Looking for a simple, mess-free way to cook bacon in the microwave? The right bacon tray or microwave cooker can deliver crispy, evenly cooked results with less grease and cleanup. Below are five highly-rated options, each designed to drain fat, reduce splatter, and fit a range of microwaves. Use the buying guide to compare materials, sizes, and maintenance so you pick the best fit for your kitchen.
Product Summary
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microwave Bacon Tray & Defroster | Nordic Ware | Slanted design drains grease; defrost function | Large, rectangular |
| Piggy Grooved Tray with Lid | Joie | Cute design with splatter lid; easy cleanup | 4–5 strips |
| Silicone Microwave Bacon Cooker | JILLMO | Premium silicone; grease reservoir | Large, deep grooves |
| Upgraded Ceramic Bacon Cooker | KVZKVZ | High-temp ceramic; dishwasher-safe | 10.25 x 7.3 in |
| Original Makin Bacon Microwave Dish | MAKIN BACON | Fat separation for healthier bacon | Standard family size |
The following sections provide concise, objective overviews of each option, including how it works, what it’s best for, and any maintenance notes. All product details reference the listed features from each item.
Nordic Ware Microwave Tray With Defroster
The Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray features a slanted, ribbed surface designed to elevate bacon slices, promoting even cooking while allowing grease and moisture to drain away. Its rectangular shape supports multiple slices, making it suitable for family breakfasts or meal-prep batches. The defroster capability adds versatility for thawing foods quickly in the same dish. Cleaning is straightforward due to the ridged, nonstick-friendly surface, and it’s compatible with standard microwaves of various wattages. This tray is a solid option when you want a simple, low-maintenance bacon solution with practical defrost use.
Joie Piggy Grooved Microwave Tray With Splatter Lid
This Joie tray combines practicality with a playful design. The grooved cooking surface holds 4–5 strips of bacon and elevates them for even crisping, while a built-in splatter lid helps minimize mess. The pig-themed motif adds a whimsical touch to microwave cooking without compromising performance. It’s a compact option that’s easy to clean and store, making it a good pick for small kitchens or first-time buyers seeking a straightforward bacon solution in the microwave.
Nordic Ware 11×11 Microwave Bacon/Meat Rack
Nordic Ware’s 11 by 11-inch rack is a straightforward stand-alone rack designed for microwave use. This product emphasizes even heat distribution and grease drainage in a compact, open-rack format. It can be used with various supplies and is compatible with multiple slices of bacon or other meats. Simple to clean, it’s especially suitable for households that prefer a multipurpose rack that can also serve other small meat portions beyond bacon.
Jillmo Silicone Microwave Bacon Cooker
Jillmo’s silicone bacon cooker emphasizes durability, safety, and grease management. Made from food-grade silicone with high-temperature resistance, it’s BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. Its deep grooves keep bacon elevated and evenly exposed to microwave energy, while a built-in grease reservoir collects excess fat, reducing splatter and cleanup. The silicone construction is flexible yet sturdy, making it a versatile option for households seeking a long-lasting, easy-to-clean cooker that’s gentle on cookware and microwaves alike.
Upgraded Ceramic Microwave Bacon Cooker
This white ceramic bacon cooker from KVZKVZ emphasizes durable, high-temperature ceramic construction with a large surface area (about 10.25 by 7.3 inches) to accommodate multiple slices. The no-lid design simplifies cleaning, and the ceramic surface is dishwasher-safe for convenient maintenance. Ceramic materials often resist staining and odors, helping the product maintain a fresh appearance over time. It’s a practical choice for those who prefer a minimal, easy-clean solution with steady, even heating.
The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Dish
The Original Makin Bacon dish emphasizes fat separation to deliver bacon that’s above the grease. Marketed as a quick, easy option, it’s designed to reduce fat content while maintaining crispy texture. The dish-friendly design supports simple cleanup, with users draping a paper towel to control splatter. It’s a compact choice for those prioritizing a straightforward, fast microwave bacon method with a focus on reducing overall fat intake compared to traditional stovetop cooking.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing a microwave bacon tray or cooker, consider these factors to optimize taste, texture, and convenience:
- Material: Silicone, ceramic, metal, and nonstick surfaces each offer different heat distribution, cleaning needs, and durability. Silicone trays resist stains and are easy to clean, while ceramic models tend to be sturdy and dishwasher-safe but may be heavier.
- Drainage and fat management: Look for ridges, sloped surfaces, or grease reservoirs that channel fat away from the bacon to improve crispiness and reduce sogginess.
- Capacity: Choose a size that matches your typical portion. Larger trays accommodate 4–5 slices or more, while compact options are better for quick single-serving meals.
- Ease of cleaning: Dishwasher-safe materials save time, especially if you cook bacon frequently. Nonstick coatings also help with quick cleanup.
- Versatility: Some trays can double as defrosters, meat racks, or serve as serving dishes. Consider whether you want a single-purpose tool or a multifunctional option.
- Microwave compatibility: Ensure the product suits your microwave’s wattage and dimensions. Oversized trays may not fit smaller appliances.
- Maintenance and odor: Materials like ceramic may retain odors or require careful cleaning, while silicone and nonstick surfaces typically resist lingering smells.
- Safety: BPA-free silicone and high-temperature ceramics reduce chemical exposure and ensure safe cooking at microwave temperatures.
In sum, the best choice depends on how you plan to use the tray: for simple, quick bacon with minimal cleanup, silicone or parchment-adaptable trays excel; for a more durable, dishwasher-friendly option, ceramic or metal racks offer longevity. For households seeking a playful design or multifunctional tool, consider products with lids or integrated drip features that keep splatter contained while maintaining ease of use.