I am not particularly skilled in domestic tasks. To put it mildly, I have little experience in home cooking. Until recently, I mostly cooked my meals outside, often on boats or in the cramped quarters of a camper van. In essence, I lack domestic habits and skills.
Despite this, I am often surprised to find that even individuals who I consider to be more domesticated and skilled in home cooking, frequently fry and sauté without using a splatter screen.
In my opinion, splatter screens are a crucial kitchen tool for anyone who cooks with oil, which is most people. Aside from the potential risk of injury or grease fire from splattering oil, nobody wants to spend time scrubbing grease from the stove. When I cook with oil, I generate a substantial amount of mess, leaving behind grease splotches in unexpected places. If you too are one who frequently creates a grease mess, take a look in the cabinets above your stove and even the ceiling. You may be surprised by what you find.
BergKoch Splatter Screen
- The splatter guard is an essential kitchen tool that prevents painful burns and keeps the stove, cabinets, and counters clean.
- It is made of heavy-duty stainless steel with extra fine mesh, which fits most pots, pans, and skillets while blocking 99% of splatter.
- Unlike flimsy silicone alternatives, this guard allows steam release for cooking various dishes like schnitzel or french fries without creating odor in the kitchen.
- The splatter guard is dishwasher safe and rust-free; however, for best results, it should be removed from heat when flipping or stirring food to reduce sizzling.
What is a splatter screen?
A splatter screen typically consists of a stainless steel mesh attached to a wire ring with a handle, making it a simple and affordable tool to improve your cooking experience.
What are the different types of splatter screens?
Frywall offers large, conical silicone splatter screens that can be a great alternative to basic stainless steel mesh. These collars catch most of the splatter and come in various sizes, but allow some grease to splatter upwards. They take up more space but offer greater accessibility to your food during frying, and can also be used for cooking greens or stir-frying. However, for more information on Frywall’s silicone collars, read a review on their product.
I prefer the stainless steel option over silicone as it is more durable, can be stored easily, and won’t cause condensation to drip back into the food and make it soggy as long as it’s not left on the pan for too long before cooking. My 13-inch stainless steel splatter screen works for all my pans and takes up minimal space when stored as it can hang on a cabinet door.
How to use a splatter screen
Operating a splatter screen is straightforward. Simply place it over the pan when you’re not adding, removing, or flipping the food. A quality splatter screen should be heat-resistant and can be positioned directly on top of the pan, but make sure to keep any plastic handles away from the heat source. To add, remove, or stir food, simply lift the screen and position it to protect yourself from splatters.
How to clean a splatter screen
Cleaning the splatter screen after cooking is easy – simply put it in the dishwasher or wash it with soap and water using a hard bristle brush.
The bottom line
In conclusion, a splatter screen is a budget-friendly and time-saving tool that every kitchen should have.
Regardless of whether you have a high-end kitchen setup or a limited space, a grease screen can significantly reduce the mess caused by cooking with oil. Available in various sizes to fit most pans, these screens are easy to clean and can be put in a dishwasher. While no splatter screen can catch all the grease, a good one will still make a big difference.
There are several models available, and the ones that we have tested and approved are listed below.
Stainless Steel Splatter Screen with Folding Handle
- The Splatter Screen is made of perforated stainless steel and offers easier cleaning than mesh screens.
- It fits frying pans up to 13 inches wide and features concentric rings for centering and securing the screen on the pan.
- The soft handle nests over the frying pan handle and can be folded flat for compact storage, and are dishwasher safe.
Splatter Screen for Frying Pan
- Grease Catcher Splatter Guard for Clean and Safe Cooking – Keeps you protected from hot grease and oil and reduces messes by almost 100% with sturdy stainless steel construction. Features ergonomic design with a comfortable plastic handle, resting feet, and storage hook. Backed by a lifetime guarantee from Zulay.