The best oven bacon makers simplify achieving perfectly crispy, evenly cooked bacon without the mess. These specialized tools are essential for home cooks and bacon enthusiasts seeking consistent, delicious results every time. While the core function is similar, variations in material, size, design, and ease of cleaning can significantly impact your cooking experience and the final outcome.
Choosing a subpar option might lead to uneven cooking, difficult cleanup, or a tool that doesn’t fit your kitchen needs, ultimately wasting your investment and delicious bacon. To help you find the ideal solution for your kitchen, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best oven bacon makers available, evaluating their performance, durability, and user-friendliness.
Achieving the best oven bacon often comes down to managing grease and ensuring even cooking, with appliances like the Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray and the GoodCook Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan & Rack set being excellent choices. These items provide raised surfaces or racks to allow bacon grease to drain away, resulting in crispier bacon and a healthier preparation. For convenience, options like the HORMEL BLACK LABEL Fully Cooked Bacon offer a pre-cooked solution ready to heat and enjoy.
Best Oven Bacon: Top Picks at a Glance
How We Picked
To identify the best oven bacon solutions, we prioritized real-world performance, build quality, and safety. We evaluated how effectively each product delivered crispy results while managing grease, assessing durability for long-term use. Standout features like splatter containment and ease of cleaning were also key.
Products that explicitly focused on oven-style preparation, like the Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray and the GoodCook Nonstick Baking Pan and Rack, were central to our tests. We ruled out items primarily designed for skillet use or those lacking robust construction, ensuring our recommendations truly excel for making best oven bacon.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Draining Fat for Crispier Bacon
A key to perfect oven-baked bacon is how effectively grease is managed. Look for trays with raised ridges, like those found on the Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid or the GoodCook Baking Pan & Rack set. These elevate the bacon, allowing fat to drip away and away from the strips.
This immersion in grease is what makes bacon rubbery, so proper drainage is crucial for achieving that desirable crispness you’re after.
Microwave vs. Oven: Which Method Reigns?
While many products are designed for microwave bacon cooking, like the PrepSolutions Microwaveable Bacon Grill or the ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray, traditional oven baking often yields a more uniformly crispy result. True oven bacon trays, such as the Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray, use perforated surfaces or racks to circulate hot air effectively around the entire strip. If you’re after that classic oven-baked texture, prioritize dedicated ovenware.
1. Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray 2pc Set Includes Pan
Best for: Bakon, jerky, dried fruits, crisp fries, veggies, and more.
Formed aluminum construction on this Nordic Ware pan conducts heat rapidly and evenly, enabling beautifully browned foods like bacon and jerky.
This 2-piece set includes a formed aluminum pan and a nonstick coated steel rack that elevates food for 360-degree hot air circulation. The pan’s ability to catch drippings while the rack keeps food suspended offers a healthier alternative to frying, with no need for turning.
Pros
- Rapid and even heat conduction from aluminum pan
- Elevates food for consistent cooking via steel rack
- Catches drippings for healthier results
- 360-degree hot air circulation
Cons
- Hand wash only for cleanup
This baking tray is ideal for home cooks wanting to prepare a variety of crispy foods. Use it to achieve perfectly cooked bacon or homemade jerky.
2. HORMEL BLACK LABEL Fully Cooked Bacon – Thick Bacon Snacks
Best for: Minimal prep, maximum protein.
HORMEL BLACK LABEL Fully Cooked Bacon offers thick-cut slices that are ready to eat straight from the 10.5 oz package.
These quality cuts of pork are seasoned and fully cooked, providing 5 grams of protein per serving with only 80 calories. No refrigeration is needed until after opening, making it a convenient option.
Pros
- Fully cooked and ready to eat
- Thick slices for a satisfying texture
- Each serving offers 5g protein
- Requires no refrigeration until opened
Cons
- One 10.5 oz package
This bacon is perfect for busy individuals seeking a quick and protein-rich snack or breakfast addition. Enjoy it without the fuss of cooking raw bacon.
3. Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid, 10.25x8x2 Inches
Best for: Microwave cooking with no splatter.
This Nordic Ware bacon rack, with its 10.25×8 inch dimensions, features a ribbed surface that elevates bacon above grease during microwave cooking.
Constructed from BPA and melamine-free materials, this tray includes a lid to contain spatters, keeping your microwave clean. It’s designed for easy hand washing and is made in the USA.
Pros
- Ribbed surface for grease drainage
- Lid prevents microwave splatters
- BPA and melamine-free construction
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not recommended for dishwasher use
This rack is ideal for anyone who wants to cook bacon quickly and cleanly in the microwave. Enjoy crisp bacon without the mess.
4. GoodCook 15” x 10.5” Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan &
Best for: Large-scale crispy oven cooking.
The GoodCook 15” x 10.5” nonstick carbon steel baking pan and accompanying wire rack are designed to deliver crisp results for large batches of bacon.
This set includes a nonstick pan with sturdy rims to hold the raised wire rack securely, ensuring your food stays elevated from grease for optimal air circulation. The carbon steel material evenly distributes heat for thorough baking on its 15 x 10.5 inch surface.
Pros
- Large 15” x 10.5” cooking surface
- Nonstick coating on pan and rack
- Rack elevates food from grease
- Even heat distribution from carbon steel
Cons
- Requires hand washing to maintain nonstick coating
This large baking set is perfect for cooking significant amounts of bacon or other crispy foods like chicken wings and fries. Its nonstick properties simplify cleanup.
5. PrepSolutions Microwaveable Bacon Grill, Cooks 7-9 Pieces of Crispy Bacon
Best for: Fast microwave cooking for 7-9 strips.
The PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill offers a large tray that cooks between 7 and 9 pieces of bacon to crispy perfection in minutes.
This microwaveable tray features a vented, anti-splatter cover with a recessed handle, designed to keep your microwave clean by containing grease splatters. Its compact size ensures it fits easily into most home kitchens.
Pros
- Cooks 7-9 bacon strips at once
- Vented cover prevents splatter
- Recessed handle for easy lid removal
- Compact size for kitchen storage
Cons
- Limited to microwave use only
This bacon grill is ideal for individuals or small families who want fast, crispy bacon using their microwave. Enjoy a cleaner microwave environment.
6. ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid Ceramic Bacon Cooker Meat
Best for: Multipurpose microwave, oven, or stovetop cooking.
The ONEMORE Ceramic Bacon Tray with Lid cooks bacon to crispy perfection, featuring raised ridges that allow fat to drain away.
This versatile 11-inch round ceramic baking rack is safe for microwave and oven use, and can also function as a meat rack or plate. The included lid helps contain splatters, though it is not dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Ceramic for even cooking
- Raised ridges drain fat
- Microwave and oven safe
- Lid prevents grease splatter
Cons
- Lid is not dishwasher safe
This ceramic bacon tray is a great option for those who want crispy bacon from a durable, reusable product. Use it in the microwave or oven for delicious results.
7. The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish – Makes Crispy
Best for: Healthy microwave bacon at home.
The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish cooks bacon perfectly in minutes, elevating it above the fat to reduce grease.
This dish is designed to reduce fat by up to 35% compared to skillet preparation and features a simple cleanup method using a paper towel draped over the bacon strips. Its compact design allows for easy disassembly and storage.
Pros
- Reduces fat up to 35%
- Elevates bacon above grease
- Easy cleanup with paper towel
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Plastic construction may not appeal to all
This microwave bacon dish is ideal for health-conscious individuals wanting to prepare crispy bacon with less fat. Its dishwasher-safe nature adds to its convenience.
8. Microwave Bacon Tray -10 Inch Large Silicone Food Grade Bacon
Best for: Large silicone tray for safe microwave cooking.
Made from food-grade silicone, this 10-inch large silicone bacon tray ensures safe and odorless cooking of crispy bacon in the microwave.
This heat-resistant tray and its integrated heat-resistant handles can withstand repeated microwave use without deforming, making it ideal for daily bacon preparation. It cooks evenly yellowed, crispy bacon in approximately 5 minutes.
Pros
- Food-grade, BPA-free silicone
- High heat resistance
- Even cooking for crispy results
- Integrated heat-resistant handles
Cons
- Dishwasher safe, but manual cleaning is recommended for longevity
This silicone bacon tray is perfect for anyone looking for a safe and durable way to cook bacon in the microwave. Prepare crispy bacon quickly with this flexible option.
9. Microwave Bacon Cooker Tray, Splatter Lid, 2 Silicone Mats, Bacon
Best for: Double batch microwave cooking.
This Microwave Bacon Cooker Tray comes with two trays and two silicone mats, allowing you to cook multiple batches of bacon simultaneously in the microwave.
The set includes two trays, two removable silicone mats to catch grease, and a splatter lid. Its triangular high ridges prevent bacon from sitting in oil, and the components are dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Includes 2 bacon trays
- Silicone mats catch grease
- High ridges for crispy bacon
- Splatter lid included
Cons
- Only for microwave use; not oven or convection safe
This set is perfect for cooks who want to make larger quantities of microwave bacon efficiently. The multiple components ensure easy preparation and cleanup.
10. Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray & Food Defroster
Best for: Microwave cooking and food defrosting.
The Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray and Food Defroster features a slanted design that drains grease and moisture away from food during microwave cooking or defrosting.
This rectangular tray has a large capacity suitable for many slices of bacon and is designed with ridges to keep food elevated. It is manufactured in the USA and has a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Slanted design drains grease
- Large rectangular capacity
- Keeps food elevated with ridges
- Dual function: cooking and defrosting
Cons
- Not safe for use under the broiler or on stovetop burners
This Nordic Ware tray is ideal for preparing bacon or defrosting food in the microwave, providing a cleaner cooking surface. Its dual functionality makes it a versatile kitchen tool.
Microwave vs. Oven for Crispy Bacon: A Material Choice
If you prioritize speed and minimal cleanup for your best oven bacon experience, then the choice hinges on whether you prefer dedicated ceramic/silicone microwave designs or a multi-purpose oven accessory.
Many shoppers are drawn to the convenience of microwave options like the ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid Ceramic Bacon Cooker Meat or the PrepSolutions Microwaveable Bacon Grill, which promise quick, grease-draining results in minutes. These often feature raised ridges to elevate the bacon and catch rendered fat, keeping the strips above the grease pool. The ONEMORE’s ceramic construction, for example, offers durability and even heating, while the PrepSolutions unit boasts a large capacity for 7-9 slices.
However, the inherent nature of microwave cooking can sometimes lead to a slightly different texture than oven-baked bacon, and their specialized designs mean they won’t do double duty for roasting vegetables or baking cookies.
Conversely, oven-centric solutions like the Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray 2pc Set or the GoodCook 15” x 10.5” Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan & utilize a wire rack within a larger pan. This setup offers ample airflow around the bacon, promoting that superior crispness many seek from oven preparation. The Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray, with its nonstick coating, aims for easy cleanup after the bacon has rendered its fat into the pan below.
These are not single-task tools; their baking sheet design is ideal for a wide array of oven-crisped items, from fries to chicken wings, offering genuine versatility for a busy kitchen.
The distinction, then, isn’t about which method is inherently better, but rather about material properties and intended use driving specific outcomes. For pure, no-fuss speed with acceptable crispness, materials like food-grade silicone featured in the Microwave Bacon Tray -10 Inch Large Silicone Food Grade Bacon – perform adequately. For those willing to invest slightly more time for a consistently crispier result and who value multi-purpose kitchenware, the GoodCook 15” x 10.5” Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan & represents a more robust, adaptable solution.
Ultimately, for the home cook aiming for the crunchiest results with minimal splatter, the Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray 2pc Set provides a dedicated and effective tool.
What to Look For in the Best Oven Bacon
Cooking method capacity
The average microwave bacon tray, like the PrepSolutions Microwaveable Bacon Grill, cooks between 7-9 pieces of bacon at once, offering a rapid way to achieve crispiness. For larger batches or different cooking styles, consider oven-focused baking tray sets. The Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray 2pc Set, for example, comes with a pan designed to catch drippings while a nonstick-coated steel surface promises excellent results.
If even more capacity is needed, the Nordic Ware Microwave Bacon Tray boasts a rectangular shape accommodating many slices and features ridges to drain grease. Regardless of the method – microwave speed or oven versatility – the size and capacity of your chosen tool directly impact how much bacon you can prepare efficiently.
Material durability
The material of your oven bacon cooker will significantly impact its longevity and ease of use. For oven baking, a nonstick coated steel construction, like that found in the Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray 2pc Set, ensures food releases easily and simplifies cleanup. Similarly, carbon steel with a durable nonstick coating, as seen on the GoodCook 15” x 10.5” Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan, promises consistent, crispy results over many uses.
If you opt for microwave convenience, look for BPA and melamine-free materials for safety, such as those used in the Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid. Food-grade silicone, offering high heat resistance and flexibility, is another excellent choice for microwave bacon pots, exemplified by the Microwave Bacon Tray -10 Inch Large Silicone.
For those preferring ceramic, models like the ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid offer a robust and easy-to-clean cooking surface that stands up to repeated use.
Grease management crisping mechanism
Raised surfaces are key to achieving that desired crispiness, as they lift bacon out of its own rendered fat. The Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid, for instance, features a ribbed surface designed to keep bacon elevated during cooking, a principle also employed by the ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray and The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish, both of which utilize raised elements to allow grease to drain away. This separation is crucial for achieving even cooking and preventing greasy, soggy results.
Similarly, oven-based solutions like the GoodCook 15” x 10.5” Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Pan & Rack utilize a wire rack to promote air circulation around the bacon for superior crisping, while the pan below catches the drippings. The Nordic Ware Oven Crisp Baking Tray also includes a nonstick-coated steel pan specifically designed to collect rendered fat, contributing to a healthier and cleaner cooking process.
Ease of use cleanup
Most of the best oven bacon methods demand more than just sticking a package in the oven; ease of use and subsequent cleanup are paramount. Microwave bacon trays like the ONEMORE Microwave Bacon Tray with Lid offer integrated lids, a smart feature that effectively contains splatters, keeping your microwave clean. Similarly, the Nordic Ware Bacon Rack with Lid provides a two-in-one solution for cooking and splatter containment.
For those who prioritize effortless cleaning, The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish is dishwasher safe, simplifying post-meal tidying. If you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want to maximize efficiency, sets such as the Microwave Bacon Cooker Tray, Splatter Lid, 2 Silicone Mats offer multiple trays and accessories, allowing you to cook more bacon simultaneously.
Alternatively, for the ultimate in minimal effort, HORMEL BLACK LABEL Fully Cooked Bacon provides a ready-to-eat option, requiring no preparation beyond heating.
Quick Best Oven Bacon Buying Checklist
- Bacon Thickness: Look for bacon labeled “thick-cut” for best oven crisping.
- Fat Distribution: Opt for bacon with a good ratio of fat to meat, as fat renders to make it crispy.
- Curing Method: Consider the curing method (e.g., dry-cured, wet-cured) as it can affect texture and flavor.
- Wood Smoke: Bacon smoked over specific woods like hickory or applewood can enhance the oven-cooked taste.
- Nitrate/Nitrite Content: Check if you prefer bacon cured with or without added nitrates/nitrites for dietary reasons.
- Packaging Freshness: Ensure the bacon is well-sealed and within its expiration date for optimal quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Temperature Setting For Cooking Bacon In The Oven?
The best temperature setting for cooking bacon in the oven for optimal crispness and even rendering is 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This moderate-high heat allows the fat to render efficiently without burning the meat, creating perfectly crisp bacon.
How Long Does Bacon Typically Take To Cook In The Oven?
Bacon typically takes 15 to 25 minutes to cook in the oven. This timeframe is dependent on the thickness of the bacon strips and the oven temperature, which is usually set between 375°F and 400°F, until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness.
Are There Specific Types Of Bacon That Perform Better When Cooked In The Oven?
Yes, thicker-cut bacon typically performs better when cooked in the oven. This is because the consistent, dry heat of an oven allows thicker slices to render their fat more evenly and achieve a crispier texture without burning. Thinner bacon can overcook quickly, even in an oven.
What Methods Can I Use To Prevent Bacon From Curling While Baking In The Oven?
To prevent bacon from curling while baking in the oven, lay the strips flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. This even distribution allows the fat to render and cook uniformly, minimizing uneven shrinkage that causes curling.
Which Baking Sheets Or Pans Are Best For Achieving Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon?
For crispy oven-baked bacon, a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack inserted on top is best. This setup elevates the bacon, allowing fat to drip away into the pan below, ensuring
Final Words
Embrace the crispy, craveable perfection of oven bacon for a consistently delicious breakfast and beyond. This method offers unparalleled ease and superior results, transforming simple strips into a weekend brunch star or a weeknight flavor boost. So go ahead, preheat your oven and discover the joy of perfectly rendered, delightfully crunchy bacon every single time.