If there’s one tool I didn’t know I needed, it’s a splatter guard. Before I entered my splatter guard era, I’d use a pot lid like a shield to cover my face and hope for the best when I was shallow-frying potatoes or tempering mustard seeds that were likely to pop everywhere. If I wasn’t wearing long sleeves, I’d often be left with small little red burn marks up my arm where the oil splattered. Sure, you could try the hoodie-pot-lid method, but does anyone really want to look like a makeshift alien character with drawstrings? The fact is, all of those methods still left my stovetop (and let’s face it, my backsplash, kitchen floor, and hoodie) covered with frying oil.
What is a splatter guard? Think of it as a lid cover that has ventilation. Most of them are made of metal mesh or have ventilation holes, which means steam can escape while the frying oil does its magic. While the aforementioned pot lid method might seem like a good idea at first, the fact that it doesn’t allow steam to escape creates additional moisture—the exact opposite of what you want when you’re deep-frying.
Splatter guards are typically made of either metal mesh or silicone. I found that the metal mesh worked better at letting steam escape for good frying while keeping oil contained, so all the splatter guards on this list are made from metal. Next, consider what kind of handle you want. Foldable handles are great for easy storage, but may not be as sturdy as a longer, fixed handle. Finally, consider what size pan you typically use for frying. Thirteen inches is standard, but if you use a larger (or smaller) pan, adjust accordingly.
What I like about the William Sonoma splatter screen is that it has two metal prongs that create additional structure to allow structure while allowing steam to escape through the gap between the metal and the mesh. It’s dishwasher-safe, and did a great job of minimizing splatter and helping with cooking smells. The only drawback to this option is that it only comes in a standard 13-inch size, so if you need a larger or smaller one, keep scrolling.
The OXO splatter screen comes in one 13-inch size, but it has ridges that make it compatible with smaller pot sizes as well. If you don’t have space to store multiple splatter guards in your kitchen, this is a great alternative. The ridges also make this one feel more secure than some of the other guards that were tested. It features a folding plastic handle, and is dishwasher safe. The main drawback is that this splatter screen fits so securely on most pots and pans that it doesn’t allow as much steam to escape.
The BergKoch splatter screen is available in four sizes ranging from 9.5 inches up to 15, so it’s the best choice for anyone who wants a variety of splatter guards to use with their entire kitchen arsenal. The handle has a convenient hole for hanging on a hook or a peg board and cushioned grip, which makes it easier to grab and more comfortable to handle at higher temperatures. They’re also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
U.S. Kitchen Supply sells their mesh splatter guards in a four-pack of sizes that range from 8 to 13 inches in diameter, and at around $18 for all four, it’s a pretty affordable way to make sure you have one that fits just about every pot and pan in your kitchen. The handles are made from plastic and they don’t have a cushion, so they’re not as comfortable to hold as the pricier BergKoch option, but for a budget-friendly pick, it’s hard to beat this one.