These easy-to-install screen doors are inexpensive, and most allow for hands-free passage.
All but one of the models we tested had magnets that joined the two halves of the screen doors.
By Jodhaira Rodriguez
When hosting barbecues, my family makes frequent trips into the house to grab food and drinks. We’re often taking trips inside in pairs—one person carrying a tray of food and drinks while the other opens the door. We could keep the door open, but just as it would be easier for us to go in and out, it would be just as easy for bugs to make their way inside.
Magnetic screen doors offer a solution to this problem. These screens can be installed in just a few minutes, and most can be walked through even when both hands are occupied.
We tested five models in our lab to find the best ones. We tested how easily each screen could be damaged by applied force and assessed the ease of installing, removing, and walking through them.
Sneak Peek: The best magnetic screen doors we tested were easy to install, were made of tightly woven mesh, and didn’t damage the paint around a door during removal. An important note: The models we tested included enough adhesive hook and loop strips to install the screen one time only, so even though you could technically reuse these products you’ll have to purchase additional hook and loop strips to attach them to your door.
Flux Phenom Upgraded Magnetic Screen Door
Mesh size and strength tests: This screen door earned the top spot in our evaluations for a few reasons. It had the smallest mesh size, increasing the chances for a more successful barrier against bugs. The results from our strength tests found that it was one of just two models that did not rip when our tester applied the maximum amount of force possible, about 39 pounds. A small hole did appear where the sharp tip of the force gauge pressed against the material.
Installation: This was easy, too. Instead of applying the adhesive hook and loop strips along all of the sides of the screen, the instructions required just one long strip along the top and a few 4 to 5-inch strips on both sides. During removal, no paint was lifted from the doorframe to which it was applied. The magnets secured the two halves of the screen door together, with no gaps except at the very bottom where the screen meets the ground. Two straps on either side can be used to keep the screen door open.
Extras: Included with this screen door are hook and loop strips, push pins, and a small tool to help adhere the hook and loop strips together. It was the only model we tested to include this additional tool.
M-D Universal Magnetic Screen Curtain
Though this screen curtain required a little more effort to install than our top pick and it was not as strong, it is still our runner-up.
Installation: The instructions included with the product were very clear. The hook and loop strips must be applied along the entire sides of the mesh screen, but we were still able to install this screen curtain in less than 10 minutes. There were no gaps between the magnets that joined the two halves of this model together. During removal, no paint was lifted from the doorframe on which we installed this screen.
Mesh size and strength tests: In our strength tests, just 8 pounds of force was required to rip the mesh screen. It had the second-smallest mesh size of the five models tested.
Extras: In addition to the hook and loop strips, a box of small tacks was included with this screen door to help secure it to a doorframe.
Kimberly Bay Instant Screen Door
Unlike the other models we tested, this one does not have any magnets.
Installation: The Kimberly Bay Instant Screen Door included two installation methods: a tension rod and adhesive hook-and-loop strips. We installed it using both methods. The tension rod installation was quicker and made it easy to move the screen door to another door. Installation using the hook and loop strips was also easier than with the other models because the strip needs to be attached to the top of the door only, not along the sides. While this made installation easier, it also gives small critters more opportunity to sneak inside your home through the unfastened sides.
Because this screen does not open down the middle, walking through a doorway requires moving it to one side with your hand. It is better suited to letting cool air in, not for use during a barbecue, where frequent trips with full hands are common.
Mesh size and strength tests: In our strength tests, this model performed best, withstanding the maximum force our tester could exert (about 39 pounds) without ripping. A small hole did appear in the mesh material after this test.
The mesh size of this model was the second largest. The bottom of the screen is lightly weighted to prevent it from flapping excessively.
Other Screen Doors We Tested
Augo Magnetic Screen Door
Mesh size and strength tests: Augo’s magnetic screen was a middle-of-the-pack performer in our tests, but gaps between the magnets that hold the halves of the screen door together kept it from making our list of favorites. It had the third-smallest mesh size and withstood about 11 pounds of force before ripping.
Installation: This screen was easy to install. The instructions were very clear, and we found the photos included with them to be the most helpful among the models we tested.
During removal, some paint was lifted from around the door to which we applied this screen door. It has straps on both sides to keep the two halves open.
We tested the 38×82-inch size, but it is also available in seven other sizes.
Magic Mesh Hands Free Screen Door Deluxe
Mesh size and strength tests: This was the only model tested that we don’t recommend. The mesh size is larger than all the other models we tested, so small bugs can fit through the holes. It also removed paint from the doorframe during removal, and, overall, felt less durable than the others. During our force gauge testing a force of about 10.7 pounds caused the screen to rip.
The magnets kept the two sides of the screen securely fastened. There are no straps to keep the two halves of the mesh open (as you would have on curtains).
Installation: Installing this screen door was as easy as most of the other models we tested. It required applying adhesive hook and loop strips along the top and sides of the screen, then attaching it to the doorframe.
Extras: It’s also worth noting that when we ordered two of these screen doors, each one arrived in a different packaging. All of the supplies included in the packages were the same. That includes the mesh screen, tacks, and velcro strips.
We tested the 39×83-inch version of this product. It is also available in 75×83-inch and 109×84.5-inch sizes.
How We Tested Magnetic Screen Doors
We set up each magnetic screen door in our labs and noted how easy each one was to install. Once installed, we assessed how well they covered a doorway, whether there were any gaps between the magnets through which bugs could pass, and how easy it was to walk through each screen. We then removed the screens and made note of any damage to the doorframe.
Using a force gauge, we also tested the force required to pierce or rip through each screen.
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