Cover Your Pans: Stop Grease Splatter

Grease splatters can be a real issue when cooking, and if not taken care of, can become baked on and difficult to remove. Luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent grease from splattering all over your kitchen.

Use a splatter screen

Grease splatters can be a nuisance, leaving a mess that can be difficult to clean. A splatter screen is a simple yet effective solution to this problem.

A splatter screen is a circular mesh screen that can be placed over pans and pots to reduce the amount of oil that escapes during cooking. It is a simple tool: a mesh screen stretched across a metal circle with a handle. The mesh keeps most of the grease in the pan, while still allowing steam to escape. This is an important feature, as using a lid to cover your pan can change the cooking method by trapping steam inside, which may ruin your food.

Splatter screens are versatile and can be used for any cooking task that involves splattering, not just frying. They can be used to reduce the mess when making pasta sauce, for example, or even for steaming tortillas. They are also useful for controlling the amount of oil that enters the pan while frying.

When choosing a splatter screen, you can find silicone models, and they are often sold in sets of different sizes. A simple, cheap model that costs less than $10 will do the trick. A 12-inch screen works for every size pan, as it doesn't matter if the screen is larger than the pan it's covering.

So, if you're tired of the mess and hassle of grease splatters, a splatter screen is a great solution. It will keep your stove clean, your body safe from grease burns, and your food crispy and delicious.

Use a splatter shield

Using a splatter shield is an effective way to reduce grease splatter when cooking. A splatter shield is a circular mesh screen that can be placed over pots and pans to reduce the amount of oil that escapes during cooking. It also helps control the amount of oil that enters the pan while frying.

Splatter shields are typically made from stainless steel with an extra-fine mesh. They feature a heat-resistant handle, so you can manipulate them without needing oven mitts or potholders. The mesh allows steam to escape, ensuring your food cooks evenly and retains its intended texture and flavor.

Splatter shields come in various sizes, with diameters ranging from 8 to 15 inches, to fit different pan sizes. They are designed with stability in mind, featuring resting feet that keep the greasy side off your countertop. This also provides airflow, making them ideal for cooling baked goods.

When using a splatter shield, ensure it is placed with the feet and frame facing up while cooking. This will protect your hands from burns and blisters caused by hot oil. After cooking, place the shield with the feet and frame facing down on the counter or stove to cut down on cleanup and keep your counters free of oily residue.

To clean your splatter shield, simply wipe it down, rinse it under running water, or put it in the dishwasher. Stainless steel splatter shields are rust-free and stay looking new with minimal effort.

Using a splatter shield is a great way to keep your kitchen grease-free and your cooking experience safe and enjoyable. It is a handy tool that every home chef should have in their arsenal to make cleanup a breeze and protect against painful burns.

Use a lid

Using a lid is a great way to prevent grease from splattering all over your stove and the surrounding area. It is a simple and effective solution that can save you a lot of cleaning time and effort.

When preparing food with wet heat, such as steaming, a lid can trap water droplets and prevent the pan's contents from splattering. This is especially useful if you are using a multicooker, as the pressurized lid will lock in any food that might splash out. Just remember to lift the lid away from your body when removing it to avoid steam burns, as some splatter may still escape.

If you are concerned about steam building up inside the pan, you can make the lid sit slightly off-center to release some heat. This will allow steam to escape while still containing the grease splatter.

Using a lid is also a good option if you are cooking with a pan that has shorter sides, as it can help to prevent grease from escaping over the edges. However, keep in mind that using a lid may affect the cooking time and method of your food, especially if you are frying, as it can change the heat profile of the pan and promote steaming.

So, if you are looking for a simple and effective way to reduce grease splatter, using a lid is a great option. Just remember to take the necessary precautions to avoid steam burns and adjust your cooking methods accordingly.

Pat food dry before frying

In addition to drying your food before frying, there are other methods to minimise grease splatter. One way is to use a splatter screen or shield, which is a perforated section of metal placed over your pan. This allows vapours to escape while containing the oil within the pan. Another method is to choose the right cookware. Opt for a pan with taller sides, as this will help contain the splatter. Also, avoid overcrowding your pan with food, as this can cause sticking and produce steam that leads to splatter. Finally, be mindful of the amount of oil you use. When pan-frying, add just enough oil to cover the bottom of your ingredients, rather than filling up the pan.

Use a deeper pan

Using a deeper pan is an effective way to prevent grease splatter when frying food. A deeper pan, such as a 4-quart pan, provides more space and higher sides to contain the splatter. This prevents the grease from escaping the pan and making a mess on your stovetop.

When frying, it is important to use an appropriate amount of oil or butter. Too much fat in the pan can lead to excessive splattering. Therefore, use just enough to cook and prevent food from sticking. Additionally, ensure that the food you are frying is dry before placing it in the pan. Water and oil do not mix, and adding food with water content to hot oil will cause splattering.

You can also use a splatter screen or lid in conjunction with a deeper pan to further reduce splatter. A splatter screen is a circular mesh screen that can be placed over the pan to catch the splatter while still allowing steam to escape. For larger pans, a lid can be used to contain the grease.

Frequently asked questions