Preparing a meal can be a lot of fun. However, cleanup is not something most people enjoy. A stovetop burner cover is a basic kitchen accessory, reducing the amount of labor you have to do in the kitchen.
These covers protect your stove from sauce spills and sauté smears while also giving it a new, clean look. Most stove top burner covers are simple to install under your burners. These stove protectors usually perform well at absorbing spills and splatter, but a few may have gapping issues, allowing fluids to pool beneath them.
Others are heat-resistant and flame-friendly and can be an issue if your stoves are placed low on the stovetop. When making a purchase, for kitchen use, in particular, it's important to examine and consider the relevant features involved; we have done so below.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Stove Top Burner Cover
Disposable vs. reusable
The broader a cover is, the simpler it is to clean and utilize. The dimensions of PTFE or fiberglass burner covers are typically 0.2-mm to 0.3-mm. Aluminum, a popular burner cover material, is substantially thinner.
Aluminum covers are removable, and potentially disposable, owing to their relative flimsiness. You might be able to clean them a couple of times, however, they usually come in big quantities, making it simple and convenient to swap out old ones.
Dimensions and form
Stove top burner covers are available in a variety of sizes, fitting a wide range of gas burners. Most of them are rectangular, although some are circular, accommodating round flame wells on certain stovetops.
Trimming
A unique feature some burner covers have is the ability to be cut using shears, letting you tailor protectors to fit a variety of flame sizes. Even though most burner covers can be reduced, larger covers make the task more complex.
Cutting is not possible with gas range shields equivalent in diameter to baking pans. These are far more long-lasting and robust by design.
Cleaning is simple
As previously said, lighter aluminum protectors are generally designed to be discarded once they become overly dirty. Stiffer protectors are intended to be cleaned and utilized multiple times and usually have non-stick coatings, making them simple to clean.
Some covers are even dishwasher-safe. To find the ideal technique for wiping thick protectors, consult the user manual.
Quantity
Certain stove top burner covers come in packs of 6, while others come in packs of 50. Temporary aluminum protectors are available in larger volumes than reusable aluminum protectors.
What Materials Are Used to Make Stove Top Burner Covers?
Although stove top burner covers can be produced from a lot of materials, PTFE, glass fiber cloth, and aluminum are three of the most popular. Choose stove top burner covers with stronger thermal properties if your stove has high-temperature flames.
PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a fire-resistant polymer with a melting point of roughly 600 degrees Fahrenheit comparable to Teflon. Reusable stove top burner covers typically contain PTFE.
Glass fiber cloth
This is essentially a fiberglass substance covered with Teflon, equivalent to PTFE. It has a stronger thermal resistance than PTFE, to temperatures over 700 degrees Fahrenheit in some cases. Glass fiber cloth Stove top burner covers, such as PTFE, are usually reusable.
Aluminum
Aluminum is used in temporary stove top burner covers because it is less costly than PTFE. Typically, these are created from recycled content. There is no comparison between heat-resistant metal, and other options, concerning its melting point, which is 1,221 degrees Fahrenheit.
Critical Features for a Stove Top Burner Cover
Color
While there is usually not a great deal of selection when it comes to color, some companies do offer black and silver burner covers. You might be able to get both of these options, complementing your stove as well as home décor.
Extras
Extras like an oiled silicone brush, spatula, or other cooking tools are rarely included with gas range covers, yet on rare occasions, a vendor will put in something to tantalize potential customers.
What to Keep in Mind When Buying a Stove Top Burner Cover
- Always keep your own particular interests at the forefront. Choose a burner cover that has been officially approved, ensuring that you are utilizing one of the safest solutions available
- Take into account that some materials are flammable. PTFE stove top burner covers, unlike metal ones, have the disadvantage of being flammable. Although PTFE has a high-temperature endurance and melting point, it may melt if it comes into direct contact with flame. If you are concerned about this risk, use stove top burner covers composed of alternate materials
- Disposable and recyclable covers are available. If you prepare a meal regularly, try purchasing a box of disposable range covers, helping to maintain your stove and reduce cleaning time
- There are also stovetop protective sheets. While most stove top burner covers are intended to cover separate stoves, you can also purchase whole cooktop sheets, covering the entire cooking area
How Much Do Stove Top Burner Covers Cost?
Inexpensive
Lightweight stove top burner covers, which are usually less durable, can be found for under $10. A box of PTFE covers only contains several guards, whereas, at the same price point, you can expect to get 40 to 50 temporary aluminum covers.
Mid-range
PTFE and comparable covers in the $10 to $20 range will be stronger and come with more per pack. 100 disposable aluminum covers are a standard option in this price range.
Expensive
Larger bundles of PTFE protectors, as well as full and half-length stove covers, are available for $20 and above. The strength and density of these covers are generally greater than at other pricing levels, resulting in covers that can endure for decades, with proper use and daily maintenance.
