Microwave Cover vs Paper Towel: What’s the Better Way to Stop Splatters?

A reusable microwave cover is the better option for most people. It stops splatters more reliably, costs less over time than buying paper towels, and creates less waste. Paper towels still make sense for quick, one-off jobs — especially covering something very greasy or when you don't want to wash a cover afterward.

## Which stops splatters better?

A microwave cover stops splatters better. It forms a physical dome over the food, so sauce bubbles and steam hit the cover instead of the microwave walls. A paper towel draped over a bowl helps, but it can slip, get soggy, or leave gaps — and anything it catches, you throw away.

## The cost math

This is where the cover pulls ahead clearly. A decent microwave cover costs around $15–$20 as a one-time purchase and lasts for years. A roll of paper towels costs a few dollars, and if you use even two sheets per microwave session, a household that microwaves food daily goes through a roll every couple of weeks.

Roughly: $4 per roll × ~20 rolls a year = ~$80 a year on paper towels for microwave use alone. A $19.99 cover pays for itself in a few months and then costs nothing. These are general figures, not a formal study — your actual spend depends on how often you use the microwave — but the direction is unambiguous: the reusable cover wins on cost within the first year.

## Comparison table

| Feature | Microwave cover | Paper towel | |---|---|---| | Splatter protection | Excellent — full dome coverage | Moderate — slips, gaps, gets soggy | | Ongoing cost | $0 after purchase | A few dollars per roll, ongoing | | Waste | None — reusable for years | Daily paper waste | | Steam venting | Built-in vents on most covers | N/A — towel breathes but unevenly | | Keeps food moist | Yes — traps steam under the dome | Partially — towel absorbs some moisture | | Dishwasher safe | Most are (check the product) | N/A — single use | | One-off greasy jobs | Works, but you'll want to wash it | Better — use and toss, no cleanup |

## Pros and cons of a microwave cover

Pros: - Best splatter protection — full coverage, stays in place - Pays for itself within months vs. paper towels - Zero ongoing waste - Doubles as a food tent to keep dishes warm on the counter - Most are dishwasher-safe

Cons: - Upfront cost ($15–$20) - Needs occasional washing - Takes up a small amount of cabinet space

## Pros and cons of paper towels

Pros: - No upfront cost beyond what you already buy - Zero cleanup — use and throw away - Good for very greasy or messy one-off jobs - Always on hand

Cons: - Ongoing expense that adds up - Weaker splatter protection — slips and gaps - Daily waste - Can stick to food when steam makes it soggy

## Hygiene and convenience

A microwave cover is easy to keep hygienic: most are dishwasher-safe, and a quick rinse handles day-to-day use. Because it fully encloses the food, it also keeps steam in, which helps food reheat more evenly and stay moist — a side benefit paper towels can't match.

Paper towels are convenient in the moment but create a small recurring chore (buying rolls, taking out trash) and a recurring cost. If your microwave currently has baked-on splatter stains, switching to a cover is the single biggest change you can make — it prevents the mess instead of cleaning it up afterward.

## When paper towel still makes sense

Paper towels aren't useless here. Reach for them when: - You're reheating something extremely greasy (bacon, fatty meats) and don't want to scrub the cover - The cover is in the dishwasher - You're covering an oddly shaped dish the cover doesn't fit - You're at someone else's house or the office without a cover handy

## A real-world example

The Microwave Splatter Cover at Everyday Home Deal ($19.99) is a foldable cover designed for exactly this job — it pops open over the plate, vents steam while blocking splatters, and folds flat for storage. At $19.99 it's priced near the going rate for this category (comparable covers run roughly $15–$20), and the foldable design addresses the one real drawback of covers: cabinet space.

## Care instructions

- Daily: rinse or wipe the underside after use — most splatter lands there. - Weekly (or as needed): wash with warm soapy water or place in the dishwasher if the product is marked dishwasher-safe. - Greasy buildup: soak in warm water with dish soap for 10 minutes before washing. - Storage: fold flat or nest inside the microwave itself between uses so it's always where you need it. - Don't use on the stovetop. Microwave covers are for microwave use only — direct heat will warp or melt them.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do microwave covers affect cooking time?

Barely. A vented cover lets steam escape while keeping heat in, so reheating times are essentially the same. Unvented use can trap excess steam — always use the vents if the cover has them.

### Are microwave covers safe?

Covers made from food-safe, BPA-free plastic or silicone and labeled microwave-safe are safe for normal microwave use. Check the product's material and temperature rating, and don't use a cover that's cracked or warped.

### Can I just use a plate instead of a cover?

An inverted plate works as a makeshift cover and many people do this. A purpose-built cover is lighter, vents steam properly, and is easier to handle when hot — but a plate is a fine free alternative in a pinch.

### How do I clean baked-on splatters already in my microwave?

Heat a bowl of water with a sliced lemon (or a tablespoon of vinegar) for 3–5 minutes, let the steam sit for a few minutes with the door closed, then wipe down with a damp cloth. Once it's clean, start using a cover so you don't have to do it again.