In this article we consider splatter screens and how the design of these simple accessories help keep some of the splatter away from you and the cooktop. We look at the different materials that splatter screens can be made from and also offer a few cleaning tips to help you remove those heavier grease stains and scorch marks. We also review ten of the best splatter screens available to help you find the right one; whatever the size of pan you need one for.
Best Pick
The Bellemain 13" splatter screen is our pest pick of the splatter screens as it will fit most pans, is oven safe and can redirect 99% of grease and sauce back into the pot.
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Budget Pick
The BergKoch 9½" splatter screen is our stainless steel budget pick of the splatter screens as this is ideal for using on smaller pans and its extra fine mesh will stop most splashes.
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Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Splatter Screen for Cleaner Cooking
Product Name
Grade
Bellemain 13" Splatter Screen
A
BergKoch Grease Splatter Screen
A
Zulay Kitchen 11½" Splatter Screen
B+
U.S. Kitchen Supply 13" Splatter Screen
A-
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Splatter Screen
A-
RSVP International 15" Splatter Screen
B+
BitimexHome Grease Splatter Screen Set
A-
Greenful Products 11" Splatter Screen
B+
Excelsteel 12¼" Square Splatter Screen
A-
YORLFE 11½" Silicone Splatter Screen
B+
1. Bellemain 13" Splatter Screen
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Highlighted Features
A 13" splatter screen made from 304 stainless steel with ultra-reinforced joints
Designed by industry leaders this has 35% more mesh
Can be used in the oven up to 350°F
The thermoplastic rubber (TPR) handle also has a hanging hook
Can be cleaned by wiping or placed in the dishwasher
Made with 35% more mesh and designed by industry leaders, the Bellemain 13" splatter screen is able to redirect 99% of grease and sauce back into the pot. Large enough to cover most pans and skillets, this is also oven safe up to 350°F. This splatter screen is made from high grade 304 stainless steel with ultra-reinforced joints and has a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) handle for non-slip gripping.
This can be cleaned by wiping or in the dishwasher and it has a hanging hook on the handle for easy storage. It also comes with a lifetime limited warranty. The odd buyer has found that this does not contain grease as well as they expected and there can be a chance of the mesh burning around the edge depending on the size of skillet and cooktop burner temperature used.
Pros
13" splatter screen
35% more mesh
Stainless steel
TPR handle
Oven safe
Dishwasher safe
Cons
May not contain grease as well as you would expect
Risk of the mesh burning around the edges depending on the size of pan and heat setting used
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2.
BergKoch Grease Splatter Screen
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Highlighted Features
A 9½" splatter screen made with extra fine mesh to stop 99% of splashes
Made from 304 grade stainless steel and has ultra-reinforced joints
Suitable for using on 9" or smaller pans or skillets
Ergonomic feet keep the screen off the countertop when not in use
Can be cleaned in the dishwasher
The BergKoch 9½" splatter screen is made from 304 grade stainless steel and has an extra fine mesh to stop 99% of splashes and the joints on the screen are ultra-reinforced for safety. This is suitable to use on any pan or skillet which is 9" or smaller and is suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher after use.
This also has ergonomic feet to keep the mesh off the countertop when not in use and the thermoplastic rubber (TPR) handle is heat and slip resistant and contains a hanging hook for storage. This also comes with a lifetime limited warranty. Some buyers have found this can start to burn and scorch, especially when used on a gas cooktop and the odd buyer has received this damaged or dented.
Pros
9½" splatter screen
304 stainless steel
Extra fine mesh
Ultra-reinforced joints
Dishwasher safe
Cons
There is a risk of receiving this dented or damaged
May start to burn or scorch, especially if you use it on a gas cooktop
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3. Zulay Kitchen 11½" Splatter Screen
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Highlighted Features
Extra fine mesh 11½" splatter screen
The resting feet mean you can place it on the worktop when not in use
The handle has an incorporated hanging hook
Suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher
Has a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer
Made from stainless steel, the Zulay Kitchen 11½" splatter screen has an extra fine mesh to help keep grease and other liquids in the pan. It also has resting feet so you can place it on the countertop without it leaving grease everywhere. This can be cleaned in the dishwasher after use and the handle has a hanging hook. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
There is some uncertainty as to exactly what material the handle is made from as some owners have found that it stays cool while others consider that the handle is just plastic, although the manufacturer does state that this is free from any BPA. It is also unknown whether this splatter screen is oven safe.
Pros
11½" splatter screen
Extra fine mesh
Stainless steel
Resting feet
Dishwasher safe
Cons
Uncertainty as to what material the handle is made from
Unknown as to whether this is oven safe
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4. U.S. Kitchen Supply 13" Splatter Screen
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Highlighted Features
Professional grade stainless steel 13½" splatter screen
The fine wire mesh is a double thick twill weave for more stability and dent resistance
Has resting feet to keep the countertop clean
The stainless steel handle has a hanging hook
Has a lifetime satisfaction guarantee
The U.S. Kitchen Supply 13" splatter screen is made from professional grade stainless steel and has a fine wire mesh with a double thick twill weave to help resist denting and keep it stable during use. This also has resting feet to keep the countertop clean when not in use.
This has a curved stainless steel handle which you can also use to hang the splatter screen with, and it comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee. This may not prevent splatters as well as may be expected and some buyers have found that the position of the resting feet can prevent it from sitting properly on larger pans. It can also be prone to scorching during use.
Pros
13" splatter screen
Stainless steel
Resting feet
Hanging hook
Lifetime guarantee
Cons
How the resting feet are positioned can prevent the screen from sitting well on larger pans
Can be prone to scorching/burning during use
Some buyers have not found it to be the best at reducing splatters
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5. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Splatter Screen
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Highlighted Features
A 13" splatter screen made from perforated stainless steel
Has a soft handle which locks into position when open and then folds down for storage
The screen also contains concentric rings to allow the screen to fit securely on different sized pans
Safe for cleaning in the dishwasher
Made from perforated stainless steel rather than fine mesh, the OXO Good Grips 13" splatter screen is easier to clean and will not clog. Able to fit pans and skillets up to 13" wide, this splatter screen also contains concentric rings that center and secure the screen on different sized pans.
The soft handle is locked into position when open and can then be folded flat over the screen for easier storage. This is fully dishwasher safe. Some have found the holes in the screen to be too big, which allows more grease to escape when using and some owners have found this screen too big to easily fit into the dishwasher.
Pros
13" splatter screen
Perforated steel
Folding handle
Fits different size pans
Dishwasher safe
Cons
The holes in the screen may allow too much grease to escape
Some owners have found it difficult to fit this in the dishwasher
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6. RSVP International 15" Splatter Screen
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Highlighted Features
Large 15" splatter screen to fit pans with a diameter of up to 15"
Made from 18/8 stainless steel with a fine mesh
The longer 6¼" handle is stainless steel and has a hanging loop
Suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher
The larger RSVP International 15" splatter screen is made from 18/8 stainless steel fine mesh and will fit pans with a diameter of up to 15". This also has a 6¼" long stainless steel handle to make it easier to use with larger pans. This has a hanging loop on the handle and is suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher.
This is a flimsier design compared to other styles of splatter screen and due to its larger size, it will be more difficult to store and even clean in the dishwasher. Some owners also consider that the handle is not heavy duty enough for the size of the screen.
Pros
15" splatter screen
18/8 stainless steel
Longer handle
Hanging loop
Dishwasher safe
Cons
As a larger screen, this will be more difficult to place in the dishwasher and stow away after use
Some owners consider the handle is not robust enough for the size of the screen
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7. BitimexHome Grease Splatter Screen Set
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Highlighted Features
A set of three splatter screens; 11", 10" and 8"
Have blue plastic handles with incorporated hanging holes
The stainless steel mesh is super fine and tightly woven
Have a satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer
The BitimexHome splatter screen set includes an 11" screen a 10" screen and an 8" screen made from a super fine and tightly woven mesh. These are stainless steel splatter screens with blue plastic handles with an incorporated hanging hole. These also come with a satisfaction guarantee. Although these are not advertised as being dishwasher safe, a number of owners have been cleaning them in this way without any issues.
Some buyers consider these to be flimsier splatter screens and there is a risk of the outer burning, especially when using on a gas stovetop.
Pros
Splatter screen set
Super fine mesh
Stainless steel
Hanging hole
Blue handles
Cons
You may find these flimsier than splatter screens from other manufacturers
The outer of the screen can be prone to burning when use on gas stovetops.
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8. Greenful Products 11" Splatter Screen
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Highlighted Features
An 11" splatter screen which is made from FDA approved silicone and is BPA free
Will not stain and can be cleaned in the dishwasher
The handle can be folded away for storage
Has a lifetime hassle-free replacement guarantee
Made from FDA approved silicone, the Greenful Products 11" splatter screen is also BPA-free. This black colored splatter screen will not stain, and it is easy to clean in the dishwasher. This also features a foldaway handle for easier storage, and it comes with a lifetime hassle-free replacement guarantee.
There is a risk that the handle may come loose, and some have found that this will not stand up to hotter temperatures in the same way that a stainless steel screen will. Some buyers have also found that using this splatter screen does increase the amount of condensation in the pan.
Pros
11" splatter screen
Silicone
BPA free
Non-stain
Dishwasher safe
Folding handle
Cons
Can cause more condensation to build up in the pan
The handle may come loose with use
May not be the best for cooking at higher temperatures
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9. Excelsteel 12¼" Square Splatter Screen
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Highlighted Features
A 12¼" square splatter screen to fit square cookware up to 12"
Stainless steel mesh with a reinforced steel frame to withstand bending
Has a stay cool plastic knob in the middle of the screen
Also has a hanging loop for storage
Designed for square cooktop or electric skillets, the Excelsteel 12¼" square splatter screen is made from stainless steel mesh and has a reinforced steel frame able to withstand bending. Suitable for using on cookware 12" or less, this has a stay cool plastic knob in the middle of the screen and also has a hanging loop for storage.
The odd buyer has found that this has not fitted their square skillet as well as expected and as this is a larger design of splatter screen it takes up a lot more storage room than flat screen designs.
Pros
Square splatter screen
For 12" or less cookware
Stainless steel
Stay cool knob
Hanging loop
Cons
May not fit your square skillet as well as expected
This does not fold down to store so will need much more storage space
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10. YORLFE 11½" Silicone Splatter Screen
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Highlighted Features
An 11½" splatter screen which is BPA free
Available as black or gray FDA approved silicone
The stainless steel handle is silicone coated for cool gripping and it folds away for storage
Can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher
Has a satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer
The YORLFE 11½" silicone splatter screen is heat resistant up to 445°F and is available in black or gray. Free from any BPA and made from FDA approved silicone, its stainless steel handle is also silicone coated for cool gripping and can be folded away for easier storage.
This can be cleaned by hand or placed in the dishwasher and this also comes with a satisfaction guarantee. This should be not used in the oven and the odd buyer has experienced some damage to the edge of the splatter screen when using on the cooktop.
Pros
12¼" splatter screen
FDA-approved silicone
Foldaway handle
Dishwasher safe
Hanging loop
Cons
Not suitable for using in the oven
There is a chance of the edges of the screen becoming damaged when using on the cooktop
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Things to Consider Before Buying A Splatter Screen
The splatter screen is a basic device to allow steam to escape from a fry pan while preventing the grease from coming out of the pan when frying – especially at higher temperatures. Not only does this reduce the risk of burns from hot fat splashes, but it also reduces the risk of fat stains on clothing. It can also make cleaning the cooktop up afterwards much easier. A splatter screen can also be used to prevent other food splashes, such as from sauce pans or Dutch ovens.
For cooking some foods it can actually be easier to use a splatter screen instead of a lid as a splatter screen allows steam to easily escape, rather than causing a buildup of condensation in the pan, which can stop food from browning as easily.
If your fry pan did not come with a lid, or it did come with one which has since been broken, then a splatter screen is also much more budget-friendly than having to buy a lid.
Depending on the style of splatter screen, it can also double up as a cooling rack for baked goods out of the oven, or as a strainer for straining pasta and noodles. A splatter screen also makes a useful burger or hotdog bun warmer!
Size and Shape of The Splatter Screen
Most splatter screens are circular as the majority of cookware is also circular. If you have a square skillet, or even an electric skillet, you may want to consider investing in a square splatter screen as this will often be more stable than using a round screen on a square skillet.
Splatter screens are generally flat, to take up less storage space, but if you have a shallower fry pan or regularly cook thicker foods then a domed splatter screen can be more useful for preventing grease splatter.
Before buying a splatter screen, identify exactly which pans or skillets you will want to use it for. Although most splatter guards are designed to be universal, there is no need to buy a 13" splatter screen if you will only be using it on a 10" fry pan.
A splatter screen should fit to the edge of a pan without overhanging much. A large screen on a smaller pan can be unstable, with more of a risk of it being knocked off, or even falling off during cooking. If the splatter screen overhangs too much at the edge of the pan there is also more risk of it being scorched or burnt around the edges especially if you use a gas cooktop and are cooking over higher heat.
If a splatter screen is too small to reach the edge of the pan, it will not stop grease from escaping.
If you do need a splatter screen to fit different sizes of cookware, then choosing a set of different sized splatter screens, or a screen that is ridged for it to sit on different sized pans may be more useful than just one large screen.
There are also types of splatter guards that fit around a pan on the cooktop, or some which are a collar-design made to fit inside the pan or skillet. These are often much more expensive and lack the versatility of a traditional splatter screen.
Splatter Screen Materials
Many splatter screens are made from stainless steel which is finely woven to reduce the amount of grease escaping. Some mesh is very finely woven to prevent more grease from escaping; however if it is very fine, it can also be prone to clogging up with grease faster.
Wire mesh is made in one of two ways, either welded or woven. For splatter screens, the wire mesh is usually woven. Woven wire mesh is made in a similar way to woven cloth, in which wires are woven under and over perpendicular wires. This basic type of mesh is known as plain weave mesh. If the wires are woven over and under two perpendicular wires, this will give a twill weave mesh. This type of mesh is more flexible than a plain weave mesh.
Some mesh splatter screens may also be reinforced with a steel frame to help them stay in shape and keep them more stable when using.
The other main stainless steel splatter screen design is sheet stainless steel that is perforated. This type of design can keep more grease in the pan, but it can also prevent as much steam from escaping.
Stainless steel tolerates high heat cooking well and, in some cases, a stainless steel splatter screen may also be suitable for using in the oven up to a specific temperature. Good quality stainless steel is also rust proof and often safe for cleaning in the dishwasher.
Some splatter screens may be made from aluminum mesh instead of stainless steel, and if you do prefer aluminum, look for one that has a stay cool handle otherwise you will not be able to touch it without using an oven mitt.
Some splatter screens are manufactured from silicone. Although these will not tolerate higher temperatures as much as stainless steel can, silicone is easy to clean in the dishwasher.
Silicone screens are also similar in design to a perforated sheet stainless steel splatter screen, containing fewer and larger holes than a mesh screen. This means a silicone screen can allow condensation to build up during cooking and you will usually need to lift it to check on your food as you will not be able to see through a silicone screen as you would be able to with a stainless steel mesh design.
Handle Design
A splatter screen usually has a handle to make it easy to remove if you need to turn your steak or stir your sauce. Although longer handles can make the splatter screen safer to handle on the cooktop, it can cause more problems for storage if you prefer to put it the screen away in a kitchen cabinet. Most splatter screens come with a hanging hole or loop though, so you can hang them out of the way.
The handle should always stay cool when using, otherwise you will need to use an oven mitt. Depending on the handle material, the splatter screen may also be oven safe, but do check the instructions from the manufacturer before placing it in the oven.
Splatter screens that have a folding handle are easier to stow away in a cabinet after use.
Some splatter screens utilize a central knob instead of a handle, which can sometimes be more difficult to use due to the steam escaping through the splatter screen. Like handles though, the knob should be made from a cool touch material to reduce the risk of burns.
Splatter Screen Feet
Some screens incorporate resting feet. The aim of these is to keep grease of the countertop when you remove the splatter screen from the pan. Just be aware that the location of feet may occasionally interfere with how well the splatter screen sits on a pan – particularly a smaller pan - which is another reason for spending a little time deciding on the most suitable size splatter screen for your cookware.
Cleaning a Splatter Screen
If your splatter screen is dishwasher safe then you may prefer to wash it in this way, although there is a risk that even dishwasher safe stainless steel splatter screens will rust over time. Aluminum splatter screens should never be placed in the dishwasher as the aluminum will quickly discolor and pit due to the salts in the dishwasher detergent.
If your screen is particularly greasy or has burn marks on it, then use a hard bristle brush or scrubbing sponge. To help remove the burn or scorch marks, place some baking soda and then some dish soap to the screen and then use the brush or sponge to scrub the mesh.
Once clean, give the splatter screen a good rinse. If you need to repeat the cleaning step then do so, otherwise allow the screen to dry thoroughly before putting away.
Conclusion
Even though a splatter screen is a simple design, it can make a massive difference to clean up in the kitchen and perhaps even more importantly can reduce the risk of burns from fat splashes when frying. It is also a cost effective way to replace the need for a lid on a pan or skillet.
We hope that our tips on what to look for when selecting a splatter screen have been helpful, as well as how you can clean some of the excess grease and scorch marks from your splatter screen. We also hope that you now have the information you need to select the best splatter screen for your cooking requirements.
The post The 10 Best Splatter Screen for Cleaner Cooking appeared first on Food Shark Marfa .
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