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Bacon strips are thin; hence you need a pan that distributes heat evenly without burning them. Here, we have listed the best bacon cookers. These cookers are a healthier alternative to grill pans and skillets as they cook bacon in a healthier way. Another advantage is that bacon cookers are easy to clean as they do not grease. They also do not spill grease on the kitchen countertop.
A few bacon cookers work as defrosters and can also be used to cook mini cakes, noodles, pizza cakes, sandwiches, and more. Here is our list of bacon cookers for you bacon lovers out there. We also tell you a few points you should consider when purchasing a bacon cooker.
Top Picks
17 Best Bacon Cookers
1. Best For Quick Cooling:Prep Solutions By Progressive Microwavable Bacon Grill
This microwavable bacon cooker can accommodate four to six pieces of bacon. The grill pan has ridges that keep the meat above the surface and allow fat to drip off. It measures 12 x 10 x 2.25in and is available in shades of red and white. Check out this product testing cum review video to learn more about the bacon grill.
Pros
- Recessed handle for easy removal of the lid
- Vented cover prevents bacon grease splatters and mess
- Suitable for cooking pocket sandwiches, taquitos, sausages, patties, and pizza rolls
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- Cools down quickly
Cons
- Might melt when subjected to high temperatures
- Fragile and may crack easily
"Compared to my previous bacon maker, this one doesn't splatter mess on my stove, sparing me the hassle of cleaning. The vented lid is a thoughtful touch, as it lets the vapor out for even cooking."
Point to consider2. Best Easy-To-Assemble:Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Cooker
Makin Bacon cooker makes it easy to prepare healthy bacon at home, by reducing fat by up to 35%. Its specially-designed rack allows air frying of the bacon and takes only a minute to cook in the microwave. The bottom tray catches all the fat from the meat, which you could use for frying other foods. Learn more about the bacon cooker rack with a drip tray in this video.
Pros
- Made of high-quality plastic that endures high cooking temperatures
- Three dip bars that can accommodate around 18 strips
- Splatter-resistant and easy to clean
- Convenient bottom tray collects the fat
- Easy to assemble
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Bacon strips may curl and fall off
- May not fit into a small microwave
"I give this bacon cooker a thumbs up for its simple, efficient bacon preparation. Cleaning up is also a breeze due to its dishwasher-safe design. However, thicker strips take time to be cooked properly. Regardless, its durable construction assures me of its long-term use."
3. Best Dishwasher-Safe:Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray & Food Defroster
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 4,567 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
This is a smartly designed bacon maker and food defroster that will reduce your cooking time. The slanted unit cooks crispier and healthier bacon. Place a paper towel on the tray after distributing the bacon strips to avoid splatter and fat accumulation. It also acts as a multipurpose tray, allowing you to cook and serve the food directly from the microwave. This review video showcasing a tester’s experience gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- Spacious enough to fit many bacon pieces
- Ridges elevate the foods away from the fats and icy water
- Dishwasher-safe
- Heat-resistant plastic construction
- Easy to install
Cons
- May not fit into a small or medium-sized microwave
- May be difficult to clean because of its ridges
Prep Solutions By Progressive Microwavable Bacon Grill Best For Quick Cooling | Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Cooker Best Easy-To-Assemble | Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray & Food Defroster Best Dishwasher-Safe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.03 pounds | 0.48 ounces | 1.1 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 10 x 13.38 x 1.75 inches | 9.2 x 8.8 x 1.6 inches | 11.9"L x 10.3"W x 1.3"H |
| Material | - | Plastic | Information Not Available |
| Color | - | White | White |
| Number of Items | - | - | 1 |
| Shape | - | - | Rectangular |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 21,751 | 9,901 | 4,567 |
| Price | $10.32 | $11.99 | $18.35 |
4. Best For Even Heat Distribution:MSC International Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray
Make healthy and crispy slices of bacon at home with the MSC International Joie piggy bacon cooker tray. It is compatible with any microwave and comes with a lid that prevents splatter or mess. Measuring 10.5(L)x8.5(W)x2(H)in, it can hold four to five bacon strips at once, and each slice gets cooked in just one minute.
Pros
- Food-grade and BPA-free plastic construction
- Raised feet elevate the meat for even heat distribution
- Deep ridge design for dripping off the fats
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- Cooks healthy bacon in less time
Cons
- Width is a tad small for regular-sized bacon strips
- May be hard to clean
"This one is my reliable kitchen companion. It fits multiple smaller slices and cooks evenly without requiring flipping, making the cooking process a breeze. The lid design could do with some improvement, but I like that it is easy to clean."
5. Best Stackable:Progressive International Prep Solutions Microwave Grill
The Progressive microwave large bacon cooker grill helps you prepare delicious bacon in minutes. The ridges keep the bacon elevated for the fat to drip off into the grooves. The cooking area of the gray grill is 11x7in, and the cooking time can be adjusted to make crispy or chewy meat.
Pros
- Can be used for reheating leftovers and heating frozen snacks
- Cooks seven to nine strips of bacon pieces at once
- Cooks sausage links and patties too
- Stackable design to cook a combination of foods in larger quantities
- BPA-free material
- Simple design
Cons
- Fragile plastic that may crack upon recurrent use
- May emit a peculiar smell
"An integral part of my breakfast routine, this bacon grill efficiently microwaves four to five thick slices in one go, saving me time and effort during the morning rush. It doesn't accommodate the longer strips, so I usually cut them in half for an easier fit. Overall, it's a satisfactory choice."
Point to consider6. Best For Big Families:Emson Wave Microwave Bacon Cooker
Emson Bacon cooker is stackable and can cook around 28 pieces at a time. This bacon cooker device takes just a minute to cook one piece of bacon, and the timer can be set based on the number of pieces on it. For instance, if you are cooking ten bacon pieces, set the timer for ten minutes.
Pros
- Ideal for big families
- Cooks healthier bacon
- Distributes the heat evenly
- Dishwasher-safe
- Separates bacon from unwanted grease
Cons
- Difficult to clean
- May be difficult to use
"I like that the bacon strips don't cook in the grease, making them healthier. This tool seems to manage splatters, too, which is great for fuss-free clean-ups. Its construction is a bit of a letdown, but the convenience has won me over."
7. Best Adjustable Timer:Presto 05101 Microwave Bacon Cooker
Presto’s microwave bacon cooker tool features three racks and space to cook up to 12 bacon pieces, making it a great option to prepare a quick meal for the family. The black base holds three white racks, allowing the bacon grease and fat from the bacon to drip. You can adjust the timer to make the bacon crispy or chewy.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- No grooves or ridges
- Space-saving design
- Bacon pieces do not stick to the racks
- Racks are removable and stackable
- Simple to load and serve
Cons
- Paper towel may have to be placed over the meat to prevent splattering
- May not cook thick bacon properly
"This bacon maker has been a key addition to my kitchen. It delivers crispy, delicious strips without making a mess in the microwave. Though the durability is yet to be tested, its functionality for cooking larger batches during gatherings has impressed me."
8. Best For Quick Cooking:Lekue Microwave Bacon Cooker With Lid
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 2,034 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
The smartly designed bacon cooker gadget from Lekue is made of BPA-free plastic and makes bacon cooking easier and healthier. It can cook up to six bacon strips at once, enough for small families. Since the bacon cooks quickly in this, the bacon maker can also be used to prepare several small batches for large families or gatherings.
Pros
- Deep grooves separate the fat from the meat
- Built-in drain spout to remove all the accumulated fat
- Comes with a transparent lid that allows you to keep watch while it cooks and prevent splattering
- Large handle makes it easy to remove
- Cooks bacon in less than three minutes
Cons
- May not spread heat evenly
- Long strips of bacon may curl up
"This microwave-safe bacon tray can cook crispy strips in minutes; thus, it's a reliable choice for the mornings. It splatters a little at times, but thankfully, it cleans up quickly. I find it pretty decent for regular use."
9. Best For Preparing Fat-Free Bacon:Gotham Steel Bacon Drip Rack Tray With Pan
This ingenious oven bacon rack method is a healthy way to prepare fat-free bacon. With a cooking surface of 11.5x8in, the bacon cooker pan cooks the bacon pieces to golden perfection. Place the bacon divider in the pan and then arrange the bacon pieces in the divided sections of the rack-style bacon cooker before putting it in the oven for cooking.
Pros
- High-grade and durable materials
- Custom-fitted pan traps all the fat
- Dishwasher-safe
- Holds up to 12 bacon pieces
- Keeps bacon above the surface to separate the fats
Cons
- May be difficult to clean
- Requires a lot of turning while cooking
"I've made delicious bacon multiple times using this bacon rack. It fits 12 pieces, perfect for serving quick breakfasts when we have guests. You would have to flip mid-way to get those perfect crisps, but once the cooking is done, it takes no time to clean up."
10. Best Non-Stick Surface:Smart Planet Bacon Master, Stainless Steel
This stainless steel electric bacon cooker machine can cook up to six bacon strips at a time, turning them crispy with slow cooking. Arranging the strips vertically can ensure mess-free cooking by draining the fats quickly and give you healthy bacon. It weighs around 4.09lb, and measures 12.4(L)x55.7(W)x9.7(H)in.
Pros
- Vertical cooking allows bacon fat to drain down
- Non-stick rack
- Heat controlling timer with settings for light, crispy, and extra crispy bacon
- Bottom tray and lids prevent mess
- Nonstick cooking surface
- Sleek design
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
Cons
- Takes longer to cook
- May not heat up evenly
"I found this cooker pretty user-friendly; even my kids can operate it easily. It makes well-cooked bacon without much effort. Plus, it is easy to clean without the need for scrubbing."
11. Best For Six Servings:Hamilton Beach 4-In-1 Indoor Grill & Electric Griddle Combo With Bacon Cooker
The Hamilton combo functions as an indoor grill, double griddle, combo griddle/ grill, and bacon cooker. With its three bacon cooker plates and a surface area of 100 sq. inches, it can cook up to six servings at once, or double the servings by opening it to 180°. You could even cook burgers, steak, chicken, fish, vegetables, paninis, and pancakes, eggs, and French toast.
Pros
- Serves six to twelve
- Nonstick removable cooking plates with an easy push-button
- Large drip tray to collect the bacon grease
- Temperature control button can be set as per your preference
- Lightweight and can fit on the kitchen countertop
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
Cons
- Does not have a built-in timer to switch-off when the bacon is cooked
- Grease tray is made of thin plastic and may crack easily
- Cord is short
"What I like the most about this device is its dual-section design, which lets me prepare many different dishes. It is even more convenient with the adjustable temperature settings. I wish it had a handle or a latch for easy storage. Despite that, it is a handy kitchen tool for quick preparation."
12. Best Easy Cleaning:OXO Cooker Good Grips Microwave Bacon Crisper
Made from BPA-free silicone, the cooker from the kitchen and home expert brand OXO features a cooking surface with a kickstand that allows the grease and fats to drain into the lower tray. It also includes a removable lid, which prevents grease and oil splatters, and is designed to help you cook bacon safely and quickly in a microwave.
Pros
- Compact and easy to fold for convenient storage
- Detachable cooking surface for mess-free cooking and easy cleaning
- Can cook six pieces of bacon at once
- Comes with stay-cool handles
- OXO repair and replacement guarantee
Cons
- May not cook thick bacon pieces
- May not fit into smaller microwaves
"Besides its effectiveness in preparing crispy bacon, this cooker's dishwasher-safe design is a solid advantage. As it lacks a built-in cover, I use a plate or paper towel to deal with the mess. However, it is easy to clean, so I use it daily without any issues."
13. Best Lightweight:Copper Chef Oven Crisper Tray
The Copper Chef bacon oven cooker allows you to cook bacon in the most healthy way. It makes the bacon healthy, crispy, and crunchy in less time and with little mess. It weighs around 1.955lb, and the surface area dimensions are 13x11in.
Pros
- Non-stick surface coating
- Air-crisp technology allows heated air to circulate 360°
- Cooks all cuts of bacon, from super thin to extra-thick slices
- Can cook 12 bacon strips at a time
- Drip pan holds the bacon grease and doubles as a baking sheet
Cons
- Bacon may not be as crispy
- Difficult to clean
"This pan helps me prepare juicy, oven-baked bacon. It doesn't make much mess and is relatively simple to clean. So far, its durability has held well over repeated kitchen use. However, it tends to overheat, so finding the right temperature is the key. All in all, it's efficient."
14. Best Durable:Zak Designs Zakwave Bacon Microwave Cooking Grill Tray
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 731 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
This microwave grill tray has versatile features, including defrost, steam, and cook functions. The high sides and wide rims of this tray-style bacon cooker provide a comfortable hold to place and remove the tray from the microwave. Additionally, the deep grooves of the bacon microwave cooker allow the heated air to circulate better, providing evenly-cooked crispy bacon.
Pros
- 100% BPA-free material
- Microwaves quickly
- Oven-safe up to 350°F
- Durable construction
- Has a glossy finish
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- Enables mess-free cooking
- Angled interior base pushes the grease towards the spout
- Pour spout for easier draining
- Takes one minute to cook one strip
Cons
- May give a peculiar smell
- Red grill may fade to a lighter color with use
"I find this grill tray great for my compact microwave. It enables quick, convenient bacon preparations with minimal clean-ups. Also, the spout design comes in handy to manage grease. In short, it's pretty practical."
15. Best Dishwasher-Safe:ZFJ Ceramic Microwave Bacon Maker
Here’s a food-grade Bacon maker by ZFJ that is made with thick casing material, making it resistant to cracks. The bacon maker features a matte glaze finish with an attractive red tray and a white lid. The non-stick coating allows you to cook food with less oil, and the bacon maker heats up quickly and retains heat for a longer time. In addition, it is also chip- and fade-resistant.
Pros
- Features a convenient handle
- Made of BPA-free and non-toxic material
- Heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe
- Matte glaze finish makes it extremely elegant
Cons
- Lid may not be durable
"This ceramic bacon maker doesn't just make perfect bacon, but its seamless design makes it an attractive serving dish too. Though not airtight, the lid is still helpful for keeping the cooking station mess-free. Overall, it's been a practical addition to my kitchen."
16. Best Foldable Design:HomeCraft FBG2 Nonstick Electric Bacon Press & Griddle
This uniquely designed electric bacon cooker and griddle lets you cook more than just bacon, making it a great option for preparing a quick and healthy breakfast. The central plate can accommodate up to six bacon strips of regular cut or five of thick cuts. The two side griddles of this bacon cooker appliance allow you to cook eggs, sausages, or pancakes.
Pros
- Drip tray for collecting unwanted grease
- The cool-touch handles give a comfortable hold
- Has three plates with removable central plate
- Lightweight hanger
- Foldable design
- Indicator lights let you know when to begin cooking following preheat
- Built-in leg support keeps it stable
Cons
- Side griddle is not removable
- Difficult to clean
17. Best Simple Design:Fox Run Microwave Bacon Rack/Cooker
The Fox Run microwave bacon cooking pan has a simple design and could be an ideal choice for cooking your bacon. Simply place the bacon strips on the bacon microwave rack and cover them with a paper towel to prevent splattering of bacon grease and fats. The bacon cooking rack measures 8×9.75×0.5in and weighs 0.32oz.
Pros
- Constructed from durable white plastic
- Easy-drip tray reservoir
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean
- Can cook four to six bacon pieces at a time
- Can be used for drying herbs, dehydrating fruits, and cooking hot dogs
Cons
- Not enough for full-length bacon strips
- May subject to warping
"Thanks to this tray, I can enjoy fresh, crunchy bacon every morning without a fuss. It works well with my microwave. Plus, it keeps the station clean during the preparation—a major plus. It has served me well so far."
How To Choose The Right Bacon Cooker?
Keep the following features in mind when shopping for a bacon cooker to make your food preparation easier.
- Dimensions: Consider the size of your microwave in case you are planning to buy a microwavable bacon cooker. Rack-style cookers are compact and fit into all ovens easily, whereas tray-style bacon cookers that can cook large quantities of bacon may fit only into larger microwaves.
- Material: As the bacon comes in direct contact with the cooker, go for expert-approved food-grade materials, such as BPA-free plastic, food-grade silicone, stainless steel, or copper.
- Capacity: Bacon cookers come in different sizes and capacities. The capacity of the bacon cooker you choose should be based on how you intend to use it–for regular cooking, self/family use, business or commercial use, or a party.
- Cooking time: Different bacon cookers might have varying cooking times. Choose a cooker that aligns with your desired cooking time and crispiness level for perfect bacon.
- Cleanup and maintenance: Choose a bacon cooker that is easy to clean. Removable parts, dishwasher-safe components, and non-stick surfaces can make cleanup a breeze.
- Ease of storage: Rack-style bacon cookers are easy to store. The racks can be removed, stacked, and stored compactly in a kitchen cabinet.
- Lid: A lid can distribute the heat evenly and eliminate oil splatters. So, pick a bacon cooker tray with lid if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I use a bacon cooker?
To use a bacon cooker, first place the bacon strips flat across the ridges of a grill tray or the vertical racks of a stackable cooker. This will allow the excess fat to drip into the tray. Cook the bacon in the microwave and check for doneness halfway through and adjust the timer as needed.
2. How long should I microwave a bacon cooker?
The duration for microwaving a bacon cooker can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon strips and the wattage of your microwave. It can take around three to six minutes to cook bacon in the microwave. You may use a kitchen timer to avoid overcooking the bacon.
3. Can I cook bacon in the microwave without paper towels?
Yes, you can cook bacon in the microwave without using paper towels to soak up the excess fat. Instead, use a bacon cooker that has a tray or rack to allow the excess fat to drip away from the bacon strips as they cook. This will prevent the bacon from becoming greasy and make it easier to clean the cooker after use.
4. How should I clean my microwave bacon cooker?
Follow these steps to clean a microwave bacon cooker.
- Pour out any excess grease.
- Wash the cooker with dish detergent and water, using a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub it. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials, as these can damage the cooker.
- If the cooker is dishwasher safe, put it in the dishwasher and run it on a normal wash cycle.
- Dry the cooker thoroughly before storing it away.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John holds experience in home and kitchenware products. Her interest in this field enables her to research various products to bring the best for the readers. Here, she has compiled a list of the best bacon cookers to fit your preferences. She has looked into multiple aspects of the product, such as size, durability, quality, and user reviews, to help you find the right pick according to your needs and preferences.
The Bottom Line
Bacon cookers are a useful addition to your kitchenware. An ideal bacon cooker can accommodate more strips of bacon while distributing the heat evenly. In the above list, we have included beacon cookers that are easy to clean and do not require much maintenance. Our top recommendations include the Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray & Food Defroster for its smart design and easy cleanup and the Hamilton Beach 4-In-1 Indoor Grill & Electric Griddle Combo With Bacon Cooker for its easy temperature control and versatility. The OXO Cooker Good Grips Microwave Bacon Crisper is also popular for its durability and convenience. So, pick the best one and relish some delicious bacon.
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