Do Microwave Bacon Trays Work? The Ultimate Guide for Crispy Bacon Bliss

As a busy home cook who loves hosting brunch, let me tell you—microwave bacon trays have been an absolute game changer in my kitchen! No more babysitting sizzling skillets or fussing with oven trays. With the right microwave bacon tray and technique, you can whip up piles of perfect crispy bacon in minutes flat.

But questions abound! Do these magical microwave trays actually produce good results? How do you choose one that fits your needs? What are the tricks to microwave bacon success? Not to fret, fellow bacon enthusiast. I‘ve cooked up this comprehensive guide so you can become a microwave bacon pro in no time!

An Introduction to the Magical Microwave Bacon Tray

Microwave bacon trays are exactly what they sound like—specialized cooking trays designed to cook bacon quickly and easily in the microwave oven. They have ridges to keep the bacon elevated out of the grease. This allows the bacon to cook evenly while the grease drips down into the base of the tray.

Here are some key benefits microwave bacon trays have over other cooking methods:

• Speed – Cooks an entire tray of bacon in just 2-5 minutes. Much faster than oven or stovetop.
• Convenience – No constant monitoring like with skillet cooking. Just set the timer and walk away.
• Less Mess – Trays contain grease splatters. No more bacon pop grease cleanups!
• Consistency – Ridges cook bacon evenly. No underdone or charred pieces.
• Portion Control – Trays come in set sizes for predictable bacon amounts.

Of course, microwave cooking does have some downsides to consider:

• Microwave Variability – Cooking power can impact results in different microwaves.
• Capacity – Trays only hold 1-2 servings of bacon at a time.
• Overcooking Risk – Quick cook times make burning easier if not careful.

But with the right techniques, even microwave power variability can be compensated for pretty easily. So let‘s get cooking!

Choosing the Best Microwave Bacon Tray

Microwave bacon trays come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. Here are some things to look for when selecting one for your kitchen:

• Dimensions – Choose a tray size that fits flat in your microwave without touching the sides. This allows for safe, even cooking. Measure your microwave interior before shopping.
• Material – Durable plastic is best. Avoid possible warping issues with lower quality materials in high heat.
• Ridge Height – Look for ridges at least 1/4 inch tall. This elevates bacon from excess grease.
• Dishwasher Safe – Check that the tray is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Some top-rated microwave bacon tray options include:

• Lekue Bacon Tray – 11 x 7 inches. Sturdy plastic with angled ridges. Dishwasher safe.
• Makan Bacon Cooker – Adjustable size. Splatter lid included. Stain resistant finish.
• Joie Piggy Microwave Bacon Tray – 10 x 6 inches. Microwave and freezer safe.

I recommend the Lekue tray. It‘s the perfect size for my mid-sized microwave, feels high quality and has cooked my bacon to crispy perfection every time!

Step-by-Step Guide to Microwave Bacon Perfection

Cooking bacon in the microwave is pretty straightforward, but there are some tips and tricks to get that perfect texture and prevent any pitfalls. Follow these steps for crispy, evenly cooked bacon glory.

1. Prep the Tray

Line your microwave bacon tray with a paper towel, parchment paper, or bacon rack insert. This will prevent the cooked bacon from sticking to the ridges later on.

2. Arrange the Bacon

Lay your bacon strips directly on the lined tray in a single layer without overlapping. You want plenty of space between each slice.

3. Cook Time

Microwave cooking time depends on your microwave wattage. Refer to this handy chart:

Microwave Wattage	Cook Time Per Side	Total Cook Time
700W	2.5 – 3 min	5 – 6 min
1000W	2 min	4 min
1100W	1.5 min	3 min

I cook mine in a 1000W microwave for just 2 minutes per side – quick and easy!

4. Flip Halfway

At the halfway point, carefully remove the hot tray using oven mitts. Open the tray, flip all the bacon strips over and return to the microwave to finish cooking.

5. Check for Doneness

Once the full cook time has elapsed, double check that bacon is browned and crispy looking. For any underdone strips, continue cooking in 30 second bursts until browned to your liking.

6. Drain and Serve

Use tongs to transfer cooked bacon from the tray onto a paper towel lined plate. Let it drain briefly before serving to soak up excess grease.

And that‘s all there is to it! With the right tools and techniques, you‘ll be a microwave bacon pro flipping flaky, grease-free bacon in minutes.

Troubleshooting Microwave Bacon Mishaps

Even seasoned microwave bacon chefs can run into some cooking mishaps now and then. Here are some quick fixes for common bacon tray troubles:

Uneven Cooking – Rotate tray halfway and spread out clumps for consistent heating.

Limp Bacon – Use lower cook times and check early to avoid overcooking.

Bacon Sticking – Make sure tray is lined properly so bacon releases after cooking.

Soggy Bacon – Use paper towels to soak up excess grease as it cooks.

Splatter Mess – Open tray slowly and away from you to prevent grease drips.

Microwave Bacon Tray Tips and Tricks

After many trials (and errors!), I‘ve got some pro-tips to get the most out of your microwave bacon experience:

• Choose lower-fat bacon for less greasy splatter. Center cut is great.

• Start with the minimum suggested cook time and adjust up as needed.

• Let bacon rest 1-2 minutes after cooking for crispiest texture.

• For reheating, use 30 second bursts. Watch it closely to avoid toughening.

• Undercook slightly rather than overdoing it if unsure. You can always cook more.

• Add a splatter lid if your microwave tends to get messy.

• Use bacon fat to sauté veggies, eggs or greens for bonus flavor.

How Does Microwave Bacon Work?

You‘re probably wondering, how do these magical microwave trays turn floppy bacon into crispy deliciousness so quickly? Let me break down the science.

Microwave ovens generate heat by producing electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules in food to vibrate rapidly, creating internal friction that heats the food.

Bacon contains a good amount of fat and water, which allows it to cook up quickly in the microwave. The ridged tray design distributes the electromagnetic waves evenly while allowing rendered fat to drip away.

This rapid, direct heat exposure produces cooked bacon in just 2-5 minutes. Much faster than conventional ovens which rely on slower air circulation to transfer heat.

So next time you bite into a perfectly crispy microwave-cooked bacon strip, thank the scientific genius of electromagnetic waves!

Microwave Bacon Popularity Continues to Grow

Once seen as a questionable cooking hack, microwave bacon trays have gone mainstream. In fact, sales of microwave cooking products like bacon trays have grown over 18% from 2013 to 2018 according to market research group NPD.

In 2019, Amazon alone offered over 30 different microwave bacon tray options from various manufacturers. And Google search interest for "microwave bacon" has more than doubled over the past decade.

This surging popularity makes perfect sense. Microwave bacon trays allow for quick and convenient cooking without the hassle of babysitting a frying pan. People are busier than ever, and microwave bacon offers the perfect fast protein to incorporate into quick breakfasts and lunches.

While it may not provide exactly the same flavor and texture as pan frying, microwave bacon has earned its place as a kitchen staple for the time-crunched modern cook.

Alternative Ways to Cook Your Bacon

While microwave trays offer speed and convenience, traditional bacon cooking methods still have their appeal for some bacon purists. Here‘s how other popular cooking techniques stack up:

Skillet/Pan Frying – Sizzling bacon in its own fat results in crisp, rich flavor. But requires monitoring to prevent burning.

Oven Baking – Allows large batch cooking by spreading strips on a sheet pan. Lower temp helps avoid charring.

Grilling – Imparts delicious smoky essence. Needs frequent flipping to prevent flame ups.

Air Frying – Circulating hot air crisps up bacon with less splatter than frying. Smaller capacity per batch.

Microwave Tray – Fast and convenient for 1-2 servings. Tricky to achieve perfect crispness every time.

I find microwave trays to be ideal for quickly cooking 1-3 servings of bacon as an ingredient for breakfasts, salads, etc. But when I‘m cooking for a crowd, oven baking allows me to easily nail a huge batch with more consistently crispy results. Ultimately, the cooking method depends on your specific cooking needs!

Incredible Recipes to Showcase Your Microwave Bacon

Now that you‘ve mastered the art of microwave bacon, it‘s time to put those perfectly crispy strips to work in fun and flavorful dishes!

• Breakfast Sandwiches – Bacon, egg and cheese on an English muffin or bagel

• Burgers and Wraps – Bacon cheeseburgers, BLTs, club sandwiches

• Potatoes – Bacon bits in potato salad, loaded baked potatoes

• Pizza – Bacon as a pizza topping or on flatbreads

• Salad Topper – Candied bacon, bacon bits or crumbled bacon

• Soup – Split pea soup, potato soup, chili

• Appetizers – Bacon wrapped dates, bacon jam on crackers

• Pasta – Carbonara, bacon alfredo, bacon mac and cheese

The possibilities are endless. With microwave bacon on hand, you‘re minutes away from taking any dish from boring to bacon-tastic!

Frequently Asked Microwave Bacon Questions

Still hungering for more microwave bacon knowledge? Here are answers to some of the most common questions:

How long does cooked microwave bacon last in the fridge?

Cooked microwave bacon will last 3-4 days properly stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat leftovers in 30 second microwave bursts.

Can you cook microwave bacon without a tray?

Technically yes, but the tray helps bacon cook evenly while keeping it out of the grease. Without a tray you‘ll likely end up with a curled, greasy mess.

Does covering bacon help it cook better in the microwave?

Most microwave bacon trays are designed for uncovered cooking. Covering can create steam that makes the bacon soggy and less crispy.

Is microwave bacon healthier than pan fried?

Microwave bacon renders out a bit more fat, but nutrition-wise it’s comparable to pan frying. As always, opt for leaner bacon and eat in moderation.

Why does my microwave bacon come out chewy?

This usually occurs from slight overcooking. Try reducing cook time by 30 seconds to 1 minute for crisper results. Letting it rest post-cooking also improves texture.

Which is better – thick cut or regular bacon for the microwave?

Regular cut bacon tends to cook up crispier in the microwave. The thinner cut helps the fat render faster. Thick cut may end up chewy.

Can I use the bacon grease leftover in the tray?

Absolutely! Pour into a heat-proof container and store in the fridge. You can sauté veggies in it or use for other cooking/baking.

How can I reduce microwave bacon splatter?

Use a tray with a splatter lid, or cover with paper towels. Choose a lower-fat bacon and remove bacon slowly after cooking.

Become a Microwave Bacon Master!

Well fellow bacon lover, we‘ve made it to the end of this comprehensive guide to cooking with microwave bacon trays. You now have all the tips, tricks and intel needed to pump out perfect crispy bacon in minutes right from your microwave.

From choosing the ideal tray to mastering cook times, prepping, draining and serving, you‘ll be a microwave bacon expert in no time. So go forth and enjoy the convenience of bacon anytime your heart desires! Just be prepared for the rave reviews once people get a taste.