An air fryer has surely become a household favorite with several benefits to offer. Moreover, it’s a handy portable appliance that you can place and use in different places. However, air fryers are designed to reach high temperatures, which makes many users question, can you put an air fryer on a wooden surface?
No, you cannot put an air fryer on a wooden surface. The heat it emits can damage or warp the wood. So, always place something underneath the air fryer, like a silicone mat, to protect the wooden surface from heat.
Let’s look deeper into how you can safely cook food in an air fryer while preserving your countertop.
What could happen if you placed an air fryer on a wooden surface
Placing your air fryer on a wooden surface is not a good idea. Although some countertops are made of wood that is specially treated to withstand extreme heat, that is not the case with every countertop out there. Such countertops are not only durable but a lot more expensive as well.
- Cracks and warps: If the surface is made of a basic type of wood, it will warp with time if not crack. As a result, you will need to replace it, which will require more time and investment.
- Discoloration: Due to constant heat exposure, the wooden surface can also show signs of discoloration with time. It can gain stains or even char if left as is.
All to know: How air fryers can damage wooden countertops
Even though air fryers are fairly easy to use and are hardly known to cause serious injuries, they can damage expensive kitchen surfaces. Here’s how they cause damage and what you need to know:
Heat damage
Air fryers come with heat vents. These vents help dissipate heat produced by the air fryer. So, if you were to place the air fryer on a wooden surface, the heat may not be able to escape. As a result, constant exposure and contact can damage the wood.
Place your hand over the wooden surface to feel it after you’ve used the air fryer. If it is hot, it means you should place something underneath the air fryer.
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Burn marks and discoloration
Initially, you won’t observe any difference while using an air fryer on a wooden surface. But after a certain period, you will notice burn marks or brownness.
Depending on the situation, the marks might go away by polishing. However, there is a chance that the marks will stay. So, it’s best not to take a chance.
Cracks and warps
The heat the air fryer releases can also lead to cracks in the wooden surface. The wood may even warp! If you leave it as is, the cracks will increase and the warp will become more obvious.
This means the structure of the surface will be compromised. Moreover, it could also create a fire hazard; not all woods are able to withstand extreme temperatures.
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Moisture issues
Wooden surfaces can also experience moisture damage along with heat damage from the air fryer. Considering that air fryers release steam when operating, this moisture can harm the wood and further deteriorate it.
Melting
If your wooden surface has a mixture of laminate or plastic material, it can even melt due to the air fryer’s heat. This won’t happen during the first use but definitely over time during extended uses.
Things you can place under the air fryer to protect the surface
If you want to save the wooden surface from all the damages we discussed above, you’ll need to take precautions! Here are some items you can use to keep all that heat away!
Heat-resistant ceramic tiles
Heat-resistant ceramic tiles are expensive but are made to bear moisture and extreme heat conditions, up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, remember that these tiles do get pretty hot when in use!
If you are someone who loves cooking often, investing in heat-resistant tiles is going to be a smart decision. Otherwise, you will simply end up damaging your countertop after some time.
Silicone heat mats
Another great option is silicone heat mats. These mats, as compared to heat-resistant ceramic tiles, are much cheaper and are specifically designed to counter heat and moisture. They can resist up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit!
These mats are made using food-grade silicone which is safe to use and easy to clean after you’re done cooking. Best of all, they come in various sizes, so you can get the perfect size that matches your air fryer’s base.
Wooden cutting boards
Wooden cutting boards can also be used as a shield between your air fryer and the wooden surface. These cutting boards can withstand up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit! They’re easy to use, maintain, and clean, and we all have a wooden cutting board lying around in the house for quick use.
Bamboo cutting boards can also be used as a protecting surface!
Tempered glass cutting boards
If you have a tempered glass cutting board, it can also be used to protect the wooden surface from the air fryer. Tempered glass cutting boards can withstand up to 336 degrees Fahrenheit, thus making them an option for use with hot appliances. However, it’s best not to put hot things on glass cutting boards that often.
Aluminum heat-resistant mats
An aluminum heat-resistant mat works like a silicone heat mat. It’s made to keep hot dishes on so you can easily use it as a base for your air fryer.
Aluminum mats have rubber bases so that they don’t slip off the counter easily. The combination of steel with nonstick aluminum coating works really well as a shield between the appliance and the counter. Best of all, these mats are easy to wash and maintain too!
Conclusion
Placing an air fryer on a wooden surface is a risky decision. You should invest in heat-resistant tiles or place mats underneath to keep things going without incurring any damage. We’ve provided several options above for you to choose from. So, have your pick and keep your wooden surfaces safe!