Comparison: Best Bacon Cooker For Microwave (Updated | May 15th)

The PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill is a straightforward, no-nonsense tool for anyone who wants a quick breakfast without the cleanup drama. What really stands out is its vented cover and recessed handle; it’s designed to be grabbed easily even when things are steaming hot, and the lid does a solid job of keeping those annoying grease pops inside the tray rather than all over your microwave walls. The raised ridges are high enough to ensure your bacon isn’t just poaching in its own rendered fat, giving you that crunchier texture we all crave.

I’d recommend this specifically for students or busy professionals who usually cook for one or two people. It handles 4 to 6 slices comfortably, which is the sweet spot for a standard breakfast. It’s also surprisingly versatile for reheating things like pizza rolls or taquitos because of that nonstick surface. However, there is a catch: you need to check your microwave size. It requires a turntable with at least a 12.5-inch diameter, so if you’re rocking a tiny dorm-style microwave, this might be too bulky to spin freely.

There is something reassuring about the Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid, mostly because it feels more durable than the flimsy plastic trays you often find at big-box stores. This is a BPA and melamine-free tray that focuses on the basics: a heavy-duty ribbed surface to lift the meat and a functional lid to stop the splatter. It’s made in the USA, which is a nice bonus for those who prioritize domestic manufacturing in their kitchenware. It’s compact at 10.25×8 inches, making it a great fit for smaller kitchens where cabinet space is at a premium.

This is the ideal choice for a shopper who wants a long-lasting, sturdy piece of equipment and doesn’t mind a little extra work at the sink. Because it’s not recommended for the dishwasher, you’ll be hand-washing this one with warm, soapy water after every use. That’s the major trade-off here. If you’re the type of person who throws everything in the dishwasher and forgets it, the potential for warping or degrading the material over time might be a dealbreaker, but for those who don’t mind a 2-minute scrub, the durability is excellent.

The Original Makin Bacon dish looks a bit like a miniature drying rack, and that’s exactly why it works so well. Instead of laying the bacon flat, you drape the strips over T-shaped bars. This vertical cooking method is the standout feature because it allows the fat to literally drip off the ends and collect in the deep reservoir below. It’s probably the most effective design on this list for reducing fat content—up to 35% compared to a skillet—making it a win for the health-conscious cook who still wants their bacon fix.

This is perfect for the “crispy bacon” purist. Because the air can circulate around the entire strip, you avoid the soggy spots that flat trays sometimes leave behind. It’s dishwasher safe and easy to disassemble, which is great for storage. The honest downside, though, is the splatter factor. Unlike other models, it doesn’t come with a hard lid. You have to drape a paper towel over the bacon to keep your microwave clean. It’s a bit of an extra step every time you cook, and if the towel slips, you’re looking at a greasy cleanup on the microwave ceiling.

If you want to move away from plastic entirely, the ONEMORE Ceramic Bacon Tray with Lid is a sophisticated upgrade. The sturdy white ceramic construction feels like “real” kitchenware rather than a temporary gadget. What makes it stand out is its versatility; because it’s ceramic, it’s oven-safe too. You could start something in the microwave and finish it under the broiler if you wanted to. The silicone lid is a modern touch that keeps the mess contained while you’re zapping your breakfast.

This is the best option for someone who values aesthetics and multi-use tools. It’s pretty enough to go straight from the microwave to the brunch table as a serving plate. However, you have to be careful with that lid. The manufacturer notes that the silicone cover shouldn’t be used for more than 5 minutes or at temperatures exceeding 212°F. Since bacon fat can get incredibly hot very quickly, there’s a real risk of deforming the lid if you’re trying to cook a massive, thick-cut pile of bacon on high power for an extended time.

The Jillmo Silicone Microwave Bacon Cooker is all about flexibility and ease of use. Made from food-grade silicone, this tray is virtually indestructible—it won’t crack if you drop it, and it doesn’t have that “plastic smell” that some cheap cookers emit when heated. The deep grooves and built-in grease reservoir are standout features, allowing you to pour off the liquid fat from the corners easily once you’re done. It’s also quite large, fitting 5 to 6 pieces at once with convenient handles on the sides for a secure grip.

This is a fantastic choice for the “low-maintenance” cook. Because silicone is naturally non-stick, cleanup is often as simple as a quick rinse or a trip through the dishwasher without any scrubbing. The trade-off is the structural rigidity. Being silicone, the tray is somewhat floppy. When it’s full of hot, rendered bacon grease, moving it from the microwave to the counter requires a very steady hand. If you aren’t careful, the tray can flex, potentially spilling hot oil on your hands or the floor.

The Nordic Ware 11-inch Microwave Bacon/Meat Rack is the quintessential “old school” microwave accessory. It’s a wide, open 11×11 inch square that provides plenty of surface area for bacon, sausage links, or even defrosting meat. Its simplicity is its strength; there are no moving parts, no hinges to break, and no complex assemblies. The white finish is clean and classic, fitting into any kitchen aesthetic without looking like a specialized gadget.

I’d recommend this for someone who wants a multi-purpose microwave rack rather than a dedicated bacon-only tool. It’s great for reheating leftovers that you don’t want sitting in their own moisture. The obvious downside here is the lack of a lid. Without a cover, your microwave is completely unprotected from grease splatters. You’ll definitely need to invest in a separate microwave dome or get used to using a lot of paper towels. It’s a basic tool that does the job, but it doesn’t offer the “mess-free” experience that more modern, covered designs provide.

This version of the ONEMORE Ceramic Bacon Tray is nearly identical to its sister product but focuses on the open-tray experience. The 11-inch round ceramic design is elegant and feels substantial in the hand. The raised ridges are specifically engineered to keep the meat out of the grease, and because it’s oven-safe, it’s a great tool for those who prefer the texture of oven-baked bacon but want the speed of the microwave on weekdays. It resists stains and odors much better than plastic alternatives, which can start to smell like old oil after a few months.

This is for the cook who wants a premium, long-lasting dish that can double as a serving platter. It’s much more “adult” than a plastic tray. The trade-off is quite simple: no lid means a mess. Unless you are very careful with your power settings or use a cover of your own, the open design invites grease to fly everywhere. It’s an excellent piece of stoneware, but you’re sacrificing the convenience of a contained system for the durability and look of ceramic.

The Microwave Bacon Cooker Tray with Splatter Lid takes a unique approach by including a removable silicone mat that sits inside the tray. This mat is designed to distribute heat more evenly and protect the base tray from the intense heat of rendering fat. The triangular high ridges are quite sharp, ensuring the bacon stays high and dry while the grease drains into the bottom. It also features a fitted lid to keep your microwave pristine, which is always a top priority.

This is a good pick for someone who is worried about hot spots or melting their plastic trays, as the silicone mat adds a layer of thermal protection. It’s a compact 9-inch design, making it very microwave-friendly for smaller units. The honest downside is the size limitation. At only 9 inches long, most standard bacon strips are going to be too long to fit flat. The instructions even suggest cutting the bacon to size, which is an extra prep step that many people find annoying when they’re just trying to get a quick breakfast on the table.

If you want to add a bit of personality to your kitchen, the Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray is undeniably the most “fun” option. It features a pig-themed splatter lid that is sure to be a hit with kids or anyone who likes whimsical gadgets. Beyond the looks, it’s a functional 9×8 inch tray that holds about 4 to 5 strips. The grooves are deep enough to catch a fair amount of grease, and the whole thing is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, making it very easy to live with.

This is the perfect gift item or a great way to get kids involved in making breakfast. It’s small, cute, and does exactly what it says on the tin. However, the trade-off is capacity and strip length. Like other compact models, you’ll likely find that standard bacon strips are too long for the 9-inch surface, requiring you to either fold them or trim them. It’s also made of a lighter-weight plastic, so while it’s dishwasher safe, it might not feel as “industrial strength” as some of the heavier ceramic or silicone options.

The Presto Microwave Bacon Cooker is a legend in the world of microwave gadgets for a reason. It uses a vertical rack system that can hold a massive 12 pieces of bacon at once. This is the standout feature—nothing else on this list can handle a full family-sized pack of bacon in one go. The bacon hangs over the bars, and the fat drips into a deep, easy-to-pour base. When you’re done, the racks come out and stack inside the tray for compact storage, which is brilliant engineering.

This is the absolute best choice for families or big groups. If you’re cooking for four people, this is the only way to do it in the microwave without running multiple cycles. It’s fully immersible and dishwasher safe, which is a relief given how much grease 12 slices can produce. The downside? Loading it takes time. You have to carefully thread each slice over the bars so they don’t touch, which is more tedious than just laying them flat on a tray. Also, like the other vertical cookers, it lacks a lid, so you’ll be using a lot of paper towels to prevent a grease explosion.