Bacon on a stovetop is a splatter problem before it is a flavor problem. A cold strip hits hot fat, the pan spits, and the next ten minutes disappear into wiping down the backsplash. The pan or tray you choose decides how much of that happens, and more to the point, whether the fat drains away from the meat or pools around it while it cooks.
I went through the listings for the best pans to cook bacon in looking at three things: how each design handles rendered grease, how many strips fit at once, and how much cabinet space the thing takes when it is not in use. Star ratings fed into the BHK Score we assign on this site, but construction decided the order. A tray that lifts bacon above the fat solves more problems than a fancy coating with no rack underneath it.
My overall pick for best pans to cook bacon in is the The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish. Molded drip bars hold the strips above the fat that renders out, so the bacon crisps instead of simmering, and a paper towel draped over the top keeps the microwave interior from turning into a mess. It also breaks down flat for storage. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | BHK Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall MAKIN BACON Microwave Bacon Dish with BPA-Free | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Oven and Microwave ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray Ceramic Cooker | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Small Kitchens GoodCook Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Small Batches Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray with 9x8 Inch | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Easy Cleanup Bakken-Swiss Bacon Tray 2-Piece Set with Marble | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Homikit Baking Sheet with Wire Rack Set | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| SENSARTE Nonstick Grill Pan with Die Cast Aluminum | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
This MAKIN BACON microwave dish uses BPA-free plastic and cooks bacon above the fat for reduced grease.
Key Facts
- Size
- 9.2 x 8.8 x 1.6 inches
- Material
- BPA-free high-heat resistant plastic
- Care
- Dishwasher safe
Pros
- +Microwave cooking method reduces bacon fat by up to 35%
- +Lightweight and compact at 9.2 x 8.8 x 1.6 inches
- +Dishwasher-safe plastic for easy cleanup
- +Storage tab secures nested parts for tidy storage
Cons
- −Limited to microwave use only, not for stovetop or oven
- −Small size may not suit large batch cooking
- −White color prone to visible staining over time
Detailed Review
This MAKIN BACON microwave dish stands out for its BPA-free, high-heat resistant plastic molded in the USA, designed specifically for microwave use. Its compact size of 9.2 by 8.8 inches keeps it manageable on smaller kitchen counters where space is limited. The dish cooks bacon strips above the fat, which reduces grease by up to 35% compared to skillet frying by allowing excess fat to drip away. I see this working best for cooks who prefer microwave convenience and want a straightforward cleanup since it is dishwasher safe. Worth knowing before you buy, this dish is limited to microwave use only and may not handle larger bacon batches well due to its size. The white color also means staining could become noticeable with repeated use.
This ONEMORE bacon tray is an 11-inch ceramic cooker with a raised rack that drains grease during microwave or oven cooking.
Key Facts
- Size
- 11 inch diameter
- Material
- Ceramic
- Care
- Dishwasher-safe
Pros
- +Raised ceramic rack drains grease during cooking
- +Suitable for both oven and microwave use
- +Smooth ceramic surface allows for easy cleaning
Cons
- −Limited to one size option at 11 inches diameter
- −No lid included for storage or splatter containment
- −Ceramic material can be heavier than metal alternatives
Detailed Review
This ONEMORE bacon tray features an 11-inch round ceramic design that fits easily in most ovens and microwaves. Its raised ceramic rack lifts bacon above the collected grease, which helps achieve crispier results without flipping. The ceramic construction provides even heat distribution for consistent cooking whether using an oven or microwave.
Cleanup is straightforward since the smooth ceramic surface wipes clean easily and is also dishwasher-safe, making it practical for everyday use. I see this working best for cooks who want a simple way to prepare bacon with less mess and who appreciate versatile cookware that doubles as a serving dish or meat rack.
Worth knowing before you buy, the tray comes in only one size with no lid, which may limit options for larger batches or storage. Ceramic also tends to weigh more than metal trays, so consider countertop space and handling preferences.
GoodCook offers a 15x10.5-inch carbon steel baking pan with a raised wire rack and PFOA-free nonstick coating for even heat distribution.
Key Facts
- Size
- 15 x 10.5 Inches
- Material
- Carbon Steel
- Rating
- Pan oven safe to 450°F, rack to 410°F
- Care
- Dishwasher Safe
Pros
- +Raised wire rack keeps food elevated from grease
- +Heavy-duty carbon steel construction resists warping
- +PFOA-free nonstick coating enhances food release
- +Dishwasher-safe components for easier cleaning
Cons
- −Limited pan depth at 1 inch restricts large batch cooking
- −Wire rack oven safe only up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit
- −Dark gray color limits aesthetic options
Detailed Review
This set includes a 15 x 10.5-inch carbon steel baking pan paired with a raised wire rack designed to hold food above the pan. The carbon steel material offers resistance to warping, which helps maintain even heat distribution during baking. The pan features a PFOA-free nonstick coating exclusive to GoodCook that improves food release compared to basic single-coat systems. The wire rack fits securely inside the pan and can also be used separately for cooling or glazing, though it is oven safe only up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. I'd consider this set for cooks who want a compact pan with elevated baking options and easy cleanup, as both pieces are dishwasher safe. Worth knowing before purchasing that the pan's 1-inch depth limits capacity for larger items or batches.
Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray holds 4-5 bacon strips and features raised ridges for even cooking and grease drainage.
Key Facts
- Size
- 8.5 x 10.5 x 1 inches
- Material
- Durable plastic
- Care
- Dishwasher safe
- Capacity
- 4 to 5 bacon strips
Pros
- +Raised ridges for even heat distribution
- +Dishwasher-safe material for simple cleaning
- +Vented lid reduces microwave smoke buildup
- +Compact footprint suitable for small counters
Cons
- −Limited capacity holds only 4 to 5 bacon strips
- −Plastic construction may not withstand long-term heavy use
- −No temperature or safety certifications stated
Detailed Review
The Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray features a 9 by 8 inch cooking surface designed to hold 4 to 5 strips of bacon comfortably. Its raised ridges elevate the bacon, which helps grease collect away from the food for crisper results. The vented lid allows smoke to escape safely during microwaving, addressing a common issue with cooking bacon in this way. I see this tray working best for quick bacon batches when a conventional pan is not an option.
The tray is made of durable plastic and is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easier after cooking. Worth knowing before you buy is that the capacity is limited to a few strips, which might not suit larger households or batch cooking. Also, the product does not specify any heat or safety certifications, so following manufacturer instructions is important.
For my money, this product suits kitchens where quick, small bacon batches are needed and countertop space is at a premium. It offers a practical approach to microwaving bacon while controlling mess and smoke.
Bakken-Swiss bacon tray features a durable carbon steel build with white marble non-stick coating for oven cooking bacon with grease drainage.
Key Facts
- Size
- 13.58 x 7.36 x 1.18 inches
- Material
- Carbon Steel with White Marble Coating
- Care
- Dishwasher Safe
- Included
- 2-Piece Set (Tray and Rack)
Pros
- +Non-stick white marble coating for easier food release
- +Removable carbon steel rack allows grease to drain
- +Dishwasher-safe design simplifies post-cooking cleanup
- +Compact size fits most standard ovens
Cons
- −Limited size may not accommodate large batch cooking
- −Only white marble color option available
- −Weight of 2.67 pounds may feel hefty for some
Detailed Review
This Bakken-Swiss bacon tray comes as a two-piece set with a durable carbon steel pan and a removable rack coated in white marble non-stick material. The design lets grease drip away from the bacon which should help it crisp more evenly and reduce greasiness. The tray measures 13.58 by 7.36 inches, which is a moderate size suitable for typical oven racks but may limit cooking volume for larger households.
The pan is dishwasher safe which simplifies cleanup, a practical feature for busy kitchens. Its temperature tolerance up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit means it can handle typical oven cooking settings without issue. I see this working best for cooks who want a straightforward way to bake bacon without stovetop splatter.
Worth knowing before you buy, the product only comes in white marble coating and weighs about 2.67 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy when handling. For my money, this suits families or individuals looking for a dedicated bacon cooking tray with easy cleaning and grease management.
Homikit baking sheet set includes a 16x12-inch stainless steel pan and cooling rack made without coatings.
Key Facts
- Size
- 15.9 x 12 x 1 inches
- Material
- Pure food-grade stainless steel
- Oven Safe Temperature
- Up to 450°F
- Care
- Dishwasher safe
Pros
- +Heavy gauge pan resists warping with reinforced rolled rims
- +Smooth mirror finish reduces food sticking without coatings
- +Cooling rack grid spacing prevents small foods from falling
Cons
- −No nonstick coating may require extra oil or liner for some foods
- −Limited to oven use up to 450°F with no higher rating
- −Set includes only one pan and one rack, limiting versatility
Detailed Review
This baking sheet set features pure food-grade stainless steel construction without coatings, which means it avoids chemical layers but may need oiling to prevent sticking. The pan measures 15.9 by 12 inches with 1-inch sides, providing enough depth to contain sauces and larger food pieces while fitting standard ovens and toaster ovens.
The included wire rack has raised 3/4-inch feet and dense welded grid lines that encourage air circulation and keep smaller baked items stable. I see this working best for home cooks who want a straightforward, coating-free option that is easy to clean since the set is dishwasher safe and stackable for storage.
Worth knowing before you buy is the lack of a nonstick surface, which may not suit those expecting effortless food release. This combination works well for everyday baking and roasting but includes just one pan and rack, so additional pieces might be needed for more complex cooking tasks.
This SENSARTE grill pan features a 9.5-inch die cast aluminum body with ILAG nonstick coating and a stainless steel base for even heating.
Key Facts
- Size
- 9.5 Inch
- Material
- Die Cast Aluminum with Stainless Steel Base
- Nonstick Coating
- ILAG PFOA and PFOS Free
- Handle
- Bakelite, Cool to Touch
Pros
- +Raised ribs create defined grill marks and reduce fat contact
- +Pour spouts on both sides facilitate draining excess liquids
- +Compatible with gas, electric, induction, and ceramic cooktops
Cons
- −Limited cooking surface may not suit larger families
- −Not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing to protect coating
Detailed Review
The SENSARTE Nonstick Grill Pan uses a die cast aluminum body that resists warping and pairs with a thick stainless steel base for even heat distribution across all cooktops. The 9.5-inch square surface offers a modest cooking area suitable for small to mid-sized meal portions. I see this working best for cooks who want a versatile pan for indoor and outdoor use with easy cleanup thanks to its ILAG nonstick coating that requires minimal oil.
Its raised ribs provide distinct grill marks and help reduce fat contact during cooking, while the dual pour spouts make draining liquids straightforward. Worth knowing before you buy is the pan’s limited size, which might not suffice for larger households or batch cooking. Also, it requires hand washing to protect its nonstick surface, which adds a consideration for maintenance.
I'd consider this a reasonable pick for kitchens that need a durable, easy-to-clean grill pan compatible with a range of cooktops. The comfortable bakelite handle adds safety by staying cool during use.
FAQs
Can you cook bacon in the microwave without a dedicated tray?
A microwave-safe plate works, but strips laid flat sit in their own rendered fat and steam instead of crisping. A tray with ridges or drip bars lifts the meat and lets the grease collect below. Follow the tray maker’s manual for wattage and timing, since microwave power varies widely between units.
Is it better to cook bacon in the oven or on the stovetop?
Oven cooking with a rack wins for quantity, because a full sheet holds about a pound of strips in one layer and the pan catches the grease. The stovetop suits two or three strips and a faster start. For stovetop work, a wide flat surface matters more than depth, which is why a well-seasoned cast iron skillet remains a common choice for bacon that needs a hard sear on the edges.
How do you keep bacon from splattering in the microwave?
A vented lid or a paper towel draped over the strips traps most of the spatter while letting steam out. Sealing a dish completely is the wrong move, since heat and smoke need somewhere to go. Use the timing the tray manufacturer specifies rather than a generic rule of thumb, since dish depth and microwave power both shift the result.
What size pan do you need for a pound of bacon?
A large rimmed sheet pan with a rack holds roughly a pound of strips in a single layer, which is what you want for even cooking and easy grease collection. Anything smaller means two batches and a colder second serving. Round ceramic trays and compact microwave trays are portion tools, not batch tools.
Final Thoughts
Picking among these comes down to three things: whether the strips sit above the fat, how many you can cook at once, and how much counter or cabinet space the thing costs you. Everything else is detail.
For most kitchens, the The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish is the pick that earns its place. The drip bars separate the fat without a wire rack to scrub, the paper towel trick keeps the microwave interior clean, and it collapses flat when you are done. It suits a household cooking two to four strips at breakfast, not a crowd.
If the budget is the deciding factor or the counter is already full, the Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray covers the same ground in a smaller footprint and holds four to five strips at a time. The vented lid is the part that matters. Neither tray replaces an oven setup for cooking a pound at once, so plan around a weekend batch if that is how your house eats bacon. Whichever you land on, the guesswork about grease and cleanup goes away, and breakfast stops being a wiping-down job.