Question re microwave use

[scfr]

Do you have a system for preventing spatters in the microwave that you are happy with and is frugal? What do you use?

I've been covering food with a paper towel ... If the paper towel stays fairly clean, I then use it as a napkin. [I don't use plastic film anymore because of the health concerns.]

But I don't like the idea of throwing away all of those paper towels. I don't like the cost or the environmental impact.

I've thought about covering food with clean kitchen towels, but wouldn't they then need to be washed after each use? [I only have a couple kitchen towels, so I'd have to go out and buy more, so I'm not sure that is the best solution.]

I've been thinking about buying a washable spatter screen. I'd have to spend a couple bucks upfront, and it would take me awhile to recoup my "investment" but at least I'd eliminate the extra garbage factor. [I also looked at the little plastic domes you can put over your food, but they don't seem to be as highly rated.]

So, I'd love to hear what all of you use and how happy you are with it. TIA!

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I put a Corelle (glass) plate or bowl over the food.

[PrincessPerky]

usually the lid from the container it is stored in, cocked to let steam out..or a plate, again cocked..or askew.

But not really perfect..I have often thought of using a cloth napkin, then it would be my napkin for the meal, only washable not garbage.

[Kedi]

I purchased a plastic dome cover made for this
It was a one time expense of like $4 - $6 as I recall
it's washable to use over-and-over again
I've had it for years

You can probably find them in any dollar or 99 cent type store
or any of those shopping mags like Walter Drake, Collections, etc

[leggzz66]

corelle plate is a good suggestion to this one. Mine dont get hot like others when used in the microwave.
You could also use a cloth napkin. Its almost Christmas, so dollar store has some that are nice, in boxes of 2 for 1.00. You prolly could get away with soaking those, rinse and hang dry.

[Rick01]

Originally Posted by Kedi

I purchased a plastic dome cover made for this
It was a one time expense of like $4 - $6 as I recall
it's washable to use over-and-over again
I've had it for years

You can probably find them in any dollar or 99 cent type store
or any of those shopping mags like Walter Drake, Collections, etc

Yea, we bought a plastic cover which is specially made for this. It works great. I swear by it.

[scfr]

I'm glad to hear you guys like the plastic domes. $5 (give or take) seems like a reasonable investment for something that will last that long.

I like the glass bowl idea, but the reach in to my current microwave is pretty high and I can speculate that I'd end up either dropping that or what was under the bowl on to my kitchen floor (tile, so shattering shards of glass are guaranteed).

Cloth napkins are a good idea too ... I could continue my habit of using the food cover as a napkin for my meal if it didn't get to dirty ...

[mom-from-missouri]

They make wire mesh screens for this for the stove top--but, they also make a plastic version of that now for microwaves. I got one at a kitchen knick knack place in Branson MO years ago for about $2.

[cantretire]

Those domes last forever - provided that you don't forget that your stove burner is hot and put it on there when you go eat...

[Rick01]

Hey don't forget the plastic covers trap heat, so you food heats up faster and more evenly.

[Fern]

Originally Posted by Kedi

I purchased a plastic dome cover made for this
It was a one time expense of like $4 - $6 as I recall
it's washable to use over-and-over again
I've had it for years

You can probably find them in any dollar or 99 cent type store
or any of those shopping mags like Walter Drake, Collections, etc

That's what i use, too. I bought mine for a buck or two at a flea market. Bet you could find them at a Dollar Store.

[mike8822]

A paper towel is good or wax paper I also use to cover food so it does not splash.

[minnie1928]

I just bought a plastic dome at Target about 2 weeks ago, I paid 2.19 plus tax.

[money2008]

At home I use a dome, however I have to use the microwave in the office - the original lunch-box lid works quite well.

[Tree0164]

Originally Posted by Kedi

I purchased a plastic dome cover made for this
It was a one time expense of like $4 - $6 as I recall
it's washable to use over-and-over again
I've had it for years

You can probably find them in any dollar or 99 cent type store
or any of those shopping mags like Walter Drake, Collections, etc

That is what we have as well! It lets the steam out...

[MonkeyMama]

We usually use plates. BUT does not work on everything. Then we go to the paper towels.

I think a dome sounds like a good idea. Good tip!

[scfr]

Thanks for all the tips. I should update that I did get the dome. I do Harris Interactive surveys on-line which I can redeem for Target gift cards. So, I used one of my gift cards to get the dome from Target for "free." The price was $2.19, so no doubt I have the same model as minnie1928's.

Since then, I have seen them at Ikea for $1.99.

It's working out great and I love that I've been able to cut down on my trash. I would definitely recommend it.

[dollarsaign]

Does anyone have a link to the plastic domes to buy online?

[momof1in150]

Here is a link:

Microwave Covers

[garilon]

I use the glass / pyrex lid from a casserole dish that is over 40 years old - now thats frugal - also if its splashing that much - maybe turn the microwave power down