7 Best Microwave Bacon Trays for Crispy Results

Mornings often start with the frantic scramble to get breakfast on the table before the school bus arrives or the commute begins. While bacon is a staple for many, the time required to monitor a stovetop skillet—and the inevitable grease splatter that follows—can make it an infrequent treat. Microwave bacon trays provide a simple, effective solution that turns a greasy chore into a reliable, hands-off routine.

Nordic Ware Bacon Tray: The All-Around Workhorse

This classic, high-density plastic tray is a staple in kitchens that value durability over high-tech features. Its primary advantage lies in the deep ridges that elevate the bacon strips, ensuring they don’t sit in their own rendered fat while cooking.

Because it is made of heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic, it holds up well to repeated cycles in both the microwave and the dishwasher. For busy households that cook bacon at least a few times a week, this longevity makes it a smart, low-maintenance investment.

While it lacks a lid, the generous surface area allows for cooking a standard package of bacon in manageable batches. Consider this the “tried-and-true” option for homeowners who prefer equipment that simply works without any complicated assembly or specialized cleaning requirements.

Makin’ Bacon Rack: For Perfectly Even Crispiness

When the goal is achieving that elusive, perfectly flat, and crispy slice often found in restaurants, a rack-style cooker is essential. The Makin’ Bacon design uses a unique vertical or semi-vertical orientation that allows fat to drip away from the meat entirely.

By keeping the bacon suspended, the heat circulates more evenly than it would on a flat surface. This results in a much crispier finish, making it a favorite for those who dislike the chewiness that sometimes occurs in bottom-heavy microwave trays.

Since this design uses a distinct rack structure, it requires a bit more effort to load each strip individually. It is an ideal choice for the weekend cook who prioritizes texture over the speed of throwing slices onto a flat tray.

Presto PowerCrisp: Best for Large Family Batches

In homes where breakfast is a team sport and multiple mouths need to be fed simultaneously, a tray with small capacity can quickly become a bottleneck. The Presto PowerCrisp is built specifically for efficiency, featuring an integrated rack system that handles more strips than the average flat tray.

Its design encourages airflow, which is critical for preventing soft, undercooked spots on the meat. By maximizing the usable space in the microwave, it reduces the number of trips back and forth to the kitchen during the morning rush.

Keep in mind that this unit has a larger footprint, so verify your microwave’s interior dimensions before purchasing. If you have a standard-sized microwave, this is the most reliable way to feed a family of four or more without spending the entire morning standing by the oven.

Progressive Bacon Grill: Keeps Your Microwave Clean

Grease splatter is the single biggest deterrent to cooking bacon in the microwave, often resulting in tedious interior scrubbing. The Progressive Bacon Grill features a high-domed lid that effectively contains the mess, keeping the interior of the microwave pristine.

Beyond cleanliness, the lid serves to trap heat, which helps the bacon cook slightly faster while maintaining a consistent texture. It is a fantastic option for renters or those with shared appliances who want to ensure they aren’t leaving a mess behind.

The component-based design is easy to disassemble, making it dishwasher-safe and straightforward to maintain. If protecting your appliance is a top priority, the convenience of this lidded system is hard to beat.

Emson Bacon Wave: The Easiest Tray to Store Away

Kitchen storage is a precious commodity, especially in smaller apartments or homes with limited counter space. The Emson Bacon Wave utilizes a clever, wave-like design that allows bacon to drape over the ridges, maximizing vertical space inside the cooker.

This compact footprint means it can easily slide into a drawer or a narrow cabinet space when not in use. It is a highly practical solution for someone who wants the benefit of microwave-cooked bacon without dedicating a large portion of a cupboard to specialized gear.

While it is exceptionally easy to store, the wavy design requires a bit more care when arranging the bacon to ensure even cooking. It is a great middle-ground choice for those who value efficiency in both cooking and organization.

Joie Piggy Tray: A Great Budget Pick with a Lid

Entry-level kitchen tools often suffer from thin plastic and poor heat resistance, but the Joie Piggy Tray offers surprisingly good performance at a budget-friendly price point. It features a playful, straightforward design that includes a lid to manage grease splatter effectively.

This tray is perfectly sized for one or two people, making it a stellar option for students, single households, or retirees. It does not try to be an over-engineered appliance, which keeps the price low and the usability high.

Do not be fooled by the simple, budget-oriented design; it gets the job done as reliably as many higher-priced competitors. It is an excellent “first tray” for anyone experimenting with microwave bacon for the first time.

WowBacon Cooker: For Fast, Vertically Cooked Bacon

The WowBacon Cooker takes a different approach by utilizing a vertical cooking method that stands the strips upright. By placing the bacon in this orientation, the fat naturally drains into a reservoir at the bottom, resulting in remarkably lean and crispy strips.

Because the heat source is concentrated effectively, the cooking time is often faster than flat-tray alternatives. It is a specialized tool that excels at producing consistent, high-quality results for those who take their morning bacon seriously.

However, the tall design means you must check your microwave’s height clearance to ensure it fits. For those with enough vertical space, this is the premier option for minimizing grease and maximizing crunch.

Flat Trays vs. Racks: Which Is Best for Your Use?

The debate between flat trays and racks often comes down to the desired final texture of the bacon. Flat trays, like the Nordic Ware model, allow for faster cleanup and are easier to load, though they may leave one side of the bacon slightly softer.

Racks, such as the Makin’ Bacon or vertical models, provide better air circulation, which is the secret to uniform crispiness. These models are generally better for those who prefer an “all-around” crunch rather than the hybrid chewy-crispy texture.

Consider your daily routine: if you are rushing, a flat tray is superior for speed and ease of loading. If you are preparing a weekend brunch where texture is paramount, a rack-style cooker is worth the extra minute of setup time.

Tips for Getting Extra-Crispy Bacon Every Single Time

Regardless of the tray chosen, the secret to crispiness is consistent moisture control. Always layer the bacon strips with a single paper towel beneath and above the meat to help absorb excess fat and moisture.

Never overcrowd the tray; even the most advanced cooker will fail to crisp the bacon if the slices are overlapping. If the strips touch, they will steam rather than fry, resulting in a rubbery, unappealing texture.

Finally, adjust your microwave’s power level rather than just the time. Cooking on a medium-high power setting—usually 70% to 80%—often produces better results than blasting the bacon on full power, as it prevents the edges from burning before the center is crisp.

Cleaning and Storing Your Bacon Tray the Right Way

Microwave bacon trays are prone to fat buildup, which can become rancid if not cleaned thoroughly after every use. Always wash the tray in hot, soapy water immediately after the bacon has been removed; fats are much easier to clear when they are still warm.

Most quality trays are top-rack dishwasher safe, but even then, a quick manual rinse helps prevent grease from settling into the plastic pores. Over time, plastic can take on an odor, so consider soaking the tray in a vinegar-and-water solution periodically to neutralize lingering smells.

When it comes to storage, ensure the tray is completely dry before tucking it away. Storing a damp or slightly greasy tray in a dark cabinet can lead to mold or odors that will impact future cooking sessions.

These trays represent the perfect intersection of time-saving technology and traditional breakfast rituals. By matching the right design to your household’s unique pace and storage limitations, you can enjoy perfectly crispy bacon without the mess or the fuss. Happy cooking!