With the right microwave cookware, you can enjoy the convenience of quick cooking without sacrificing gourmet flavor.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
With the right microwave cookware, you can enjoy the convenience of quick cooking without sacrificing gourmet flavor.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
A watched pot never boils. So why not skip that step altogether? With this microwave pasta cooker, all you have to do is add pasta and water to the container, then nuke it in the microwave. The design allows for water circulation and cooking control, meaning perfectly al dente pasta every time.
Anyday doesn’t just make microwave cooking products—it has elevated microwave cooking into an art form. We tested Anyday ourselves to see if it cut down on cooking and cleaning time. We came away impressed. The Anyday Starter Set contains two dishes and lids designed to meet your quick-cooking needs. When you’re thoroughly convinced of the brand’s superiority, build out your collection with the eight-piece Everyday Set and the 14-piece Complete Set.
Put away that sugary breakfast cereal! Now you can have an omelet in minutes. This microwave omelet maker can cook up to four eggs, along with your chosen toppings—all while you pour yourself a cup of coffee. Just pop in the dishwasher when you’re done.
Microwaving is a smart way to cook your veggies without sacrificing nutrients. It couldn’t be easier with this microwave vegetable steamer. Throw your vegetables in the steamer basket, pour water in the bottom of the container, then pop on the lid and voila! Perfectly steamed veggies in a few minutes.
As much as we love bacon, the clean-up afterward can be a greasy headache. This microwave bacon tray will give you crispy bacon without the mess. The design drains away grease and moisture, which means perfectly crisped bacon and no dirty frying pan. Simply discard the grease and throw the tray in the dishwasher when you’re finished. Who’s ready for a BLT?
Microwave cooking gets a bad rap because often it can make food soggy rather than crispy. Well, no more! This microwave crisper pan is perfect for chicken nuggets, leftover pizza or hamburgers. You might not believe you just pulled your food out of a microwave. Get breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert on the table in minutes with these microwave recipes.
Is there anything worse than opening your microwave to find a mess of food splashes inside? Use this collapsible microwave cover to keep all splatters contained. Cover food as it cooks in the microwave, then wash it in the dishwasher between uses. Bonus feature: We love the collapsible design for easy storage. Also check out how to clean a microwave in under ten minutes with everyday household items.
Skip the bagged microwave popcorn for a tastier and fresher version with this Cuisinart microwave popcorn popper (it’s one of the best popcorn makers according to our Test Kitchen). Simply add popcorn kernels to the collapsible bowl, attach the lid and pop! Great for health-conscious eaters because it doesn’t even require oil. Take your snack to the next level with these gourmet popcorn recipes.
Taking hot food out of the microwave has never been so stylish—or safe. These adorable oven mitts will look lovely hanging in your kitchen, and serve their function well. Plus, we love that they’re 100% cotton and machine washable.
To make the best use of your microwave, you will want to be absolutely sure your cookware is compatible. Here are some things to look for in your hunt:
First, we took stock of the cookware landscape, casting a wide research net examining the huge number of products available on the market. Then, we parsed down that list by eliminating brands that weren’t up to snuff—prioritizing brands we have experience with and those that are time-tested and trusted by experts and amateurs alike. Finally, we whittled that list further by paying special attention to the remaining cookware’s quality, durability and user reviews. The final list is the result of all that work and represents the best options on the market today.
Erica Young is a shopping expert specializing in home decor and kitchen items. Her carefully curated articles have appeared on Family Handyman, Reader’s Digest, Fox, MSN, U.S. News and World Report, Popsugar and more. Megan Mowery is a former senior shopping editor with hundreds of product reviews, including kitchen goods (like microwave cookware).
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest and Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
It is only safe to microwave cookware properly labeled as microwave-safe (usually a symbol resembling a microwave accompanied by the words “microwave-safe”). If you’re unsure if something is microwave-safe, you’re better off not finding out. Find another microwave-safe container, transfer your food to that, and then heat it up.
Use heat-resistant pots in the microwave like glass or ceramic. These materials can withstand extreme heat without any damage to the microwave or pot. Do not microwave metal pots.
Generally speaking, it is only safe to microwave kitchenware and cookware if it has the appropriate microwave-safe labeling—which includes a symbol that looks like a microwave and the words “microwave-safe.”
Oven-resistant or oven-proof glass and ceramic are the best materials for microwave cooking. They are capable of withstanding everyday use, high temperatures and don’t crack or tarnish.
Yes, almost all paper towels are microwave-safe. You can use a paper towel under or over food items in the microwave, either to prevent spills or catch crumbs