Microwave Splatter Cover Comparison: Tovolo vs. HOVER COVER
If you have ever reheated a bowl of pasta only to hear a loud pop three seconds before the timer goes off, you know how quickly food turns into baked-on cement inside an appliance. Much like sealing messy counter gaps with the best stove gap covers, containing food explosions before they hit your microwave walls is one of the easiest clever home hacks to simplify your daily life.
Old-style rigid plastic domes work well enough, but they are a pain to store. They sit awkwardly on the glass turntable when you want to heat a coffee mug, or they fall out of overhead cabinets every time you reach for food storage containers.
Collapsible and magnetic designs solve this everyday storage frustration. Today, we are testing two of the most popular kitchen helpers on Amazon: the flat-folding Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Splatter Cover (10.5-inch) and the ceiling-docking HOVER COVER Magnetic Microwave Splatter Cover (12-inch). Both prevent messy cleanups, but each handles storage, dish clearance, and everyday kitchen routines differently.
Legal Disclaimer: NestAlpha is an independent review site. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Tovolo, HOVER COVER, or any other trademark owners mentioned. This comparison is based on publicly available specifications, real-world homeowner feedback, and independent research to help you make practical, informed buying decisions.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Technical Comparison Table
Feature | ||
Primary Storage Method | Folds flat to ~1 inch (Drawer/Cabinet) | Snaps to microwave ceiling via magnets |
Outer Diameter | 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) | 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) |
Material Build | BPA-free plastic top + silicone walls | BPA-free polymer + ceramic magnets |
Max Plate Clearance | Up to 10-inch standard plates & bowls | Up to 11.5-inch wide dinner plates |
Dishwasher Safe | Yes (Top rack recommended) | Yes (Top rack recommended) |
Secondary Utility | Perforated top doubles as a mini colander | Stays inside the appliance 24/7 |
Microwave Requirement | Works in all microwave models | Requires a flat, magnetic metal ceiling |
Best For... | Universal fits & shallow drawer storage | Reclaiming cabinet space & wide plates |
Price Est. | ~$10 – $15 | ~$26 – $30 |
1. The Low-Profile Classic: Tovolo Collapsible Microwave Cover (10.5")
Tovolo built this cover with simple durability in mind. By pairing a rigid plastic roof with flexible, food-grade silicone folding rings, it pops open when you need vertical room and squishes completely flat when you are done.
Pros:
True One-Inch Flat Storage: When collapsed, it takes up almost no vertical space. You can slide it right into a shallow utensil drawer, stand it on edge next to your cutting boards, or nest it neatly under your drying rack.
Sturdy Center Handle: The molded plastic finger tab is built directly into the solid top frame. This gives you a secure, firm grip so your fingers stay away from hot, steaming silicone when pulling it off hot food.
Even Steam Perforations: Small vent holes spread across the roof let moisture escape evenly, heating leftovers quickly without leaving them damp or soggy from trapped condensation.
Acts as a Quick Colander: Because the top is perforated and completely food-safe, you can flip it upside down over the sink to rinse berries, drain canned beans, or wash herbs before dinner.
Cons:
Slightly Smaller Diameter: At 10.5 inches across, it fits ordinary dinner plates and medium cereal bowls comfortably. However, oversized dinnerware or wide-rimmed stoneware might not fit underneath without resting on your food.
Still Uses Drawer Space: Even though it folds down flat, you still need an open spot in your cabinets or drawers to tuck it away after every use.
2. The Zero-Footprint Innovator: HOVER COVER Magnetic Microwave Splatter Cover (12")
The HOVER COVER is made for kitchens where cabinet and counter space are at a premium. It features four polymer-encased ceramic magnets molded right into the top rim. Instead of putting the cover away after reheating a meal, you just raise it to the ceiling and let it click into place until next time.
Pros:
Zero Lost Cabinet Space: It lives permanently inside your microwave without getting in the way. Whenever you heat a coffee mug or a tall container, the cover stays parked against the ceiling, completely clearing the turntable below.
Generous 12-Inch Diameter: That extra inch and a half of width makes a noticeable difference. It bridges large dinner plates, shallow pasta bowls, and freezer meal trays that smaller round covers struggle to protect.
Folds Flat for Dishwashers: Even with the embedded ceiling magnets, the body still uses flexible folding silicone. It collapses down easily when it’s time to wash it on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Safe Encased Magnets: The ceramic magnets are completely sealed inside heat-resistant plastic, meaning they won't spark, cause electrical arcing, or damage the microwave during normal cooking cycles.
Cons:
Ceiling Compatibility Required: The magnets only grab flat, magnetic metal ceilings. If your microwave has a curved roof, an exposed upper heating element, or an interior made of non-magnetic stainless steel, the cover cannot dock.
Reduces Interior Clearance: If you have an ultra-compact microwave (under 0.9 cu. ft.), keeping the lid docked against the ceiling slightly limits the height available for tall coffee mugs.
Critical Decision Guide: Drawer-Flat Storage vs. Ceiling Magnetic Hold
Do collapsible and magnetic microwave covers really work?
Choose the Tovolo if you want a foolproof, universal cover that works in every microwave, dorm room, or office breakroom regardless of interior material. If your microwave ceiling is plastic or made from non-magnetic stainless steel, Tovolo is the right choice. It feels solid to pick up when food is boiling hot, and it hides away flat in any narrow drawer.
Choose the HOVER COVER if your microwave ceiling passes the magnet test and you want to keep your counters completely clear. It is ideal for apartments and small condo kitchens where cabinet space is tight. Plus, the wider 12-inch base is far better suited for wide-rimmed dinner plates and large family servings.
Everyday Maintenance & Cleaning Tips
Both covers are dishwasher-safe, but following a few simple habits will keep them clean and odor-free for years:
Wash on the Top Rack: Keep them away from bottom heating elements in the dishwasher to protect the flexible silicone seams from warping.
Combat Tomato Stains: Reheating greasy pasta dishes can occasionally leave orange discoloration on light plastics. If that happens, a quick wipe down with baking soda and a drop of dish soap before washing removes food grease fast. For deeper kitchen cleanups, check our guide on maintaining a regular house cleaning schedule for a tidy home.
Shake Off Moisture: After washing, leave the silicone bellows expanded on a dish rack for an hour so moisture does not get trapped inside the folded creases.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Tovolo If:
You want a reliable, simple splatter cover that works in every microwave made.
Your microwave ceiling is curved or doesn't attract basic refrigerator magnets.
You prefer a firm, molded top handle that feels sturdy when food is piping hot.
You like the idea of using your cover as a quick sink colander for fresh fruit.
Buy the HOVER COVER If:
You tested your microwave ceiling with a fridge magnet and confirmed it holds firmly.
You have full drawers and want your cover to live out of sight inside the appliance.
You regularly reheat meals on wide 11- or 12-inch dinner plates.
You want fast, one-handed convenience without ever opening a kitchen cabinet.
Comments