Stove Gap Covers Are the Most Useful Kitchen Tool You Don’t Own

The goal of all stove gap covers is the same. They should successfully block food, liquids, and dust from falling through these cracks. They should stay put and not slip off every time you accidentally brush against them.

And in an ideal world, stove gap covers may reduce the chance of encountering pests, though they won’t replace deep-cleaning the area under and around your stove and oven. “I recommend pulling out your stove to clean the floor at least once every three to six months, though this can vary depending on how often you use your stove and oven,” says CR’s Kenneth Sutton. “Frequent cooking can lead to a quicker buildup of crumbs, grease, and spills in the gaps between the stove and countertop, which can attract pests and create unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning not only keeps your kitchen sanitary but also helps prevent the buildup of debris that could pose a fire hazard. Stove gap covers are a great tool for minimizing this mess, reducing how often you need to do a deep-clean.” 

A kitchen product that’s relatively budget-friendly, simple to use, makes your life easier, and helps keep mice away? Sign us up. But first, we took a closer look at three popular stove gap covers on the market, which range from about $9 to $45.