I nearly always cover foods, as I microwave them.  They seem to cook better that way, plus it helps keep my microwave clean.  We all know that sometimes foods splatter while they cook.  At least if the plate is covered, the splatter is contained, rather than all over the microwave.

So I use a plastic microwave plate cover, from Arrow.  This plate cover is approximately 11" wide by 3 1/2" tall.  There is a single 1" hole in the cover's top that allows ventilation.  The plastic is see-through, which is convenient while you're cooking. 

All of my everyday dishes and bowls fit easily under this cover.  The only thing I own that doesn't fit under it is an oval-shaped serving platter.  But, otherwise, everything fits perfectly.  Bowls of soup and spaghetti, and plates full of leftovers can be heated under this cover, without messing up my microwave.  Technically, you can stack items on top of the cover, too, as long as you don't cover up the ventilation hole.  I don't do this very often, but you could heat a plate of leftovers under the cover, and a small bowl of gravy on top.

Usually the cover comes out wet from condensed steam, but not actually dirty.  If it does get a little dirty, I simply hand-wash it.  But if something really splatters on it, and I don't wash it right away, it can be a little tough to clean.  That's when I place it on the top rack of my dishwasher.  I've had this cover for years and it looks absolutely spotless, even after hundreds of uses.  It's also perfectly round, not having warped, at all. 

Occasionally I heat something that doesn't require a cover.  For instance, heating a cup of plain water.  I know I should remove the cover from the microwave first, but to be honest, sometimes I'm lazy and leave it in there, even though I'm not technically using it.  To be honest, I don't really see that the cover is harmed by this.  As I said, the cover continues to be in perfect shape.

The only improvement I could see making on this cover would be to add some kind of stay-cool handle on the top.  I usually remove this cover by sticking my finger in the ventilation hole and lifting up.  I do this, even knowing that occasionally the steam is going to burn my finger.  But, it's the easiest way to grab it, so that's what I do.  Mind you, this is not the recommended method.  You should use pot-holders and lift the cover from its sides. 

At a cost of just a couple dollars, I can't imagine why everyone doesn't have one of these.  They're much more convenient (and cost-effective) than using paper towels and paper plates to cover your food while cooking.  They're sturdy, inexpensive, easy to clean, and they do exactly what you want them to do - help heat foods evenly, and keep your microwave clean.  Two thumbs up, from me!

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