Reheating food in the microwave is convenient, but cleaning dried sauce, soup, and food splashes from the microwave walls is not. A simple microwave cover can help reduce that mess while making everyday meal preparation easier.
The Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover is designed to cover food while it heats, allowing steam to escape through its ventilated lid. Its collapsible design also makes it easier to store than a bulky, rigid cover.
The medium charcoal model measures approximately 10.5 inches across and is designed for everyday plates and bowls. It combines a reusable design with easy cleaning and compact storage, making it worth considering for kitchens where microwave use is part of the daily routine.
But is this kitchen gadget the right size for your dishes? Does its collapsible design make storage easier? And what should you know before buying?
In this guide, we explore the product’s main features, practical benefits, advantages, limitations, cleaning requirements, and important factors to consider before purchasing.
Quick Verdict: Is the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover Worth It?
The Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover is worth considering if you frequently reheat leftovers and want a reusable way to reduce food splashes inside your microwave.
Its main advantages are the vented lid, collapsible construction, easy-grip handle, dishwasher-safe design, and 10.5-inch size. The cover is made with silicone and BPA-free plastic, according to the manufacturer’s product information.
However, it is important to measure your plates before purchasing. The medium size may not completely cover every large plate or oversized dish, and steam can still escape when you lift the cover after heating.
For everyday reheating, it offers a practical combination of convenience and compact storage.
CTA: Check the Current Price and Availability on Amazon
What Is the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover?
The Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover is a reusable food cover designed to help keep microwave interiors cleaner while reheating meals.
Unlike a flat paper towel or a rigid plastic dome, this cover can expand to accommodate food and collapse into a lower profile for storage.
Its ventilated top allows steam to escape while helping contain splashes from foods such as pasta sauce, vegetables, rice, and reheated leftovers.
The medium model is approximately 10.5 inches long and wide. Its charcoal color gives it a neutral appearance that fits easily into many kitchen styles.
The manufacturer lists silicone and BPA-free plastic among its materials and states that the cover is dishwasher safe.
Key Features of the Tovolo Microwave Splatter Cover
1. Collapsible Design for Space-Saving Storage
One of the product’s most useful features is its collapsible construction.
Traditional microwave covers can take up considerable space in a kitchen cabinet. A collapsible cover can be pressed down when it is not being used, making it easier to store in a drawer or cabinet.
This is particularly useful for people living in apartments, students with limited kitchen storage, and anyone who prefers keeping kitchen accessories organized.
Why it matters: You can keep a reusable microwave cover available without dedicating as much storage space to it.
2. Vented Lid for Steam Release
The cover features perforations that allow steam to escape during microwave heating.
This helps prevent the cover from acting like a completely sealed lid while reducing the amount of food splatter that reaches the microwave interior.
The vents are useful when reheating moist foods and leftovers, although the cover should not be expected to contain every splash under every condition.
Why it matters: It offers a practical balance between covering food and allowing steam to escape.
3. 10.5-Inch Medium Size
The medium model measures approximately 10.5 inches by 10.5 inches, according to Tovolo’s official product specifications.
This size is suitable for many everyday plates and bowls, but actual fit depends on the shape and dimensions of the dish.
Before buying, measure the plates you use most often. If your dinner plates are particularly wide or your food is piled high, a larger cover may be more suitable.
Why it matters: Choosing the right size helps prevent the cover from pressing against your food or failing to cover the plate properly.
4. Easy-Grip Handle
The cover has a central handle designed to make lifting and positioning it easier.
This is useful when placing the cover over a meal or removing it after reheating.
Remember that steam can accumulate underneath the cover. Lift it carefully and keep your face and hands away from the escaping steam to reduce the risk of burns.
Why it matters: A dedicated handle makes routine handling more convenient, provided the cover is lifted carefully.
5. Dishwasher-Safe Construction
Tovolo states that its Collapsible Microwave Food Cover is dishwasher safe. It can also be cleaned using soap and water.
For people who regularly use their microwave, easy cleaning is an important advantage. Food residue can collect on kitchen accessories, so being able to clean the cover conveniently makes it easier to maintain.
Always follow the manufacturer’s current care instructions.
Why it matters: Easy cleaning helps make a reusable cover more practical for everyday use.
6. Silicone and BPA-Free Plastic Materials
The manufacturer’s product information lists silicone and BPA-free plastic as the materials used in the cover.
The combination supports the product’s flexible, collapsible design.
BPA-free describes the absence of bisphenol A in the relevant material; it should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the product is suitable for every possible heating condition.
Use the cover only as directed by the manufacturer, and do not place it in an oven unless the manufacturer explicitly permits that use.
Why it matters: Understanding the materials and their intended use helps you choose and maintain the product appropriately.
Main Benefits of Using a Microwave Splatter Cover
Helps Reduce Microwave Cleaning
Food splashes can accumulate on the walls and ceiling of a microwave, especially when reheating sauces or moist meals.
A cover helps catch many of these splashes before they spread throughout the appliance.
Although it cannot guarantee a completely spotless microwave, it can reduce the amount of mess created during ordinary reheating.
Provides a Reusable Alternative to Disposable Covers
Paper towels and disposable wraps are common ways to cover food in a microwave.
A reusable cover offers another option that can be washed and used repeatedly, reducing the need to reach for disposable covering materials every time you reheat a meal.
The actual environmental benefit depends on how the product is used, cleaned, and maintained.
Makes Everyday Meal Preparation Easier
A microwave cover is useful for reheating lunch at work, warming leftovers at home, or preparing a quick meal between other activities.
Instead of cleaning the microwave after every messy reheating session, you can cover the dish before heating and clean the cover when necessary.
Saves Storage Space
The collapsible design is particularly useful in small kitchens.
When the cover is not needed, it can be flattened to occupy less vertical space than a rigid dome.
How to Use the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover
Using the cover is straightforward.
- Check the dish size. Make sure the cover fits over your plate or bowl without pressing against the food.
- Expand the cover. Open the collapsible sides to provide enough clearance for the meal.
- Place it over the food. Position it securely over the dish while keeping the ventilation holes unobstructed.
- Heat the food. Follow the microwave’s instructions and the food’s recommended heating time.
- Lift carefully. Use the handle and keep your face and hands away from escaping steam.
- Clean after use. Wash the cover as needed according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
- Collapse for storage. Once it is clean and ready to store, flatten it to save space.
The cover is designed for covering food during microwave use. It is not an airtight storage lid, and it should not replace appropriate food-storage containers.
Tovolo Microwave Cover Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tovolo |
| Product | Collapsible Microwave Food Cover |
| Size | Medium |
| Width and length | Approximately 10.5 × 10.5 inches |
| Color | Charcoal |
| Materials | Silicone and BPA-free plastic, according to the manufacturer |
| Ventilation | Perforated lid |
| Storage | Collapsible design |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe or wash with soap and water |
| Main purpose | Helps reduce microwave food splatters |
| Best use | Reheating everyday meals and leftovers |
Specifications can vary between product versions, so confirm the exact size and model shown on the retailer’s listing before ordering.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Helps reduce food splashes inside the microwave.
- Collapses for more compact storage.
- Vented lid allows steam to escape.
- Medium 10.5-inch size suits many everyday dishes.
- Easy-grip handle supports convenient lifting.
- Dishwasher-safe construction simplifies cleaning.
- Reusable design offers an alternative to disposable covers.
- Charcoal color provides a neutral, understated appearance.
Cons
- The medium size may not cover every large plate.
- Steam can escape when the cover is lifted.
- The collapsible sides may require some effort to expand or flatten.
- It is not an airtight food-storage lid.
- It should not be used in an oven unless the manufacturer explicitly approves that use.
The main trade-off is size and convenience. Buyers who use large plates or deep dishes regularly should measure their cookware and consider whether a larger model would be more suitable.
Who Should Buy the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover?
People Who Frequently Reheat Leftovers
If you regularly reheat pasta, rice, vegetables, or prepared meals, a cover can help reduce the cleaning that follows messy heating.
Apartment Residents and Students
Limited cabinet space can make bulky kitchen accessories inconvenient. The collapsible design makes this product worth considering for smaller kitchens.
Busy Families
A reusable cover can be useful when several family members use the microwave throughout the day.
People Looking for Easy-to-Clean Kitchen Accessories
The dishwasher-safe design makes the cover practical for people who prefer kitchen accessories that are easy to maintain.
Anyone Who Prefers Reusable Kitchen Products
If you frequently use paper towels to cover microwave meals, a reusable cover may be a convenient alternative.
Who Might Want a Different Microwave Cover?
This product may not be the best choice for everyone.
Consider a larger model if your plates are wider than the cover or your food needs additional clearance.
A rigid microwave cover may be preferable if you do not want to expand and collapse flexible sides.
If you only heat food occasionally and rarely experience splatter, a dedicated cover may not be a necessary purchase.
The best option depends on your kitchen space, dish sizes, and how often you use the microwave.
Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Cover vs. a Traditional Microwave Cover
| Factor | Tovolo Collapsible Cover | Traditional Rigid Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Collapses to save space | Usually maintains its shape |
| Steam ventilation | Vented lid | Depends on the model |
| Cleaning | Dishwasher safe, according to Tovolo | Depends on materials and model |
| Flexibility | Expandable and collapsible | Usually fixed in shape |
| Best for | Compact storage and everyday reheating | People who prefer a simple, rigid design |
Neither option is automatically better for every kitchen. A collapsible model is particularly attractive when storage space matters, while a rigid cover may appeal to people who prefer a fixed shape.
What to Check Before Buying
Before ordering the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover, consider these points.
Measure your plates. The medium model is approximately 10.5 inches across, so compare this measurement with your everyday dishes.
Check the product version. Make sure the listing matches the medium charcoal model rather than a small, large, or differently colored version.
Consider storage needs. The collapsible design is useful if you have limited cabinet space.
Review the current price. Retail prices, promotions, and availability can change.
Read the care instructions. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for microwave use, cleaning, and heat exposure.
Check the retailer listing. Confirm that the size, color, and included item match what you intend to purchase.
Is the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover Easy to Clean?
The manufacturer states that the cover is dishwasher safe and can also be washed with soap and water.
For ordinary food residue, rinse or wash the cover after use and allow it to dry appropriately before storing it.
If sauce or grease remains on the surface, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions rather than using abrasive methods that could damage the material.
Keeping the cover clean helps make it a more convenient part of your regular kitchen routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover do?
It covers food during microwave heating to help reduce splashes inside the microwave. Its vented lid allows steam to escape, while its collapsible design makes storage more compact.
2. What size is the Tovolo medium microwave cover?
The medium model is approximately 10.5 inches long and 10.5 inches wide. Check your plate dimensions before buying because the cover may not fit every dish.
3. Is the Tovolo microwave cover dishwasher safe?
Yes. Tovolo’s official product information states that the cover is dishwasher safe. Follow the manufacturer’s current cleaning recommendations.
4. Can I use the Tovolo cover in the microwave?
It is designed as a microwave food cover. Use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that it is positioned correctly over the food.
5. Does the cover allow steam to escape?
Yes. The lid has ventilation holes that allow steam to escape during heating. Lift the cover carefully because hot steam may still accumulate underneath it.
6. Does the Tovolo cover collapse for storage?
Yes. The collapsible design allows it to flatten when not in use, helping reduce the space it occupies in a kitchen drawer or cabinet.
7. Is the Tovolo microwave cover airtight?
No. It is a vented splatter cover rather than an airtight food-storage container.
8. Will the medium cover fit every dinner plate?
No. Although it measures approximately 10.5 inches across, plate shapes and sizes vary. Measure your dishes before purchasing.
9. Can I use the Tovolo cover in a conventional oven?
Do not assume that microwave suitability means oven suitability. Use the product only in the appliances and under the conditions approved by the manufacturer.
10. Is the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover worth buying?
It is worth considering if you frequently reheat food, want to reduce microwave splatter, and need a cover that stores compactly. Its value depends on whether the medium size fits your dishes and whether you will use it regularly.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover?
The Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover is a practical kitchen accessory designed to address a familiar problem: food splashing inside the microwave during reheating.
Its strongest advantages are the vented lid, compact storage, dishwasher-safe construction, and convenient handle. The medium charcoal model is worth considering for everyday plates and bowls, particularly in kitchens where storage space is limited.
Its limitations are also straightforward. The medium size will not suit every dish, the collapsible sides may require some effort to handle, and steam still needs to be treated carefully when removing the cover.
Our recommendation: Consider this cover if you want a reusable, space-saving way to reduce microwave mess. Before ordering, check the exact model, measure your plates, and confirm the latest price and availability.
If those details match your needs, it could be a useful addition to your everyday kitchen routine.
Ready to check whether it fits your kitchen?
Check the Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure
This article contains an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, the publisher may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the buyer. Product details, prices, and availability may change, so please confirm the latest information on the retailer’s product page before ordering.
