A variety of utensils, pots, pans, and bowls all get used as you create your culinary delights, and each of them needs a thorough clean before it can be used again.
The purpose of a splatter guard is to provide a barrier between your food and the surrounding surfaces, preventing grease and sauce from splashing around during the cooking process. They not only help to reduce cleaning time, but also protect your cooking areas from potential damage caused by splattering oil and liquids. This article will delve into exploring the best splatter guards available on the market today.
This is just one side of cleaning up after cooking though, and we’re all undoubtedly familiar with the tiresome chore of cleaning up grease and liquids that have splattered out of the pan and onto your kitchen surfaces.
But, there is a way to prevent this from happening, and the answer lies with a splatter guard.
Placed directly on top of your pan or used to create a protective barrier around it, your days of scrubbing at dirty work surfaces every time you cook are finally over!
Available in four sizes to perfectly fit across the diameter of your pan, this Grease Splatter Screen from BergKoch is the perfect tool for stopping hot oil and sauces from splattering while you’re cooking. It’s also fantastic for keeping your surfaces clean.
Designed with an extra-fine mesh guard, this splatter screen is capable of trapping even the smallest drops of liquid inside your pans.
It’s also really safe to cook with, and features a TPR heat-resistant plastic handle. Meanwhile, the elevated feet allow you to remove the splatter guard and place it on your countertop without covering them in grease.
The stainless steel construction of this splatter screen makes it highly durable, and it’s resistant to both rust and corrosion.
It’s super easy to clean too, and can even be placed in the dishwasher for ultimate convenience. And, when you’ve finished with it, the folding handle design allows you to compactly store it away in a cabinet.
As well as being able to keep liquid ingredients inside your pan, it also offers multipurpose use.
It can be used as a strainer, a steamer, and even as a cooling rack. This doesn’t only offer you more value for money, but also offers you greater versatility in the kitchen.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, this is a splatter guard that is built to last!
Pros:
Constructed from rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel for ultimate durability
Features an extra-fine mesh guard that keeps grease and liquid contained within the pan
Has a heat-resistant handle that folds down for compact storage, and elevated feet to keep your surfaces clean when removed from the pan
Is easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher
Available in four sizes (9.5”, 11.5”, 13”, and 15”) to perfectly fit any pan size
Cons:
Some people noted issues with this splatter guard discoloration over time. However, this was easy to clean off and didn’t affect the performance
If you’d like to not only prevent grease from spitting all over your surfaces while you’re cooking but also keep anything else you’re cooking protected, the Norpro Nonstick 3-Sided Splatter Guard would be a great addition to your kitchen.
Innovatively designed to surround your pan, it offers three-sides of splatter-protection.
Constructed from stainless steel, this is a highly durable splatter guard that is rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
It’s also incredibly easy to clean and can simply be washed with hot water and dish soap. It even has a nonstick coating to make cleaning easier than ever.
Standing 10-inches tall, it also helps prevent any of your ingredients from splattering against your walls or kitchen tiles.
It’s not only great for building a barrier around pans though, as it can also act as a protective shield around a bowl when you’re whisking ingredients or blitzing them with a stick blender.
Despite its height, you won’t need to worry about this splatter guard taking up a lot of storage space as it can be folded flat. This allows you to neatly slide it into a kitchen cabinet.
There’s also no need to worry about keeping it supported when you’re using it, as the stainless steel construction is sturdy enough and perfectly weighted to keep it securely in place.
Pros:
An innovatively designed freestanding splatter guard that offers three-sided protection
Constructed from stainless steel for enhanced durability, rust-resistance, and corrosion-resistance
Measures 10” x 9” to create a wider field of protection, and can also be used to protect against spattering when whisking or blending
Can be folded flat for compact and convenient storage
Is easy to clean with hot water and dish soap
Cons:
Is not dishwasher safe. However, thanks to the nonstick coating, it only needs a quick wash with hot soapy water to get it looking as good as new
Although traditional splatter guards are great at keeping your surfaces clean while you're cooking, they dramatically restrict access and need to be removed and replaced whenever you need to stir or flip something.
However, with the Frywall Splatter Guard, this issue is now a thing of the past!
Designed to sit directly inside your pan rather than covering the top, you’ll be given complete access to your ingredients while still keeping everything contained.
This clever design also allows steam and moisture to escape more easily, allowing you more control. You can even season whenever you need to without having to remove the screen.
This splatter guard has multipurpose functionality too and can be used to prevent anything from spilling over the edge in an overly-full pan.
When you’ve finished with it, cleaning couldn’t be easier as you can simply place it in the dishwasher, and it can also be rolled up for compact, convenient storage.
Constructed from BPA-free, FDA-compliant silicone, this splatter guard is safe at temperatures up to 450ºF. It’s also available in three different colors to suit any personal taste or kitchen design scheme.
Pros:
Sits directly inside your pan rather than covering the top, allowing you access to your ingredients while still keeping your surfaces clean and protected
Allows steam and moisture to escape without any risk of ingredients spitting out of the pan
Can also be used to help contain ingredients, such as vegetables, inside an overfilled pan
Constructed from BPA-free, FDA-compliant silicone and safe to use at temperatures up to 450ºF
Is easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and can be rolled up for compact storage
Cons:
Only fits 10” pans and, if used in anything smaller, will not be effective at preventing splattering
This Set of 3 Grease Splatter Screens from BitimexHome offers you the ability to perfectly match a splatter guard to the size of your pan and completely prevent anything from spitting onto your surfaces.
With this set, you have the choice of switching between an 8”, 10”, and 11” guard depending on your needs.
Each of the guards included in this set is constructed from a high-quality stainless steel mesh that is supported by a stainless steel frame. This ensures great durability, and also means that each of the guards is resistant to rust and corrosion.
They also have a sturdy, plastic handle with an extra-long design. This allows you to safely place and remove the guards without any risk of getting burnt by splattering grease.
These handles have been extra-tightened too, and this prevents them from loosening over time.
The slim design of these splatter guards allows you to store them away neatly without taking up too much space in your cabinets.
They’re incredibly easy to clean too and can be placed in the dishwasher. They are also available with black or red handles to suit your personal taste or to match your kitchen’s color scheme.
Pros:
A set of three splatter guards in sizes of 8”, 10”, and 11” to perfectly fit a variety of pan sizes
Constructed from high-quality stainless steel to offer fantastic durability
Features an extra-long, plastic handle to keep you at a safe distance from splattering grease when in use
Can be stored away neatly and are dishwasher safe
Available with red or black handles to match your kitchen’s color scheme
Cons:
Although the handle is extra-long, it isn’t heat resistant. This means you may have to use an oven mitt when removing and replacing the guards.
Unlike most traditional splatter guards, this Splatter Screen from OXO is constructed from perforated stainless steel instead of mesh. This means it won’t clog with grease and trap moisture inside the pan, or burn over time.
Several concentric circles placed at intervals across this splatter guard allow you to use it with frying pans up to 13” wide while keeping it centered and secured.
By doing this, you won’t have to worry about keeping a constant eye on it, allowing you to get on with other jobs in the kitchen.
The ergonomic handle features a soft, comfortable grip for removing and replacing the splatter guard as needed.
It can also be folded on top of the screen for compact storage by simply sliding the securing button and pushing the handle back.
Another fantastic thing about the perforated stainless steel construction is that it also makes cleaning this splatter guard much easier.
There’s no need for scrubbing or trying to get into the mesh holes, and it can even be placed in the dishwasher for ultimate convenience.
Pros:
Constructed from perforated stainless steel that doesn’t clog with grease or trap moisture inside the pan
Can fit frying pans up to 13” wide and features concentric circles to hold it steadily in place
Has an ergonomically designed handle with a soft, comfortable grip
The handle can also be folded flat for compact storage
Is really easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher
Cons:
Some people found the button that locks the handle in place was a little stiff at first. However, it soon loosened up over time.
If you’re short on space, a splatter guard might seem like something you just don’t have room for.
And, while folding handles are great, they do come with the added risk of eventually breaking off.
So what’s the solution to these problems? This is where the Homestia Set of 3 Grease Splatter Screens comes to the rescue!
Cleverly designed with a handle placed on top of the guard, you’ll be able to stop grease from splattering all over your kitchen without having to deal with long handles.
These handles have a large hole in the center too, allowing you to easily slide your finger inside to lift them away.
This set comprises three differently sized splatter screens (10”, 11.5”, and 13”), allowing you to fit each one perfectly across a range of pots and pans.
Each one is constructed from stainless steel too, so they are highly durable, and the fine mesh-weave keeps even the smallest drop of grease contained within the pan.
These splatter screens are really easy to clean too and are completely dishwasher safe.
So, if you’re looking for some fantastic splatter screens that are both easy to store and convenient to use, look no further than these!
Pros:
A set of three splatter screens in sizes of 10”, 11.5”, and 13”
Cleverly designed with a top-located handle that allows you to store them compactly
Each handle has a large hole cut out of the center to provide easy access
Constructed from stainless steel and has a fine mesh-weave to keep grease and liquids well-contained
Can be placed in the dishwasher for super easy cleaning
Cons:
Extra care must be taken when removing the lids, as you’ll need to place your hand directly above the pan.
With its multipurpose-functionality, this 11” Silicone Splatter Screen from iOrange is the perfect choice for anybody who really likes getting extra value for their money.
Not only is it fantastic for preventing grease and liquids from splattering everywhere while you cook, but it can also be used as a strainer and a cooling mat.
Let’s take a look at what makes it such a great splatter screen, to begin with. The perforated design keeps everything contained within your pan, but doesn’t clog or discolor as traditional mesh can.
It also has a highly durable stainless steel frame and BPA-free silicone construction. This means it can be used at high temperatures without absorbing any heat making it one of the safest options available.
The handle is also coated with silicone, so it remains cool throughout use. This provides you with an extra-secure grip on the splatter guard too, reducing the risk of accidentally dropping it as you remove it from our pan. The handle also folds flat for easy storage.
The entire splatter guard can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Likewise, it can be washed with hot water and dish soap without any need for heavy-duty scrubbing.
It’s also very reasonably priced and would be a great choice for anybody with a smaller budget.
Pros:
Can be used as a splatter guard, steamer, strainer, and cooling mat
Constructed from high-quality stainless steel and BPA-free silicone for food-safe, durable use
Has a perforated design that doesn’t clog with grease or discolor over time
Features a folding, silicone-coated handle that stays cool throughout cooking and offers a secure grip
Is easy to clean and can be placed straight in the dishwasher for ultimate convenience
Cons:
Is only suitable for use on pans up to 11” in size
7 Best Splatter Guards Buying Guide
Although buying a splatter guard might seem like a fairly straightforward process, there are some things you need to consider first.
Getting it wrong could cost you time and money, resulting in a messy kitchen and untold frustration.
Below, we’ve listed some key areas to think about when you begin shopping for a splatter guard.
From the size of your pan to the available space in your cupboards, giving each of these a little thought before finalizing your purchase will help you find the best splatter guard for your kitchen set up the first time around.
Size
The first, and arguably the most important, thing you need to think about when you’re purchasing a splatter guard is the size.
Using a splatter guard that is too small for your pan will only protect your surfaces from a portion of spitting grease as a lot of the pan will still be exposed.
Likewise, a splatter guard that is too big for your pan could tip over, taking the pan with it and potentially causing a serious injury.
Luckily, splatter guards come in a variety of sizes to prevent these issues from occurring. The best thing to do is to measure the diameter of your pans and find a splatter guard that matches them in inches.
But what if you have a variety of pans you’d like to cover with a splatter guard? This is where a set of three or more could be the best option.
Buying a set of splatter guards that come in different sizes will also help save you money, as you won’t have to worry about purchasing a separate one for each specific pan.
Design
As well as being available in different sizes, splatter guards come in a few different designs.
Each of these is perfect for certain cooking situations and kitchen setups, so it’s important to think about which would be best for your needs.
The first, and most traditional design, is the ‘cover’ splatter guard. This lays directly on top of your pan and creates a shield across the entire top to prevent grease and liquids from spitting out.
This is a good choice for preventing as much splattering as possible, and it’s also incredibly easy to use with a simple ‘remove and replace’ design.
A lot of splatter guards that are designed to lay on top of your pan offer you multifunctionality too and can be used to drain vegetables or as a cooling rack.
Another design available to choose from is the ‘open-top’ design. Unlike a splatter guard that covers the top of your pan, this will sit inside your pan and prevents anything from spitting out by using a high-walled design.
By doing this, it allows moisture and steam to escape while keeping hot oil and fat from splattering out onto you or your surfaces.
The open-top design also gives you access to the ingredients while you're cooking, allowing you to stir or season whenever necessary.
Finally, the last design to consider is a three-sided splatter guard. Unlike the other two options, this builds a free-standing barrier around your pan that catches any spitting liquids or oils. It also gives you unrestricted access to your ingredients.
Another fantastic thing about the three-sided design is that it has multipurpose-functionality. So whether you’re whipping some cream or blending a homemade soup, you’ll be able to create a shield around the bowl and keep your surfaces protected.
Whichever design you choose, one thing you must be certain of is that your splatter guard remains firmly in place the entire time it’s in use.
Again, there are few design elements that can help you make sure the splatter guard doesn’t flip over or fall down.
Some splatter guards feature concentric circles throughout their surface, and these are designed to lock and hold them in place by lining them up with the outer ring of your pan.
This is especially useful if you need to move away from the hob to carry on with something else, as you won’t need to constantly monitor the pan.
If you opt for a three-sided splatter guard, make sure that it is evenly weighted and, as such, can stand by itself without falling over.
If not, it could fall onto your pan or, worse still, knock it onto the floor, causing hot grease to fly everywhere in the process.
Material
The material that your splatter guard is made of will often be dictated by the design you’ve chosen, and there are a couple of standout materials to look for that will offer you durability and performance.
The most popular material used in the construction of splatter guards is stainless steel.
This is because it is highly durable, rust-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, so it can be used at high temperatures and be exposed to steam or moisture without getting damaged.
Stainless steel is also really strong, so it’s ideal for keeping the splatter guard firmly in place while you’re cooking.
Another great material to look out for when shopping for a splatter guard is silicone. This can withstand really high temperatures, up to 450ºF in some cases, without getting damaged in any way.
One of the most remarkable things about silicone, however, is that despite being able to handle these high temperatures it doesn’t absorb any heat.
This is super useful when used in the construction of a handle because you’ll be able to safely maneuver the splatter guard without any risk of getting burnt.
Handle
While we’re on the subject of handles, let’s take a closer look at some of the things to think about when looking at this aspect of your spatter guard.
As we’ve mentioned above, it should ideally be made of a material that stays cool when exposed to high temperatures, such as silicone.
If you’d prefer a metal or plastic handle, however, it’s a good idea to make sure it has an extra-long design.
This will keep the part of the handle you’ll use for maneuvering the pan further away from the heat and, in turn, will reduce the amount of heat it absorbs.
Some splatter guards feature handles that are located directly on top of them, much like saucepan lids, and these are a great way of saving both kitchen cabinet and stovetop space.
And, if you’re concerned about how much space your splatter guard will take up in your cabinets, look for one with a folding handle.
This will allow you to store it away compactly by reducing the overall size of the splatter guard.
Cleaning
We all know that cooking can be a messy business, which is why you’re thinking about buying a splatter guard in the first place!
With that in mind, it’s important to look at how easy your chosen splatter guard will be to clean.
A lot of splatter guards are dishwasher safe and this is by far the easiest option for cleaning the grease, oil, and sauces that it will catch.
However, it is important to check whether you can place it in the dishwasher first, otherwise, it could end up causing damage and voiding any warranty it might come with.
If the splatter guard you’re thinking of buying isn’t dishwasher safe, take a look to see how easy it will be to clean by hand.
Some splatter guards have been treated with a nonstick coating to make hand washing them much easier, and this also means that you won’t have to worry about scrubbing away at it or soaking it for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a splatter guard used for?
A splatter guard is a piece of kitchen equipment that is used to prevent oil, grease, and other liquids from spitting out of a pan while it cooks.
They are ideal for keeping your kitchen countertops clean, as well as making sure that you’re protected from hot grease while you’re cooking.
What is the best splatter guard?
This comes down to two things - personal preference and the setup of your kitchen. Splatter guards are available in a range of sizes, designs, and materials.
Some cover the pan completely while others build a protective barrier around it. To help you find the best splatter guard for your needs, check out our buyer’s guide above.
Splatter Guards: Buyer’s Guide and 7 Best Picks
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
