Glass splashbacks are not only a decorative feature, but they also serve as contemporary armour for your kitchen walls, protecting against splashes of hot water, steam, and heat.
A glass splashback is heatproof, hygienic, and features a smooth, modern finish that complements all kitchens, whether you’re cooking up a family feast or entertaining guests.
Understanding Glass Splashbacks
What Are They?
Glass splashbacks are custom-cut panels of glass that are typically installed in high-traffic areas of your kitchen or bathroom, such as behind the stove or sink. Their main job is to protect your walls from moisture, grease, and food splatters.
But, honestly, they do a lot more! They’re an excellent design element, adding an air of elegance and versatility that can completely transform a room. Furthermore, they come in a wide range of colours, finishes, and even custom designs, allowing for endless personalisation.
Types of Glass Used
Now, this is super important to grasp, because not all glass is created equal, especially when it comes to your kitchen’s needs! Glass splashbacks are made from either toughened (tempered) or non-toughened glass.
Toughened (Tempered) Glass
This is the absolute superstar of splashbacks, and for good reason! Most reliable glass splashbacks we see are made from toughened glass, also known as tempered glass.
What’s its secret? Simple glass is given a special heat or chemical treatment that seriously boosts its strength up to five times stronger than regular glass! This treatment gives toughened glass incredible resistance to those sudden temperature changes without breaking.
And if it breaks, it doesn’t produce sharp pieces that can be dangerous, but instead, blunt pieces that are easy to manage.
If you’re thinking about putting a splashback behind a heat source like your hob, toughened glass is not just a good choice, it’s the only choice we recommend at Homelay for safety and durability.
Non-Toughened Glass
On the flip side, we have non-toughened glass. While it might look attractive, it doesn’t have the same resistance to high temperatures as toughened glass. It is much more likely to crack or shatter, especially when exposed to high temperatures. So, we strongly, strongly discourage using non-toughened glass anywhere near cooking appliances. It’s just not worth the inherent safety risks.
It can be used for decorative and low-risk applications, but not in high-temperature environments.
Heat Resistance of Glass Splashbacks
This is often the biggest question we hear from our customers, and it’s a completely valid one!
One of the key features of a glass splashback is that it remains unaffected by high cooking temperatures. Toughened glass can withstand temperatures of up to 220°C and is therefore a safe option for use behind cooktops and ovens, eliminating the risk of melting or breaking.
Can Glass Splashbacks Crack From Heat?
Non-toughened glass splashbacks can crack from heat. They have much lower heat resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 250°C (482°F) before they begin to soften. Toughened glass can safely withstand temperatures up to 288°C (550°F) and handle temperature differences of around 204°C without breaking, making it a safe option for use behind cooktops and ovens.
How Much Heat Can They Withstand?
Non-toughened glass splashbacks have much lower heat resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 250°C (482°F) before they begin to soften.
Toughened glass can safely withstand temperatures up to approximately 200°C to 400°C without breaking, making it a safe option for use behind cooktops and ovens.
A typical gas hob flame ranges between 200°C and 270°C. This clearly shows that toughened glass splashbacks are more than capable of handling the heat produced by most domestic cooking appliances.
Limitations and Risks (Thermal Shock)
White glass splashbacks are heat-resistant; they aren’t completely invincible. Their main weakness is thermal shock. This happens when the glass experiences a sudden and significant difference in temperature. Even the strength of toughened glass cannot resist such damage, so it’s important not to subject the glass to extreme temperature changes.
Here are some tips from Homelay to their customers when purchasing glass splashbacks:
- Avoid direct contact with hot objects. Never place a hot pan directly onto the glass surface. This can induce thermal shock. Always use trivets or heat-resistant mats.
- Never splash cold liquid onto a hot glass surface. This can also trigger thermal shock. Let your splashback cool down naturally. Then clean it using hot water and soap.
Glass vs. Acrylic Heat Resistance
Glass splashbacks are safe to use behind cooktops as they can withstand up to 220°C, whereas acrylic splashbacks can only reach up to 100°C and may melt and warp. Glass is also fire-resistant and much stronger at high temperatures. Overall, glass wins in terms of heat resistance and kitchen safety.
Durability and Longevity
How Long Do Glass Splashbacks Last?
Glass splashbacks are known for their exceptional durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, a well-installed glass splashback should perform admirably for more than a decade, and many installations happily last up to two decades. That represents a substantial long-term return on your home improvement investment!
Resistance to Wear and Tear
Toughened glass splashbacks are designed to withstand the daily rigours of a kitchen environment. This includes a high resistance to minor impacts from cookware and utensils, as well as scratches and discolouration. Unlike some other materials, which can chip, fade, or degrade over time, glass splashbacks retain their original aesthetic and functional integrity for the majority of their life. They really keep looking great!
Comparison to Other Materials (Tiles, Stainless Steel, Acrylic)
When we evaluate splashback materials, a quick comparison really highlights the unique strengths of glass:
- Tiles: A traditional and often more cost-effective choice with a wide range of styles. The only downside is the grout lines. They’re notorious for collecting dirt, grease, and even mould, demanding consistent cleaning and often leading to discolouration over time.
- Stainless Steel: Offers a sleek, industrial vibe and is both durable and heat-resistant. However, stainless steel surfaces can scratch easily and may prominently display fingerprints and smudges, potentially losing their initial lustre.
- Acrylic: A cost-effective option that can visually mimic glass. But, as we’ve explained earlier, its critical limitation is its lack of heat resistance, making it completely inappropriate for use anywhere near heat sources.
Glass splashbacks stand out for their modern appeal, impressive durability, and low-maintenance characteristics, despite their slightly higher initial cost. We believe they are worth every penny!
Benefits (Pros) of Glass Splashbacks
Let’s dive into all the reasons why we absolutely love glass splashbacks!
Aesthetic Appeal
Glass splashbacks can be of any colour, any texture or can be printed in any style. They range from sleek, minimalist white to a dramatic marble print, creating style and character in your kitchen.
Easy to Clean
There’s no need to labour scrubbing grout lines. In most cases, it’s just a matter of using a glass cleaner or a warm, soapy cloth once, and the sparkle will be back.
Hygienic Properties
Glass is non-porous and germ-resistant, providing a hygienic surface for food prep areas. It won’t absorb water and doesn’t absorb odours, unlike wood or tile.
Heat Resistance (Reiterated)
The maximum temperature of glass splashbacks is 220°C, making them suitable for use in areas around hobs and cooktops. They cannot warp, melt, or discolour under normal kitchen heat. This heat resistance means they have a long life, are safe, and perform well.
Durability (Reiterated)
Splashbacks made with toughened glass are strong enough to withstand everyday use in the kitchen with little damage. They stand up to scratches, marks, and shocks from accidental hits or bumps. They retain their lustre as well as their overall structure despite the trauma of daily household use over the years to come.
Customisation Options
You can customise glass splashbacks with:
- Precise dimensions and measurements
- Colours matching your kitchen
- Textures or pictures that are printed
- Cut-outs for sockets and switches
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks (Cons)
Although glass splashbacks offer several advantages, they also have certain disadvantages. They’re expensive, show fingerprints, and require professional installation, but all that can be addressed with the right decisions.
Higher Cost
Glass splashbacks (particularly custom-coloured or printed glass splashbacks) are usually more costly than tile or acrylic competitors. They, however, have unrivalled heat resistance, hygiene and durability, which in most cases can last a long time (15-20 years and above). They’re good investments because, over time, there’s a decreasing need to maintain or replace them.
Fingerprints and Smudges
Smears and fingerprints may be accentuated by sleek glass, particularly if the finish is deep-toned or black. This might be visible in bright kitchens but can easily be wiped. A microfibre cloth and gentle cleaner maintain the surface clean, without streaks and residues.
Installation Challenges
Glass splashbacks require careful measurement, cutting, and alignment to fit them perfectly and prevent cracking. DIY usually leads to expensive mistakes, mismatches or breakage. Using a professional guarantees safety, nicely cut out sockets and a perfect finish that will last a long time.
Reflection and Glare
In well-illuminated kitchens or those with a lot of natural light from windows, shiny glass reflections can form and be unwanted or distracting. This may be distracting or unpleasant to the eyes at certain times of the day. Glare can also be significantly reduced while maintaining a modern look by using textured, frosted, or matte finishes.
Potential for Scratches
Although the toughened glass is very durable, it’s not indestructible when subjected to the effects of abrasive cleaning products or sharp objects. Don’t clean it with steel wool or harsh chemicals, as this will damage its smooth and glossy state. Soft clothes and non-scratch cleaners will maintain clarity and look long-term.
Ensuring Safety and Longevity
The positioning and use of your splashback glass should be installed properly to maximise its benefits. You can avoid cracking by taking necessary precautionary measures, regulating the exposure to heat, and prolonging its operational life.
Proper Installation Guidelines
Always use a professional installer who will ensure:
- Correct measurements
- Flat, even wall surfaces
- No pressure points that could cause stress fractures
Maintaining Distance from Heat Sources
Above hob burners, the glass should be at least 50mm (2 inches). This reduces the concentration of heat and the risk of breaking.
Secure Fixings
Splashbacks are usually fitted with powerful silicone adhesive. Drilling or screwing should be avoided, except with professional fixing equipment.
Professional Installation
Skilled installers ensure that they cut precisely to guarantee clearance between sockets and appliances. They test wall surfaces for levelness and strength to avoid areas of pressure and fissures. Professional fitting ensures a safe, durable and aesthetically flawless result.
Avoiding Damage
To maintain your glass splashback in its best condition, avoid exposing it to drastic temperature variations and the direct heat of hot cookware. Place trivets that are heat-resistant, allow the container to cool slowly, and then inspect it to look for any chips or cracks that may develop over time.
Using Trivets/Heat-Resistant Mats
Hot pots or pans shouldn’t be placed on glass, as it creates thermal stress over time. Apply heat-resistant mats or trivets at all times to help stabilise temperature variations. By doing this, the possibility of cracks or any other long-lasting damage is minimised to a great extent.
Avoiding Sudden Temperature Changes
Rapid temperature changes can cause glass splashbacks to break. After cooking, avoid sprinkling cold water or cleanser over a heated surface. To prevent a stress fracture, let the glass cool naturally before cleaning it.
Checking for Pre-existing Cracks/Chips
Regularly inspect your glass splashback for minor chips or cracks. Any damage can potentially weaken the structure and lead to more severe problems in the long term. Maintaining safety and prolonging the life of the glass can be achieved through early detection.
Care and Maintenance
Splashbacks made of glass are dead easy to clean, and yet they should be handled gently. Non-abrasive cleaning products and regular cleaning will keep the surface clear, shiny, and free from bacteria.
Regular Cleaning Practices
Cleaning your glass splashback is easy and fast. The ideal cleaning solution is a mild glass cleaner or a diluted washing-up liquid, each paired with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Clean it once a week, or daily if you cook frequently, to preserve its translucence and sheen.
Avoiding Abrasive Materials
To ensure the surface of your glass splashback remains smooth, avoid using harsh cleaning equipment. Scratching with steel wool and scouring pads, or harsh chemicals, may strip off a printed design or scratch. This is achieved by consistently using soft cloths and gentle cleaners to preserve the appearance of new glass.
Addressing Common Safety Concerns
Safety issues, such as breakage or overheating, are unlikely to occur with toughened glass. Being aware of the risks and the way to prevent them contributes to the fact that your splashback will never turn into a dangerous feature in your kitchen.
Risk of Shattering
Toughened glass has the capability of resisting stress, yet it can break under maximum force. It doesn’t break into sharp shards, but rather into blunt, harmless pieces. The possibility of breakage is minimal, and this safety feature reduces the chances of injury in such an occurrence.
Warping or Discolouration Over Time
Well-made and fitted glass splashbacks don’t warp and discolour due to age. Nevertheless, printed designs may fade out due to extended exposure to direct sunlight. Avoid exposing printed splashbacks to rigorous UV, and the colours will stay lively.
Cracking Due to Heat (Reiterated)
Untreated or wrongly-installed splashbacks tend to crack. Toughened glass is a type of glass specifically designed to withstand high temperatures in kitchens. Under proper installation, it’s resistant to heat, without the likelihood of cracking or warping.
Relevant Regulations (e.g., UK)
In the UK, there are very stringent requirements regarding glass splashbacks that are in contact with heat or electricity. The legal compliance and safety of the household are ensured by the use of toughened glass that meets the BS EN 12150 standard.
Any glass splashback that is fitted in an area close to a heat source in the UK should be:
- Constructed of toughened (tempered) safety glass
- Meets the British standard BS EN 12150
- Electric outlets located in areas subject to splashback must comply with Part P of the UK’s Building Regulations
Conclusion
A functional yet stylish choice is to opt for glass splashbacks, which can significantly enhance the beauty of your kitchen. They have good resistance to heat, are easy to clean, and feature a contemporary and smooth finish that complements any design.
Toughened glass is safe in high-heat environments and offers long-lasting durability. Their initial cost will be higher, but they’ll require less care throughout their lifetime.
Is a Glass Splashback Right for You?
Glass splashbacks will ideally suit you when style, hygiene and heat resistance are the key features you want your kitchen to reflect. They offer a smooth appearance with minimal maintenance compared to tiles or acrylic. They’re nice in a modern home as they’re both durable and well-designed. They’re a long-lasting and practical addition with professional installation.
Key Takeaways for Informed Decision-Making
- Glass splashbacks are both form and functional
- They’re simple to wash, clean and last long
- Select toughened glass as a safety precautionary measure
- A professional should carry out the installation
- Higher price, but worth it in the long-term value
Importance of Reputable Suppliers and Warranties
To truly ensure optimal product quality and complete peace of mind, selecting a reputable supplier is paramount. We always recommend looking for suppliers who provide detailed product specifications and, ideally, offer warranties against thermal breakage or manufacturing defects. This approach transforms the acquisition of a glass splashback into a confident investment in both the functionality and the stunning aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. We want you to love your kitchen for years to come!
