Too often, I’ve had to bid adieu to a brand-new white T-shirt while cooking. I don’t consider myself a messy person, but sauces, soups, odorous fish and fatty meats- bacon, in particular- over high heat are a literal recipe for disaster, causing neglected pots and skillets to bubble over and splatter onto the chef, the stovetop and even the nearby counter. Needless to say, the clean-up isn’t always worth the culinary reward. 

During a recent bout of sickness, I concocted a large batch of soup, chock-full of bone broth, zucchini, jasmine rice, green onion, and anything that was close to expiring in my refrigerator. The pièce de résistance was turmeric — the antioxidant-packed rhizome renowned for lowering inflammation and warding off illnesses. 

Delicious and nourishing, my liquid masterpiece still made me nervous when I reheated it, since turmeric’s signature golden yellow is notorious for staining everything from fabric to countertops. Luckily, I had Kuhn Rikon’s Essential splatter guard to prevent another wardrobe- or kitchen surface-ruining snafu. 

Kunn Rikon Foldable Splatter Guard

This splatter guard is $35 well spent for a cleaner kitchen on sauce day.

How Kuhn Rikon’s splatter guard works

Using Kuhn Rikon’s splatter guard is practically foolproof, so much so that the company doesn’t provide written instructions on its packaging. Simply unfold the tool and place it over any pot, pan or skillet that’s 12 inches or less — and that’s it. 

The guard’s design also folds into three sections, so you can fold the panels back individually for quick, easy ingredient addition and/or stirring. It can also withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for oven use, especially with skillet-based dishes that need a finish in a high-heat appliance. 

Joey Skladany/CNET

Once you’ve finished a dish, you can hand-wash the food-safe silicone guard or put it in the dishwasher. 

How I tested the Kuhn Rikon splatter guard 

As mentioned, I tested the splatter guard while reheating leftover soup in a deep skillet. I brought the contents to a boil to ensure that it would splash upward and, ultimately, test the blocking capabilities of my new accessory. 

What I loved about the Kuhn Rikon splatter guard

The splatter guard certainly did the trick. Although I thought a drop or two of liquid might fly through its perforated silicone, it trapped everything effectively. 

I also loved that it folds up and tucks away for convenient storage, since I keep a neat, tidy kitchen with most appliances out of sight. The folding feature also let me add last-minute black pepper without removing the guard entirely, which I appreciated. It’s now an object I grab before putting anything on the stove, and I’ve yet to destroy an article of clothing ever since it’s become part of my routine. 

What I didn’t like about the Kuhn Rikon splatter guard

While preventing stovetop messes is always welcome, I’d also love a smaller, metal-free version I can use in a microwave. It would be the perfect addition for reheating leftovers that notoriously splatter and don’t cook evenly with a thicker lid or a measly paper towel. This would be a game changer, especially if they can create one hybrid product that does it all. 

At $35, I do think that the tool is expensive for what it is. That said, you can use it every day, which helps justify the initial sticker shock. 

Be forewarned: If you’re cooking something over high heat, steam tends to get trapped under the guard (despite its rows of holes). Back away when you remove it to avoid potential burns or blasts of heat to the face. 

The bottom line

The Kuhn Rikon splatter guard is a no-frills addition to stovetop cooking, but it works exceptionally well. While some may argue that it’s an unnecessary luxury, the ability to fold it back, store it discreetly and remove it without wearing an oven mitt is, at least for accident-prone home cooks, priceless. 

Joey is a writer/editor, TV/radio personality, lifestyle expert, former entertainment publicist and author of “Basic Bitchen.” His written work has been featured in major food and travel outlets, and he is an on-air contributor for the Today Show. In his spare time, he enjoys volleyball, the beach, interior design and perfecting his stand-up comedy routine.

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