All lovers of meatballs, potatoes, pies and other fried goodies care about the same question: how to protect a gas stove from fat? However, the spray flying from the pan settles not only on the stove, but also on the kitchen apron, adding another item to the checklist for cleaning. You can spend less time tidying up your kitchen using two simple life hacks.
How to protect a gas stove from fat?
The only way to avoid greasy stains on the stove is to cover the work surface with material that does not burn and does not melt at high temperatures.
Non-combustible wipes
On Aliexpress, such foil wipes are sold at a price of $ 2 to $ 5 for a set of 4, and can also be found in offline stores with cheap goods. For people who rarely cook pan-fried or deep-fried dishes, they can be the perfect solution.
Universal size, napkins need to be cut according to the dimensions of your plate
Low cost
Suitable for reusable use.
Several color options (for light and dark plates)
Look beautiful
Uncomfortable to wash by hand (however, the napkins are well washed in the dishwasher)
After removing the napkins, the stove will still have to be washed, as part of the dirt and grease falls on the work surface
Sellers claim that the napkins are made of non-combustible material, and it really does not ignite if you try to set it on fire with a match. However, if it is bad to fill the edges cut by an asterisk that are adjacent to the burners, they begin to smolder. This can be a fire hazard, so be careful.
Foil coating
Housewives came up with a cheaper option - they cover the working surface of the plate with foil. The foil is not afraid of open fire, perfectly retains drops of fat and water, does not need care (when it becomes worthless, it is simply thrown away). The foil should be applied with the shiny side down, otherwise the material will reflect heat.
In order for the coating to lie beautifully on the stove, you need to remove the covers of the burners, put the foil and push holes in it to the size of the base, then return the covers to place.
How to protect a kitchen apron from fat?
As a rule, during frying, it’s not only the working surface of the stove that gets dirty - splashes of grease get onto the kitchen apron. In order not to wash it every time, you can use a protective screen.
Folding safety screen
On Chinese trading floors, you will have to pay between 3 and 6 dollars for such a screen, depending on the size and appearance. There are screens for one or two burners.
Folds compactly, doesn't take up much space
You can choose a color that suits the interior of the kitchen
Cheapness
Practicality
Does not protect the handle plate from splashing
The screen is made of very thin material, therefore it is short-lived
Falling from the slightest breath of air, additional fixation needed
Requires careful handling, as foil material is easily creased
One screen is enough for 2-3 weeks of use. It is made of thin foil material, therefore it wears out quickly, and it is also difficult to wipe it from grease, because, despite the metal frame, its structure is very shaky.
Homemade gas stove screen
Those who have the time can make such a screen with their own hands. Unlike the purchased one, it will turn out to be durable and more convenient to use. The best option would be to assemble the screen from tin plates connected by double-sided flat loops. However, not everyone has the opportunity to work with metal - in this case, it will be replaced by cardboard and foil.
For work you will need:
- corrugated cardboard sheet or box;
- foil roll;
- masking tape;
- PVA construction glue;
- glue brush;
- roulette;
- scissors;
- pencil;
- rags.
A step-by-step description of the preparation and assembly of the screen:
- Measure the dimensions of the working surface of the plate with a tape measure - the length of the back and sides, as well as the required screen height.
- Sketch the details on the cardboard. There should be 4 of them: a full-sized rear part (1 pc.), Full-sized sidewalls (2 pcs.) And a front side 10–12 cm high (1 pc.). You can do without a collar, but it is he who will protect the handle of the plate from spray.
- Cut out the parts and connect the back and side parts with masking tape.
- Paste the resulting screen with foil. You can glue both sides - both internal and external, but you can only internal. Also attach the foil to the front edge.
- Wipe the glued foil with a damp rag to even it and remove any remaining glue.
- Bend the structure and fasten the front edge with masking tape.
Which foil is suitable for protecting the slab?
Only real aluminum foil. Sometimes on sale there is a polyethylene painted in silver color and imitating foil, but it is not designed for use at high temperatures and is highly flammable.
How can I replace the foil?
Unfortunately, among household materials there is no full-fledged analogue.
The use of foil is a great way to protect the apron in the kitchen and the working surface of the stove, which is contaminated by spray even more than the apron, from grease. And finished products - napkins and screens - are suitable for those who strive not only for practicality, but also for aesthetics.