Answering the search for an easy, mess-free way to cook bacon in the microwave, these popular bacon cookers with lids are designed to reduce splatter, drain fat, and keep your microwave cleaner. They are best for apartment living, quick weekday breakfasts, and anyone who wants faster bacon without standing over a stove. This guide highlights five top options and explains who each is best for, plus buying considerations to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid | Bacon lovers who want a stylish, ceramic tray | Even cooking, fat drainage, versatile serving |
| Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid | Simple, dependable microwave bacon | Low-friction cleanup, compact size |
| PrepSolutions Microwaveable Bacon Grill | Families needing quick, large batches | 7–9 bacon pieces, anti-splatter cover |
| KVZKVZ Microwave Bacon Cooker with Cover | Budget-friendly with lid | Grease drainage, easy to use |
| Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray | Low-profile, everyday use | Good surface area, dishwasher safe |
ONEMORE Ceramic Bacon Tray With Lid
The ONEMORE tray is a 11-inch round ceramic bacon cooker with a lid. It features raised ridges to elevate bacon and help fat drain away, promoting crispiness. The ceramic material resists staining and odors and supports use as a serving dish or meat rack, in addition to its microwave function. The lid reduces splatter and makes cleanup easier, though the lid should not go into the dishwasher. This option is best for buyers who want a stylish, versatile unit that doubles as a serving plate and values durable ceramic construction.
Best for: Bacon enthusiasts who want even cooking, a presentable serving piece, and a device that doubles as a serving tray. This model is a strong pick for those who prioritize a strong, long-lasting material and a visually appealing finish. Caution: Do not place the lid in the dishwasher.
Nordic Ware Bacon Rack With Lid
This microwave bacon tray from Nordic Ware emphasizes simplicity and functionality. The ribbed surface elevates bacon above grease, while the lid helps contain spatters. It is BPA and melamine free, aligning with common kitchen safety preferences. The unit supports bacon, sausage, and similar items, offering a straightforward option for those who want a dependable, easy-to-clean setup with minimal extras.
Best for: Buyers who want a durable, no-fuss tray with a lid to reduce mess. It’s a practical choice for everyday microwave bacon, particularly when you value a simple design and material safety. Caution: Not all users may prefer the ribbed texture if they want uniform browning without any lift in fat drainage.
PrepSolutions Microwaveable Bacon Grill
The PrepSolutions bacon grill is a large microwave tray designed to cook 7–9 slices at once. It includes an anti-splatter vented cover to minimize mess and a recessed handle for easy lid removal. Its size makes it a strong choice for families or those who regularly cook bacon as a breakfast staple. It emphasizes fast results and straightforward cleanup, positioning itself as an efficient alternative to pan frying.
Best for: Families or roommates who want to prepare multiple bacon slices quickly. The large capacity and vented lid help manage kitchen mess while maintaining crispy results. Caution: The tray’s dimensions should fit your microwave’s interior width and height for best results.
KVZKVZ Microwave Bacon Cooker With Cover
The KVZKVZ model emphasizes a raised ridges design with a grease-drainage system and a lid to minimize splatter. It includes explicit heat and time guidelines (250°F max and 2.5 minutes), which help standardize results and protect the tray. The lid reduces mess, and the tray is positioned as a practical, budget-friendly option for everyday microwave cooking. This is a solid pick if you want a straightforward, no-frills cooker with a lid.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want a practical, lid-covered microwave bacon tray. Choose this if you prioritize clean microwave surfaces and a clear usage limit to avoid overcooking. Caution: Follow the 250°F/2.5-minute guidelines to ensure durability and consistent results.
Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray
The Joie Piggy tray offers a grooved design to promote crispness and holds 4–5 strips, making it suitable for smaller households or quick meals. It is dishwasher safe, and the vented lid helps control splatter. The surface area is ample for standard bacon portions and can accommodate various bacon styles, including beef or turkey. It emphasizes mess-free cooking and easy cleanup as its core benefit.
Best for: People who cook bacon in small batches and want a dishwasher-safe option with a compact footprint. Caution: It may require careful handling to prevent bacon from sticking on some days.
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing a Microwave Bacon Cooker With Lid
- Size and microwave fit: Check tray diameter and overall height to ensure it fits inside your microwave cavity without touching the ceiling or walls.
- Ridged surface and grease drainage: Ridges help drain fat away from bacon for crispier results; ensure the tray provides reliable drainage without pooling grease.
- Lid design: A good lid reduces splatter but should be easy to lift for venting steam during cooking.
- Material: Ceramic and glass are durable and stain-resistant, while BPA-free plastics are lightweight and budget-friendly. Consider whether you want dishwasher-safe parts and whether the lid is dishwasher-safe.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Removable parts and stain-resistant surfaces simplify cleaning after cooking.
- Versatility: Some trays double as serving plates or meat racks, which can reduce clutter in small kitchens.
- Usage guidelines: Look for clear temperature and time ranges to avoid overcooking and to protect the tray’s longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use these microwavable bacon cookers for other foods? Yes, many can accommodate sausages, small portions of chicken, or other items that benefit from fat drainage and quick cooking, though always check the product’s specific guidance.
- Are these trays dishwasher safe? Some are, but lids or certain components may not be. Always review each product’s cleaning instructions to avoid damage.
- Will the bacon be as crispy as frying? Microwave cookers with ridges and proper time help achieve crisper results, but outcomes can vary by microwave wattage and thickness of bacon slices.
- Do these require special maintenance? Regular cleaning and avoiding harsh scrubbing on ceramic surfaces will maintain finish and prevent staining or odor absorption.
- Which is best for a small apartment? Compact trays with lids are ideal to minimize splatter and fit into smaller microwaves; Nordic Ware and KVZKVZ options are typically succinct in footprint.
- How do I prevent grease from pooling? Look for a design with raised ridges and an effective grease drainage path to lift bacon above fat.