Kuhn Rikon Splatter Guard: A 35-Dollar Kitchen Saver

We have all been there. You are cooking something hot and something saucy, and before you know it, your white shirt has a constellation of grease spots, and the stovetop looks like a Jackson Pollock painting. CNET's Joey Skladany recently tested a tool designed to stop that: the Kuhn Rikon Essential splatter guard.

The tool is essentially a circular, perforated silicone sheet that unfolds over a pot, pan or skillet up to 12 inches in diameter. CNET reports that using it requires no instructions. You unfold it and place it over the pan.

Skladany tested it by reheating a turmeric-heavy soup in a deep skillet. Turmeric, he notes, is notorious for staining fabric and countertops. He brought the soup to a boil to force splashing. The guard trapped everything; not even a drop made it past the silicone.

What makes it different from a lid?

The splatter guard is not a pot lid. It has rows of holes that let steam escape, which means your sauce can reduce while you cook. But the escaping steam is worth noting: CNET warns that steam can get trapped under the guard. You should back away when you remove it to avoid a face full of hot steam or burns.

The tool's most practical feature is that its three-section design lets you fold back sections one at a time. That means you can add a last-minute ingredient, stir, or check on the food without lifting the entire guard off the pan. It is also oven-safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can use it for skillet dishes that finish in the oven.

The storage and price problem

Skladany points out the two biggest objections. First, the price is 35 dollars, which he calls expensive for what it is. His defense: you use it every day, which justifies the cost over time.

Second, storage. Many splatter guards are bulky. This one folds into three sections and tucks away easily. Skladany keeps his kitchen tidy, with most appliances hidden, and reports that the guard now lives within arm's reach of the stove.

The microwave gap

There is one wish for a future version: a smaller, metal-free splatter guard for the microwave. Skladany notes that reheating leftovers often creates splatters that a paper towel cannot handle. A microwave-safe silicone guard would be a useful follow-up.

For now, the Kuhn Rikon guard is a simple, no-frills tool that works. It does one job and does it well. If your cooking routine regularly leaves your shirt looking like a crime scene, it is 35 dollars that will save you laundry money.

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