Bacon Cooker Microwave Tray: Expert-Tested Picks

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years researching kitchen gadgets and analyzing owner feedback across multiple retail platforms. For this guide, I evaluated each bacon cooker tray based on the manufacturer’s stated features, verified customer experiences, and the specific design choices that affect real-world performance. I did not simply list specs; I considered how each tray handles grease, heat, and cleanup because those factors determine whether a product becomes a daily tool or a drawer filler.

Every recommendation here comes from cross-referencing hundreds of owner reviews with the product’s official descriptions. I looked for patterns: which trays consistently produced crispy bacon, which ones held up over time, and which ones had design flaws that owners repeatedly mentioned. The five products below represent the best options across different priorities, from maximum crispness to budget-friendly simplicity. No product was included without confirming that its claimed features match what owners actually experience.

How we researched

To determine what makes a great microwave bacon cooker, I evaluated each product against five key criteria: bacon crispness and evenness, grease management, ease of cleaning, durability under microwave heat, and overall value. Crispness is the primary reason people buy a dedicated bacon tray, so I prioritized designs that elevate bacon above grease and allow steam to escape. Grease management covers how well the tray channels or collects fat without spilling. Cleaning ease matters because bacon residue can be stubborn, and durability ensures the tray does not warp or degrade after repeated use.

I also considered practical factors like capacity, weight, and storage footprint. A tray that holds only four slices may not suit a family, while a bulky tray may not fit a compact microwave. I weighed each product’s stated features against common owner complaints to identify honest limitations. The final selections represent the best balance of performance, convenience, and reliability for different cooking needs and microwave sizes.

Prepara Crisp & Grill Bacon Tray

The Prepara Crisp & Grill Bacon Tray stands out because it consistently produces the crispiest, most evenly cooked bacon among all the trays I researched. The raised ridges keep every slice elevated above the accumulating grease, which prevents the bacon from steaming in its own fat. This design allows microwave energy to hit the bacon directly, resulting in that desirable crunchy texture without any soggy spots. The nonstick coating is genuinely effective; even when sugar-cured bacon leaves behind burnt-on residue, a quick wipe with a sponge removes it completely. Owners frequently mention that cleanup takes less than a minute.

Capacity is another strong point. The tray is large enough to hold eight standard bacon slices in a single layer, which is ideal for a family breakfast or for cooking enough bacon for sandwiches and salads. As a bonus, the tray doubles as a burger press, adding versatility beyond bacon cooking. However, the one real limitation is its bulk. The tray is relatively tall and wide, so it may not fit comfortably in smaller microwaves, especially those with low ceilings or tight interior dimensions. Measure your microwave cavity before purchasing to avoid disappointment.

Lodge Microwave Bacon Cooker

The Lodge Microwave Bacon Cooker is built from heavy-duty stoneware, which makes it virtually indestructible and completely resistant to warping in the microwave. Unlike plastic trays that can soften or deform over time, this stoneware tray stays perfectly flat and stable even after repeated high-heat cycles. The unique V-shaped channel design funnels grease toward the sides of the tray, keeping the bacon elevated above the fat pool. This channel system works effectively; owners report that the bacon cooks evenly and the grease collects neatly along the edges rather than pooling under the meat.

Cleaning is straightforward with soap and water, and the stoneware surface does not absorb odors or stains from bacon grease. However, the tray has two notable drawbacks. First, it is heavy. At over a pound, it feels substantial in hand and may be cumbersome for some users to lift in and out of the microwave. Second, the stoneware retains heat for a long time after cooking, so the tray stays hot for several minutes. You must use oven mitts or a thick towel to handle it safely. The weight and slow cooling make it less convenient for quick, repeated use.

Progressive International Microwave Bacon Cooker

The Progressive International Microwave Bacon Cooker is an affordable option that delivers solid performance without breaking the bank. Its slotted design allows bacon grease to drip through into a built-in reservoir underneath the cooking surface. This keeps the bacon from sitting in hot fat, which helps produce a reasonably crisp result. The tray is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store in a cabinet or drawer when not in use. Owners appreciate that it does not take up much space compared to bulkier stoneware or large plastic trays.

Grease management is effective for the price point. The reservoir catches most of the drippings, and the slots are positioned to allow good drainage. However, the plastic material can get uncomfortably hot to the touch after a full cooking cycle, so you need to let it cool or use a potholder. Additionally, the slots are somewhat narrow, which means that smaller bacon pieces or irregular slices can get stuck. This makes cleanup slightly tedious because you may need to scrub the slots individually to remove trapped bits. For the price, these are acceptable trade-offs, but they prevent this tray from matching the performance of more expensive options.

Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Cooker

The Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Cooker is designed for volume. It can hold up to 12 slices of bacon at once, making it the best choice for families, meal preppers, or anyone who needs to cook large batches quickly. The tray is made from microwave-safe plastic with a nonstick coating, and it features a raised grid that lifts the bacon above the grease as it cooks. The grid design allows fat to drip away freely, which helps the bacon cook more evenly than if it sat in a pool of grease.

The tray is dishwasher safe, which is a convenient feature for busy households. However, the nonstick coating has a notable weakness. Multiple owners report that the coating began peeling after only a few uses, especially around the edges of the grid. Once the coating starts to peel, food can stick more easily, and the tray becomes harder to clean. Another limitation is the tray’s size. It is quite large and may not fit in compact microwaves or those with rotating turntables that have limited clearance. Check your microwave interior dimensions before buying, especially if you have a smaller model.

Chef’s Planet Microwave Bacon Cooker

The Chef’s Planet Microwave Bacon Cooker comes with a clear splatter cover that sets it apart from other trays. The cover fits snugly over the cooking surface and prevents grease from spraying all over the microwave interior. This is a major convenience for anyone tired of cleaning greasy splatters from the microwave walls and ceiling. The cover also traps steam during cooking, which can result in a slightly softer, more tender bacon texture compared to uncovered trays. Some owners prefer this less crispy style, especially for bacon used in sandwiches or wraps.

The tray itself is made from sturdy, BPA-free plastic that feels durable and holds up well to regular use. Cleaning is easy because the cover and tray are both smooth and nonporous. However, there are two honest limitations. First, the bacon is not as crispy as bacon cooked on uncovered trays, because the trapped steam softens the exterior. If you prefer shatteringly crisp bacon, this tray may not satisfy you. Second, the splatter cover is awkward to store. It does not nest neatly with the tray, so it takes up extra cabinet space. Some owners find the cover cumbersome to keep track of between uses.

What to look for

• Crispness design: Look for raised ridges, grids, or V-shaped channels that keep bacon elevated above the grease pool. Elevated bacon cooks faster and becomes crispier because it is not steaming in fat.
• Material and durability: Stoneware trays resist warping and last for years but are heavy and slow to cool. Plastic trays are lightweight and affordable but may warp or have nonstick coatings that peel over time.
• Capacity: Consider how many slices you typically cook at once. Trays range from holding 6 to 12 slices. Larger trays are great for families but may not fit compact microwaves.
• Grease management: Built-in reservoirs, drip channels, and slotted surfaces help collect fat neatly. Good grease management prevents messy spills and makes cleanup easier.
• Ease of cleaning: Nonstick coatings and dishwasher-safe materials save time. However, verify that the coating is durable and that the tray’s shape does not create hard-to-reach crevices.
• Splatter protection: A splatter cover keeps the microwave clean but may soften the bacon texture. Decide whether mess prevention or maximum crispness is your priority.
• Microwave fit: Measure your microwave’s interior height and width before buying. Bulky trays or those with tall covers may not fit in compact or low-ceiling microwaves.

The verdict

For most people, the Prepara Crisp & Grill Bacon Tray is the best choice because it delivers the crispiest bacon, cleans up instantly, and holds enough slices for a family. If you prioritize durability above all else, the Lodge Microwave Bacon Cooker’s stoneware build will last indefinitely despite its weight. Budget shoppers will find the Progressive International Microwave Bacon Cooker a capable performer at a low price, while the Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Cooker suits large batches despite its coating concerns. The Chef’s Planet Microwave Bacon Cooker is ideal for those who hate cleaning splatters and prefer softer bacon. Choose based on your top priority: crispness, durability, capacity, or mess control.