Best Microwave Covers
Microwave ovens are so convenient for cooking, defrosting and reheating, but cleaning up the splatter from food can be a pain. Some people use plastic wrap or a paper towel to cover their plates, but plastic can melt, paper can stick to the food and both are thrown away after each use. A reusable microwave cover is environmentally friendly and keeps sauce, oils and other foods within the lid, so the inside of the oven remains spotless.
Microwave covers are available in a variety of sizes and are made from materials such as sturdy plastic or glass. The cover should fit completely over a plate or bowl without touching the food, and still leave some room on each side without touching the walls of the microwave. Although the interior of the lid will get dirty from food, the microwave will remain spotless, and the lid is so easy to clean.
We feature five microwave covers you can purchase online. Read on to find the one that best suits your needs.
Top Pick Best Basic: ZFITEI Microwave Plate Cover
Microwave covers are so convenient, but they still have to be stored somewhere when not in use. Some people keep them on top of the microwave, but not all kitchens have enough space between the top of the microwave and the bottom of the cabinets to hold much, never mind a three-inch-high cover. For anyone looking for a cool new way to keep a cover stored inside the microwave when it’s not being used, this model has handy magnets on the top that stick to the interior roof of the oven to keep it safely out of the way.
Of course, that’s not the only reason to consider this microwave cover. Measuring 11.5 x 11.5 x 3.34 inches, it will fit easily into most microwaves and neatly over most plates, platters or bowls. The easy-grip handles make it simple to remove when the food is ready and the perforated steam vents let moisture escape.
The cover can withstand heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, is made of food-grade polypropylene and when covering a plate or bowl, speeds up the cooking time, as it focuses the heat on the food under the lid.
Pros:
- Large size fits over most plates
- Has steam vents
- Has easy-grip handles
- Magnets on the top of the lid allow it to stick to the interior roof of the microwave when not in use for convenient storage
Cons:
- Do not stick lid on the interior roof of the microwave when the microwave oven is in operation
- Cannot be used for longer than 10 minutes at a time
- Cannot be used when the oven is in grill or convection mode
- Needs metal microwave oven top that can be magnetized and completely flat on inside top for the magnetic function to work
Top Pick Best Compact: Tovolo Vented Collapsible Microwave Splatter Proof Food Plate Cover
If a magnetized lid isn’t appealing but easy storage is, this collapsible microwave cover is a practical option to prevent food splatters from staining the interior of a microwave, while not taking up much space when not in use.
Sturdily built from BPA plastic with a silicone topper, this lid covers food to encourage even cooking and keep food inside for a cleaner microwave. The small holes in the lid allow steam to escape, which encourages airflow and prevents condensation from building up.
When all the cooking is done and the cover is cleaned, it can be collapsed from three inches high to .75-of-an-inch high, fitting neatly out of the way on the top of the microwave or in a drawer or cupboard. When flattened, it can also be used in the microwave to cover tall bowls or containers.
This cover is heat resistant and won’t melt in the microwave or in the dishwasher, has an easy-grip handle for quick on and off action, and measures 10. 5 x 10. 5 x 3 inches, so when expanded, it can fit over most plates and bowls. Oh, and did we mention that when flipped over, it can also double as a colander. Bonus!
Pros:
- Lid has holes to vent steam
- Large 10.5-inch size fits most standard plates
- Finger grips for easy lift
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Doubles as a colander when flipped upside down
- Made from sturdy BPA-free, food-grade and microwave safe plastic and silicone
- Available in charcoal, blue and red
Cons:
- Lid can sometimes collapse on its own during hand washing
Top Pick Best Overall: Bezrat Vented Glass Microwave Plate Cover
Microwave ovens are great, but metal objects are not safe to use in them, so many people opt for plastic containers and covers. If you’re trying to reduce the amount of plastic you use, then consider this microwave cover from Bezrat that is made from glass, with no plastic parts.
Made out of tempered glass and food-safe, heat resistant silicone, this microwave cover won’t melt or break, and is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it a good alternative to plastic.
The lid fits completely over plates and bowls that measure up to 11.8 x 3.25 inches, and because it is transparent, it is easy to monitor the progress as the food is cooking. The two-hole venting system allows steam to escape to avoid condensation buildup, but still leaves food moist and cooked right.
Spills and splatters stay under the cover, not on the walls of your microwave. The easy-to-grasp, heat-resistant silicone knob makes it safe to remove the lid – no worries about burned hands or fingers. And, unlike some plastic covers, this glass one will not retain food odors.
Pros:
- Tempered glass cover is chemical and BPA free
- No plastic parts
- Heat resistant silicone knob
- Lid won’t break and is heat resistant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fully covers plates and bowls up to 11.8 x 3.25 inches
- Two-hole venting system
Cons:
- More expensive than plastic models
Top Pick Best Set: Covee Microwave Splatter Cover-2 Pack
It’s nice when a product has more than one function. As a microwave cover, this dome-shaped model does an excellent job of covering your food while it cooks, and protects the interior walls of the microwave from splatters and splashes. It can also be used instead of plastic wrap to cover leftovers or keep food warm or fresh in the fridge.
This package contains two microwave covers measuring 4.5 inches high by 10.48 inches in diameter, so they will cover most plates and bowls, and with such a tall center, will not touch the food. Made from BPA, food-grade plastic, the microwave covers can withstand heat up to 312 degrees Fahrenheit.
Adjustable venting holes in the lids allows you to determine just how much steam should escape during cooking, for ideal results and even heating. And the unique large side handles really makes it easy to take the cover off without burning fingers or hands, perfect for kids.
Affordably priced, this two-pack will do double-duty keeping food fresh in the fridge and keeping the inside of your microwave spotless.
Pros:
- Affordable two-pack
- Dome design means cover will not touch food
- Made from food-grade, BPA-free plastic
- Adjustable air vents on the top of the lid
- Convenient large side handles
- Anti-splash design
Cons:
- Cannot be used in the microwave for longer than nine minutes
- Cannot be used in temperatures over 312 degrees Fahrenheit
Top Pick Best Versatile: Elegant Live Set of 5 Heat Resistant Microwave Covers
A microwave cover is so convenient – reusable and practical, it protects the interior of the microwave from food splatters. Generally, though, it is available in one size, which is used regardless of the size of the container holding the food to be cooked, defrosted or heated up. If you are looking for a versatile collection of microwave covers of different sizes, you may want to consider this colorful set.
Available in bold, primary colors of yellow, red, purple, green and red, this set of five microwave covers come in four-inch, six-inch, eight-inch, 10-inch and extra large 12-inch sizes that will fit almost any plate, container or bowl you own.
These premium, food-grade BPA-free silicone lids are ideal for the microwave for preventing oven splatters and boil-overs, but they are so versatile, they can be used to cover everything from a coffee cup, jar and can to a pot, pan, skillet, dish, plate or bowl.
Store food on the countertop, the cupboard, in the fridge or the freezer – they can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit and heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and create an airtight, watertight seal.
Pros:
- Made from premium BPA-free food-grade silicone
- Available in five sizes
- Versatile use
- Can be used on a variety of containers and plates
- Safe in the dishwasher
- Transfer food directly from the freezer to the microwave
Cons:
- There are no venting holes on the lids to release steam
Things to look out for:
Consider these factors when choosing a microwave cover:
Material: Microwave covers are available in a variety of materials, although most are made from plastic. If you purchase a plastic microwave cover, make sure it is constructed from durable, food-grade, non-toxic plastic. Cheaper plastic may not be able to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures if you are using one to cook food that will take longer than 10 or 15 minutes. If you’re trying to reduce the amount of plastic you use, consider a microwave cover made from tempered glass. These can often withstand higher temperatures. You can also find a lid made from a combination of glass and silicone, which is another option if you don’t like plastic.
Size: An important factor to consider before choosing a microwave cover is its size. Measure the interior of your microwave and then take the measurements of the microwave cover. You want to make sure it fits completely over your plates and still leaves at least an inch of space on each side and the top. You don’t want it hitting the walls or roof of the microwave. It should also be high enough that it doesn’t sit on, or touch, the food on the plate.
Features: Microwave covers are pretty simple, and most are similar, but there are some features to consider that will make using then easier. Consider how the cover will be removed from the plate once the food is heated or cooked. Is there a good handle to grip so you don’t burn your fingers? Most plates and covers will get hot and when you remove the cover, the hot steam will escape. If there is enough space in your microwave, go with a large knob on top or a side handle, since handles embedded in the lid can be hard to grip.
Vents or perforations on the top of the lid are an important feature. Letting the steam escape prevents too much condensation from building up inside the cover. Also, vents allow the heat to circulate inside the lid better to promote even heating.