This $8 Gadget Is a Kitchen Safety Essential

I’m using my oven more than ever. This time of year, no-cook recipes like salads and parfaits just don’t seem to satisfy, while my cravings for all things warm and hearty hit an all-time high. Despite religiously using oven mitts when transferring food, I’ve collected some accidental burns on my arms and hands over the years. Last winter, to better prevent burns in the kitchen, I decided to snag these genius Leeyean Oven Rack Shields — and they’ve been a total game changer. Best of all, they’re $2 apiece at Amazon.

Leeyean Oven Rack Shields, Set of 4

When I’m rushing around the kitchen, safety can admittedly go out the door. The Leeyean oven rack shields are an ideal way for me to prevent kitchen burns when I’m hurrying to get food on the table. They’re easy to install: Just slide them over the long side of the grates, and they automatically grip into place. 

Unlike the fiery hot grates they cover, these silicone shields are heat-resistant and won’t hurt to touch, even in the hottest oven temperatures. They come in 14-inch and 22-inch lengths but can easily be clipped to fit into smaller ovens (like the one in my tiny NYC apartment). Since the pack comes with four silicone shields, you can even cut the extras to fit onto your toaster oven, air fryer, or other appliances. 

The protective bumpers can withstand temperatures up to 446°F, so you can leave them on for almost any cooking project. On the rare occasion you do need to remove them, they come off even faster than they go on. That’s a bonus when they begin to collect grime or food buildup. Just peel them off the metal rack and either hand-wash them in the sink or toss them in the dishwasher.

Leeyean oven rack shields make a great inexpensive gift for any home cook; I’ve given a few away to injury-prone friends and family members. Though I love them for my studio apartment, they’re especially great for households with curious kiddos or dogs. “My children love to bake [and] I was always concerned about them burning themselves, but with this gadget, I feel more secure letting them utilize the oven,” one shopper said.

I’ve been using the same oven rack cover for over a year, and it still works just as well as the day I bought it. Grab your set of four now for just $8 at Amazon.

More Kitchen Safety Devices to Shop:

NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves

Mercer Culinary Knife Guard

Kitchen + Home Food Safety Holder for Mandoline Slicer or Grater

Hoan The Original Bagel Guillotine

SecuCaptain Emergency Fire Blanket

At the time of publishing, the price was $8.