Imagine a world where crispy, perfectly cooked bacon is always on your plate, without the greasy mess or endless flipping. Sound like a dream? For many of us, achieving that ideal bacon can feel like a quest. We’ve all been there, staring at a pan, trying to get that golden-brown perfection without burning it or ending up with a greasy kitchen. It’s a common kitchen challenge, and that’s precisely why we’re diving into the wonderful world of bacon cookers.
Choosing the right bacon cooker can be tough. So many types exist! Some promise vertical cooking, others microwave magic, and some even claim to make bacon healthier. It’s easy to get lost in all the choices and wonder which one will actually deliver on its promise. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate through the options.
By reading on, you’ll discover the secrets to finding a bacon cooker that fits your needs. We’ll explore different types, look at what makes them great, and help you understand what to look for. Get ready to say goodbye to bacon-making headaches and hello to consistently delicious, perfectly cooked bacon, every single time. Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Bacon Cooker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bacon Cooker Detailed Reviews
1. PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of greasy stovetops and unevenly cooked bacon? The PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill in white offers a simple solution for perfectly cooked bacon right in your microwave. This handy gadget makes it easy to prepare up to six slices at once, minimizing mess and maximizing flavor.
What We Like:
- It cooks bacon quickly and with less mess.
- The design lets bacon fat drip away for a healthier meal.
- It prevents grease splatters with its vented cover.
- Cleanup is a breeze because it’s dishwasher safe.
- It’s a great gift idea for anyone who loves bacon!
- It’s not just for bacon; it works for sausage and other snacks too.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires a microwave turntable that is at least 12.5 inches wide.
- Some users might find the capacity of 4-6 slices limiting for larger families.
This bacon grill simplifies breakfast and makes cleanup easier. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for a convenient way to enjoy crispy bacon.
2. Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of messy, greasy bacon that takes forever to cook? The Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid is here to save your mornings! This handy tray fits right into your microwave, making cooking bacon a breeze. Its clever design helps your bacon cook evenly and keeps your microwave clean. It’s made with safe materials, so you can feel good about using it.
What We Like:
- Cooks bacon perfectly in the microwave, saving you time.
- The ribbed surface lifts bacon, letting grease drip away for healthier cooking.
- The included lid stops grease splatters, keeping your microwave spotless.
- It’s also great for cooking sausage and other favorite breakfast meats.
- Made from durable, BPA and melamine-free materials for safe use.
- Proudly made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires hand washing, as it’s not dishwasher safe.
This Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid is a fantastic addition to any kitchen for quick, clean, and delicious bacon. It’s a simple solution that makes a big difference in your breakfast routine.
3. The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish – Makes Crispy Bacon in Minutes – Simple
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of greasy, unevenly cooked bacon? The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish promises crispy bacon in just minutes, and it delivers! This clever gadget cooks your bacon above the grease, not in it, leading to a healthier and tastier breakfast. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly easy to use, making it a game-changer for any bacon lover.
What We Like:
- Cooks bacon perfectly in minutes – it’s crispy and delicious every time!
- Reduces fat up to 35% compared to cooking bacon in a skillet. This means a healthier breakfast for you and your family.
- Cleanup is a breeze. A simple paper towel draped over the bacon strips stops grease from splattering.
- The dish is dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to scrub it by hand.
- Its compact design makes it easy to take apart and store neatly in your kitchen cabinets.
- Molded in the USA from specially formulated BPA-free, high-heat resistant plastic, it’s safe and durable.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it cooks bacon quickly, you might need to experiment with microwave times for your preferred crispiness.
- It’s designed for standard bacon strips; thicker cuts might require a bit more time or cooking in batches.
If you’re looking for a faster, healthier, and cleaner way to make bacon, this dish is a fantastic investment. Enjoy perfectly crispy bacon without the fuss!
4. GoodCook 15” x 10.5” Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan & Raised Wire Rack – Pizza Crisper
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for perfectly crispy food with the GoodCook 15” x 10.5” Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan & Raised Wire Rack set. This kitchen essential is designed to help you achieve amazing results whether you’re baking pizza, cooking bacon, or roasting vegetables. It’s a versatile tool that can handle many cooking tasks, making meal prep and cleanup easier.
What We Like:
- It makes your food extra crispy! This is because the raised wire rack lets air flow all around your food.
- The nonstick coating is excellent. It’s a special GoodCook formula that helps food slide right off.
- The baking pan is made of strong carbon steel, so it won’t bend easily and will last a long time.
- You can use the pan and rack together or separately for different cooking and cooling needs.
- Cleanup is super easy because both pieces are dishwasher safe.
- The rack fits securely inside the pan, so it stays put.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pan and rack can only be used in the oven up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the nonstick is good, some users might prefer a more robust coating for very sticky foods.
This GoodCook set is a fantastic addition to any kitchen for anyone who loves crispy baked goods and easy cleanup. It’s a reliable tool that helps you cook and bake with confidence.
5. Sharper Image Bacon Express Toaster by Sharper Image
Rating: 8.9/10
Crispy, delicious bacon without the mess? The Sharper Image Bacon Express Toaster by Sharper Image makes it happen! This cool gadget cooks up to six strips of bacon at once, and it does it in a healthier way. It uses a special vertical cooking method. This means the extra fat and grease drip away as it cooks. You get perfectly cooked bacon every time. Plus, it’s super versatile. Fold the doors flat, and it turns into a nonstick griddle. You can cook eggs, pancakes, sausage, or even hash browns on it!
What We Like:
- Cooks bacon faster than a regular pan.
- Drains away grease for healthier bacon.
- Can also be used as a griddle for other breakfast foods.
- Easy to clean up afterward.
- Makes up to 6 strips of bacon at once.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cooking slots are only for regular-cut bacon.
- Some users found it took a little practice to get perfect results.
The Sharper Image Bacon Express Toaster is a smart addition to any kitchen for quick and healthier breakfast options. It’s a fun and efficient way to enjoy your favorite breakfast foods.
The Ultimate Bacon Cooker Buying Guide
Are you tired of messy bacon splatters and unevenly cooked strips? A bacon cooker might be your kitchen hero! These handy gadgets promise perfectly crispy bacon with less fuss. Let’s dive into what makes a great bacon cooker and help you find the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a bacon cooker, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much bacon can it cook at once? Some are small, perfect for one or two people. Others are larger, ideal for families or when you’re hosting a brunch. Think about how much bacon you usually make.
- Ease of Cleaning: This is a big one! Look for models with dishwasher-safe parts or a non-stick coating. Nobody wants to spend ages scrubbing after a delicious meal.
- Even Cooking Design: Good bacon cookers have features that help heat circulate evenly. This means your bacon cooks uniformly, with no floppy bits and no burnt edges.
- Material Quality: The material affects durability and how well it cooks. We’ll talk more about this below.
- Compact Storage: If you have a small kitchen, a bacon cooker that stacks or folds for easy storage is a lifesaver.
Important Materials
The materials used in your bacon cooker impact its performance and how long it lasts.
- Ceramic: Many microwave bacon cookers use ceramic. It heats up well and is generally safe. Ceramic is a good choice for even cooking.
- Silicone: Silicone bacon cookers are flexible and often dishwasher safe. They are great for microwave use and are easy to store.
- Metal (Stainless Steel or Aluminum): Some stovetop bacon cookers use metal. Stainless steel is durable and doesn’t react with food. Aluminum heats up quickly.
- Plastic (BPA-Free): Some parts of bacon cookers might be plastic. Always ensure it’s BPA-free for your health.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a bacon cooker great or not so great.
- Improved Quality:
- Raised Edges: These help keep grease contained, reducing messes.
- Perforated Surfaces or Racks: These allow fat to drip away, making bacon crispier.
- Microwave-Safe Designs: If you use a microwave, ensure the cooker is designed for it. It should have vents to let steam escape.
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built cooker will last longer and perform better.
- Reduced Quality:
- Thin, Flimsy Materials: These can warp or break easily.
- Poorly Designed Grease Channels: If grease pools, your bacon won’t be crispy.
- Non-Microwave-Safe Parts (for microwave models): This can be dangerous.
- Difficult-to-Clean Crevices: These trap food and make cleaning a chore.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a bacon cooker is usually straightforward, but there are some things to consider.
- Microwave Bacon Cookers: These are super fast! You lay your bacon strips inside, pop it in the microwave, and in a few minutes, you have cooked bacon. They are perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks. The bacon often comes out crispy and the grease is caught below.
- Stovetop Bacon Cookers: These often look like small pans or racks. They help bacon cook evenly on the stove. Some have lids to reduce splattering. They are good if you prefer stovetop cooking or need to cook larger batches.
- Oven Bacon Racks: These are designed to sit in your oven. They elevate the bacon, allowing air to circulate and fat to drip away. This method usually results in very evenly cooked, crispy bacon.
No matter the type, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results and safety. Enjoy your perfectly cooked bacon!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bacon Cookers
Q: What is a bacon cooker?
A: A bacon cooker is a kitchen tool designed to help you cook bacon evenly and with less mess. There are different types, like microwave, stovetop, and oven models.
Q: Are bacon cookers worth the money?
A: For many people, yes! They can save you time, reduce grease splatters, and help you achieve perfectly crispy bacon more consistently.
Q: How do microwave bacon cookers work?
A: Microwave bacon cookers use the microwave’s energy to cook the bacon. They usually have a tray or rack that lifts the bacon, allowing fat to drip away, and often a lid with vents to let steam escape.
Q: Can I put bacon cookers in the dishwasher?
A: Many bacon cookers are dishwasher safe, especially those made of silicone or ceramic. Always check the product’s instructions to be sure.
Q: How long does bacon take to cook in a microwave bacon cooker?
A: Cooking times vary depending on the microwave’s power and the thickness of the bacon. It typically takes between 3 to 6 minutes.
Q: Do bacon cookers make bacon healthier?
A: Bacon cookers help drain away excess fat as the bacon cooks. This can make your bacon a little less greasy, but it’s still bacon!
Q: What is the best material for a bacon cooker?
A: Ceramic and silicone are popular for microwave models because they heat well and are easy to clean. Stainless steel is a good choice for stovetop models because it’s durable.
Q: How do I clean a bacon cooker?
A: Most can be washed by hand with soap and water. Many parts are also dishwasher safe. For stubborn grease, you might soak it briefly before cleaning.
Q: Can I cook other things in a bacon cooker?
A: Some bacon cookers are designed just for bacon. Others might be versatile enough for cooking other types of meat or even vegetables, but always check the product’s guide.
Q: What should I do if my bacon isn’t crispy enough?
A: Try cooking it for an extra minute or two in the microwave, or ensure the fat is draining away properly. For stovetop or oven models, make sure the heat is at the right temperature.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.