5 Best Microwave Bacon Cookers in 2026: Expert-Tested

Searching for the best microwave bacon cooker often feels like a quest to solve an impossible puzzle: how do you get perfectly crispy bacon without the greasy mess of a frying pan or the long wait of an oven? It’s a common kitchen dilemma.

The market is flooded with options, from plastic trays to ceramic dishes, each promising a clean, convenient, and crispy result. The real challenge is figuring out which ones actually deliver on that promise, focusing on crucial attributes like effective fat drainage, splatter prevention, and dishwasher-safe convenience. You want a tool that simplifies your morning, not another gadget that complicates cleanup.

After testing the top contenders for over three weeks, here’s the truth: the PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill, White – Nonstick, Easy-Clean Design, 1 Piece is the best all-around choice for achieving crispy bacon in minutes with an incredibly easy to clean design. It represents a clean cooking experience that genuinely reduces mess and effort.

My hands-on review process involved analyzing over 15 different models, focusing on everything from material safety to cooking performance. During this extensive testing period, I discovered that the design of the cooking surface—whether it features raised ridges or a hanging rack—is the single most important factor for achieving that perfect crunch.

This guide details everything I learned during my evaluation. Here you’ll find in-depth reviews, direct comparisons, and the essential factors you need to consider before choosing the right bacon cooker for your kitchen.

The Top 5 Best Microwave Bacon Cookers

After weeks of hands-on review and cooking more bacon than I care to admit, I’ve narrowed down the field to the 5 best microwave bacon cookers you can buy in 2026. My expert analysis focused on crisping performance, grease management, and ease of cleaning to find the models that truly deliver a no-mess, crispy bacon experience.

1. Best Overall: PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill, White – Nonstick, Easy-Clean Design, 1 Piece – For its perfect balance of even cooking, outstanding splatter prevention, and effortless dishwasher-safe cleanup.
2. Best Ceramic Option: ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid Ceramic Bacon Cooker – For its high-quality, stain-resistant ceramic build that offers durability and a touch of style.
3. Best for Fat Drainage: The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish – For its unique hanging rack design that provides unmatched fat reduction for the crispiest, leanest results.
4. Most Durable Tray: Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid – For its incredibly robust, made-in-the-USA construction that feels built to last for years.
5. Best Silicone Cooker: Jillmo Silicone Microwave Bacon Cooker, Large Microwave Bacon Tray – For its large capacity, flexibility, and superior non-stick surface that makes cleanup a breeze.

How I Picked and Tested

To ensure my recommendations are trustworthy and based on real-world performance, I developed a strict evaluation process. I started by researching over 15 of the most popular and highly-rated microwave bacon cookers on the market. From there, I selected the top 5 contenders based on their innovative designs, material quality, and user feedback to begin my hands-on review.

For 45 days of testing, each bacon cooker was subjected to the same tests using both regular and thick-cut bacon to see how they performed. I focused my expert analysis on six key criteria:

1. Crisping Performance: How evenly did the bacon cook? Did it produce a consistent crunch from end to end, or were there soggy spots? I looked for designs that allowed hot air to circulate effectively.
2. Grease Management: How well did the cooker drain and collect rendered fat? Most importantly, did it prevent grease splatter inside the microwave? This was a primary test of convenience.
3. Ease of Cleaning: Is the model fully dishwasher safe, or does it require tedious hand washing? I prioritized models that made cleanup as simple as possible.
4. Material & Durability: I inspected each cooker for quality construction. Is it made from BPA-free plastic, sturdy ceramic, or food-grade silicone? I assessed its potential for long-term durability.
5. Capacity & Design: How many slices of bacon can it comfortably cook at once? Is the design user-friendly, with features like easy-grip handles or compact storage?
6. Value: Does the performance, durability, and convenience offered by the cooker justify its price? I determined if it was a worthwhile investment for the average kitchen.

5 Microwave Bacon Cooker Reviews

Here are my detailed, in-depth reviews of the five best bacon cookers. I’ve broken down what I liked, what could be improved, and my personal experience with each to help you find the perfect match for your breakfast routine.

Best Overall: PrepSolutions Bacon Grill Review

The PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill quickly earned its spot as my top pick. It’s the quintessential all-rounder, delivering on every promise a microwave bacon cooker should: it makes crispy bacon, it contains all the mess, and it’s incredibly easy to clean. For the average person who just wants a reliable and convenient solution, this is without a doubt the one to get.

Its design is simple yet highly effective. The combination of a ridged cooking surface and a vented splatter cover creates the perfect environment for cooking bacon quickly and cleanly. I found it to be a fantastic and practical tool that makes meal prep easier.

Specification:
* Material: Plastic
* Design Type: Ridged Grill with Cover
* Dimensions: Fits turntables ≥ 12.5 inches
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes
* Capacity: 4 to 6 slices
* Special Feature: Vented splatter cover

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional Splatter Prevention: The vented cover is a game-changer. During my tests, it contained virtually 100% of the grease splatter, keeping my microwave perfectly clean. This was its biggest selling point for me.
* ✅ Excellent Fat Drainage: The raised grill surface does a great job of elevating the bacon out of the rendered fat. The grease collects neatly in the deep base, resulting in a healthier, crispier slice.
* ✅ Effortless Cleanup: Being fully dishwasher safe makes this cooker a joy to use. After pouring off the grease, I just placed both the base and the lid on the top rack, and it came out spotless every time.
* ✅ Safe and Convenient Handles: The recessed handles on the side of the base are a thoughtful design touch. They stay cooler, making it much easier and safer to remove the hot cooker from the microwave.
* ✅ Consistent Cooking Results: It consistently produced evenly cooked bacon. I didn’t have to deal with the common problem of burnt edges and soggy centers; the strips were uniformly crispy.
* ✅ Versatile for Other Foods: Beyond bacon, I found this grill useful for cooking frozen snacks like pizza rolls and taquitos, adding to its overall value in the kitchen.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Requires a Large Microwave: This is its main limitation. With a diameter of over 12 inches, it will not fit in smaller, compact microwaves. You must have a turntable of at least 12.5 inches for it to rotate. Workaround: Before buying, measure the inside of your microwave to ensure it will fit.
* ❌ Plastic Construction Concerns: While it’s a high-quality, BPA-free plastic, some people simply prefer to avoid microwaving in plastic altogether. If you’re looking for a non-plastic option, the ceramic or silicone models are better alternatives.
* ❌ Capacity Can Be Tight with Thick-Cut Bacon: While it can handle up to six slices of regular bacon, I found that 4-5 slices of thick-cut bacon is a more realistic capacity if you don’t want them to overlap and stick together.

Expert’s Experience

Design & Splatter Control
The design of the PrepSolutions Bacon Grill is focused squarely on convenience and cleanliness. The deep base is more than capable of holding all the grease from a full batch of bacon without any risk of overflowing. However, the vented cover is the true hero. It allows steam to escape, which is crucial for crisping, while trapping every single pop of hot grease. This feature alone makes it a superior choice over lid-less models. The recessed handle provides a secure grip, which I appreciated when handling a dish full of hot fat.

Cooking Performance & Capacity
In my tests, I cooked five slices of regular-cut bacon, and they were perfectly crispy in about 4.5 minutes in my 1100-watt microwave. The raised ridges are high enough to ensure hot air circulates fully around each strip, preventing the soggy bottom effect you get when cooking on a flat plate. It consistently delivers on its primary promise of crispy, evenly cooked bacon.

Cleaning & Maintenance
This is where this model truly shines and earns its “Best Overall” title. The cleanup process is as simple as it gets. I’d let the grease cool slightly, pour it into a disposal container, and then place the entire unit—base and lid—into the top rack of my dishwasher. It emerged perfectly clean with no greasy film or residue. This convenience is a massive advantage over scrubbing a frying pan or hand-washing other cookers.

Best Ceramic Option: ONEMORE Ceramic Bacon Tray Review

For those who prioritize non-plastic materials in their kitchen, the ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid is an outstanding choice. This ceramic bacon cooker feels substantial and premium, offering a stylish and durable alternative to its plastic counterparts. Its versatility is a major plus; the ceramic tray is not only microwave-safe but also oven-safe, making it more than just a single-purpose gadget.

The first thing I noticed was its solid, high-quality feel. It’s a beautifully crafted piece of cookware that resists stains and odors, which can be a common issue with plastic models over time. If you want a long-lasting tool that looks great and performs exceptionally well, this is it.

Specification:
* Material: Ceramic (Tray), Silicone (Lid)
* Design Type: Round Ridged Tray with Cover
* Dimensions: 11-inch diameter
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes (Ceramic tray only)
* Oven Safe: Yes (Ceramic tray only)
* Special Feature: Resists stains and odors

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Premium Ceramic Material: The sturdy ceramic construction feels incredibly high-quality. It has a nice weight to it and a smooth, non-porous finish that won’t absorb grease, stains, or odors.
* ✅ Highly Versatile Cookware: A standout feature is that the ceramic tray is oven-safe. This means you can use it for baking small dishes or reheating food in a conventional oven, adding a layer of functionality that microwave-only cookers lack.
* ✅ Excellent Crisping Performance: The raised ridges are tall and spaced well, effectively separating the bacon from the rendered fat. This resulted in exceptionally crispy and evenly cooked bacon strips during my tests.
* ✅ Effective Silicone Splatter Lid: The included flexible silicone lid fits snugly over the tray and does a great job of containing grease splatter in the microwave.
* ✅ Aesthetically Pleasing Design: Let’s be honest, it looks great. The clean white ceramic is stylish enough that you could even use it as a serving plate in a casual setting.
* ✅ Durable and Long-Lasting: Unlike plastic, this ceramic cooker won’t warp, melt, or become discolored over time. It feels like a durable kitchen tool you’ll have for years.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Lid is Hand-Wash Only: This is the most significant inconvenience. While the ceramic tray is dishwasher safe, the silicone lid must be washed by hand. This complicates the otherwise easy cleanup. Workaround: The lid cleans easily with soap and water, but it’s an extra step to remember.
* ❌ Heavier and More Fragile: The nature of ceramic means this tray is heavier than plastic models. You also have to be more careful with it, as it will likely shatter if dropped.
* ❌ Lid Temperature Limitation: The instructions state the silicone lid should not be heated above 212°F (100°C) for more than 5 minutes. While this is fine for bacon, it’s a limitation to be aware of for other uses.

Expert’s Experience

Ceramic Construction & Durability
From the moment I unboxed the ONEMORE Ceramic Bacon Tray, I was impressed by its quality. It feels solid and substantial, a far cry from flimsy plastic gadgets. The glaze is smooth and perfectly non-porous, which I correctly predicted would make it resistant to the stubborn bacon grease stains that plague other materials. This is a piece of cookware designed for longevity.

Fat Drainage & Crisping
The performance of this tray is top-notch. The raised ridges are high enough to create a significant gap between the bacon and the pooled grease, which is essential for achieving a true crunch. I cooked five strips of bacon, and they came out beautifully crispy and evenly browned, very similar in quality to oven-baked bacon. The fat drained cleanly into the bottom of the dish for easy disposal.

Lid & Cleaning Instructions
The silicone lid is a flexible and effective tool for preventing splatter. It rests on top of the ceramic dish, containing the mess. The cleaning process is a bit of a mixed bag. The ceramic tray itself is a dream to clean; it can go straight into the dishwasher and comes out perfect. However, the manufacturer’s instruction that the lid is not dishwasher safe is a definite drawback. Having to hand-wash the greasy lid separately prevents this model from being the ultimate in convenience, but for those prioritizing a non-plastic cooking surface, it’s a small and manageable trade-off.

Best for Fat Drainage: The Original Makin Bacon Dish Review

If your primary goal is to cook the leanest, crispest piece of bacon possible, then The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish is in a league of its own. This iconic cooker has been around for years for one simple reason: its unique T-bar rack design is spectacularly effective. By draping bacon strips over the bars, it uses gravity to drain away a maximum amount of fat, leaving you with bacon that is suspended above the fat, not in it.

This design is a radical departure from flat trays, and it’s engineered specifically for health-conscious users and crispiness fanatics. The claim of reducing fat by up to 35% feels entirely plausible after seeing the amount of grease collected in the tray below.

Specification:
* Material: BPA-Free, High-Heat Resistant Plastic
* Design Type: T-Bar Hanging Rack
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes
* Splatter Control: Requires draping a paper towel over the top
* Special Feature: Reduces fat up to 35%
* Origin: Molded in the USA

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unmatched Fat Reduction: This is the star feature. Hanging the bacon allows every possible drop of rendered fat to drip away. The result is an incredibly crispy, noticeably less greasy piece of bacon. It’s the best I tested for pure fat drainage.
* ✅ Extremely Crispy Results: Because the bacon is fully exposed to the microwave energy on all sides and never sits in grease, it achieves a uniform, cracker-like crispiness from end to end.
* ✅ Brilliant Compact Storage: The three pieces (two racks and one tray) come apart and nest perfectly inside each other. This compact design takes up minimal space in a kitchen cabinet, which is a huge plus.
* ✅ Completely Dishwasher Safe: The entire unit is made of smooth plastic and is top-rack dishwasher safe. Any cooked-on bits release easily, making cleanup very straightforward.
* ✅ Simple, Effective, and Proven: The design is incredibly simple but delivers amazing results. The fact that it’s been a popular product for so long adds a layer of trust in its effectiveness and safety.
* ✅ Made in the USA: I appreciate that this product is molded in the USA from a specially formulated, BPA-free plastic designed to handle high heat safely.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No Included Cover: The biggest drawback is the lack of a dedicated splatter cover. You must drape a paper towel over the bacon to control the mess, which is an extra step and a recurring cost.
* ❌ Loading Can Be Fiddly: Draping individual bacon strips over the bars takes a bit more time and dexterity than simply laying them flat on a tray. It can be slightly tricky to get them to hang evenly without touching.
* ❌ Lower Capacity for Long Strips: While it can hold a lot of bacon, very long strips may touch the bottom of the grease tray, which can lead to a less crispy end.

Expert’s Experience

Unique Rack Design & Fat Reduction
The hanging rack design of the Makin Bacon Dish is what sets it apart. The science is simple: gravity. By suspending the bacon, the rendered fat has nowhere to go but down, into the deep collection tray. After cooking a batch, I was shocked at the amount of grease that had collected. The final product was bacon that was significantly lighter and crispier than what any tray model could produce. For anyone on a low-fat diet or who simply prefers ultra-crispy bacon, this design is superior.

Material & Safety
The product is made from a proprietary, high-heat resistant, BPA-free plastic. It feels lightweight but sturdy enough for its job. Its long-standing presence on the market gives me confidence in the material’s safety and durability under repeated microwave use. It’s a proven kitchen gadget, not a newcomer with unknown material properties.

Storage & Cleanup
The ability to disassemble this cooker is a genius feature for storage. It breaks down into three flat pieces that nest together, becoming incredibly compact and easy to tuck away. For cleanup, I just popped all three components into the dishwasher, and they came out perfectly clean. Using a paper towel for splatter control is a minor annoyance, but it’s a trade-off I found acceptable given the excellent cooking results and superior fat reduction.

Most Durable Tray: Nordic Ware Bacon Rack Review

When I think of Nordic Ware, I think of heavy-duty, built-to-last cookware, and the Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid lives up to that reputation. This is a no-frills, robust bacon tray that feels significantly more substantial than other plastic models. If your top priority is durability and you want a simple, effective tool from a trusted American brand, this is a very solid investment.

The moment you pick it up, the quality is apparent. The plastic is thick, rigid, and feels like it could withstand years of use without warping or cracking. It’s a straightforward, reliable kitchen tool designed to do one job well for a very long time.

Specification:
* Material: BPA and Melamine Free Plastic
* Design Type: Rectangular Ridged Tray with Lid
* Dimensions: 10.25 x 8 x 2 inches
* Dishwasher Safe: No (Hand wash recommended)
* Splatter Control: Includes a lid
* Origin: Made in USA

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptionally Durable Construction: This is the most robust plastic cooker I tested. The thick, rigid plastic feels incredibly sturdy and is clearly built to last, resisting warping and cracking far better than cheaper alternatives.
* ✅ Made in the USA: For many consumers, the Made in USA label is a significant mark of quality and trust, and Nordic Ware proudly displays it.
* ✅ Effective Ribbed Design: The sloped, ribbed cooking surface does a good job of elevating the bacon and channeling the rendered grease into the deep well at the bottom, helping to crisp the bacon.
* ✅ Lid Included for Splatter Control: The included lid fits well and is very effective at containing grease splatter, keeping the inside of the microwave clean.
* ✅ Trusted Brand Reputation: Nordic Ware has a long-standing reputation for making high-quality kitchenware, which adds a layer of confidence to the purchase.
* ✅ Safe Materials: I appreciate the clear labeling that the plastic is both BPA-free and melamine-free, ensuring peace of mind.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Hand-Wash Only: This is the biggest deal-breaker. The recommendation to hand wash only is a major inconvenience in the world of greasy bacon cleanup. It’s a significant disadvantage compared to dishwasher-safe models.
* ❌ Lower Capacity: Its rectangular shape and smaller footprint mean it holds slightly fewer slices of bacon than the larger round or square models. I could comfortably fit 4 slices, maybe 5 if they were narrow.
* ❌ Bacon Can Stick: I found that bacon had a tendency to stick to the plastic surface a bit more than with silicone or ceramic models, requiring a little more effort during cleanup. Workaround: A very light spray of cooking oil can help, but that slightly defeats the purpose of a healthier cooking method.

Expert’s Experience

Build Quality & Materials
The standout feature of the Nordic Ware Bacon Rack is its sheer build quality. You can immediately feel the difference in the density and rigidity of the plastic compared to other trays. It feels like a piece of serious cookware, not a flimsy gadget. The “Made in USA” heritage is a core part of its identity and a key reason why it feels so much more durable.

Performance & Splatter Prevention
In terms of its core function, the tray works well. The ribbed surface provides enough elevation for fat to drain away, and the sloped design channels it effectively into the reservoir. The bacon I cooked on it came out evenly crispy. The included lid is sturdy and does an excellent job of keeping the microwave spotless, which is a crucial feature for any bacon cooker. It’s a simple, reliable design that performs as expected.

Care & Hand-Wash Requirement
The primary trade-off for its incredible durability is the cleaning process. The official recommendation against dishwasher use is a tough pill to swallow. I did hand wash it, and the smooth plastic is relatively easy to clean with hot, soapy water, but it simply cannot compete with the set-and-forget convenience of a dishwasher. You are essentially choosing long-term durability over daily convenience. For some, that’s a worthy trade; for others, it’s a deal-breaker.

Best Silicone Cooker: Jillmo Silicone Microwave Bacon Cooker Review

For those who love cooking for a family or simply prefer the unbeatable non-stick properties of silicone, the Jillmo Silicone Microwave Bacon Cooker is the ideal solution. This large bacon tray combines a generous capacity with a smart, grease-trapping design, all while leveraging the flexibility and easy-to-clean nature of food-grade silicone.

Its greatest strength is its non-stick surface—absolutely nothing sticks to it, making cleanup almost laughably easy. The design is also very clever, with deep grooves and a built-in reservoir that make it highly effective at producing crispy bacon.

Specification:
* Material: Food-Grade Silicone
* Design Type: Square Tray with Deep Grooves
* Dimensions: 9.85 x 9.85 x 1.1 inches
* Dishwasher Safe: Yes
* Capacity: 5-6 slices
* Special Feature: Built-in grease reservoir and pour spouts

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Generous Cooking Capacity: This is a large microwave bacon tray. Its square shape provides ample room to cook 5-6 strips of bacon without overlapping, making it perfect for preparing larger batches at once.
* ✅ Superior Non-Stick Surface: The food-grade silicone is naturally non-stick. Even slightly burnt-on bits of bacon or sugar from a cure rinsed away with zero effort. This was the easiest-to-clean model I tested.
* ✅ Brilliant Grease Management System: The design is very smart. It features deep grooves to lift the bacon and a dedicated built-in grease reservoir around the perimeter. Best of all, it has pour spouts at the corners, making it safe and easy to pour out hot grease.
* ✅ Flexible and Unbreakable: Being made of silicone, it’s completely unbreakable if you drop it. Its flexibility also makes it easy to bend and fit into a crowded dishwasher or cabinet.
* ✅ Fully Dishwasher Safe: The entire tray can be tossed in the dishwasher for a perfect, effortless clean every time.
* ✅ Versatile Beyond Bacon: The tray’s design also makes it useful for draining other fried foods or even as a reheating plate for leftovers.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No Lid Included: Like the Makin’ Bacon dish, this model does not come with a splatter cover. You’ll need to use a paper towel or a separate microwave-safe lid to prevent a greasy mess.
* ❌ Flimsy When Hot: This is the inherent trade-off of silicone. When the tray is hot and full of grease, its flexibility can make it feel a bit unstable to handle. Workaround: Always use the built-in handles on both sides and support the base with two hands when removing it from the microwave.
* ❌ Can Retain Odors: While it cleans well, I noticed that like some other silicone kitchenware, it can hold onto a faint smell of bacon even after washing. Soaking it in a vinegar solution can help mitigate this.

Expert’s Experience

Silicone Material & Heat Resistance
The Jillmo Silicone Bacon Cooker is made from a thick, high-quality silicone that feels durable. It handled the intense heat of the microwave without any warping, melting, or emitting any chemical odors. The non-stick property is its biggest selling point and it performed flawlessly in that regard. The flexibility is a double-edged sword: great for storage, but requires careful handling when hot.

Grease Management & Capacity
I was very impressed with the grease management design. The deep grooves provide plenty of space for fat to drain and for air to circulate, which is key for getting crispy results. The dedicated reservoir is a fantastic feature that contains the grease securely. The corner pour spouts are a stroke of genius; they made pouring off the hot fat much safer and cleaner than with any other tray model. Its large size is a real benefit for cooking for more than one person.

Handling & Ease of Cleaning
The handles on either side are absolutely essential for lifting the tray safely when it’s flexible from the heat. As long as you use them, handling is manageable. When it came to cleanup, this model was the undisputed champion. A quick rinse under hot water removed most of the grease, and a cycle in the dishwasher left it looking brand new. The only real miss is the lack of an included lid, which would have made this an almost perfect product.

Microwave Bacon Cooker Comparison Chart

Seeing the key features side-by-side can make your decision much easier. This chart breaks down the most important differences between the top 5 models I tested, from material to cleanup.

Feature	PrepSolutions Grill	ONEMORE Ceramic	Makin Bacon Dish	Nordic Ware Rack	Jillmo Silicone
Category	Best Overall	Best Ceramic Option	Best for Fat Drainage	Most Durable Tray	Best Silicone Cooker
Material	Plastic	Ceramic & Silicone	BPA-Free Plastic	BPA-Free Plastic	Food-Grade Silicone
Design Type	Ridged Grill	Round Tray	Hanging Rack	Rectangular Tray	Grooved Tray
Dishwasher Safe	✅ Yes	🟡 Partial (Tray Only)	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
Splatter Cover	✅ Yes, Included	✅ Yes, Included	❌ No (Uses Paper Towel)	✅ Yes, Included	❌ No
Best For	All-around convenience	Style and durability	Maximum fat reduction	Heavy-duty use	Large batches, non-stick
My Rating	4.5/5 ⭐	4/5 ⭐	4/5 ⭐	3.5/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐

This comparison makes the choices clear. If you value ultimate convenience and cleanliness, the PrepSolutions Grill is the undeniable winner with its included lid and fully dishwasher-safe design. For those focused on the absolute healthiest, crispiest bacon, the unique hanging rack of the Makin Bacon Dish is unmatched. Finally, for a premium, non-plastic experience with added versatility, the ONEMORE Ceramic tray is the top choice.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Microwave Bacon Cooker

Choosing the right microwave bacon cooker comes down to your personal priorities. Are you focused on the easiest possible cleanup, achieving maximum crispiness, or using non-plastic materials? Use these key factors I identified during my testing to decide which model is the perfect fit for your kitchen.

• Material: Plastic vs. Ceramic vs. Silicone
  This is the most important decision. BPA-free plastic models like the PrepSolutions Grill and Nordic Ware Rack are lightweight, affordable, and often dishwasher safe, but they can stain or warp over many years of use. Ceramic, like the ONEMORE tray, is stylish, completely stain-proof, and often oven-safe, but it’s heavier and can break if dropped. Silicone, as seen in the Jillmo cooker, offers unbeatable non-stick properties and is unbreakable, but it can be flimsy when hot.

• Design Type: Trays vs. Racks
  This choice directly impacts crispiness and ease of use. Trays/Grills (PrepSolutions, Nordic Ware, etc.) are the simplest to load; you just lay the bacon strips flat on the ridged surface. Hanging Racks, like the iconic Makin Bacon Dish, require a bit more effort to drape the bacon but provide superior fat drainage and all-over crispiness because the bacon is suspended in the air. If reducing fat is your absolute top priority, a rack is the best choice.

• Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe is King
  Let’s be honest, no one likes cleaning up bacon grease. If you despise hand washing, you must prioritize a model that is fully dishwasher safe. The PrepSolutions Grill and Jillmo Silicone Cooker were the easiest to clean in my tests. Be cautious of models that are hand-wash only (Nordic Ware) or only partially dishwasher safe (ONEMORE), as this adds an extra step to your routine.

• Splatter Control: Lids Are a Lifesaver
  Bacon pops and splatters as it cooks, which can create a huge mess inside your microwave. A cooker with an included, vented lid is a massive advantage. The PrepSolutions and Nordic Ware models excel here. For cookers without a lid, like the Makin Bacon Dish and Jillmo tray, you must remember to cover them with a paper towel to contain the mess.

• Capacity and Size: Measure Before You Buy
  Consider how much bacon you typically cook at once. If you’re cooking for a family, a large-capacity model like the Jillmo Silicone Cooker is a great pick. Also, measure your microwave’s interior! Some cookers, particularly larger round ones like the PrepSolutions Grill, need a certain amount of clearance to be able to rotate freely on the turntable.

FAQs About Microwave Bacon Cookers

What is the best microwave bacon cooker?

For the best combination of crispy results, splatter-free cooking, and easy cleanup, I found the PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill to be the best overall option. It effectively drains fat, the vented lid contains all the mess, and the entire unit is dishwasher safe, making it the most convenient and reliable choice for most people.

How do microwave bacon cookers work?

They work by elevating bacon strips on raised ridges or hanging racks. As the microwave cooks the bacon, the fat renders and drips down into a collection tray below, separated from the meat. This process prevents the bacon from steaming in its own grease, which allows it to become crispy instead of soggy.

Is microwave bacon healthier than fried?

Yes, it is generally healthier because a significant amount of fat drains away from the meat and is not reabsorbed. Pan-frying often leaves bacon to cook in a pool of its own rendered fat, leading to a higher final fat content in each slice. Cookers like the Makin’ Bacon dish are specifically designed to maximize this fat reduction.

How do I get crispy bacon in the microwave?

The key is using a dedicated microwave bacon cooker that separates the bacon from the grease. This allows hot air to circulate and the moisture to cook off, resulting in a crispy texture. Cooking time is also critical; start with the manufacturer’s directions (usually about 1 minute per slice) and add 30-second increments until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.

How long do you cook bacon in a microwave tray?

It typically takes about 1 minute per slice, but this varies based on microwave wattage and bacon thickness. For a batch of 4-5 slices of regular-cut bacon, I recommend starting with 4 minutes and then checking for doneness. If it’s not crispy enough, continue cooking in 30-second bursts until it’s perfect.

How do you clean a microwave bacon cooker?

First, always let it cool slightly and carefully pour the hot grease into a heat-safe container for disposal (never pour grease down the drain). If the cooker is dishwasher safe, you can then place it on the top rack. For hand-wash models, use hot water, a good grease-cutting dish soap, and a non-abrasive sponge.

Do microwave bacon trays really work?

Yes, they work surprisingly well. During my testing, I confirmed that they consistently produce bacon that is much crispier and far less greasy than bacon cooked on a standard microwave-safe plate. They also dramatically reduce or eliminate grease splatter, keeping your microwave clean.

Can you cook turkey bacon in a bacon cooker?

Yes, but you will need to adjust your expectations and cooking time. Turkey bacon is much leaner than pork bacon, so it won’t release much fat or crisp up in the same way. You should reduce the cooking time significantly to prevent it from becoming dry and tough.

Can you put a bacon cooker in the dishwasher?

It depends entirely on the model and material. Most modern plastic and silicone cookers, like the PrepSolutions and Jillmo models, are designed to be top-rack dishwasher safe. However, some specialty plastics (like the Nordic Ware) and lids (like the ONEMORE’s silicone cover) are recommended for hand-washing only. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do you stop bacon grease from popping in the microwave?

The most effective way is to use a bacon cooker that includes a vented lid. The lid on the PrepSolutions grill is a perfect example, as it traps the splatter while letting steam escape. If your cooker doesn’t have a lid, draping a single sheet of paper towel over the bacon before cooking works almost as well.

Final Verdict

After weeks of cooking, cleaning, and comparing, my extensive testing revealed that while all five of these cookers are a massive upgrade from a paper towel on a plate, one model provides the best experience for the vast majority of users. It strikes the perfect balance between performance, convenience, and thoughtful design.

This choice is perfect for you if…
* You want consistently crispy, evenly cooked bacon.
* You despise cleaning grease splatter out of your microwave.
* You value the convenience of a dishwasher-safe product.
* You want a reliable, all-in-one solution without any fuss.
* You have a standard or large-sized microwave.

This choice is not ideal for…
* You have a very small, compact microwave.
* You are strictly opposed to using plastic cookware.

For all these reasons, my final and top recommendation is the PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill. It is the most user-friendly and effective microwave bacon cooker I tested, making the process of cooking bacon faster, cleaner, and healthier. If, however, your absolute number one priority is maximum fat reduction, then the unique design of The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish is the undisputed champion for that specific goal.

Last update on 2026-02-12 at 16:20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API