Home & Kitchen 7 Microwave Bacon Cookers for Crispy, Less Mess
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By the Pickpedia Team
·7 picks compared
·Last verified September 2026
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Quick answer
Pick a cooker matching your batch size and cleanup habits. Ceramic trays run sturdy and resist warping, plastic dishes stay light and store flat, and glass jars let you watch crispness. Ridged surfaces that lift strips above grease deliver the crispiest results with the least mess.
7 Microwave Bacon Cookers for Crispy, Less Mess at a glance
Why you can trust this guide
We compared these picks using verified manufacturer specifications, available manuals and documentation, current retailer listings, and patterns in owner feedback, alongside editorial research. We focus on measurable differences such as performance, capacity, usability, and build quality. Pickpedia does not present editorial research as laboratory testing, and we do not claim hands-on testing unless it was actually performed.
How we chose: We compared seven microwave bacon cookers across material, grease drainage, splatter control, capacity, and cleanup based on listed specifications and owner feedback.
Cooking bacon in the microwave skips the stovetop splatter and drains fat away as strips crisp. Every cooker here shares one idea, elevating bacon above rendered grease on ridges or racks so it finishes crisp rather than soggy.
Choices split by material and capacity. Ceramic and glass models feel substantial and shrug off stains, while molded plastic dishes stay light and pack away small. We grounded each pick in its real features so you can match a tray to your kitchen.
Our top picks
Nordic Ware keeps this simple and reliable. A ribbed surface elevates strips above the grease as they cook, and the fitted lid keeps spatters off your microwave walls. Owners praise its durable build, made in the USA from BPA and melamine free material, and note it handles sausage as readily as bacon. The compact footprint suits smaller microwaves. One clear tradeoff worth planning around, the maker recommends hand washing only, so skip the dishwasher and rinse it in warm soapy water instead. For most kitchens it hits the sweet spot of sturdy, functional, and easy to trust.
MaterialBPA and melamine free
Dimensions10.25 x 8 x 2 inches
LidIncluded, contains spatters
CareHand wash only
Pros
- Durable USA-made construction
- Ribbed surface lifts bacon above grease
- Lid keeps microwave clean
Cons
- Not recommended for the dishwasher
- Smaller footprint limits batch size
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This classic hangs bacon above the fat rather than letting it sit in it, and the maker states it reduces fat up to 35 percent compared to skillet cooking. Strips cook in minutes, and draping a paper towel over them controls splatter without a hard lid. Cleanup stays easy since the dish is dishwasher safe, and the compact design comes apart to store neatly in tight cabinets. It is molded in the USA from high-heat resistant, BPA-free plastic. The main limitation, it uses a hanging-rack style rather than an enclosed cover, so a paper towel does the splatter duty. A dependable pick for small kitchens.
MaterialBPA-free high-heat plastic
Fat reductionUp to 35 percent vs skillet
StorageComes apart, stores flat
CareDishwasher safe
Pros
- Takes apart for compact storage
- Cooks strips in minutes
- Dishwasher safe cleanup
Cons
- Relies on a paper towel for splatter
- Hanging design suits fewer strips
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Capacity is where this one shines. Measuring 11.88 by 10 by 1.88 inches, the large tray fits between seven and nine slices, enough to feed a whole family in one round. A vented cover blocks grease from splattering, and a recessed handle makes lifting the lid on and off simple. Grooves let grease drip away for crispier, less fatty results, and reviewers appreciate that it is dishwasher safe and BPA free. The obvious tradeoff, its generous size needs a roomier microwave, so measure your turntable first. For breakfast crowds or a batch of burger toppings, it earns its counter space.
Capacity7 to 9 slices
Dimensions11.88 x 10 x 1.88 inches
CoverVented, recessed handle
CareDishwasher safe, BPA free
Pros
- Cooks up to nine slices at once
- Vented cover controls splatter
- Dishwasher safe and BPA free
Cons
- Large size needs a roomy microwave
- Takes more cabinet room to store
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Built from high-quality white ceramic, this 11-inch round rack resists stains and odors and feels made to last. Raised ridges drain fat away for evenly cooked, crispy strips, and reviewers note it doubles as a meat rack or a serving plate straight from the microwave. It also works in the oven, and the tray itself is dishwasher safe. The included cover keeps splatter contained during cooking. The important caveat lives in the lid, it should stay under 212 degrees Fahrenheit for less than five minutes to avoid deforming, and it must be hand washed only rather than placed in the dishwasher. Handle the lid with care and the ceramic tray rewards you.
MaterialWhite ceramic
Shape11-inch round
CompatibilityMicrowave, oven, dishwasher
Lid careHand wash, keep under 212F
Pros
- Sturdy stain-resistant ceramic
- Works in microwave and oven
- Doubles as a serving plate
Cons
- Lid deforms above 212 degrees
- Lid is hand wash only
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Drainage is the headline here. Angled raised ridges lift bacon above the fat while channels and dual-side outlets carry melted grease away, and the maker claims up to 40 percent less excess fat. Food-grade ceramic resists warping and yellowing, and the roomy 11.8-inch surface holds eight to ten slices. An accordion Z-fold lid expands for taller foods, folds flat for storage, and vents steam to cut condensation. A raised wide rim reduces heat transfer and eases pouring off grease. Cleanup stays simple with a glazed surface, an included grove brush, and dishwasher-safe build. The catch, its 12-inch round footprint demands a larger turntable, so confirm the fit.
MaterialFood-grade ceramic
Capacity8 to 10 slices
Fat reductionUp to 40 percent
LidAccordion Z-fold, vented
Pros
- Channels and outlets drain fat well
- Folding lid stores compactly
- Wide rim eases safe handling
Cons
- Large round needs a big turntable
- Heavier ceramic weighs more to lift
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Sized for smaller servings, this 10.6 by 9.6 inch tray holds four to six slices and fits most standard microwaves. Contoured interior ridges channel fat downward as strips cook, and the maker states it can cut oil content by up to 50 percent. A tight-fitting lid traps grease and steam, keeping the microwave clean while locking in heat for even cooking. The non-stick surface sheds residue, so cleanup means a dishwasher run or a warm soapy rinse. It also handles sausages and hot dogs. One thing to respect, the maker advises keeping heat times short and within a set range, so avoid long runs to protect the tray.
Dimensions10.6 x 9.6 inches
Capacity4 to 6 slices
Oil reductionUp to 50 percent
SurfaceNon-stick, dishwasher safe
Pros
- Compact fit for standard microwaves
- Tight lid controls grease well
- Non-stick surface wipes clean
Cons
- Holds only four to six slices
- Needs short, watched cook times
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A different take, this heat-resistant glass jar rated to 750 degrees Fahrenheit lets you watch strips crisp through clear walls. Four glass skewers with silicone stoppers slide bacon in and out easily, and the silicone lid, rated to 445 degrees, keeps grease from spattering. A built-in spout pours off rendered fat cleanly. Beyond bacon it reheats ramen, soup, corn, and other microwave-safe foods, adding real everyday flexibility. Cleanup means a dishwasher cycle or a soapy hand wash to restore the shine. The tradeoff, the vertical skewer setup and jar shape suit a modest number of strips rather than a big family batch, so it favors smaller servings.
MaterialHeat-resistant glass to 750F
LidSilicone, rated to 445F
Included4 glass skewers
CareDishwasher or hand wash
Pros
- See-through jar shows crispness
- Doubles for soup, ramen, and corn
- Spout pours off grease cleanly
Cons
- Skewer setup suits fewer strips
- Glass is heavier and more fragile
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What to look for
Material makes the difference
Your material choice shapes durability, weight, and care. Ceramic and glass resist stains, warping, and odors, and many double as serving pieces, though they weigh more. Molded plastic dishes stay light and often fold flat for storage, ideal when cabinet room is tight.
Match capacity to your household
Trays here range from four slices up to ten. Solo cooks and pairs do fine with a compact tray, while families feeding several mouths want a large grill holding seven to nine strips. Bigger trays need a roomier microwave, so measure your turntable before buying.
Grease drainage and crispness
Every good cooker lifts bacon above the fat on ridges or skewers so grease drips away. Some makers cite fat reductions from 35 up to 50 percent versus a skillet. Angled channels and side outlets push that runoff further for crisper, less oily strips.
Splatter control and cleanup
A fitted lid or cover keeps grease off your microwave walls and saves scrubbing later. Check care instructions closely, since many trays are dishwasher safe while several lids must be hand washed only. Non-stick and glazed surfaces wipe down fastest.
Frequently asked questions
Do microwave bacon cookers actually make bacon crispy?
Yes. Ridges or skewers elevate strips above the rendered fat so grease drips away instead of pooling, which lets bacon crisp rather than sit and steam in its own grease.
How much fat do these cookers remove?
It varies by design. Makers cite reductions from around 35 percent up to 50 percent compared with skillet cooking, thanks to grooves, channels, and outlets that carry melted fat away from the meat.
Are these cookers dishwasher safe?
Many trays are, including several plastic, ceramic, and glass models. Lids are the exception. Some ceramic and hard covers must be hand washed only, so always read the care notes before loading a dishwasher.
How many bacon slices can I cook at once?
Capacity ranges widely. Compact trays hold four to six slices, while larger grills fit seven to nine and some ceramic models handle eight to ten. Pick based on how many people you feed.
Can I use a ceramic cooker in the oven too?
Some can. One ceramic tray here is rated for microwave and oven use, but its lid is not, so remove the cover for oven cooking and always confirm the maker's stated limits first.
Do I still need a lid to stop splatter?
A cover helps a lot by trapping grease and steam. If a cooker uses an open rack instead, draping a paper towel over the strips controls splatter reasonably well while the bacon cooks.
Will a large tray fit my microwave?
Not always. Bigger trays around 12 inches need a wide turntable, so measure the interior before choosing. Compact trays near 10 inches fit most standard microwaves without trouble.
Can these cookers heat other foods?
Several can. The glass jar reheats ramen, soup, and corn, and multiple trays handle sausages and hot dogs, so a good cooker often earns its place beyond bacon alone.
The verdict
Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid, 10.25x8x2...
9.2/10
For most kitchens the Nordic Ware Bacon Rack is our top pick, sturdy, USA-made, and dependably crisp, though it asks for hand washing. Feeding a crowd, the PrepSolutions grill cooks up to nine slices at once. Tight on space, the Makin Bacon dish stores flat, while the ONEMORE ceramic tray suits anyone wanting a lasting, oven-friendly piece. Cooking just a few strips, the compact oil-draining tray or the see-through glass jar both serve well. Match material and capacity to your habits.
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Our top pick, secure checkout via Amazon
Note: Availability and specifications change often. Always confirm the current details on Amazon before buying.