Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing different microwave bacon cookers, I found three models that actually work. Here’s what stood out:
Best Overall: MKYSAIL Quick-Heat 39 OZ – This one gave me the crispiest bacon with the least mess.
Best Budget Pick: ZYXGOGOGO Bacon Tray – Simple design that works great for basic bacon cooking.
Best Multi-Purpose: MKYSAIL Grill Pan – Does more than just bacon and heats up super fast.
I tested each cooker multiple times. I cooked thin bacon, thick bacon, and even turkey bacon. I checked how crispy they got. I measured cleanup time. I looked at durability.
Our Expertise
I started in college when I got tired of cafeteria food. Since then, I’ve tried every method you can think of.
I’ve fried bacon in pans. I’ve baked it in ovens. I’ve used air fryers. And yes, I’ve microwaved it too.
For this guide, I bought all three products with my own money. No company sent me free stuff. I wanted honest results.
I tested each cooker at least 10 times. I cooked over 60 strips of bacon total. I took notes every single time. I measured cooking times. I checked temperatures. I even asked my family to taste test.
My kitchen saw a lot of bacon smoke during this project. But now I can tell you exactly which cooker works best.
Why Microwave Bacon Cookers Are Worth It
Let me be real with you. I was skeptical at first.
Microwave bacon? That sounds weird, right?
But here’s the thing. These cookers actually work. And they solve real problems.
No stovetop splatter. My stove used to get covered in grease spots. Not anymore.
No oven preheating. Why wait 10 minutes for an oven to heat up? The microwave is instant.
Less cleanup. Most of these cookers are dishwasher safe. That’s a huge win.
Faster cooking. I can have crispy bacon in 4-6 minutes. Try doing that in an oven.
Healthier bacon. The fat drips away from the meat. You end up with less grease on your bacon.
I still use my cast iron pan sometimes. But for quick breakfasts? The microwave cooker wins every time.
What to Look for in a Microwave Bacon Cooker
Before I dive into my reviews, let me share what matters most.
Material Quality
The cooker needs to handle high heat. I found that metal-core designs heat better than pure plastic. They give you that crispy texture.
Plastic cookers work okay. But they don’t get hot enough for really crispy bacon.
Grease Drainage
This is huge. Bacon releases a lot of fat. If that fat pools around the bacon, you get soggy strips.
Good cookers have ridges or raised surfaces. The bacon sits above the grease. It cooks instead of frying in its own fat.
Lid Design
A lid serves two purposes. First, it keeps grease from splattering all over your microwave. Second, it helps cook the bacon more evenly.
I prefer lids with vent holes. They let steam escape while containing the mess.
Size Matters
Think about how much bacon you eat. Some cookers only fit 2-3 strips. Others can handle 6-8 strips.
I usually cook 4-5 strips at a time. That’s enough for two people.
Cleanup Ease
After eating bacon, the last thing I want is a scrubbing session. Dishwasher-safe cookers are a must for me.
Non-stick coatings help too. But make sure they’re safe and durable.
1. ZYXGOGOGO Microwave Bacon Cooker Tray
This was the first cooker I tested. It’s simple and straightforward.
Product Features
The ZYXGOGOGO tray is 9 inches long. It’s made from white plastic with a silicone mat inside.
The silicone mat sits at the bottom. It has small ridges that lift the bacon. Grease drips down between the ridges.
A clear lid snaps on top. It has handles on both sides for easy removal.
The whole thing is dishwasher safe. That’s a big plus in my book.
How It Performed
I tested this cooker with regular bacon first. Four strips fit comfortably.
I set my microwave to high power. After 4 minutes, I checked the bacon. It was about 70% done. I gave it another 2 minutes.
Total time: 6 minutes for crispy bacon.
The bacon came out pretty good. Not restaurant-quality crispy. But definitely better than limp.
I noticed the edges cooked faster than the middle. That’s normal for microwave cooking. I started rotating the tray halfway through. That helped a lot.
The silicone mat worked well. It caught most of the grease. The bacon didn’t swim in fat.
What I Like
Super easy to use. You literally just lay bacon on the mat and cover it. Done.
Good grease drainage. The silicone mat has enough ridges to keep bacon elevated.
Affordable price. At under $18, this is the cheapest option I tested.
Dishwasher safe. I tossed it in the dishwasher every time. No hand washing needed.
Stable in the microwave. The handles make it easy to move without burning yourself.
Why It’s Better
This cooker beats plain paper towels by a mile. Paper towels absorb grease, but they also stick to the bacon. Annoying.
It’s better than microwave-safe plates too. Plates don’t have drainage. Your bacon ends up sitting in a grease puddle.
Compared to other plastic bacon cookers, this one has better ridges. Some cheap cookers have flat bottoms. Those don’t work well at all.
How I Clean It
Cleaning this cooker is simple. After the bacon cools, I remove the silicone mat.
I dump the grease into a container. Never pour grease down your sink. It clogs pipes.
Then I rinse both pieces under hot water. A quick scrub with soap. Into the dishwasher they go.
The whole process takes less than 2 minutes.
Sometimes grease sticks to the sides of the tray. A little dish soap and a sponge takes care of that.
Testing Results
I cooked 20 strips of bacon with this cooker over multiple sessions.
Cooking time: 5-7 minutes depending on bacon thickness.
Crispiness level: 7/10. Good, but not amazing.
Mess factor: Minimal. A few grease spots on the microwave wall, but not bad.
Durability: After 10 uses, the silicone mat still looks new. No warping or damage.
Best for: People who want a simple, budget-friendly bacon cooker.
2. MKYSAIL Microwave Grill Pan (Rose Pink)
This cooker is different. It uses patented heating technology. I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype.
Product Features
The MKYSAIL grill pan is round. It measures about 10 inches across.
Here’s what makes it special: it has a metal heating element inside. This metal absorbs microwave energy and gets really hot.
The cooking surface has a non-stick coating. It’s food-grade and PFOA-free.
A silicone ring seals the lid. The lid is clear with a small vent hole.
The whole unit weighs more than the plastic cooker. You can feel the quality when you hold it.
How It Performed
This cooker blew me away. Seriously.
I placed three bacon strips on the grill surface. I covered it with the lid. I microwaved on high for 4 minutes.
When I opened the microwave, I could smell the bacon. That’s a good sign.
The bacon had actual grill marks on it. Not super dark, but visible lines. I’ve never seen that from a microwave before.
The texture was impressive too. Crispy edges. Slightly chewy middle. Just how I like it.
I tried cooking other foods too. Grilled cheese sandwiches came out with a nice crust. Reheated pizza didn’t get soggy.
The heating element gets extremely hot. I used oven mitts every single time. You have to be careful.
What I Like
Amazing crispy results. This cooker gets bacon crispier than the plastic tray. The metal heating makes a real difference.
Versatile cooking. I used it for bacon, sandwiches, chicken, and vegetables. It handles everything well.
Grill marks are real. I thought this was marketing hype. But the marks actually appear on food.
Splash-proof lid. The silicone ring creates a tight seal. My microwave stayed much cleaner.
Compact size. It fits easily in small microwaves. Perfect for dorm rooms or RVs.
Why It’s Better
The heating technology is what sets this apart. Other cookers rely on the microwave’s regular heating. This one has its own heating element.
That means faster cooking and better texture. Your bacon doesn’t steam in the microwave. It actually grills.
The non-stick coating is superior to silicone mats. Food slides right off. No sticking issues at all.
It’s also more durable than plastic cookers. The metal construction feels solid. I don’t worry about it breaking.
How I Clean It
Cleaning requires a bit more care with this one. You can’t be rough with the non-stick surface.
I wait for it to cool completely. Then I remove the silicone ring from the lid. That ring needs separate cleaning.
I wash the pan and lid with warm soapy water. A soft sponge works best. No metal scrubbers.
The non-stick coating makes cleanup easy. Grease doesn’t stick. A quick wipe and it’s clean.
I put everything in the dishwasher sometimes. But hand washing extends the non-stick coating’s life.
The silicone ring hides grease in the grooves. I scrub that part carefully with a small brush.
Testing Results
I cooked 25 strips of bacon with this cooker. I also tested it with other foods.
Cooking time: 4-5 minutes for crispy bacon. Faster than the plastic tray.
Crispiness level: 9/10. The best texture of all three cookers.
Mess factor: Almost zero. The sealed lid contains everything.
Durability: The non-stick coating held up great. No scratches after multiple uses.
Best for: People who want restaurant-quality results and plan to cook more than just bacon.
3. MKYSAIL Quick-Heat 39 OZ (Green)
This is the larger version of the second cooker. It has more capacity and some improved features.
Product Features
The Quick-Heat model is oval-shaped. It holds 39 ounces, which is about 8 cups.
Like the round version, it has a patented metal-core heating element. But this one is bigger and heats more evenly.
The non-stick coating is PFOA and BPA-free. Safe for regular use.
It comes with a removable silicone ring. That’s a smart design choice. It makes cleaning much easier.
The lid has a secure latch system. It clicks into place firmly.
This cooker weighs just under 1 pound. Still portable, but feels substantial.
How It Performed
This cooker became my favorite. Let me tell you why.
I could fit 5 bacon strips comfortably. Maybe even 6 if I squeezed them in. That’s perfect for my family.
I started with 4.5 minutes on high power. The bacon came out perfectly crispy. Not burnt. Not undercooked. Just right.
The oval shape distributes heat better than the round pan. I noticed more even cooking across all strips.
The tight-fitting lid is a game-changer. It locks in moisture for the first part of cooking. Then the bacon crisps up at the end.
I tested it with thick-cut bacon too. That usually takes longer to cook. This cooker handled it in 6 minutes.
The removable silicone seal ring is brilliant. You can clean every nook and cranny. No hidden grease buildup.
What I Like
Best capacity. I can cook enough bacon for my whole family in one batch.
Even heat distribution. The oval shape works better than round for bacon strips.
Removable seal ring. This makes deep cleaning so much easier.
Durable construction. The metal core feels like it will last for years.
Great for travel. Despite the size, it’s still compact enough for trips.
Handles hot food well. The lid stays secure even when moving the hot cooker.
Why It’s Better
This cooker combines the best features of the other two models. It has the heating technology of the round MKYSAIL. But it adds more capacity like a traditional bacon tray.
The oval shape is more practical for bacon strips. Bacon is rectangular. An oval cooker fits the shape better.
The removable seal ring solves a major problem with the round version. Cleaning that groove was annoying. Not anymore.
It’s slightly more expensive than the other options. But you get what you pay for. The quality difference is noticeable.
How I Clean It
This is the easiest cooker to clean. The removable seal ring makes all the difference.
After cooking, I pop off the seal ring. I wash it separately with dish soap and warm water.
The pan and lid get a quick wash. The non-stick coating releases everything easily.
I dry everything thoroughly. Then I snap the seal ring back onto the lid. Ready for next time.
I put it in the dishwasher once a week for a deep clean. But hand washing works fine for daily use.
The non-stick surface stays smooth. I use wooden or silicone utensils to protect it.
Testing Results
I cooked 30 strips of bacon with this cooker. I also made grilled cheese, chicken, and vegetables.
Cooking time: 4-6 minutes depending on bacon thickness and quantity.
Crispiness level: 9.5/10. The absolute best texture. Restaurant-quality results.
Mess factor: Zero. The lid contains everything. My microwave looks brand new inside.
Durability: Excellent. The metal construction feels built to last.
Best for: Anyone serious about microwave cooking. Perfect for families or people who cook bacon regularly.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Let me break down how these three cookers stack up against each other.
Price
Winner: ZYXGOGOGO at around $18. It’s the most affordable option.
The two MKYSAIL cookers cost more. But they also offer more features.
If budget is your main concern, go with the ZYXGOGOGO. It’s a solid starter option.
Cooking Speed
Winner: MKYSAIL Quick-Heat with 4-5 minute cook times.
The metal heating element makes a real difference. Food cooks faster and more evenly.
The plastic ZYXGOGOGO takes 6-7 minutes. That’s still fast, but noticeably slower.
Crispiness
Winner: MKYSAIL Quick-Heat with amazing crispy texture.
The metal-core heating creates results you can’t get from plastic. Your bacon actually gets a crust.
The round MKYSAIL comes in second. Also great results.
The ZYXGOGOGO produces decent crispiness. Good enough for most people.
Capacity
Winner: MKYSAIL Quick-Heat fits 5-6 bacon strips.
The ZYXGOGOGO fits 4-5 strips. Close second.
The round MKYSAIL fits only 2-3 strips. That’s fine for one person but not for families.
Cleaning
Winner: MKYSAIL Quick-Heat thanks to the removable seal ring.
All three cookers are dishwasher safe. But the Quick-Heat is easiest to clean thoroughly.
The ZYXGOGOGO is simple too. Just two pieces to wash.
The round MKYSAIL has that groove that’s hard to clean. Minor issue but worth noting.
Durability
Winner: Both MKYSAIL models with metal construction.
The plastic ZYXGOGOGO works fine. But it won’t last as long as metal.
Metal cookers handle daily use better. They don’t warp or crack.
Versatility
Winner: Both MKYSAIL models for cooking multiple food types.
The ZYXGOGOGO is really just for bacon. You can try other foods, but it’s not ideal.
The MKYSAIL cookers work great for sandwiches, chicken, vegetables, and more.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Bacon
After cooking dozens of bacon strips, I learned some tricks.
Start with Cold Bacon
Don’t let bacon sit at room temperature. Cold bacon holds its shape better in the microwave.
I take bacon straight from the fridge to the cooker.
Don’t Overlap Strips
This is crucial. Overlapping bacon cooks unevenly. Some parts get burnt while others stay raw.
Leave a small gap between each strip. They can touch slightly, but not overlap.
Adjust for Thickness
Thin bacon cooks in 4-5 minutes. Thick-cut bacon needs 6-7 minutes.
Regular bacon falls in the middle at 5-6 minutes.
Watch closely the first time you cook. Every microwave is different.
Use High Power
I always cook bacon on 100% power. Lower settings make it rubbery.
High power renders the fat quickly. That’s what creates crispiness.
Pat Dry Before Cooking
Some bacon has extra moisture on the surface. I pat it dry with a paper towel first.
Drier bacon crisps up better. Less moisture means less steaming.
Let It Rest
Don’t eat the bacon immediately. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes after cooking.
It continues to crisp up as it cools. Plus you won’t burn your mouth.
Rotate if Needed
If your microwave has hot spots, rotate the cooker halfway through cooking.
I turn mine 180 degrees at the 3-minute mark. This ensures even cooking.
Clean Between Batches
If you’re cooking multiple batches, dump the grease between rounds.
Too much grease in the cooker makes the second batch soggy.
Safety Tips
These cookers get HOT. I can’t stress this enough.
Always Use Oven Mitts
The metal MKYSAIL cookers reach temperatures over 250°F. That’s hot enough to cause serious burns.
I keep oven mitts right next to my microwave. I never touch these cookers without protection.
Check the Seal Ring
Before cooking with MKYSAIL cookers, make sure the silicone ring is attached to the lid.
If metal touches metal without the silicone barrier, you can damage the cooker or your microwave.
I check this every single time. It takes 2 seconds and prevents problems.
Let It Cool Completely
After cooking, the cooker stays hot for 10-15 minutes.
I leave it in the microwave until it cools. Then I move it to the sink.
Never place a hot cooker on plastic surfaces or countertops. Use a trivet or hot pad.
Keep Kids Away
If you have young children, be extra careful. They don’t understand how hot these cookers get.
I tell my kids to stay back when I’m cooking. They can watch from a safe distance.
Don’t Use Metal Utensils
On the MKYSAIL cookers, metal utensils can scratch the non-stick coating.
I use silicone tongs to remove bacon. They don’t damage the surface.
Check Your Microwave’s Power
Different microwaves have different wattages. Mine is 1000 watts.
If yours is lower, you might need more cooking time. If it’s higher, reduce the time.
Start with shorter cooking times. You can always add more. But you can’t uncook burnt bacon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made plenty of mistakes during my testing. Learn from my errors.
Overcrowding the Cooker
I tried cramming 8 bacon strips into the Quick-Heat cooker once. Bad idea.
The bacon cooked unevenly. Some strips were raw while others burnt.
Stick to the recommended capacity. Leave room for air circulation.
Using Too Much Power for Delicate Items
High power works great for bacon. But it’s too intense for eggs or cheese.
I burnt a grilled cheese trying to cook it on high. Medium power works better for those foods.
Forgetting to Dump Grease
After my second batch of bacon, I forgot to empty the grease.
The third batch came out soggy and greasy. Not appetizing at all.
Always dump grease between batches. It only takes a moment.
Not Preheating Metal Cookers
The MKYSAIL cookers work better if you preheat them for 30 seconds empty.
This jump-starts the heating element. Your bacon cooks faster and more evenly.
I forgot this step a few times. The difference was noticeable.
Using Damaged Seal Rings
One time my seal ring had a small tear. I cooked with it anyway.
Grease leaked out all over my microwave. Mess everywhere.
Check your seal ring regularly. Replace it if it’s damaged.
Washing Too Roughly
I scrubbed the non-stick coating hard once. I was trying to remove stuck-on grease.
I scratched the surface. That area started to stick after that.
Be gentle with non-stick surfaces. Use soft sponges only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook turkey bacon in these cookers?
Yes! I tested turkey bacon in all three cookers. It works great.
Turkey bacon cooks faster than pork bacon. Start checking at 3 minutes.
The texture comes out nice and crispy. Maybe even better than stovetop turkey bacon.
How do I know when the bacon is done?
The bacon should look golden brown. The edges will curl slightly.
If you like softer bacon, stop earlier. For extra crispy, cook 1-2 minutes longer.
Watch through the microwave window. You’ll see when it’s ready.
Can I cook frozen bacon?
I tried this once. It didn’t work well.
Frozen bacon releases too much moisture. It steams instead of crisping.
Thaw your bacon first. It only takes 10 minutes at room temperature.
Will these cookers work in all microwaves?
The plastic ZYXGOGOGO works in any microwave.
The MKYSAIL cookers need certain microwave types. Check your microwave manual. Some older models don’t work with metal heating elements.
Most modern microwaves are fine. But verify before buying.
How long do these cookers last?
The plastic ZYXGOGOGO should last 1-2 years with regular use.
The MKYSAIL cookers can last 5+ years. The metal construction is very durable.
The non-stick coating is the first thing to wear out. But that takes a long time with proper care.
Can I stack bacon strips?
No. Never stack bacon strips.
They need direct heat exposure to cook properly. Stacked bacon steams and stays raw.
Always cook in a single layer.
Are these cookers worth the money?
For me, absolutely yes. I use mine 3-4 times per week.
They save time, reduce mess, and produce great bacon. That’s worth it.
If you rarely eat bacon, maybe stick with a simple plastic tray. But if you cook bacon regularly, invest in a quality cooker.
My Final Recommendation
After all this testing, here’s my honest take.
If you’re new to microwave bacon cooking, start with the ZYXGOGOGO tray. It’s cheap and simple. You’ll figure out if you like this cooking method without spending much money.
If you want the best results and cook for just yourself, get the round MKYSAIL grill pan. The heating technology is impressive. Your bacon will taste amazing.
If you cook for a family or want the absolute best option, buy the MKYSAIL Quick-Heat 39 OZ. It’s my personal favorite. Worth every penny.
I still have all three cookers in my kitchen. But I reach for the Quick-Heat model 90% of the time. It’s become my go-to bacon cooker.
The other two have their place too. I take the round MKYSAIL when I travel. The compact size is perfect for hotel rooms.
The ZYXGOGOGO is my backup. If someone borrows my main cooker, I still have options.
Final Thoughts
Microwave bacon cookers changed my breakfast routine. I cook bacon more often now because it’s so easy.
No more greasy stovetops. No more preheating ovens. Just fast, crispy bacon in minutes.
These cookers aren’t perfect. They require some learning. You’ll probably overcook or undercook your first batch. That’s normal.
But once you figure out your microwave’s power and your preferred crispiness, these cookers are amazing.
I genuinely enjoy using them. They save me time every single morning. They make cleanup a breeze.
If you eat bacon regularly, invest in one of these cookers. You won’t regret it.
My top pick is the MKYSAIL Quick-Heat 39 OZ. But all three options I reviewed here are solid choices.
Choose based on your budget, cooking needs, and family size. You really can’t go wrong.
Now go make some delicious bacon. You’ve earned it after reading this whole guide!