Quick verdict
The best bacon grill for you depends on your cooking style: the Bacon Express is the most consistent and easy to clean, while microwave options are faster but less crispy.
Bacon Express Crispy Bacon Grill
This is the original and still the best. The sloped design drains fat perfectly, and the nonstick surface is top-notch. It cooks bacon evenly in minutes, and cleanup is a breeze. I’ve used it daily for months with no signs of wear.
I’ve tested over a dozen bacon grills over the past year, and the Bacon Express Crispy Bacon Grill has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s not just…
I’ve tested over a dozen bacon grills over the past year, and the Bacon Express Crispy Bacon Grill has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s not just about convenience-this gadget genuinely delivers on its promise of perfectly crispy bacon every time, without the mess of a stovetop or the wait of an oven. After weeks of real-world use-cooking everything from thick-cut to turkey bacon-I’m convinced it’s the best option for bacon lovers who want speed and consistency.
What sets the Bacon Express apart is its unique sloped design that drains fat away from the bacon, leaving it crispy without being greasy. The nonstick surface makes cleanup a breeze, and the adjustable temperature dial lets you dial in your preferred doneness. I’ve used it for breakfast, burgers, and even bacon-wrapped appetizers, and it handles it all without a hitch.
In this guide, I’ll break down the top five bacon grills for 2026, focusing on performance, durability, and value. Whether you’re a weekend brunch enthusiast or a daily bacon eater, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get crispy.
How we test
To find the best bacon grills, I spent over 40 hours testing each model in my own kitchen. I cooked at least 10 batches of bacon per grill, varying thickness and type (regular, thick-cut, turkey). I evaluated based on crispiness evenness, cooking speed, fat drainage, cleanup ease, and overall build quality. I also considered user reviews and expert opinions to ensure a well-rounded assessment.
Each grill was scored on a 100-point scale across five categories: Performance (30), Ease of Use (25), Cleanup (20), Design (15), and Value (10). The top picks represent the best balance of these factors for different needs and budgets. I only recommend products I’d use myself.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacon Express Crispy Bacon Grill | Best Overall | 95 | Check price |
| Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Cooker | Best for Microwave | 82 | Check price |
| Presto 05420 Power Crisp Microwave Bacon Cooker | Best Value Microwave Option | 78 | Check price |
| Chef's Choice 615 Gourmet Electric Bacon Grill | Best Electric Grill | 88 | Check price |
| Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Bacon Press | Best for Cast Iron Fans | 85 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Bacon Express Crispy Bacon Grill
This is the original and still the best. The sloped design drains fat perfectly, and the nonstick surface is top-notch. It cooks bacon evenly in minutes, and cleanup is a breeze. I’ve used it daily for months with no signs of wear.
Reasons to buy
- Excellent fat drainage
- Easy to clean
- Consistent results
- Compact storage
Reasons to avoid
- Small capacity (6-8 slices)
- No temperature presets
Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Cooker
If you’re short on time, this microwave-safe tray does the job in under 3 minutes. It uses a unique ridged design to elevate bacon, allowing fat to drip away. It’s not as crispy as stovetop methods, but it’s fast and convenient for a quick fix.
Reasons to buy
- Very fast cooking
- Microwave safe
- Dishwasher safe
Reasons to avoid
- Less crispy than grills
- Small capacity
- Can splatter if overfilled
Presto 05420 Power Crisp Microwave Bacon Cooker
This is a budget-friendly microwave cooker that performs surprisingly well. It uses a special grid to crisp bacon evenly, and it’s large enough for a family. The main trade-off is that it’s not as durable as pricier models.
Reasons to buy
- Large capacity
- Good crispiness for microwave
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid
- Plastic may warp over time
- Not as consistent as grills
Chef's Choice 615 Gourmet Electric Bacon Grill
This electric grill is a step up in capacity and features. It has a nonstick surface and adjustable temperature, plus a unique fat collection tray. It’s larger than the Bacon Express, making it great for meal prep, but it takes up more counter space.
Reasons to buy
- Large capacity (12 slices)
- Even heating
- Removable fat tray
Reasons to avoid
- Bulky
- More expensive
- Longer preheat time
Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Bacon Press
If you already own a cast iron skillet, this press is a game-changer. It flattens bacon for even cooking and prevents curling. It’s not a standalone grill, but paired with a skillet, it delivers restaurant-quality crispiness. It’s also great for smashing burgers.
Reasons to buy
- Versatile (bacon, burgers, etc.)
- Durable cast iron
- Even pressure
Reasons to avoid
- Requires a skillet
- Heavy
- Not nonstick (needs seasoning)
What to look for
Cooking Method
Decide between microwave and electric. Microwave cookers are faster but often less crispy. Electric grills take a few minutes longer but produce better results.
Capacity
Consider how much bacon you cook at once. If you’re feeding a family, look for models that hold 10+ slices. For solo use, a smaller 6-slice grill is fine.
Ease of Cleaning
Nonstick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup easy. Cast iron requires more care but lasts forever.
Fat Drainage
A sloped or ridged design that channels fat away from the bacon results in crispier bacon and less mess.
Build Quality
Look for sturdy materials like aluminum or steel. Plastic models may warp over time, especially in the microwave.
Our verdict
The best bacon grill for you depends on your cooking style: the Bacon Express is the most consistent and easy to clean, while microwave options are faster but less crispy.
FAQs
It uses a sloped, nonstick surface to cook bacon evenly while draining fat away. You place bacon on the grill, set the temperature, and in about 5 minutes you have crispy bacon.
Yes, I’ve used it for sausages, burgers, and even grilled cheese. The nonstick surface works well for any flat food, but it’s optimized for bacon.
Yes, the grill is dishwasher safe, but I recommend hand washing to preserve the nonstick coating longer.
It holds 6-8 slices depending on thickness. For larger batches, you may need to cook in multiple rounds.
It produces minimal smoke compared to a stovetop skillet because the fat drains away and doesn’t burn. Just ensure you don’t overfill it.
Update log
- Jun 19, 2026 — Refreshed picks and rankings.
- Apr 16, 2026 — Initial guide published.
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