Our countertop gas stove sits against a wall, so we use splatter guards for frying. Tall foil guards got crushed whenever a pan grazed them, then tore after a few reshapes. This galvalume steel guard solved it and has survived two years of daily stir-fries and frying.

イワタニ レンジガード 【ガステーブル(両面タイプ)】 IRG-60E

イワタニ(Iwatani)

• Doesn’t crumple when pans knock it; you just get a solid “bekon” sound.
• Around ¥1,000—cheaper than most rigid fluorocoated guards (¥2k–¥4k).
• Material: galvalume steel (aluminum-zinc coated); rust-resistant, industrial duct-like look reminiscent of HVAC ducting.
• Cleaning caution: strong alkali can leave white discoloration. After letting oil bake on for two years, I soaked it in sesqui solution and got faint whitening—wipe sooner or use milder cleaner.
• Dimensions suit most tabletop gas ranges; it shields all three sides without towering too high, so moving big pans is easy and you don’t keep knocking it over.
• Pros vs. foil: stays upright, no holes after repeated bumps, and looks neater on the counter.

Note: this model is for tabletop gas stoves; the bottom opening lets hoses pass. System-kitchen version (fluorocoated, darker gray) is here:

イワタニ レンジガード 【ガステーブル・システムキッチン兼用(両面タイプ)】 IRG-60F

イワタニ(Iwatani)

Takeaway

If flimsy foil guards drive you mad, a rigid steel guard is an easy upgrade: no crumpling, less eyesore, and it lasts for years. For gas stoves, this galvalume guard hits a sweet spot of price, durability, and easy cleaning; just avoid harsh alkali so it keeps its finish.