A mesh food cover lets air through while keeping flies and other insects off dishes on a picnic table or patio. There are two main types: collapsible pop-up tents in nylon or net, and rigid metal mesh domes.

The six covers below span a pack of 17 inch tents, a three-pack of jumbo tents, two metal sets, a single stainless dome and a mixed-size pop-up set. Sizes and materials come from each listing page. We have not used these covers ourselves, and mesh claims are the makers’ own.

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What to Look For

Feature Why it matters
Type Pop-up tents fold flat; metal domes hold their shape
Size Match the cover to your largest platter
Mesh fineness Finer mesh blocks smaller insects
Pack mix Mixed sizes cover plates, bowls and trays together

Specs at a Glance

Cover Size and count Material Notes
Simply Genius 17 x 17 in; 6 Plastic frame, mesh Collapsible and reusable
Lauon 40 x 23.7 in; 3 Nylon mesh Lace around the bottom; maker also suggests plant covering
Hicarer 2 rectangle 18.5 x 13.5 x 6 in; 6 dome 11 x 4 in Metal mesh Black; 8 pieces
Arthur Court 10.5 in wide, 5 in tall; 1 Stainless steel, aluminum knob Grape-shaped knob
wokuya One 40 x 24, two 17, two 14, two 12 in; 7 Net Maker lists 1 mm mesh; rope latch
Rindion 17 in; 4 Plastic, stainless steel rod frame Hand wash; collapsible

The 6 Best Mesh Food Covers

1. Simply Genius Pop-Up Mesh Food Covers, 6 Pack

Six white 17 by 17 inch pop-up tents with a plastic frame. The maker says they are collapsible, can be rinsed and air-dried, and suit both indoor and outdoor use.

Suits: a standard picnic table. Strengths: six identical covers. Weaknesses: one size only. Skip it if you need to cover a large tray.

View Simply Genius Pop-Up Mesh Food Covers – 17 x 17 in, White, 6 Pack, Large and Tall – Reusable and Collapsible Food Tents for Outdoor Serving on Amazon

2. Lauon Extra Large Food Cover, 3 Jumbo

Three jumbo 40 by 23.7 inch white nylon mesh tents with lace around the bottom edge, meant for platters of burgers, corn, fruit and other party food.

Suits: buffet trays. Strengths: very large coverage. Weaknesses: the listing gives no frame detail. Skip it if you need small plate covers.

View Extra Large Food Cover, 3 Jumbo (40″X23.7″), White Mesh Plate Serving Tents, Pop-Up Umbrella Screen Tents, Patio Net for Outdoor Camping, Picnics, Parties, BBQ, Collapsible and Reusable on Amazon

3. Hicarer 8 Pcs Outdoor Metal Mesh Food Covers, Black

A black metal mesh set of two rectangular covers about 18.5 by 13.5 by 6 inches and six domes about 11 inches across and 4 inches tall.

Suits: a rigid cover that keeps its shape. Strengths: two shapes and eight pieces. Weaknesses: the listing text on the metal type was cut off. Skip it if you want a fold-flat cover.

View Hicarer 8 Pcs Outdoor Metal Mesh Food Covers Tents Dome Set,Black on Amazon

4. Arthur Court Stainless Steel Mesh Picnic Food Cover

A single stainless steel mesh dome 10.5 inches across and 5 inches tall with a handcrafted aluminum grape knob.

Suits: a table piece that looks nice. Strengths: a stainless mesh and a handle. Weaknesses: only one small cover. Skip it if you need several covers.

View Arthur Court Stainless Steel Mesh Picnic Food Cover with Grape Knob – Elegant Outdoor Insect Protector – 10.5 Inch Diameter x 5 Inch Tall on Amazon

5. wokuya 7 Pack Pop-Up Food Tents

Seven net tents in four sizes: one 40 by 24 inch, two 17 by 17, two 14 by 14 and two 12 by 12. The maker lists a 1 mm mesh and a rope latch for closing.

Suits: a mix of plates and trays. Strengths: four sizes in one pack. Weaknesses: only one jumbo. Skip it if you need many large covers.

View 7Pack Various Size (40×24*1,17×17*2,14×14*2,12×12*2) Pop-up Food Tents Food Covers for Outside Mesh to Keep Bugs away,Reusable Collapsible Food Nets for Picnic Party BBQ Wedding Fruit on Amazon

6. Rindion 4 Pack Mesh Food Covers, 17 Inch

Four white 17 inch tents with reinforced stainless steel rod frames. The listing says they hand wash with soapy water and fold for storage.

Suits: a small group. Strengths: rod frames. Weaknesses: one size. Skip it if you need more than four.

View 4 Pack Mesh Food Covers 17 inch, Large and Tall Food Covers, Pop-Up Mesh Food Covers Tent Umbrella for BBQs, Outdoors, Screen Tents, Parties Picnics, Fruit Cover on Amazon

Care and Setup

  • Wash with mild soap and air dry fully before folding.
  • Shake a pop-up tent gently before opening it.
  • Do not lay a cover over very hot food.
  • Keep the lower edge flat on the table to block gaps.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing a cover smaller than your platter.
  • Folding a tent while it is damp.
  • Forgetting that metal domes do not fold.
  • Leaving a gap at the table edge.

Mesh Food Cover FAQ

Pop-up or metal?

Pop-up tents fold small. Metal domes hold their form and stack less compactly.

Can they be washed?

Listings for several tents say to hand wash and air dry. Check each product page.

The Short Version

For a standard set, the Simply Genius. For jumbo trays, the Lauon. For rigid domes, the Hicarer. For a single dome, the Arthur Court. For mixed sizes, the wokuya. For rod frames, the Rindion.