Microwave Covers Buying Guide 2023: 10 Best Picks Reviewed

When reheating or cooking food in a microwave, it is not uncommon to hear popping sounds, especially if the food has fat.

Just like grills, microwaves make food sizzle, which can cause it to splatter and cause a big mess inside.

It is more hygienic to cover the food, which would also prevent excessive loss of moisture. With that in mind, these are the best microwave covers to use for the job. Read through and take your pick!

5 Things To Check Before Buying Microwave Covers

1) Functions

Although the main purpose of a microwave cover is to prevent messiness and excessive moisture loss, the product might have other functions.

Some double up as baking bowls, while others can be used as strainers/colanders.

It is obvious that multi-purpose covers have an edge over the rest, and we highly recommend them.

2) Dimensions

When it comes to dimensions, the general rule is that the larger the cover, the better.

Here you need to check the diameter and depth, which should match the standard plate size.

Ideally, any diameter above 9 inches is good, but 10 inches and above is best. On depth, the best size is at least 2 inches.

That said, the cover must fit in your microwave and therefore, you should consider this first. Measure the inner dimensions, then get a fitting size.

3) Design

There are multiple microwave cover designs. Some are transparent to give you a clear picture of what is happening inside without lifting the lid.

On the other hand, there are brightly colored options that look really good. Pick as per your personal preference.

You should also look at other design factors like steam vents to reduce moisture inside & promote even heating, and handles.

Some covers have side handles that require you to hold them using two hands, while others feature a top handle for single-hand lifting. The latter is easier to use.

For space-saving purposes, you should consider collapsible covers, such as Tovolo’s 81-31531. It is worth mentioning that those with magnetized tops also help to save on storage space because they hang inside the microwave.

You should consider them if your microwave has a flat, metal inner top that can be magnetized.

4) Material

This is an important factor to consider as the material determines how you can use the cover. Plastic units are generally cheaper, lighter, and don’t break easily.

However, they cannot withstand high temperatures, so you cannot use them when grilling.

On the other hand, glass can withstand very high temperatures. Covers like Catamount’s CECOMINOD077486 are ovenproof and flameproof.

However, they should be handled with care as they are very fragile.

With silicone, the main advantage you get is flexibility. That said, whichever material you pick, ensure it is a BPA-free microwave cover.

5) Heat Resistance

If you like using your microwave to grill, then you need a cover with high heat resistance. Glass units have the highest heat resistance and most can be used in the oven too.

As stated earlier, Catamount’s CECOMINOD077486 is ovenproof and flameproof, making it the perfect candidate for grilling.

Otherwise, a plastic or silicone cover will do.

10 Best Microwave Covers in 2023

Alright, let’s take a look at the best microwave covers that you can buy right now:

1. Best Overall: Zfitei Microwave Plate Cover

• Dimensions: 11.5 x 11.5 x 3.34 in.
• Material: Polypropylene

This piece is the best microwave dish cover due to its magnetized top, steam vents, easy-grip handles, and heat-focusing design.

With 4 strong magnets at the top, the cover sticks to the upper inside section of your microwave after use. This helps to save on space as no storage space is required in your kitchen.

When in use, steam vents help to reduce the moisture build-up inside. You also get easy-grip handles and since the cover is made using polypropylene, these won’t get hot.

Another benefit you get is a heat focusing design, whereby the cover concentrates heat from the microwaves for faster cooking/reheating.

That said, the unit measures 11.5 x 11.5 x 3.34 inches and will fit over almost any plate, platter or bowl. However, it cannot be used for more than 10 minutes at once, or in grill/convection mode. This is because it cannot withstand temperatures higher than 300ºF.

Note: For the magnets to work, the magnet needs to have a flat, metal top inside that can be magnetized.

Pros:

• Magnetized top for space-saving storage
• Multiple steam vents
• Easy-grip handles
• Heat-focusing design
• Fits over almost any bowl, plate, or platter

Cons:

• Cannot be used for more than 10 minutes
• Cannot be used in grill or convection mode

2. Best Budget: Nordic Ware 65044AMZ

• Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 2.125 in.
• Material: Plastic

As the best budget microwave cover, this product gives you 2 pieces at a very reasonable price. Both are BPA & melamine-free, and top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

The pieces feature vents in the lids to prevent steam buildup when reheating. That said, each one measures 10.5 inches wide, with an internal diameter of 9.375 inches and 2-inch height. These dimensions will fit over standard dinner plates and the Nordic Ware 2-sided bacon-meat grill.

While protecting against splattering, the covers can also be used to keep food warm after cooking. On the downside, the units are not suitable for oven/grill mode because the high temperatures will melt the plastic.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• 2-piece set
• BPA & melamine-free
• Top-rack dishwasher-safe
• Steam vents

Cons:

• Not suitable for high-temperature use

3. Best Collapsible: Tovolo 81-31531

• Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 3 in.
• Material: Silicone, Plastic

Tovolo’s 81-31531 is the best collapsible microwave cover because it folds from a height of 3 inches to just 0.75 inches. This makes it easy to store after use.

The folding part is made using silicone, while the black hardtop and base are built using plastic. Both materials are BPA-free, heat-resistant, and dishwasher-safe.

Finger grips at the top make it easy to grab the lid, and these are ergonomically designed to fit easily in most hands. What’s more, it does not stick out, which helps to maintain a low profile.

You also get vented holes to release all the excess moisture. When flipped, the cover can be used as a colander to strain foods using the vents.

However, just like other plastic covers, this one can easily melt under high temperatures. Therefore, don’t use it for a long time continuously.

Pros:

• Folds from 3 to 0.75 inches
• BPA-free, heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe
• Ergonomic low-profile handle
• Vented holes
• Doubles up as a colander

Cons:

• Cannot withstand high temperatures

4. Best Glass: Catamount CECOMINOD077486

• Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 2.5 in.
• Material: Borosilicate Glass

This Catamount piece is the best glass microwave cover due to its high-quality borosilicate glass construction. The material is ovenproof and flameproof, which means you can use it for baking. You can use it without worrying about warping or discoloring.

Additionally, it is non-porous and this eliminates the probability of having BPAs leaching into your food.

A safe and easy-grip silicone handle is fitted at the top for easy holding when inside the microwave.

The unit measures 10 inches in diameter, and can easily fit over 11-inch plates. It is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, but there are no vent holes to release the excess moisture.

Pros:

• High-quality, non-porous borosilicate glass construction
• Ovenproof and flameproof
• Safe and easy-grip silicone handle
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

• Lacks vent holes

5. Best Silicone: Bezrat 8541989017

• Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 3.25 in.
• Material: Silicone, Glass

As the best silicone microwave cover, Bezrat’s 8541989017 can withstand temperatures of up to 450ºF, which is very impressive. As such, you can use it for baking and cooking foods that require high temperatures.

On top of that, the cover is completely food-safe as the materials are BPA, chemical & toxic-free, and won’t absorb any odors.

That said, the lid is not entirely built using silicone. It is a combination of silicone and glass. The clear glass section is placed on the upper part to enable you to monitor the status of the food at a glance without lifting the lid.

If you have to lift it, there is a heat-resistant silicone handle at the top to keep you from burning your hands.

You also get a 2-hole vent system, but the cover is very costly. It is worth the money though.

Pros:

• Oven-safe up to 450ºF
• Completely food-safe
• Clear glass top for monitoring
• Heat-resistant silicone handle
• 2-hole vent system

Cons:

• Expensive

6. Best Set: Flexzion CECOMINOD045188

• Dimensions: 4.5, 5.7, 6.7, 8, 9.1 x 2.5 in.

Coming as a 5-piece set in different diameter sizes, Flexzion’s microwave covers give you enough option to use over small and standard plates. They measure 4.5, 5.7, 6.7, 8, and 9.1 inches by a height of 2.5 inches. After use, the pieces nest together for space-saving in your kitchen.

Each one has a resealable steam vent that you can open to release steam when reheating, or close to keep food warm after cooking.

The pieces are transparent and this helps you to keep an eye on your food as it cooks or reheats. If you have to raise it from the plate, there is a low-profile handle at the top to give you a firm hold of the lid.

After use, the covers are top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. However, they might not be the best for large plates as most customers complain of the largest size being a bit small.

Pros:

• 5-piece set in different sizes
• Resealable steam vent
• Transparent for easy monitoring
• Low-profile handle
• Nest in each other to save storage space

Cons:

• Not ideal for large plates

7. Best for Airtight Sealing: Elegant Live L588

• Dimensions: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 in.
• Material: Silicone

With its flexible silicone construction, Elegant Live’s L588 creates an airtight, watertight, and spill-proof seal when reheating or storing food. On top of that, it is flat with a non-protruding lid handle that is ideal for stacking bowls over one another to save on space.

That said, you get a 5-piece set of multicolored covers in different diameter sizes. They range from 4 – 12 inches and will fit over almost any dish.

The units are heat-resistant as they can withstand lows of -40ºF to highs of 500ºF. Within this temperature range, the pieces are completely food safe and are US food-grade approved (BPA-free).

However, since they are flat, the covers are not deep enough to be used as plates. They are suitable for bowls, pans, pots, and dishes with high walls.

Pros:

• Flexible silicone construction
• Ideal for bowl stacking
• 5-piece multicolored set
• Heat resistant
• US food-grade approved

Cons:

• Not deep enough to cover plates

8. Magnetic: Horsky MW0001

• Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 3.34 in.

Horsky’s MW0001 is one of the best magnetic microwave covers because it has 4 polymer-encased magnets at the top. These components enable you to attach it to the top inner section of your microwave for storage after use, which helps to save on space.

Other than that, the unit features scientifically designed steam vents that ensure the food heats up evenly, while the clear color enables you to see how the food is cooking inside.

The product comes as a set of 2 pieces, all with an 11.8-inch diameter that fits over most plates, bowls, and platters.

However, the covers cannot be used for more than 10 minutes in a microwave, and they lack handles.

Note: For the magnets to work, the magnet needs to have a flat, metal top inside that can be magnetized.

Pros:

• 4 polymer-encased magnets
• Scientifically designed steam vents for even heating
• 2-piece set
• Clear color for easy monitoring

Cons:

• Cannot be used for more than 10 minutes
• Lacks a handle

9. Vented Glass: Cuchina Safe CNC1101

• Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 2.5 in.
• Material: Glass

The CNC1101 has a unique patented design with scalloped edges to form a vented glass design. What’s more, it has concentric rings that help to hold the lid in place for easy and healthy cooking.

That said, the material is tough borosilicate glass, which is oven-safe up to 450ºF, dishwasher-safe, and less toxic than plastic. It does not absorb bacteria or odor like plastic or silicone.

You can use the cover as a 2-qt baking dish because the flat top would form a stable base when inverted.

On the downside, the material is very delicate and needs to be handled with care. Also, the unit is not designed to cover bowls.

Pros:

• Vented glass with scalloped edges and concentric rings
• Oven-safe up to 450ºF
• Doubles up as a 2-qt baking dish
• Does not absorb odor and bacteria

Cons:

• Delicate
• Not suitable for bowls

10. Multipurpose: Ouchan COMINHKPR138032

• Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 3.35 in.

Apart from being a microwave cover, Ouchan’s piece doubles up as a strainer to drain water out of the fruits or veggies that you are washing. It uses the steam vents for this. These holes help to release excess moisture when heating your food.

The unit is heat resistant up to 300ºF and measures 10.5 inches wide. This is enough to cover most standard plates. It is also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Another advantage is its collapsible design for compact storage after use. However, the unit is difficult to hold using its handle. Some customers complain about this feature.

Pros:

• Doubles up as a strainer
• Multiple steam vents
• Compact collapsible design

Cons:

• Difficult to hold

FAQs

1. Is It Safe to Microwave Food Without Cover?

It is completely safe but can result in splattering or loss of moisture. As such, you should invest in a microwave cover if you want to lock in moisture/taste in your food and to avoid wasting time cleaning up the mess inside after reheating.

2. Are Plastic Microwave Covers Safe?

They are only safe if they have the label/description “BPA-free and food-safe” with certifications from reliable organizations (like the FDA) to support this claim. Generally, non-plastic microwave covers are safer, but whichever you buy, ensure it is non-toxic.

3. Are Microwave Covers Dishwasher Safe?

This depends on the product. Some are dishwasher-safe, while others require handwashing. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions on this.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, the best microwave cover overall spot goes to Zfitei’s lid due to its magnetized top for convenient storage inside the microwave after use. On top of that, it features multiple steam vents and a heat-focusing design that quickens the cooking/reheating process.

However, if you prefer a glass cover, Catamount’s lid is the best option due to its tough borosilicate glass construction. Additionally, it is flameproof and ovenproof.

We also highly recommend silicone covers like Bezrat’s 8541989017 for the job. The lid is oven-safe up to 450ºF and completely food-safe. What’s more, it has a glass upper section for peeking at the cooking inside.