How to Use a Microwave Splatter Cover

What a splatter cover does

A splatter cover is a simple shield that sits above your food while the microwave is running. It catches grease, sauce, and moisture that would otherwise hit the ceiling, walls, and turntable. Less mess inside the cavity means less time wiping and less chance of baked-on food.

The FDA recommends covering food, stirring, and rotating for even cooking in a microwave. A splatter cover does the covering part while still letting some steam escape. It is not the same as a tight lid or plastic wrap, which can trap steam and change the texture of foods like soups or casseroles.

Covers come in different shapes. A dome sits over a dish, a flat disk rests on the rim of a plate, and a stretchy cover wraps around a bowl. All three can reduce splatter; the right one depends on what you usually heat. For more on how to get even results, see our guide to positioning food for even microwave heating.

Choosing a cover for your microwave

Match the cover to the dish, not to the microwave. Most covers are sized for standard dinner plates and cereal bowls. If you regularly heat large casserole dishes or wide pasta bowls, choose a cover that is slightly larger than the dish so it does not rest on the food. If you use a compact microwave with a small turntable, a smaller dome may fit better between the turntable and the ceiling.

Check the cover before buying: look for a microwave-safe label, a steam vent, and materials you can wipe clean. Some covers are dishwasher-safe, but if the label does not say so, hand washing is the safer choice.

The microwave itself does not need to match the cover. A cover that fits your dish will work in a compact, countertop, or large microwave. To compare microwave sizes and capacities, see our guides to compact microwaves and large microwaves.

How to position the cover

Place the cover over the center of the dish. If it has a steam vent, keep the vent open or offset from the center so steam can escape. Do not seal the cover around the rim unless the manufacturer instructions say to; an airtight seal can cause pressure to build and may make the cover pop off.

For a flat plate, set the cover on the rim so it is stable. For a bowl, choose a dome or stretchy cover that clears the food rather than touching it. If the cover sits directly on the food, it can stick or make the food soggy.

If your microwave has a turntable, center the covered dish on the turntable so it rotates freely. The FDA says to rotate the dish if there is no turntable. For more on how this affects heating, see our turntable vs flatbed microwave explainer.

When to use a cover and when to skip it

Use a cover for foods that splatter: soups, sauces, spaghetti, rice, vegetables, and leftovers with gravy. It is also helpful for reheating foods with cheese or tomato sauce, which can leave stains on the interior.

Skip the cover for foods that need to stay crisp or dry, such as baked potatoes that you want a firmer skin or leftover fries. A cover traps moisture, which can make those foods soggy. For foods that need browning or crisping, a standard microwave, even with a cover, will not produce the same result as an air fryer microwave or convection microwave.

When you do use a cover, keep the microwave interior clean. Periodically wipe the interior and turntable to prevent buildup; see our how to clean a microwave interior guide.

Cleaning and maintaining your splatter cover

After each use, let the cover cool, then rinse it under warm water. Grease and starch can dry quickly, so a quick wash is easier than scrubbing later. If the cover is dishwasher-safe, place it on the top rack; if not, hand wash with hot, soapy water.

Check the cover for cracks, melted spots, or a warped shape. A damaged cover may no longer sit evenly or may not be safe for the microwave. Replace it when it stops working for you.

Storing the cover flat or hanging it keeps it ready for the next meal. Some covers collapse or nest, which is convenient in a small kitchen. For more ways to reduce kitchen clutter, see our advice on small kitchen microwave choices.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I use a paper towel instead of a splatter cover?

Yes, for many foods. Drape a microwave-safe paper towel over the dish to catch splatter. The FDA recommends covering food in the microwave for even cooking. A paper towel allows steam to escape, but it may not contain heavy splatters as well as a rigid cover.

Can I put a splatter cover in the dishwasher?

Only if the manufacturer label says it is dishwasher-safe. If the label is missing or unclear, wash the cover by hand in hot, soapy water. High heat in a dishwasher can warp some plastics.

Do I need a cover if my microwave has a turntable?

The turntable improves even heating but does not prevent splatter. Grease and sauce can still hit the walls and ceiling. A cover is still useful for messier foods.

Can a splatter cover touch the food?

It is better if the cover does not rest on the food. If it touches food, it can stick, transfer material, or make the food soggy. Choose a cover that clears the dish or use a larger size.

Why does my cover fog up or pop off?

Fog is normal because steam condenses on the cooler cover. If the cover pops off, it may be sealed too tightly or the food may be boiling over. Leave the vent open, do not seal the rim, and use a larger dish when possible.

How do I know if a cover is microwave-safe?

Look for a microwave-safe symbol or label from the manufacturer. Do not use covers with metal trim unless the label says they are for microwave use. When in doubt, use a microwave-safe plate or paper towel instead.