6 Best Microwave Bacon Trays for 2025

Revolutionary in its simplicity, the Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish delivers crispy, evenly cooked bacon in under 5 minutes—without the mess of stovetop frying. Its elevated rack design keeps bacon above the grease, not swimming in it, resulting in up to 35% less fat than traditional methods. Crafted from BPA-free, high-heat resistant plastic, this compact tray is built for real kitchens where space and cleanup matter. It’s a game-changer for health-conscious breakfasters who want flavor without the guilt or cleanup marathon.

In testing, the Makin Bacon tray consistently produced uniformly crisp strips across multiple microwave models, handling both thin and thick-cut bacon with ease. The 9-inch rack fits 4–6 strips depending on size, and the open design allows for even heat circulation, though it does require a paper towel underneath to catch minor splatter. While it lacks a lid for full splatter protection, the simple two-piece design breaks down flat for storage—ideal for small kitchens or dorms. It’s not ideal for large families, but perfect for individuals or couples.

Compared to bulkier models like the Jillmo silicone tray, the Makin Bacon stands out for its ultra-compact, space-saving build while still delivering professional-level results. It doesn’t double as a multi-use cooker, but that’s by design—this is a specialist tool for one job, done flawlessly. For those who value efficiency, portability, and proven performance, it beats more feature-heavy options that sacrifice simplicity. Compared to the Nordic Ware tray, it offers better fat drainage and easier storage, despite a slightly smaller cooking surface.

Whimsy meets function in the Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray, where a charming pig-themed lid hides a surprisingly effective bacon-cooking machine. The grooved, elevated base lifts bacon off grease, promoting even crisping while the included splatter lid seals in mess, making it a top pick for messy-microwave veterans. It holds 4 to 5 strips comfortably on its 9 x 8-inch surface, and the BPA-free plastic withstands repeated high-heat cycles without warping. This is fun without sacrificing performance—a rare combo in kitchen gadgets.

During real-world use, the Joie Piggy delivered consistently crisp bacon in about 4–5 minutes, with fat cleanly draining into the base. The lid’s tight seal prevented nearly all splatter, keeping microwaves spotless—a major win over open trays. However, the smaller capacity limits it to solo or light breakfasts, and the pig ears on the lid slightly reduce interior clearance in compact microwaves. Still, the even heat distribution and no-stick surface made cleanup effortless, especially when tossed in the dishwasher.

When stacked against the Makin Bacon, the Joie Piggy trades minimalist storage for superior mess control thanks to its full lid. It’s not as sleek, but for parents, college students, or anyone who hates scrubbing, the added protection justifies the bulk. While it doesn’t offer the large capacity of the Jillmo or Nordic Ware trays, its personality and practicality combo make it a standout. Compared to the Microwave Bacon Cooker with Cover (B0CB1JZQW4), it feels more durable and thoughtfully designed, despite a similar price point.

Silicone sophistication defines the Jillmo Microwave Bacon Cooker, a large, flexible tray that combines high capacity with effortless cleanup. Measuring 9.85 inches square, it holds 5–6 strips with ease and features deep grooves and a built-in grease reservoir that channels oil to the corners for easy pouring. Made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone, it’s odorless, durable, and resists warping—even after repeated 6-minute high-heat cycles. This is the go-to for heavy bacon eaters who want restaurant-quality crispness without the cleanup battle.

In testing, the Jillmo delivered deeply browned, extra-crispy bacon thanks to its heat-retaining silicone and elevated ridges. The non-stick surface meant zero residue, and wiping it down with a paper towel was often enough—no soaking required. The four corner grease drains worked as advertised, minimizing splatter, though a lid would’ve made it mess-proof. It also doubled seamlessly as a reheating tray for fried foods or hot dogs, proving its versatility beyond breakfast. However, the silicone material takes up more storage space than rigid trays and can retain odors if not cleaned promptly.

Versus the Nordic Ware tray, the Jillmo offers better grease management and easier cleaning, while beating the Makin Bacon in capacity and multi-use potential. It’s pricier than most, but justifies it with premium materials and performance. For those who cook bacon frequently or want a multi-role kitchen tool, it outshines simpler plastic models. Compared to the Microwave Bacon Tray With Lid (B0FN4JV41Q), it feels more durable and offers greater surface area, though with less rigid splatter control.

Budget brilliance comes alive in this no-frills Microwave Bacon Cooker, a smart pick for students, singles, or first-time cooks who want crispy bacon without the cost. Made from BPA-free, heat-resistant PP plastic, it handles 4–6 slices in under 3 minutes with a vented lid that slashes splatter and large handles for safe removal. The deep-groove design lifts bacon off fat, promoting crispiness while the clear lid lets you monitor cooking without lifting—perfect for precision lovers. It’s basic, but brilliantly functional.

In practice, the cooker delivered solid, evenly browned bacon with minimal grease pooling on the strips. The vented lid managed steam and splatter well, though not as completely as higher-end models, and the non-stick base made rinsing simple. It fits snugly in most microwaves, though the plastic feels thinner than competitors like Joie or Makin Bacon. It’s not built for daily heavy use, but for occasional breakfasts or dorm-room meals, it performs beyond its price. The 3-minute max cook time warning is crucial—overheating risks warping.

Against the Joie Piggy, it’s nearly identical in size and function but lacks personality and perceived durability. Still, for those prioritizing affordability and simplicity, it’s a no-brainer entry-level pick. It doesn’t match the Jillmo’s capacity or the Nordic Ware’s size, but it does the job cleanly and cheaply. Compared to the Makin Bacon, it offers better splatter protection at a lower cost, making it a smarter buy for messy microwavers on a budget.

Minimalist mastery defines the Nordic Ware 11×11 Microwave Bacon Rack—a barebones, oversized tray that prioritizes size and simplicity above all. At 11 inches square, it’s the largest in the lineup, capable of holding 6–8 strips depending on cut, making it ideal for families or meal preppers. Made from durable, BPA-free plastic, it’s built to last, with raised ridges that elevate meat for even crisping and fat drainage. There’s no lid, no frills, just a workhorse tray for those who cook bacon in bulk.

In testing, the Nordic Ware delivered uniformly cooked bacon across the entire surface, with excellent heat distribution thanks to its open-grid design. The large footprint fits most microwaves, though it may overhang in smaller models. Without a lid, splatter is significant, requiring a microwave wipe-down post-cook—its biggest drawback. Cleaning is still easy (dishwasher safe), and the rigid plastic resists warping, even after repeated use. It’s not for neat freaks, but perfect for those who value capacity over convenience.

Compared to the Jillmo, it offers more cooking space but less grease control and no handles, making removal trickier. Against the Makin Bacon, it’s larger but less portable and messier. It’s the best choice when size matters most, outperforming all others in throughput. While it lacks the features of the Microwave Bacon Tray With Lid (B0FN4JV41Q), it excels in raw utility, making it a silent powerhouse for big batches. For family kitchens, it’s unmatched in scale, though it demands a trade-off in mess management.

Engineered for cleanliness, the Microwave Bacon Tray With Lid (B0FN4JV41Q) is the ultimate defense against greasy microwave explosions. Its tight-fitting splash-proof lid locks in steam and grease, virtually eliminating splatter, while the contoured ridges drain up to 50% of fat—more than any other model tested. The 10.6” x 9.6” base holds 4–6 slices, and the high-strength PP plastic remains stable under high heat, with a non-stick surface that rinses clean in seconds. This is precision cooking meets zero-mess living.

Real-world tests confirmed crispy, golden bacon every time, with no cold spots or uneven browning, thanks to the heat-trapping lid. The grease collects efficiently in the base, and the rounded corners make pouring easy. It fits comfortably in most microwaves, and the smooth handles stay cool, allowing safe removal. However, the lid can warp if overheated past 3 minutes, and the plastic, while sturdy, isn’t as premium as Jillmo’s silicone. It’s optimized for health and hygiene, but demands careful timing.

Next to the Joie Piggy, it’s more functional, less fun—a serious tool for serious breakfasters. Compared to the budget B0CB1JZQW4, it feels more robust and better engineered, with superior fat drainage and fit. It doesn’t match the Nordic Ware in size, but dominates in splatter protection, making it the best overall balance of performance, cleanliness, and durability. For those who hate cleaning and love crispy bacon, it outperforms every other model in mess prevention, even at a slightly higher cost.