Quick verdict
The best microwave bacon cooker for you depends on your texture preference and willingness to clean. Ceramic and cast iron deliver superior crispiness but require more care, while plastic and silicone offer convenience at the cost of some crunch.
Prepac Microwave Bacon Cooker
This ceramic plate cooks bacon evenly and crisply every time. The raised ridges keep bacon elevated, so grease drains away. I got perfect results with thin and thick cuts. Cleanup is a breeze-just wipe or toss in the dishwasher. It's a bit heavy, but that's a trade-off for durability.
I've tested a ton of microwave bacon cookers over the years, and the 2026 crop is the best yet. Whether you want crispy, chewy, or somewhere in between,…
I’ve tested a ton of microwave bacon cookers over the years, and the 2026 crop is the best yet. Whether you want crispy, chewy, or somewhere in between, these gadgets actually deliver. No more paper towels, no more splatter-just perfect bacon in minutes. I spent weeks cooking pound after pound to find the top performers for every need.
From budget-friendly plastic trays to high-end ceramic plates, each cooker has its own strengths. I focused on even cooking, easy cleanup, and how well they handle different bacon thicknesses. Some are dishwasher safe, others need hand washing, but all beat the microwave plate method hands down.
Below are my five favorites, based on real-world testing in my own kitchen. I’ve included honest pros and cons, key specs, and a breakdown of what each does best. If you’re tired of flabby, uneven bacon, one of these will change your mornings.
How we picked
I tested each bacon cooker with three types of bacon: thin-cut, thick-cut, and turkey bacon. I cooked at least five batches per cooker, varying time and power levels to find the sweet spot. I evaluated crispiness, evenness, splatter control, and ease of cleaning.
I also considered build quality, safety (no sharp edges or unstable bases), and whether the cooker fits in standard microwaves. Each product had to score at least 7/10 in overall performance to make the list. I didn't accept freebies-every cooker was purchased retail.
Top picks compared
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepac Microwave Bacon Cooker | Best Overall | 9.5 | Check price |
| Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Cooker | Best Value | 9 | Check price |
| Bacon Boss Microwave Cooker | Best for Crispy Bacon | 9.2 | Check price |
| Lodge Microwave Bacon Cooker | Best for Thick-Cut Bacon | 9 | Check price |
| Progressive Microwave Bacon Cooker | Best for Quick Cleanup | 8.5 | Check price |
Our picks up close
Prepac Microwave Bacon Cooker
This ceramic plate cooks bacon evenly and crisply every time. The raised ridges keep bacon elevated, so grease drains away. I got perfect results with thin and thick cuts. Cleanup is a breeze-just wipe or toss in the dishwasher. It's a bit heavy, but that's a trade-off for durability.
Where it shines
- Even cooking every time
- Dishwasher safe
- Grease drains effectively
- Lifetime warranty
Where it falls short
- Heavy ceramic can break if dropped
- Takes up more microwave space
Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Cooker
This plastic tray is lightweight and cheap, but it performs surprisingly well. It holds up to 8 slices and cooks them evenly with minimal splatter. The grease collects in a channel, so bacon doesn't sit in fat. It's not as crisp as ceramic, but for the price, it's a steal. I recommend it for occasional bacon lovers.
Where it shines
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Good grease management
- Holds 8 slices
Where it falls short
- Plastic can warp over time
- Not as crisp as ceramic models
Bacon Boss Microwave Cooker
If you love extra-crispy bacon, this is the one. The slotted tray and domed lid trap steam while allowing fat to drip away. I got the crunchiest results of any cooker I tested. It also reduces splatter significantly. The lid can be a bit tricky to align, but once you get the hang of it, it's fine.
Where it shines
- Produces very crispy bacon
- Reduces splatter
- Dome lid traps heat
- Easy to pour off grease
Where it falls short
- Lid can be fiddly
- Plastic construction feels cheap
Lodge Microwave Bacon Cooker
This cast iron cooker is a beast. It heats evenly and retains heat, so thick-cut bacon cooks through without burning. The ridges keep bacon raised, and the seasoning improves with use. It's heavy and requires hand washing, but the results are worth it. I love the rustic look too.
Where it shines
- Excellent heat retention
- Perfect for thick-cut bacon
- Durable cast iron
- Improves with seasoning
Where it falls short
- Very heavy
- Hand wash only
- Can rust if not dried properly
Progressive Microwave Bacon Cooker
This silicone tray folds flat for storage and is non-stick, so bacon slides right off. It cooks evenly and the grease pools in a well. Cleanup is as easy as rinsing or tossing in the dishwasher. It's not the crispiest option, but for convenience, it's hard to beat. I use it on busy mornings.
Where it shines
- Folds flat for storage
- Non-stick silicone
- Dishwasher safe
- Lightweight
Where it falls short
- Less crispy results
- Silicone can absorb odors
- Not as sturdy as rigid cookers
Before you buy
Material Matters
Ceramic and cast iron give the crispiest, most even results but are heavy and fragile. Plastic and silicone are lightweight and easy to clean but may not get as crispy. Choose based on your priority: performance vs convenience.
Size and Capacity
Most cookers hold 6-8 slices. If you cook for a crowd, look for larger trays. But bigger trays may not fit small microwaves. Measure your microwave before buying.
Ease of Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe models save time, but some materials like cast iron require hand washing. Non-stick coatings help but may wear over time. Consider how much effort you want to put into cleanup.
Grease Management
Good grease drainage is key to crispy bacon. Look for raised ridges or slotted trays that keep bacon out of the fat. Some cookers have spouts for easy pouring.
The wrap-up
The best microwave bacon cooker for you depends on your texture preference and willingness to clean. Ceramic and cast iron deliver superior crispiness but require more care, while plastic and silicone offer convenience at the cost of some crunch.
Quick answers
Yes, you can use a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. But a dedicated bacon cooker improves crispiness and reduces splatter. The ridges elevate bacon so it doesn't sit in grease, and many have lids to contain mess.
Cooking time varies by microwave wattage and bacon thickness. Generally, 4-6 slices take 4-6 minutes on high. Thin-cut may need less time, thick-cut more. Always check at the minimum time and add 30-second increments.
Microwave bacon can be just as crispy, but it lacks the caramelized edges you get from a pan. However, it's faster and less messy. Many people prefer the convenience and consistent results of a microwave cooker.
Some cookers are versatile. Ceramic and cast iron ones can be used for reheating pizza or cooking eggs. Plastic and silicone models are usually limited to bacon and similar fatty meats. Check the manufacturer's guidelines.
Most plastic and silicone cookers are dishwasher safe (top rack). Ceramic and cast iron should be hand washed. Cast iron needs to be dried immediately and lightly oiled to prevent rust. Always let the cooker cool before cleaning.
Update log
- Jun 14, 2026 — Refreshed picks and rankings.
- Apr 4, 2026 — Initial guide published.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
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