A splatter cover is about the cheapest way to keep a microwave clean, and it can replace a lot of paper towels and plastic wrap. The differences that matter are simple: will it fit over your dish, will it fit in your oven, will it let steam out, and where will you put it when you’re done.
Here are seven covers in silicone, glass, plastic and mesh. We have not used them. The details come from makers and listings, and since we didn’t find a rigorous independent test of these covers, we say so plainly. If you want a guard for a frying pan instead, go to our splatter screen guide.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications, maker information and the sources we name.
Quick verdict: which microwave splatter cover to buy
Buy the Tovolo Collapsible Cover if you’re short on storage space, since it folds to under an inch and rinses produce too. For the plainest choice with a real warranty, buy the Nordic Ware two-pack. If you’d rather have glass over your food than plastic, the Le’raze glass cover is the one to look at.
Five covers side by side
Five of the seven, one for each need. All seven are covered in full below.
| Pick | Best for | Material | Fits | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tovolo Collapsible Splatter Cover, 10.5-InchBest overall
|
Small storage spaces | Silicone | Plates and bowls under 10 in. | View on Amazon |
Nordic Ware Splatter Cover, 10-Inch, Set of 2Best two-pack
|
A plain, spare cover | BPA- and melamine-free plastic | 10.4 in. inside the lip | View on Amazon |
Frigidaire Collapsible Splatter CoverBest hybrid
|
Glass top that still folds | Glass and silicone | 10.5 in. plates | View on Amazon |
Le’raze Tall Glass Splatter CoverBest glass cover
|
Glass rather than plastic | Borosilicate glass | 10 in. wide per listing | View on Amazon |
Smartwares Microwave Spatter Screen, 13-InchBest for odd shapes
|
Any shape of dish | Non-stick mesh | 13 in. drape | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best microwave splatter cover
1. Tovolo Collapsible Splatter Cover, 10.5-Inch – Folds Flat, Rinses Produce
Tovolo’s silicone cover pops up to 3 inches tall for deeper bowls and folds down to 0.75 inches for a drawer. It measures 10.5 inches across and fits over most plates and bowls under 10 inches in diameter. The vents let steam out, and the same holes make it work as a colander for rinsing fruit.
Tovolo’s own advice is worth following: don’t pull on the handle to open it, but push up from the top. It’s also dishwasher safe, which Tovolo points out as an advantage over magnetic covers. The listing states it isn’t covered by a warranty.
Tovolo comes up often in online roundups of microwave covers, but we didn’t find a real test behind them, so we aren’t treating that as proof. If you use big dinner plates, check the size, since 10 inches is the limit. Tovolo also sells small and extra-large sizes.
Why we like it
- Folds to 0.75 inches
- Doubles as a colander
- Dishwasher safe
- Other sizes available
Key specifications
| Model | 81-31531 |
|---|---|
| Material | Food-grade silicone, BPA free |
| Size | 10.5 x 10.5 x 3 in. |
| Fits | Plates and bowls under 10 in. |
| Venting | Vents throughout |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Listing states no warranty |
Why we recommend it
Suits most kitchens, and especially small ones where a rigid dome has nowhere to go between uses.
Skip it if you often reheat on plates over 10 inches. Look at Tovolo’s larger size instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Compact
- Two jobs in one
- Easy to wash
Cons
- No warranty stated
- Handle shouldn’t be used for opening
- Not see-through
2. Nordic Ware Splatter Cover, 10-Inch, Set of 2 – Plain, Clear and Backed
This is the classic clear dome, in a pack of two. Nordic Ware gives the dimensions in detail: 10.4 inches inside the lip, 10.5 inches outside and 3.1 inches tall. Vents in the top stop steam from building up.
It’s made in the USA from plastic free of BPA and melamine, top-rack dishwasher safe, and carries a 5-year warranty. That warranty stands out among covers this simple. Having two means one can be in the wash while the other is in use.
Nordic Ware also makes a single Deluxe Plate Cover, but it says the dishwasher isn’t recommended for that one, so we prefer this pack. A rigid dome doesn’t fold, so plan a place for it.
Why we like it
- Clear, so you can watch the food
- Detailed dimensions from the maker
- 5-year warranty
- Made in USA
Key specifications
| Model | 65044AMZ |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA- and melamine-free plastic |
| Size | 10.5 in. x 3.1 in. tall |
| Fits | 10.4 in. inside the lip |
| Venting | Top vents |
| Dishwasher | Top rack |
| Made in | USA |
| Warranty | 5-year |
Why we recommend it
Suits a household that uses a cover every day and likes a plain, clear dome from a maker with a warranty.
Skip it if storage is tight. Two rigid domes take up more room than a folding cover.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two covers in the pack
- See-through
- Long warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t fold
- Takes up cabinet room
3. Frigidaire Collapsible Splatter Cover – Glass Top, Folding Sides
Frigidaire’s cover has a glass top with a silicone body that collapses, so you get a clear view of your food and still save some space. The top has a vent for steam, and the listing says it fits standard 10.5-inch plates and can also go over bowls. It’s dishwasher safe and BPA free.
The listing puts it at about 10.6 inches across and 2.2 inches tall. It’s heavier than the silicone or plastic picks, at about 1.6 pounds, so it needs a little more care around a turntable. The warranty is short at 30 days.
It’s a good match for anyone who dislikes the opaque look of a full silicone cover. Bear in mind that the listing doesn’t give a place of manufacture.
Why we like it
- See through the glass top
- Silicone sides collapse
- Vent in the top
- Sold by Amazon at last check
Key specifications
| Model | FRIGSPLAT |
|---|---|
| Material | Glass top, silicone body |
| Size | 10.6 x 2.2 in. |
| Fits | Standard 10.5 in. plates, bowls |
| Venting | Top vent |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | 30-day limited |
Why we recommend it
Suits someone who wants to watch the food heat through and still collapse the cover for a cabinet.
Skip it if you want a long warranty or a very light cover. Thirty days is short.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear view
- Collapses
- BPA free
Cons
- Short warranty
- Heavier than silicone
4. Le’raze Tall Glass Splatter Cover – Glass Instead of Plastic
This is a tall dome of borosilicate glass with a silicone grip on top. The listing gives its size as 11.75 inches long, 10 inches wide and 4.25 inches tall, and a weight of 3 pounds. Two vent holes sit on the side rather than the top, which the seller says lets steam out without burning your hand when you lift it.
The seller says it’s dishwasher safe and won’t absorb odors or stains. Those claims, and the lead-free wording in the title, come from the listing. Le’raze is an Amazon-first brand and we couldn’t find a maker statement behind them, so treat them as seller claims.
Weight is the real issue here. Three pounds of glass on a turntable needs a steady hand, and a drop could shatter it. Check your oven’s height too, since it stands over 4 inches.
Why we like it
- Glass dome, no plastic
- Side vents
- Tall enough for bowls
- Silicone grip
Key specifications
| Model | gl932 |
|---|---|
| Material | Borosilicate glass, silicone handle |
| Size | 11.75 x 10 x 4.25 in. |
| Fits | Not stated beyond its size |
| Venting | Two side vents |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits a cook who doesn’t want a plastic dome over hot food, and who reheats in deep bowls.
Skip it if you have a small oven, or worry about dropping something heavy and breakable.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Tall
- Seller says it won’t melt or fade
- See-through
Cons
- Heavy at 3 pounds
- Can break
- Claims come from the seller
5. Chef Craft Classic Microwave Cover, 10-Inch – The Plain Basic Dome
Chef Craft’s cover is the most basic option here: a clear 10-inch dome about 2.5 inches tall with vents. It’s light at around two ounces, so it’s easy to move but also easy to bump. The listing says it’s top-rack dishwasher safe.
There’s little else to say, and the listing doesn’t say much either. It doesn’t give the plastic type, a temperature limit, or a warranty. It was sold by a third party, Toy-Mart & Plus, when we checked, so confirm the seller before buying.
For an occasional reheat, a simple cover like this does what most people need. If you use one every day, Nordic Ware gives you more information and a warranty.
Why we like it
- Very simple to use
- Light
- Clear
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 21568 |
|---|---|
| Material | Clear plastic, type not stated |
| Size | 10 in. x 2.5 in. tall |
| Fits | Not stated beyond its size |
| Venting | Vents |
| Dishwasher | Top rack |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits someone who heats food now and then and wants a basic cover with no extras.
Skip it if you want material details or a warranty. This listing has neither.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple
- Very light
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Few details
- Third-party seller at last check
6. HIC Kitchen Splatter Guards, Set of 4 – Flat Sheets for Any Bowl
HIC’s guards are quite different from the rest: thin, flat sheets of BPA-free plastic that lie across a bowl or container. You get two small (5 x 5 inches) and two large (9 x 9 inches), so you can match the sheet to the dish. The textured surface lets steam vent.
They store flat, which makes them about the most compact option on this page. HIC says they’re heat safe to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and asks you to hand wash them in warm, soapy water.
That heat limit deserves attention. Fats can get hotter than boiling water, so we wouldn’t use these over bacon or anything very greasy. They suit soups, leftovers and vegetables, and because they lie flat, they won’t do for food that sits higher than the rim.
Why we like it
- Two sizes in the pack
- Stores completely flat
- Covers bowls and deep dishes
- Replaces plastic wrap
Key specifications
| Model | 22194 |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Size | Two 5 x 5 in., two 9 x 9 in. |
| Fits | Bowls, containers, deep dishes |
| Venting | Textured surface |
| Dishwasher | No, hand wash |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits someone reheating soup or leftovers in bowls and storage containers, particularly in a kitchen with no spare cabinet room.
Skip it if you reheat greasy food or heaped plates. A flat sheet can’t clear them and the heat limit is low.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very compact
- Fits small containers
- Four in the pack
Cons
- 212-degree limit
- Hand wash only
- Doesn’t clear tall food
7. Smartwares Microwave Spatter Screen, 13-Inch – A Mesh That Drapes Over Anything
This is a 13-inch sheet of flexible, non-stick mesh with small beads that weight the edge. Instead of sitting on the plate rim, it drapes over the food, so it can handle a tall sandwich or an oddly shaped dish that a dome wouldn’t clear. It folds flat, and the listing suggests simply storing it inside the microwave.
The listing says it’s made in the USA, by and supporting adults with disabilities, and describes it as BPA free and tested as safe for food contact. It also claims a lifetime warranty. You clean it by rinsing it. We haven’t seen the test itself, so that claim is the maker’s.
Mesh is open, so it won’t hold in steam the way a dome does, and food may dry out more. It’s a good tool for anything you’d otherwise cover with a paper towel.
Why we like it
- Drapes over any shape
- Folds flat
- Rinses clean
- Lifetime warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 21001 |
|---|---|
| Material | Non-stick mesh with beads |
| Size | 13 in. |
| Fits | Most plates and bowls, per the listing |
| Venting | Open mesh |
| Dishwasher | Rinse to clean |
| Made in | USA |
| Warranty | Lifetime, per the listing |
Why we recommend it
Suits someone reheating oddly shaped foods, or who wants a cover that takes up no space at all.
Skip it if you want to trap steam so that leftovers stay moist. A closed dome will do better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits almost anything
- Takes no storage room
- Made in USA, per the listing
Cons
- Holds less steam
- Food-contact testing not shown to us
How to choose a microwave plate cover
Measure your dishes and your oven
A cover should clear the plate with room to sit flat, and your oven needs height for it, especially glass domes over 4 inches tall. A plate larger than the cover’s stated limit means choosing another size.
Pick a material for your habits
Silicone folds and is light. Rigid plastic is simple and clear. Glass is clear and heavy, and it can break. Mesh and flat sheets store easily but do less to hold in moisture.
Look at the vents
You want steam to get out. The FDA says most microwave injuries are burns from hot containers, hot food and bursting liquids, so lift any cover away from you and let the steam go first. Vents help, but they don’t remove the need for care.
Check how it’s washed
Some of these go in the dishwasher and some don’t. Nordic Ware says its two-pack is top-rack safe but advises against the dishwasher for its Deluxe cover, and HIC says to hand wash.
Read the heat limits
A few makers give numbers. HIC’s is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why we’d keep those sheets away from fatty food. If a listing doesn’t give a limit, follow the maker’s stated uses.
How we picked these seven microwave covers
We looked for covers sold for microwave use from makers we could identify, with at most two Amazon-first brands, and each one in stock with a new offer when we checked. None repeat the stovetop screens on our splatter screen page. We read each listing and looked for independent reviews. A search turned up roundup articles, mainly favoring Tovolo, but we did not find a proper test. So our judgment here rests on makers’ statements and specifications, and we didn’t test them ourselves.
Progressive’s collapsible cover showed limited stock when we looked, so we left it out.
Microwave splatter cover questions, answered
What’s the difference between a splatter cover and a splatter screen?
A splatter screen is usually a metal mesh for a frying pan, and that isn’t made for the microwave. A microwave cover is made from plastic, silicone, glass or non-metal mesh. Use the one that’s made for the job.
Can a microwave plate cover go in the dishwasher?
Many can, but not all. Tovolo’s, Frigidaire’s and Chef Craft’s listings say yes, HIC says to hand wash, and Nordic Ware doesn’t recommend it for its Deluxe cover. Check the listing for your exact cover.
Will a cover make food heat better?
Holding in some steam can help keep leftovers moist. Our guide to reheating Mexican leftovers explains how to handle the common dishes.
Do I need a vented cover?
Yes. Steam has to go somewhere, so vents, or a loose mesh, let it out. If you’re using a closed lid, open its vent before heating.
What size microwave cover should I buy?
Measure your largest plate, then compare it with the cover’s stated limit. A 10-inch cover fits many everyday plates, but larger dinner plates need a bigger cover such as Tovolo’s XL.
Our last word on keeping the microwave clean
For most kitchens, the Tovolo collapsible cover is the most practical, and the Nordic Ware two-pack is the plain alternative. If you’re also dealing with spatter on the stove, see our splatter screen guide, and if you’re choosing the oven itself, try our countertop microwave guide.
Julia’s is a working Mexican kitchen in Houston, and nothing splatters on your side of the table when you eat with us. Call to order at (346) 546-8283, or look through our menu.