If you’ve ever tried to cook bacon in the microwave only to end up with a splattered interior, chewy undercooked strips, or a greasy mess to scrub for 20 minutes, you know how frustrating standard microwave bacon preparation can be. Choosing the right microwave bacon cooking tray doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what specs to prioritize or which options actually deliver on their promises. This guide breaks down everything you need to pick a tray that fits your cooking habits, kitchen setup, and budget, with a side-by-side comparison table of top-rated options and actionable buying tips to help you avoid costly mistakes. We’ll walk you through the features that make a real difference in daily use, common pitfalls to watch out for, and how to match a tray to your specific needs so you can get crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the hassle every single time.
Microwave Bacon Cooking Tray Comparison Chart: Top 10 Picks
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Nordic Ware 17×12 Oven Crisp 2-Piece Baking Tray Set |
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Nordic Ware 10.25×8 Microwave Bacon Rack with Lid |
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Makin Bacon Original USA-Made Microwave Bacon Dish |
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AHJ Red Microwave Grill Pan with Lid for Meat |
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PrepSolutions Microwave Bacon Grill for 7-9 Strips |
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ONEMORE 11-inch Round Ceramic Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid |
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Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray and Food Defroster |
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AHJ 2-in-1 Nonstick Microwave Egg Cooker and Grill Pan Set |
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3-Piece Stackable Microwave Bacon Cooker Tray Set with Lid |
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Nordic Ware 11 in. W x 11 in. L Microwave |
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Table of Contents
- 1. Nordic Ware 17×12 Oven Crisp 2-Piece Baking Tray Set
- 2. Nordic Ware 10.25×8 Microwave Bacon Rack with Lid
- 3. Makin Bacon Original USA-Made Microwave Bacon Dish
- 4. AHJ Red Microwave Grill Pan with Lid for Meat
- 5. PrepSolutions Microwave Bacon Grill for 7-9 Strips
- 6. ONEMORE 11-inch Round Ceramic Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid
- 7. Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray and Food Defroster
- 8. AHJ 2-in-1 Nonstick Microwave Egg Cooker and Grill Pan Set
- 9. 3-Piece Stackable Microwave Bacon Cooker Tray Set with Lid
- 10. Nordic Ware 11 in. W x 11 in. L Microwave
Microwave Bacon Cooking Tray Reviews: The Best Choices
Microwave bacon cooking trays have exploded in popularity among busy home cooks, bacon lovers, and anyone tired of scrubbing greasy microwave interiors after breakfast. These handy tools make it easy to get crispy, evenly cooked bacon in minutes without the mess of stovetop cooking. In this top 10 roundup, we’ve tested and compared the highest-rated microwave bacon cooking tray options on the market to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen, cooking frequency, and budget, with honest takeaways on performance, durability, and value.
1. Nordic Ware 17×12 Oven Crisp 2-Piece Baking Tray Set
If you’ve ever pulled soggy, unevenly cooked bacon from the microwave or dealt with warped, flimsy baking sheets that can’t handle high heat, this Nordic Ware set is a game-changer. Made from durable natural aluminum, the 17×12 inch cooking surface distributes heat evenly so every strip of bacon crisps uniformly, no more chewy undercooked edges or burnt spots. The included rack elevates the bacon so fat drips away, cutting down on greasiness without sacrificing that satisfying crunch people look for in perfectly cooked bacon. It’s also versatile enough for roasting veggies, baking cookies, or even air frying small batches of food, making it a workhorse for more than just bacon.
Unlike single-use microwave bacon trays that take up cabinet space after just a few uses, this set holds up to repeated use and is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The raised edges prevent grease from splattering all over your microwave interior, which is a huge plus for anyone who hates scrubbing stuck-on bacon fat off appliance walls. It’s especially useful for meal prep, as you can cook multiple strips at once for breakfast sandwiches, salads, or quick snacks throughout the week, cutting down on cook time significantly.
- Even heat distribution for uniformly crisped bacon
- Elevated rack drains excess fat for less greasy results
- Durable natural aluminum resists warping at high temperatures
- 17×12 inch surface cooks multiple strips at once
- Dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup
- Versatile for baking, roasting, broiling, and air frying
- Raised edges contain grease splatters
- Larger size may not fit in smaller microwaves
- Aluminum requires hand washing if you want to preserve finish long-term
Get the Nordic Ware 17×12 Oven Crisp 2-Piece Baking Tray Set now:
2. Nordic Ware 10.25×8 Microwave Bacon Rack with Lid
This Nordic Ware bacon rack is perfect for busy home cooks who want crispy bacon without the mess of grease splattering all over their microwave. The tight-fitting lid traps steam to keep bacon moist while the rack elevates strips so fat drips away, resulting in crisp edges and tender meat without the sogginess that comes from cooking bacon directly on a plate. It’s ideal for anyone who cooks bacon regularly, from families making weekend breakfasts to meal preppers who need a quick, consistent way to cook multiple strips without scrubbing grease off every surface afterward.
The compact 10.25×8 inch size fits easily in most standard microwaves, and the 2-inch height gives enough clearance for fat to collect in the bottom of the dish without overflowing. Unlike flimsy plastic bacon cookers that warp or crack after a few uses, this rack is made from sturdy, food-safe plastic that holds up to repeated heating cycles. It’s also great for cooking other small items like sausage patties or vegetable skewers, making it a multi-purpose tool for quick meals.
- Tight-fitting lid prevents splatter and locks in moisture
- Elevated rack drains excess fat for crispier bacon
- Compact size fits most standard microwaves
- Durable, food-safe plastic construction resists warping
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- Versatile for cooking sausage, veggies, and skewers
- Small cooking surface only fits 4-6 strips of bacon at once
- Lid can get hot during microwaving, requires careful handling
Get the Nordic Ware 10.25×8 Microwave Bacon Rack with Lid now:
3. Makin Bacon Original USA-Made Microwave Bacon Dish
The standout feature of this Makin Bacon dish is its unique elevated rack design that drains away excess fat as bacon cooks, cutting the fat content of each strip by up to 35% without sacrificing that signature crispy texture people crave. Unlike standard microwave bacon trays that leave bacon soggy or unevenly cooked, the specially designed slots on the rack allow heat to circulate around every strip, so each piece cooks evenly from edge to edge. Molded in the USA from high-quality, BPA-free plastic, it’s built to last through hundreds of uses, making it a reliable staple for anyone who loves quick, low-mess bacon cooking.
Using it is incredibly simple: just lay your bacon strips across the rack, cover with the included lid, and microwave for 2-4 minutes depending on your desired crispness. The lid prevents splatter, so you won’t have to wipe down your microwave after every use, and the bottom of the dish collects the drained fat for easy disposal. It’s perfect for college students, busy professionals, or anyone who wants a fast, healthier way to cook bacon without pulling out a stovetop pan and dealing with hot grease splatters.
- Elevated rack drains up to 35% of fat from bacon
- Even heat circulation cooks all strips uniformly
- USA-molded, BPA-free durable plastic construction
- Splatter-proof lid keeps microwave clean
- Quick 2-4 minute cook time for crispy bacon
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
- Small capacity only fits 6-8 strips of bacon at once
- Lid can fog up during cooking, making it hard to check doneness
Get the Makin Bacon Original USA-Made Microwave Bacon Dish now:
4. AHJ Red Microwave Grill Pan with Lid for Meat
A common annoyance with most microwave grill pans is that they leave food soggy, with no sear or grill marks, and many have flimsy lids that don’t contain splatter at all. This AHJ red grill pan fixes that problem with a ridged cooking surface that mimics a stovetop grill, searing meat to get those coveted dark grill marks and a crispy, charred exterior while the interior stays juicy. The tight-fitting lid traps steam to cook meat evenly without drying it out, and it contains all grease splatter so your microwave stays clean, no more scrubbing stuck-on grease off the walls after cooking burgers or bacon.
The pan is made from heavy-duty, microwave-safe plastic that won’t warp or crack even at high heat settings, and the non-stick surface makes cleanup a breeze, just wipe it out or toss it in the dishwasher. It’s perfect for anyone who lives in an apartment without a stovetop or grill, or for busy weeknights when you don’t want to heat up the whole kitchen to cook a burger or steak. You can also use it for vegetables, paninis, or even frozen appetizers, giving you that grilled flavor without any of the hassle of outdoor cooking.
- Ridged surface creates grill marks and crispy seared texture
- Tight-fitting lid contains splatter and traps steam for even cooking
- Heavy-duty, warp-resistant microwave-safe construction
- Non-stick surface for easy cleanup
- Dishwasher safe
- Versatile for meat, veggies, paninis, and frozen foods
- Small surface only fits 1-2 burgers or small steaks at a time
- Red exterior can show stains and scratches over time
Get the AHJ Red Microwave Grill Pan with Lid for Meat now: (See Also:Microwave Crowd Control)
5. PrepSolutions Microwave Bacon Grill for 7-9 Strips
Imagine waking up 10 minutes before you need to leave for work, craving crispy bacon for your breakfast sandwich, but not wanting to deal with a hot stovetop and greasy pan cleanup. This PrepSolutions microwave bacon grill is made for exactly that scenario: just lay 7-9 strips of bacon across the ridged surface, pop it in the microwave for 3-5 minutes, and you’ll have evenly crisped, grease-drained bacon ready to add to your meal. The elevated ridges lift the bacon away from the collected fat, so each strip gets crispy on all sides without getting soggy from sitting in its own grease, no more unevenly cooked pieces where one end is burnt and the other is chewy.
The grill is made from durable, BPA-free plastic that’s safe for microwave use, and the wide, shallow design fits easily in most standard microwave cavities without taking up too much space. It’s perfect for families who need to cook breakfast for multiple people at once, as the large surface can handle enough bacon for a whole family in a single batch, cutting down on cook time drastically. Cleanup is effortless too, as the non-stick surface wipes clean in seconds or can be tossed in the dishwasher for a more thorough clean.
- Large surface cooks 7-9 bacon strips in one batch
- Elevated ridges drain excess fat for crispier bacon
- Quick 3-5 minute cook time for fast meals
- BPA-free, microwave-safe durable plastic construction
- Non-stick surface for easy cleanup
- Compact design fits most standard microwaves
- No lid included, so splatter can occur during cooking
- Ridges can be difficult to clean if grease hardens
Get the PrepSolutions Microwave Bacon Grill for 7-9 Strips now:
6. ONEMORE 11-inch Round Ceramic Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid
For its low price point, this ONEMORE tray delivers performance that rivals far more expensive options. The thick, durable ceramic construction heats evenly to eliminate cold spots, while the included snug lid keeps greasy bacon splatter contained inside the tray, cutting down on messy microwave cleanup drastically. The 11-inch round surface fits 6 to 8 standard bacon strips with room to spare.
Beyond bacon, the tray works perfectly for roasting small batches of vegetables, warming leftovers, or even cooking frozen meals in the microwave or oven. The non-porous ceramic surface resists stains and odors, and it’s fully dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup after use. It’s an excellent pick for anyone who wants reliable bacon cooking performance without overspending.
- Budget-friendly premium ceramic build
- Secure splatter-proof lid included
- 11-inch round size fits 6-8 bacon strips
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Even heat distribution for consistent crispiness
- Non-porous surface resists stains and odors
- White finish shows buildup if not washed promptly
- Heavier than flimsy plastic bacon trays
Get the ONEMORE 11-inch Round Ceramic Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid now:
7. Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray and Food Defroster
If you’ve ever scrubbed greasy splatter off every inch of your microwave after cooking bacon, this Nordic Ware tray solves that exact frustration. Raised ridges lift bacon strips so excess fat drips away for crispier, less greasy results, while the tight-fitting lid contains all splatter to keep your microwave clean. It also doubles as a defroster, cutting wait time for frozen foods on busy weeknights.
Made from sturdy, BPA-free plastic, the tray fits most standard microwave cavities without issue, and its nonstick surface makes cleanup as simple as a quick rinse or trip through the dishwasher. You can also use it to cook other breakfast meats like sausage or ham, and the even heating eliminates cold spots for consistent results every time. It’s a must-have for anyone who cooks bacon regularly in the microwave.
- Contains all bacon splatter inside the tray
- Raised ridges drain excess grease for crispier bacon
- Doubles as a fast food defroster
- Sturdy BPA-free construction
- Fits most standard microwaves
- Nonstick surface for easy cleanup
- Defrosting thick cuts of meat takes longer than dedicated defrosters
- Small grease reservoir needs emptying between batches
Get the Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray and Food Defroster now:
8. AHJ 2-in-1 Nonstick Microwave Egg Cooker and Grill Pan Set
This AHJ 2-in-1 set is made for busy home cooks, college students, and anyone with a small kitchen who wants fast, delicious meals without firing up the stovetop. The nonstick grill pan cooks bacon, sausage, or small burger patties in the microwave in minutes, while the egg cooker attachment makes fluffy scrambled, poached, or fried eggs with zero hassle. No greasy stovetop to scrub after use.
The snug lid traps steam to cook food evenly and quickly, and the entire set is fully dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup. Its compact size fits easily in small dorm microwaves or apartment kitchenettes, and you can put together a full hot breakfast in under 10 minutes, perfect for rushed weekday mornings. It’s a game-changer for anyone who hates spending time on meal prep and cleanup.
- 2-in-1 design for grilled foods and eggs
- Nonstick surface requires little to no cooking oil
- Lid traps steam for fast, even cooking
- Fully dishwasher safe
- Compact size fits small microwaves and dorms
- Makes full breakfasts in under 10 minutes
- Grill marks are faint compared to stovetop cooking
- Egg cooker only fits 2 eggs at a time
Get the AHJ 2-in-1 Nonstick Microwave Egg Cooker and Grill Pan Set now:
9. 3-Piece Stackable Microwave Bacon Cooker Tray Set with Lid
The standout feature of this 3-piece bacon cooker set is its stackable design, which eliminates small, time-consuming bacon batches. Three separate trays hold up to 12 strips of bacon at once, or let you cook different foods simultaneously—like bacon on one layer and sausage on another—while a single lid covers all trays to contain splatter. No more wiping down the microwave after every use.
Each tray has built-in grease drainage slots that let excess fat drip away from the bacon, so you get crispy, non-greasy results every time. The set is made from BPA-free plastic that’s durable enough for repeated microwave use, and it’s fully dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The stackable design also saves cabinet space when storing the set, making it perfect for large families or anyone who hosts brunch regularly. (See Also:Microwave 1100 Watts Countertop)
- 3 stackable trays for cooking multiple batches at once
- Holds up to 12 bacon strips total
- Grease drainage slots for extra crispy results
- Single lid covers all trays to contain splatter
- BPA-free and dishwasher safe
- Stackable design saves storage space
- Thin plastic trays can warp if exposed to high heat for extended periods
- Lid fit is loose if trays are not stacked evenly
Get the 3-Piece Stackable Microwave Bacon Cooker Tray Set with Lid now:
10. Nordic Ware 11 in. W x 11 in. L Microwave
A common annoyance with most microwave bacon trays is their round shape, which leaves the corners of your square microwave unused and limits how much bacon you can cook at once. This Nordic Ware square rack solves that problem perfectly, fitting flush against the walls of a standard microwave to hold up to 10 bacon strips per batch, no crowding or uneven cooking from overlapping strips.
The raised wire design lifts meat up so excess grease drips away into the bottom of the tray, resulting in crispy, not soggy, bacon and other meats. Made from sturdy, rust-resistant metal, the rack is also oven safe, so you can use it to roast vegetables or grill small meat portions in the oven too. It’s fully dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, and ideal for families who need to cook large batches of bacon quickly.
- Square design fits standard microwaves without wasted space
- Holds up to 10 bacon strips per batch
- Raised wire design drains excess grease for crispiness
- Sturdy rust-resistant metal construction
- Oven and dishwasher safe
- Versatile for meats, veggies, and more
- Small wire gaps can let very thin bacon strips fall through
- Metal rack gets hot during use, requires oven mitts to handle
Get the Nordic Ware 11 in. W x 11 in. L Microwave now:
Microwave Bacon Cooking Tray Buying Advice and Tips
1. What Is a microwave bacon cooking tray?
A microwave bacon cooking tray is a specialized kitchen tool designed to cook bacon evenly in the microwave while containing grease and preventing splatter. Most models feature a slotted or ridged surface that elevates bacon strips above a grease collection reservoir, allowing fat to drain away from the meat as it cooks. They’re ideal for anyone who wants to make bacon quickly without heating up their kitchen or dealing with stovetop cleanup, from busy families making breakfast before school to meal preppers cooking large batches of bacon for salads, sandwiches, or snacks. Even people who only cook bacon occasionally will appreciate the reduced mess and consistent results these trays provide.
2. Key Features That Actually Matter
Not all microwave bacon cooking trays are created equal, and the right features for you will depend on how often you cook bacon, how many people you feed, and your storage constraints. Below are the most important factors to weigh when comparing options:
- Performance in everyday scenarios: Look for trays that cook bacon evenly from edge to edge, with no chewy undercooked sections or burnt edges, even when cooking multiple strips at once.
- Build quality and durability: Trays made from BPA-free, heat-resistant plastic or stainless steel will hold up to repeated microwave use and high grease temperatures without warping, cracking, or staining over time.
- Ease of setup and maintenance: Opt for models with dishwasher-safe parts and smooth, non-stick surfaces that make cleanup fast, with no hard-to-reach crevices where grease can build up.
- Size, capacity, and fit: Measure your microwave interior before buying to ensure the tray fits comfortably with room to spin if you have a turntable, and choose a capacity that matches how many strips you typically cook at once.
- Value at different budgets: You don’t need to spend a fortune for a functional tray, but avoid the cheapest no-name options that warp after a few uses, as they’ll end up costing more in replacement purchases over time.
- Brand reliability and warranty: Reputable brands often back their trays with 1-2 year warranties, giving you peace of mind that the product will hold up to regular use, and their products are more likely to have consistent quality control.
- Compatibility with existing setups: If you regularly cook large batches of bacon, look for trays that are stackable or compatible with your preferred bacon press, and make sure the grease reservoir is large enough to hold the fat from a full batch without overflowing.
3. How to Choose the Right microwave bacon cooking tray
Start by assessing your typical bacon cooking routine: if you only make 1-2 strips a few times a month, a small, budget-friendly tray will work perfectly, while frequent cooks or families will benefit from a larger, sturdier model with extra capacity. Match your budget to the features that matter most to you: if easy cleanup is a priority, prioritize dishwasher-safe non-stick models, while if you cook large batches often, focus on size and grease reservoir capacity. Cross-reference your needs with the top 10 list to narrow down options that fit your use case, rather than choosing a tray based on flashy marketing claims alone.
4. Common Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
Many first-time buyers make avoidable mistakes that lead to wasted money and poor cooking results. Keep these common pitfalls in mind as you shop:
- Skipping microwave size measurements: Buying a tray that’s too large for your microwave will leave you unable to close the door or spin the tray, leading to uneven cooking and potential damage to your appliance. Always measure your microwave interior width and depth before purchasing to confirm fit.
- Prioritizing price over durability: The cheapest trays are often made from low-quality plastic that warps after a few uses, or has flimsy grease reservoirs that crack under hot grease, leading to messy leaks and a shorter lifespan. Spend a little more upfront for a heat-resistant, well-built model that will last for years.
- Ignoring capacity needs: A small tray that only holds 2-3 strips is fine for occasional solo cooks, but will be frustrating for families or meal preppers who need to cook 6+ strips at once. Choose a capacity that matches your typical batch size to avoid having to cook in multiple small batches.
- Overlooking non-stick coating quality: Trays with cheap, scratch-prone non-stick coatings will lose their effectiveness after a few uses, leading to bacon sticking and harder cleanup. Look for models with reinforced, PFOA-free non-stick coatings that hold up to repeated use and high heat.
- Forgetting about grease disposal: Some trays have small, hard-to-empty grease reservoirs that make disposing of hot fat messy and dangerous. Opt for models with wide, easy-pour reservoirs that let you safely transfer grease to a disposal container without spills.
Your Top Questions About Microwave Bacon Cooking Tray
Do all microwave bacon trays work in any microwave?
Most standard microwave bacon cooking trays work in any full-size countertop or over-the-range microwave, but you should always check the tray’s dimensions against your microwave interior to ensure it fits. Very small compact microwaves may not have enough space for larger tray models, so measure before buying to avoid fit issues. (See Also:Healthy Microwave Rice)
How do I clean a microwave bacon cooking tray?
Most trays are dishwasher-safe for quick, hands-off cleanup, though you can also wash them by hand with warm soapy water. The non-stick surface prevents most bacon from sticking, so you won’t need to scrub hard, and the grease reservoir can be emptied and wiped down in seconds after each use.
Will these trays make bacon as crispy as stovetop?
A high-quality microwave bacon cooking tray can produce crispy bacon that’s comparable to stovetop results, especially if you use a bacon press to keep the strips flat against the tray. Cooking time may vary based on your microwave’s wattage, so you may need to adjust timing slightly to get your preferred crispness level.
Are microwave bacon trays safe to use?
Reputable microwave bacon cooking trays are made from BPA-free, heat-resistant materials that are safe for repeated microwave use, with no risk of melting or releasing harmful chemicals when used as directed. Always follow the manufacturer’s usage instructions, and never leave the tray unattended while cooking to avoid overheating.
Can I cook other foods on a bacon tray?
Many microwave bacon cooking trays work well for cooking other greasy foods like sausage, burger patties, or even frozen appetizers that benefit from fat drainage. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines first, as some trays are specifically designed only for bacon, but most multi-use models handle a variety of microwave cooking tasks.
How long does a microwave bacon tray last?
A well-made microwave bacon cooking tray will last for 2-5 years with regular use, depending on how often you cook bacon and how well you care for it. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the non-stick coating, and never expose the tray to extreme temperatures outside the microwave to extend its lifespan.
Final Verdict
Finding the right microwave bacon cooking tray can transform your breakfast routine, cutting down on mess, cook time, and frustration while delivering consistent, crispy results every time. Whether you’re an occasional bacon eater or a daily breakfast cook, the top 10 picks in this roundup offer options for every budget, kitchen size, and cooking need, so you can invest in a tool that makes your mornings easier without breaking the bank.