Raise your hand if you’re sick of cleaning down your stove and countertops after every meal. Splatter is an annoying and unavoidable part of the cooking process, whether you’re sautéing veggies, stir-frying tofu, or searing a ribeye. We’ve all experienced the arduous task of cleaning up oil and liquids that have splashed out of the pan and onto our kitchen surfaces. However, there is a way to prevent this, and the solution is a splatter guard.
Numerous items on the market claim to combat splatter, including vertical guards that completely surround pans and more typical covers that do a fair job of preventing spray but tend to trap moisture. The best splatter screens should aid in controlling flying grease and oil droplets without taking up too much room or interfering with your cooking outcomes. Splatter guards are also essential when it comes time to drain the grease or oil from the pan you’re cooking in.
Every kitchen requires a splatter shield, but which one should you buy? How do you choose the best splatter guard? The greatest splatter screen is one that is the perfect size for your pan and is constructed of a heat-resistant material. I’ve reviewed some of the best splatter screens on the market so you can find one that suits your needs in the kitchen.
Top 10 Best Splatter Screens for Frying Pans
1. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Splatter Screen
When it comes to preventing splash, whether it’s from searing steaks in a cast-iron skillet or cooking a thick tomato sauce in the oven, this splatter screen is hard to beat. This contains round holes in a solid piece of thin stainless steel rather than screen-like mesh. The holes allow steam to escape while the metal prevents most fat droplets or food splashes from entering. The screen’s circular ridges keep it stable on pots of varying sizes, and the shroud where the handle connects fits nicely over most frying panhandles, allowing the screen to sit flat on the pan. The cool-to-touch plastic grip folds over the screen for more compact storage; no wonder this fantastic product is top on our list.
Features
- Large size
- Compact storage
- The secure screen on the frying pan
- Stainless-steel construction
Pros
- It can be cleaned in a dishwasher
- The concentric center provides balance on pots and pans
- Soft and comfortable handle
Cons
- Holes may be too large
2. BitMex Home Splatter Screen
This three-piece set has your pots covered—or, at the very least, three of them covered at the same time. This set contains an 8-inch screen, a 10-inch screen, and an 11-inch screen, accommodating a range of frying pans, saucepans, and Dutch ovens while protecting the stove from cooking messes. It’s ideal if the sauce is simmering in one pot while the fried chicken is cooking in another. When there is a lot of splatters, the cook can use two screens at once to stop the most aggressive drops. The blue plastic handle stays cold throughout cooking, and each one has a hole so it can be hung on a hook for convenient access when the cooking becomes messy. These are dishwasher-safe for simple cleanup.
Features
- Dishwasher safe
- Cost-effective
- Anti-splatter guard
- Reinforced rim
Pros
- It comes in a set of 3 splatter screens
- Hanging holes on the handle provides flexible storage
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- It can’t be used in the oven
3. US Kitchen Supply Splatter Screen
This set of three screens comes in three sizes (13, 11 1/2, and 9 1/2 inches), allowing the cook to select the one that best suits the pan. And if there is more than one splashy pan that requires a cover, another screen is available. These have cool-to-the-touch black handles and a hanging hole at the end of the handle so they can be placed on a nearby hook. Tiny feet on the underside of the screens allow them to rest on the counter without covering up the entire untidy surface.
Features
- Set of 3 different sizes
- Stainless steel wire handle
- Multiple-use screens
- Splatter screen guard
Pros
- It comes with a hanging hole on the handle
- Resting feet to hold it on the countertop
- Suitable for use in a dishwasher
Cons
- The screen can discolor over time
4. Norpro Silicone Splatter Screen
Silicone is quickly replacing metal as the material of choice for high-heat cooking devices. This silicone splatter guard contains microscopic pores that keep splatter at bay, but it may also hold a little more steam. Because silicone has high heat resistance, it can also be used as a trivet and as a strainer when emptying water from a pot of pasta. Still, caution should be exercised when using it on a gas burner to avoid flames rising the edge of the pan, which could burn the screen. While users cannot see through it to the food below, they have found it helpful to pour water or other liquids into the pot directly through the screen.
Features
- Oven safe
- Nonslip handle
- Rust resistant
- Dishwasher compatible
Pros
- Suitable for draining and straining
- Nonslip handle
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Silicone can retain odor
5. Fryall Splatter Guard
This one-of-a-kind splatter deterrent is a wall rather than a screen. While high-flying splashes can still escape the wall, sideways spatter will be readily contained, and there will be no need to remove the wall to stir the sauce or flip the steaks. This is best suited for 10-inch pans and will not fit any smaller than 9 1/2 inches; smaller and larger sizes are available. It also comes in several colors, allowing you to color-code the tiny, medium, and large ones while storing them. In terms of storage, it folds and rolls up for compact storage wherever it is kept, and it can be used in a dishwasher for easy cleaning. This will not trap moisture, unlike guards that cover the top of the pan.
Features
- Thwarts spillovers
- Dishwasher safe
- Compact storage design
- Sturdy
Pros
- Open top for easy access to food
- Stops oil mist and condensation
- Perfect for preventing spillovers
Cons
- It fits a limited number of pan size
6. BergKoch Grease Splatter Screen
This BergKoch Grease Splatter Screen, available in four sizes to properly fit over the circumference of your pan, is the ideal tool for preventing hot oil and sauces from splattering while you’re cooking. It is also excellent for keeping your surfaces clean. This splatter screen’s extra-fine mesh shield is capable of retaining even the smallest drops of liquid inside your pans. It’s also relatively safe to use, featuring a TPR heat-resistant plastic handle. Meanwhile, the elevated feet let you remove the splatter shield and lay it on your countertop without getting grease all over it.
Features
- Heavy-duty splatter screen
- Resting feet
- Features cutting boards
- Dishwasher safe
Pros
- It can be used as a steamer, filter, and cooling rack
- Rust and corrosion-resistant material
- The handle is heat resistant
Cons
- Some users complained of its screen discoloration over time
7. Faberware Stainless Steel Splatter Screen
Not only can frying be chaotic, but some cooks are also sensitive to frying aromas, especially when frying items such as fish. This ingenious splatter barrier has an activated carbon filter that, according to the maker, absorbs cooking aromas and captures splatters while allowing steam to escape. The 13-inch screen is entirely flat, so it will rest evenly on pots and pans 13 inches in diameter or smaller (an 11-inch screen will fit on pots and pans 11 inches in diameter or smaller). The handle includes ridges that make it simple to grasp and a huge hanging hole that allows it to be hung from any hook. When the cooking is over, this splatter screen may be washed in the dishwasher.
Features
- Activated carbon filter
- Dishwasher safe
- Stainless steel construction
- Easy-grip handle
Pros
- Absorbs odor while allowing steam to pass-through
- Very easy to clean
- Heat resistant handle
Cons
- Not safe for use in the oven
8. Maverick Spatter Screen
Microwave splatters can be just as unpleasant — if not worse — than stovetop splatters since they cook on the sides, top, and bottom of the microwave, which can be inconvenient and difficult to clean. Unfortunately, most splatter screens designed for stovetop usage are either too large for microwave use or include enough metal to render them inappropriate.
This thin, flexible mesh solves the problem by quickly covering a plate of food or a bowl, while little red beads keep the mesh weighted at the edges to keep it in place. Users reported that the mesh rinses clean, even when in touch with food, and dries rapidly, reusing it.
Features
- Compact storage
- Microwave safe
- Stain-resistant
- Eco-friendly
Pros
- It can be used on bowls and plates
- Easy to use, clean, and maintain
- Weighted to stay in place to fit plates and bowls
Cons
- Not suitable for stovetops
9. ExcelSteel Silicone Splatter Screen
Forget the dull stainless steel mesh designs that are simple and uninteresting, and make your splatter guard stand out with this red splatter guard that works easily and effectively. This is a silicone splatter guard that efficiently prevents splatters without the use of a dirty mesh layer. This splatter screen is made of silicone rather than stainless steel or mesh, which is unusual. It works just as well as a standard mesh splatter screen but adds some color and diversity to your kitchen. The splatter screen’s design makes it simple to clean and use, and it does not become too hot to use, as some comparable screens do.
Features
- Silicone material design
- Nonslip grip
- Heat resistant handle
- Durable frame
Pros
- Simple to use and clean
- Reduces splatter effectively
- Durable stainless-steel handle
Cons
- Prone to melting
10. Homestia Grease Splatter Screen
Last on our list is the Homestia Splatter Screen. In a departure from standard splatter screen designs, Homestia has completely removed the side handle for a more minimalist, streamlined appearance. The screen can be simply lifted but shrinks fully, allowing it to be stowed almost anywhere, thanks to a hinged tab in the center. However, being the greatest in terms of total performance necessitates more than just appearances. The stainless-steel mesh is thin enough to keep most drips inside your cooking vessel while allowing steam to escape for crispy, browned results. The dishwasher-safe construction makes cleanup a breeze no matter what you wind up cooking.
Features
- Multiple size option
- Flat folding handle
- Fine mesh weave
- Dishwasher safe
Pros
- It can be used as a strainer and cooling rack
- The design allows it to be used as a steamer
- Suitable as a gift package
Cons
- Handle conducts heat and can burn hand
Buying Guide
Although purchasing a splatter guard may appear to be a simple process, first, there are a few things to consider. If you get it wrong, it will cost you time and money and leave you with a filthy kitchen and a lot of irritation. I’ve included some crucial aspects to consider while looking for a splatter guard below.
Price
The cheapest splatter screens, with plastic handles and metal mesh screens, cost $10 or less. Between $10 and $15, you can get finer mesh stainless steel screens, many with concentric rings that allow you to use a single item for multiple-size pots and pans. More silicone screens split-folding screens and sets of three will be available between $15 and $20. (small, medium, and large mesh screens).
Size
While a super-big splatter screen may appear to be a good idea because it will fit every cookware item in the kitchen, balancing a large splatter screen on a small pot may be more effort than it’s worth. When shopping, try to match the screen size to the pots and pans you’ll be using it with. A large screen makes sense if you’re most concerned about splatter when using a large frying pan. However, if you’re worried about spatter when using a saucepan, a smaller screen is preferable.
Material
Splatter screens are not all composed of the same materials. Metal screens are antiquated, yet they may be used on any stove. But a typical splatter screen is made of stainless steel with a mesh covering. There are, however, other alternatives. Some screens no longer use mesh and instead use stainless steel with holes for steam discharge, while others use silicone for most of the product. Silicone screens are modern and have their own set of benefits. However, silicone can burn if you’re using a gas burner and the flames reach too hot.
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Feature
A simple screen can suffice, but some screens offer added features, such as feet to keep the screen off the counter when removed from the pot or the ability to give access to food while the screen is in place. If such amenities appeal to you, check for displays with those features.
Durability
You want to make sure that your splatter screen will last. You want a robust and long-lasting screen that will not warp or fall apart during use, storage, and washing.
Splatter-Proof
Not all splatter guards are equally effective at reducing splatter. Some reduce spatter more effectively than others, while some retain steam rather than releasing it as needed. This is a design feature to keep an eye out for if you want to guarantee that whichever splatter guard you purchase meets your needs.
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Conclusion
The OXO Good Grips Splatter Screen is the top of my pick, which is hard to top for any type of cooking. The Bitmex Home Splatter Screen, on the other hand, has an ingenious design that makes it an excellent alternative for when you want to swirl one side of the pot while keeping the screen safely hooked onto the other, so I’ll recommend either of these two. Ultimately, you must consider the buying tips to enable you to purchase a splatter screen that best suits your cooking needs.