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Splatter around the stove is a problem for everyone. I made a movable guard for about ten bucks.
The other day I was stir-frying, and no matter how careful you are, stuff pops and splatters onto the other burners and the cooktop. They make pre-cut stove mats, kind of like a bib for your stove, but I have a crazy-looking range. So I found a roll of uncut, heat-resistant sheet material on Amazon and made my own movable guard with one hole that fits any burner. Then I tested how easily oil wipes off.
- Oil wiped right off in my test
- Cuts easily with regular scissors
- Custom fit for non-standard ranges
- Covers the knob area too
- Curls from being rolled
- Materials aren’t listed on the package
- You may need to pull the other grates off
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
Why not a pre-cut mat?
Pre-cut mats exist for the big brands with standard cooktops. Mine isn’t standard. I also realized a mat with five cutouts still lets splatter land on the other burners.
The material
It was different than I expected. I thought it would be silicone-y and rubbery, but it feels more like a hard, un-epoxied carbon fiber or a really tight screen door weave. It’s slick, almost Teflon-coated. It doesn’t feel like it would just go up in flames, but I don’t know that it’s completely fireproof.
The one minus is the curl. Put the curling side down so it stays flat.
Cutting a movable guard
All my grates are the same size, so I took one off, centered it, traced the hole and cut it out. It cuts like fabric or a cardboard mailer. You could also cut around the burner itself and set the grates on top, but that’s getting fancy.
With the hole dropped over a grate, the other grates lift it up. For cooking on this range I’d just remove them, and I like that it also covers the knobs.
The oil test
I dripped canola oil on it and wiped it with a paper towel. It soaked right up, and I could barely feel any residue. Whatever’s left, rinse it under water.
My take
If it lasts a few uses, it saves cleaner, scrubbing and swirl marks on your stovetop. Buy a pre-cut one if you have a standard cooktop, or cut your own like I did.
FAQ
Can you cut it with regular scissors?
Yes. Household scissors worked fine.
Is it fireproof?
It feels heat resistant, but I can’t say it’s completely fireproof. Check the listing’s heat rating.
How do you stop it curling?
Lay it with the curling side down.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
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