider when making your choice.

They can prevent countertops from being damaged by both water or heat, making them a versatile tool. They act as insulators by absorbing the heat from dishes and ensuring that it does not penetrate through to the countertop or surface it sits on. Depending on the material it is made from, a trivet can also help to keep food warmer for longer. This is great if you are serving your guests and maybe expect them to come back for seconds!

You can also use trivets to add a great decorative touch to your kitchen. They can be a perfect addition to a dining room table, for example – whether at dinner, lunch, or breakfast. Since they are made of different materials, you can choose the exact one that will match the rest of your decor.

If you are looking for a good air fryer trivet, we recommend the Kornisa Stainless Steel Steam Rack.

2. Silicone Mat

The silicone mat is one of the best countertop heat-protective materials to put under your air fryer. It is heat-absorbent and non-slip. It can easily resist a wide range of temperatures – heat up to 450°F and cold down to -40°F. Therefore, you can use your silicone mat both as a countertop protector as well as a refrigerator shelves mat, should you need to.

I have used the Amazon basics silicone mat, and I can confirm that it is one of the best silicone counter mats you can put under an air fryer to protect your countertop. The purchase comes as two non-stick baking mats for convenient and easy roasting, baking, and food preparation. Each mat measures about 11.6 x 16.5 inches.

The Amazon basics silicone mat is neither too thin nor too thick, but adequate enough to prevent heat transfer to the countertop. It is also sturdy enough to hold a large-size air fryer. In addition, it is easy to clean with water and soap – making everyone’s least favorite part of cooking a little easier!

Silicone mats are usually made of quality, medically-approved silicone materials. You can use them as a base on which to assemble pastry ingredients, prepare a pizza base, or arrange vegetables or meat. They are reusable and multipurpose but unfortunately, they are not always stylish, and it is challenging to find different sizes.

3. Glass Cutting Board

A glass cutting board will look beautiful underneath any appliance. While they are mostly used for baking and to improve aesthetics, they can also be put under air fryers to protect the countertop. Glass is not an insulator material but a heat conductor. However, because of its thickness, the heat produced by the fryer has time to diffuse.

If you are looking for a good glass cutting board to use under your air fryer to protect the countertop, you should consider the tempered glass cutting board. This long-lasting clear glass has a large surface area made of break-resistant tempered glass. It measures 12 x 16 inches and is big enough to comfortably hold a large-sized air fryer.

The tempered glass cutting board has rubber feet that will keep it from slipping on your countertop. It is hygienic as the glass chopping board resists odors and stains. Furthermore, it is dishwasher safe, with a nonporous cutting surface that makes it easy to clean. You can use it as a cheese plate, cutting mat, clear trivet, or just as an everyday use kitchen board.

It is reusable and can easily merge and disappear into the countertop. However, it is not very heat resistant and it can break easily if the glass is not tempered well. The edges can also be sharp if it is dropped, which could cause potential injuries. Besides, it can sometimes be difficult to wash it with soap and water.

4. Bamboo Wooden Board

If you have an extra bamboo wooden board, you can put it under the air fryer to protect your countertop. It is heat-resistant as well as stain-proof. You can easily find one in your nearby market or on online e-commerce websites, and they usually come in different sizes and shapes. Therefore, you can choose the one that fits the exact dimensions of your air fryer.

If you are looking for the best bamboo wooden board, you should consider bamboo cutting boards with juice grooves. Many people who have used them have shared their positive experiences with us on our social media platforms. They come in a three-piece set, comprising a small board, a medium-sized board for small chopping tasks, and a large one for use during party meal prep.

They come in three different sizes and so are suitable for air fryers of all kinds of different sizes. Their side handles make them particularly easy to carry, and they also have knife-friendly surfaces. Bamboo wood feels easy to cut on and does not dull your knives. In addition, the board is an outstanding quality product that will last for several years.

However, like other items on our list, using a wooden bamboo board to protect your countertop may have its downsides. First, it is not dishwasher safe, and its grooves on the sides may be challenging to clean over time. 

5. Ceramic Tile

If you are looking for a more upmarket (expensive!) option to protect your countertop, then you should consider putting ceramic tiles under your air fryer. You can even use square-shaped ceramic tiles if you can find them. 

Most ceramic tiles can withstand heat up to 500F. They do not require vigorous cleaning with soap and water. If water or oil splashes or spills, you can easily wipe it away. There are also many ceramic tiles in the market.

However, I recommend the Mexican Talavera ceramic tile. I have used it for several years to protect my countertop from heat damage, and I can say that it is one of the best materials you can put under your air fryer.. It will even protect countertops from extra scuffs and scratches, as well as be used as a heat insulation pad. 

This ceramic tile is available in different shapes and colors meaning you can choose one specifically to match your kitchen interior. It is reusable and very easy to wipe clean.

However, there are a few problems with ceramic tiles. They can be heavy, and their edges are especially difficult to clean. Besides, they can crack and break easily if they are accidentally dropped. Therefore, you may need to invest in several of them, just to be on the safe side!

6. Insulated Metallic Pad

Last on our list of the best heat-resistant mats to put under an air fryer to protect the countertop is the “insulated metallic pad.” You can also place them underneath your toaster oven, coffee pot, crock pot, and other electric appliances. 

For a good insulated metallic pad to put under your air fryer, I recommend the Range Kleen silver counter/table protector mat. Many people who have used the mat have given extremely positive reviews about it. The rubber backing on it does well to protect your countertop and table surfaces from scrapes as well as heat damage, too. 

The mat is made of high-quality steel with a non-stick aluminum coating, making it heat-resistant to high temperatures. It can resist heating up to 450°F, which is plenty enough to absorb the heat produced by the air fryer. It serves as an extension to the countertop with the base making it anti-skid and quite stable on the countertop.

Its adorable silver design fits easily with a variety of kitchen decors. In our opinion, it can suit any countertop, whether it might be wood, glass, or granite. However, like other mats on our list, the insulated metallic pad has a few downsides too. It is slightly expensive and unfortunately, it can dent easily. In addition, its corners are sharp and not so safe for kids.

Do air fryers Cause Damage From Heat?

Yes, some air fryers can cause damage due to the high temperature (heat) it creates, which is then transferred to the countertop. In fact, one of the main factors determining whether an air fryer will cause damage is the insulation between it and the countertop.

Do air fryers Leave Marks?

An air fryer can cause melting or cracking of countertops, although this largely depends on the material in question. It can also darken the surface area under some conditions, making the material appear burnt. 

Where Should An Air Fryer Be Placed In The Kitchen?

Air fryers obviously work on hot air technology and produce a lot of heat while in operation. Therefore, using them carelessly and not placing them in appropriate places can lead to fatal accidents, such as loss of life or property. You should definitely place them away from kids and pets.

Since they are heavy, you should only put them on fixed surfaces, like tables and kitchen countertops. You should certainly avoid using them on weaker areas, such as shelves. Also, you need to use your air fryer where its plug easily reaches the power outlet, but don’t forget to place it about three inches from the wall so that the vent functions properly.

Can You Put An Air Fryer On The Stove Top?

It is not okay to place an air fryer on the stovetop, regardless of whether it is off or on. This is because you might accidentally turn on your stove and melt the air fryer. This can lead to a wholly damaged air fryer, smoke everywhere, or a kitchen that reeks of burnt plastic. Worse still, it can lead to a more serious fire and consequences.

Can I put An Air Fryer On Top Of A Microwave?

You can put your air fryer on top of your microwave in most cases quite often. They are two different appliances that work and cook in different ways. The microwave will come in handy if you want to heat or cook your food with no added texture. However, you should avoid putting other small appliances on top of your microwave.

How Far Should The Air Fryer Stay From The Wall? Why?

You can put your air fryer near the wall, but you should avoid placing it too close – i.e. directly against it. Given that an air fryer produces a lot of heat, it should be placed at least 3 to 10 inches away from the wall to ensure proper ventilation. If your air fryer does not have enough space, hot air will not be able to circulate properly.

Putting your air fryer too close to the wall may also cause grease and smoke to build up at that location in your kitchen. This could lead to a fire in the future so, in order to stay as safe as possible, you should keep your kitchen well-ventilated when using your air fryer. 

Conclusion

Air fryers can become hot while cooking and damage the countertop because of the heat they produce. Therefore, it is important to place a heat-resistant and anti-skid material under your air fryer to protect the countertop from damage.

We have discussed the best materials you can put under your air fryer to protect the countertop so it’s recommended you consider which one of the materials to purchase, according to your personal preference and budget. It’s really worth investing a small amount in good material to protect your valuable countertop from damage in the long run.