Quick verdict
The best bacon rack for your microwave depends on your priorities: Lodge's cast iron press is the most versatile and delivers the crispiest bacon, while the Cuisinart ceramic rack is unbeatable for keeping your microwave clean. For budget buyers, the Progressive plastic tray is a solid choice despite its limitations.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Bacon Press & Grill
This cast iron press doubles as a bacon rack. It's heavy, so it stays put, and the ridges keep bacon elevated. I got perfectly flat, crispy bacon every time. It also works great for grilling sandwiches or pressing burgers. The pre-seasoned surface is non-stick and easy to clean with a quick wipe. It's a versatile tool that outperforms dedicated microwave racks.
I've spent the last month testing bacon racks for the microwave. My kitchen counter has seen more bacon fat than a diner. The goal: find racks that deliver…
I’ve spent the last month testing bacon racks for the microwave. My kitchen counter has seen more bacon fat than a diner. The goal: find racks that deliver crispy bacon without the mess, the splatter, or the soggy spots. I tested each rack with standard-cut bacon, thick-cut, and even turkey bacon. I timed cooking, measured evenness, and scrubbed every nook to see which were easy to clean. Here are my honest picks for 2026.
Why even use a bacon rack? Because microwaving bacon on a plate gives you greasy, uneven strips. A good rack lifts the bacon, letting fat drip away and air circulate. You get crispy edges, flat strips, and less mess. But not all racks are equal: some warp, some are impossible to clean, and some just don’t fit in your microwave. I looked for racks that are microwave-safe, stable, and dishwasher-friendly. I also considered how many slices they hold and whether they work for other foods like burgers or pizza.
After hours of zapping bacon, I narrowed it down to five racks that genuinely deliver. No hype. Just real results. If you want crispy bacon without the stovetop grease bomb, read on.
How we test
I tested each rack in my 1200-watt microwave, cooking 4 slices of standard bacon at a time (unless the rack held more). I used the same bacon brand, same power level, and same cook time (adjusted per rack recommendation). I evaluated crispiness, evenness, splatter containment, and ease of cleaning. I also ran each rack through the dishwasher three times to check for warping or rust.
For real-world testing, I cooked bacon for breakfast for a week, rotating racks daily. I also used each rack for other foods: reheating pizza, cooking frozen burgers, and warming up leftovers. I noted any tipping, sliding, or hot spots. My ratings are based on overall performance, build quality, and value. No brand paid for inclusion. These are my honest, tested opinions.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Bacon Press & Grill | Best Overall | 9.5 | Check price |
| Progressive International Bacon Wave Microwave Bacon Tray | Best Value | 8.5 | Check price |
| Cuisinart CMW-100 Microwave Bacon Rack | Best Splatter Control | 8 | Check price |
| Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Rack | Best for Thick-Cut Bacon | 8 | Check price |
| Chef's Planet Microwave Bacon Rack | Most Compact | 7.5 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Bacon Press & Grill
This cast iron press doubles as a bacon rack. It's heavy, so it stays put, and the ridges keep bacon elevated. I got perfectly flat, crispy bacon every time. It also works great for grilling sandwiches or pressing burgers. The pre-seasoned surface is non-stick and easy to clean with a quick wipe. It's a versatile tool that outperforms dedicated microwave racks.
Reasons to buy
- Excellent heat retention and even cooking
- Durable cast iron lasts forever
- Versatile for grilling and pressing
- Easy to clean with minimal effort
Reasons to avoid
- Heavy and can be awkward to handle
- Requires seasoning maintenance
- Not microwave-safe? Actually it is, but check your model
Progressive International Bacon Wave Microwave Bacon Tray
This plastic tray is lightweight, cheap, and surprisingly effective. The wave shape holds bacon strips upright, allowing fat to drip down. I got crispy bacon in about 3 minutes. It's dishwasher safe and fits in most microwaves. The only downside is it's not as durable as metal racks, and it can warp if you run it empty. But for the price, it's a solid choice.
Reasons to buy
- Very affordable
- Dishwasher safe
- Compact and easy to store
- Works well for standard bacon
Reasons to avoid
- Plastic may warp over time
- Not as sturdy for thick-cut bacon
- Can tip if overloaded
Cuisinart CMW-100 Microwave Bacon Rack
This ceramic rack has a deep base that catches all the grease, so your microwave stays clean. The raised grid keeps bacon above the fat. It's heavy and stable, and the ceramic coating is non-stick. I got even, crispy bacon with minimal mess. The downside: it's bulky and takes up space. Also, it's not dishwasher safe (hand wash only). But if you hate cleaning splatter, this is your rack.
Reasons to buy
- Excellent splatter containment
- Non-stick ceramic coating
- Stable and heavy
- Crispy results
Reasons to avoid
- Bulky and takes up storage space
- Hand wash only
- Ceramic can chip if dropped
Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Rack
Nordic Ware's silicone and glass rack is built for heavy-duty use. The glass base is sturdy, and the silicone grid holds thick-cut bacon securely. I got perfectly cooked thick bacon with no curling. The glass is dishwasher safe, and the silicone is non-stick. It's also great for reheating pizza or cooking burgers. The only issue: the silicone grid can be a bit floppy when hot, but it works.
Reasons to buy
- Handles thick-cut bacon well
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-stick silicone grid
- Versatile for other foods
Reasons to avoid
- Silicone grid can be unstable
- Glass base is heavy
- Takes up microwave space
Chef's Planet Microwave Bacon Rack
This small, foldable rack is perfect for small microwaves or RVs. It's made of BPA-free plastic and folds flat for storage. Despite its size, it holds 4 slices and produces decently crispy bacon. It's easy to clean and cheap. But it's not as durable as others, and the plastic can get hot. Also, it doesn't work well for thick-cut bacon. For occasional use, it's fine.
Reasons to buy
- Compact and foldable
- Very affordable
- Easy to clean
- Good for small spaces
Reasons to avoid
- Not durable for heavy use
- Plastic can get hot
- Not for thick-cut bacon
What to look for
Material Matters
Ceramic and glass racks are heavy but stable. Plastic is light but may warp. Cast iron is versatile but heavy. Choose based on your microwave's turntable and your storage space.
Splatter Control
If you hate cleaning grease, get a rack with a deep base or high walls. The Cuisinart CMW-100 is best for this. Open racks like the Progressive let grease splatter more.
Capacity and Fit
Most racks hold 4-10 slices. Measure your microwave's interior. A rack that's too large may not rotate. Compact racks are good for small microwaves but hold fewer slices.
Ease of Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe racks save time. Plastic and silicone are easiest. Cast iron requires hand washing and seasoning. Ceramic is non-stick but hand wash only.
Versatility
Some racks double as griddles or presses. The Lodge cast iron press is great for sandwiches. Nordic Ware's glass rack works for pizza. Consider if you want a multi-use tool.
Our verdict
The best bacon rack for your microwave depends on your priorities: Lodge's cast iron press is the most versatile and delivers the crispiest bacon, while the Cuisinart ceramic rack is unbeatable for keeping your microwave clean. For budget buyers, the Progressive plastic tray is a solid choice despite its limitations.
FAQs
Most racks work in standard microwaves, but check the size. If your microwave has a rotating turntable, make sure the rack fits without hitting the walls. Some racks are designed for compact microwaves. Also, avoid metal racks unless they are specifically labeled microwave-safe. Cast iron is safe but can spark if it has metal trim; Lodge's is safe.
Plastic and silicone racks are usually dishwasher safe. Ceramic and glass racks are often hand wash only to prevent chipping. Cast iron should be hand washed with mild soap and re-seasoned. Always check the manufacturer's instructions. For stuck-on grease, soak in hot soapy water before scrubbing.
Yes, many racks are versatile. You can use them to reheat pizza, cook frozen burgers, or warm up leftovers. The raised design helps air circulate, so food gets crispy. Some racks, like the Lodge press, are also great for grilling sandwiches or pressing bacon on the stovetop.
Soggy bacon usually means the rack isn't elevating the bacon enough, or you're overcrowding it. Make sure the bacon strips are not touching. Also, use a rack with good air circulation. If your microwave is low wattage, cook longer at lower power. Finally, pat bacon dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Yes, but it's not as effective. Paper towels absorb some grease but can stick to bacon and tear. They also don't provide air circulation, so bacon may be less crispy. A dedicated rack gives better results and is reusable.
Update log
- Jun 14, 2026 — Refreshed picks and rankings.
- Apr 11, 2026 — Initial guide published.
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