Marianne Martinez
Splatter screens are a handy tool to keep your stove and counters clean while cooking. They are simple to use: when cooking something that is creating droplets, place the screen over the top of the pan. The screen will then catch any oil or other droplets, such as tomato sauce, thrown off by the food without trapping water and making your food soggy. They are made of stainless steel or aluminum and are available in different sizes. While splatter screens do not prevent all splatter, they do significantly reduce it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Place over a pan during cooking to prevent hot oil or food from splattering onto the stovetop and countertop |
| Effectiveness | Significantly reduces splatter but does not stop it completely |
| Types | Mesh or perforated metal screen; wall-type splatter preventer; microwave cover |
| Materials | Stainless steel, aluminium, silicone |
| Features | Reinforced edge, folding handle, perforated holes, flower petal-shaped flaps, knob-style handle, lip on the handle, heat-resistant |
| Price | $19 to $23 |
| Ease of cleaning | Dishwasher-safe, hand-wash |
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What You'll Learn
Splatter screens are useful for more than just frying
Splatter screens are a handy tool to keep your stove clean and grease-free. They are particularly useful when frying foods, as they prevent oil splatters and reduce cleanup time. However, splatter screens are not just limited to frying. Here are some additional uses for splatter screens that go beyond frying:
- Simmering Sauces: Splatter screens are useful when simmering sauces, such as tomato sauce or soup. They help contain splatters and prevent messes while allowing steam to escape. Some screens have flaps or petals that lift up to let out steam while keeping the mess contained.
- Cooking Steaks and Chicken: In addition to frying, splatter screens are helpful when cooking steaks or chicken breasts in a cast-iron skillet. They can prevent grease splatters and keep your stovetop clean.
- Microwave Use: While most splatter screens are designed for stovetop use, some models are microwave-friendly. These screens can be used when heating leftovers or cooking steamed vegetables in the microwave, preventing splatters and making cleanup easier.
- Controlling Steam: Certain splatter screens are designed to control steam release. They have a smaller opening to allow steam to escape while minimizing splatters. This feature is useful when cooking foods that create a lot of steam, such as boiling pasta or frothy liquids.
- Containing Greens: Some splatter screens, especially those with a wall design, are useful for containing piles of spinach or other greens in a pot. They keep the greens neatly in place until they cook down, preventing them from spilling over.
- Straining and Sifting: Splatter screens made from stainless steel mesh can double as tools for straining liquids and sifting dry goods like flour. The fine weave of the mesh keeps droplets in the pan while allowing liquids or fine particles to pass through.
- Odor Control: Some splatter screens come with activated carbon filters inside the mesh. These filters help minimize lingering cooking odors, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
So, while splatter screens are commonly associated with frying, they offer a range of benefits for various cooking tasks, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen.
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They come in different materials, shapes and sizes
Splatter screens are available in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. The most common type is a simple, lightweight design made of stainless steel mesh, but they can also be found in solid stainless steel with holes, silicone, or a combination of silicone and stainless steel. Some splatter screens have a basic design, while others have folding handles or unique shapes, such as a wall-like design.
When selecting a splatter screen, it is important to consider the size of your pots and pans. While a super-large splatter screen may seem convenient, balancing it on a small pot can be challenging. Therefore, it is recommended to match the screen size to the pots and pans you will be using. If you are primarily concerned about splatter when using a large frying pan, a large screen is a good option. Additionally, screens that are too small can slip into the pan, potentially causing spills and hazards. As such, it is generally advised to choose a screen that is slightly larger than your largest pan.
Splatter screens come in various sizes, including 8, 10, 11, 11.5, 12.5, 12.75, 13.5, and 15 inches in diameter. Some sets offer a range of sizes, such as the U.S. Kitchen Supply Set, which includes 8-inch, 10-inch, and 11-inch screens. This variety allows you to cover multiple pots and pans simultaneously and accommodate different cooking scenarios.
The material of the splatter screen is another important consideration. Stainless steel is the most common material, known for its durability and ability to block splatters. Silicone is also a popular choice due to its high heat resistance, making it suitable for use as a trivet or strainer. Other materials include plastic, which is often used for the handles, and nylon, which stays cool during cooking. Some screens may also feature a combination of materials, such as silicone and stainless steel, to offer the benefits of both.
In addition to the size and material, splatter screens can vary in shape and design. Some have folding handles, making them more compact and space-efficient. Others have unique shapes, such as the wall-like design that fits over the pan like a high-walled wok, containing sideways splatter while allowing easy access for stirring or flipping food. This type of design also prevents condensation buildup and is useful when cooking foods that need to be contained, such as spinach or other greens.
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They can be used to warm plates
Splatter screens are designed to cover pans to reduce spills and splatters during cooking. They are particularly useful for frying foods, which can cause grease to splatter all over the stovetop, cookware, and the cook. They can also be useful when cooking soups or sauces, which may get "splashy".
While splatter screens are typically used during cooking, they can also be used to warm plates. Here are some ways in which splatter screens can be used for warming plates:
- Microwaving: Some splatter screens are designed for use in the microwave. Thin silicone mesh rounds, for example, can be draped over a bowl or placed on top of a dinner plate to contain splashes and splatters while allowing steam to escape. This can be useful when reheating meals in the microwave, as it can prevent splatters inside the microwave, which can be difficult to clean.
- Warming plates: Splatter screens can be used to warm plates, either by placing them directly on top of a warm plate or bowl, or by using them to cover a plate or bowl that is being heated in the microwave. This can help to ensure that the plate or bowl remains warm while also containing any splashes or splatters.
- Colanders: Some splatter screens have vents for evaporation that can double as holes for use as a colander. This means that they can be placed over a plate or bowl to drain water from food, while also containing any mess.
- Trivets: Some splatter screens can be used as trivets, which are heat-resistant pads or stands that protect surfaces from hot dishes. This means that they can be placed under a hot plate or bowl to protect the surface from heat damage.
While splatter screens can be used to warm plates, it is important to note that not all splatter screens are suitable for this purpose. Some splatter screens may be too large or made of materials that are not microwave-safe. It is important to check the specifications of your splatter screen before using it for this purpose.
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They don't trap steam
Splatter screens are designed to cut down on splashing and reduce cleanup time. They are particularly useful when frying foods, which can cause grease to splatter all over the stovetop, cookware, and the cook. They can also be handy when cooking soups or sauces that tend to get splashy.
While splatter screens are effective at containing splatters, they don't trap steam. Some models have perforations or mesh designs that allow for airflow and prevent the buildup of steam. For example, the Oggi splatter screen features a combination of a metal rim and mesh screen for airflow. Similarly, the Frywall, a conical band of silicone that fits inside the pan, minimizes splatter while still allowing steam to escape.
However, some splatter screens can trap too much steam, leading to issues. For instance, the Khun Rikon silicone model can be adjusted to control the amount of steam, but when fully closed, it can cause food to steam excessively. Likewise, models with perforations can trap too much air, leading to the release of too much moisture. This can cause oil or grease to cake onto the splatter guard, resulting in smoking and making cleanup more challenging.
To avoid these issues, it's important to choose a splatter screen that allows for adequate airflow. Models with larger holes or mesh designs tend to perform better in this regard, as they let just enough air out without steaming the food. Additionally, it's recommended to select a splatter screen that fits your pan size properly, as an ill-fitting screen can affect its ability to contain splatters and steam effectively.
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They are available at a range of price points
Splatter screens are available at a range of price points, from budget-friendly options to more expensive, premium models. The price of a splatter screen often reflects its quality, durability, and performance.
For example, the OXO Softworks Stainless Steel Splatter Screen, priced at $23, is a popular choice that offers good value for money. It features a folding handle and embossed grooves that accommodate different-sized pans. However, its oversized design may be bulky for some users. Another affordable option is the BitimexHome BitMex Home Splatter Screen Set, which offers three different-sized screens for $21. This set provides versatility at a reasonable price, although it may take up too much storage space.
On the higher end of the price spectrum, the Le Creuset Splatter Guard is a premium option known for its fine mesh and stainless steel construction. It effectively blocks splatters, manages moisture, and is oven-safe up to 465 degrees Fahrenheit. The All-Clad Splatter Screen is another high-quality choice, featuring a sturdy stay-cool handle and a mesh screen that allows steam to escape. While it is easy to clean and appears durable, the All-Clad screen may be more expensive than other options.
In addition to these options, there are several other splatter screens available at varying price points. The Frywall Splatter Guard, for instance, is priced at $24 and is suitable for high-heat frying. The Williams Sonoma Silicone Splatter Screen, known for its folding design, and the BergKoch screen, which performs above average at a reasonable price, are also worth considering. Ultimately, the price range of splatter screens allows consumers to find options that suit their budgets and specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
A splatter screen is a mesh or perforated metal screen that you can place over a pan during cooking to prevent hot oil or food from splattering onto the stovetop and countertop.
When you’re cooking something that is creating a lot of droplets around the burner on the stove, simply place the screen over the top of the pan. The screen will catch any oil or other droplets without trapping water and making your food soggy.
Splatter screens do work, but they don't eliminate splatter entirely. They significantly reduce splatter and sit flush with cookware.
Most splatter screens are dishwasher-safe, but consult the manufacturer's instructions before washing. Some of the odor-absorbing models are best when washed by hand. To clean a splatter screen by hand, rinse with hot water and use a stiff-bristle brush and dish soap to remove oil and debris.
