The Best Microwave Cookware For Making Quick and Tasty Meals

updated May 24, 2024
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Bowls of microwavable rice outside of microwave.
Credit: Sarah Crowley

When was the last time you cooked a meal in your microwave? I’m not talking about reheating leftovers or defrosting a frozen meal — I mean actually cooking with your microwave. If you’re anything like me, it’s been a minute. When I was growing up, the only thing we ever “cooked” in a microwave was a “baked” potato — to say we weren’t using our microwave to its full potential would be an understatement.

The Best Microwave Cookware

Today, there are tons of tools out there designed to help you make everything from steamed veggies and pasta to eggs and even crispy (yes, crispy) chicken in your microwave. My, how times have changed. Below, we rounded up the best microwave cookware that’s perfect for quick, delicious meals whether you’re cooking from home, work, or your dorm. Happy cooking!

Do you have a piece of microwave cookware you swear by? We want to hear all about it. Let us know about your favorite finds in the comments below! 

1 / 12
Amazon
$19.93

Love your rice cooker, but looking for something a bit more small-space-friendly? The M-Cuisine Microwave Rice Cooker makes cooking the perfect pot of rice (as well as any of your other favorite grains) a breeze. It also doubles as a chic serving pot!

2 / 12
Anyday
$108.00
was $160.00

Cooking a full dinner in your microwave may sound like a pipe dream, but it can be a reality with the Everyday Set from Anyday on your side. Use these innovative pieces (which lock in moisture while venting excess steam) to prep veggies, grains, dessert, and more.

3 / 12
Amazon
$11.99

Whether you prefer them fried or scrambled, the OXO Microwave Egg Cooker helps you make the perfect egg fast. Simply crack your egg, whisk, and cook — it’s that simple! Best of all, the bottom snaps off for easy sliding onto your plate.

4 / 12
Amazon
$7.99

More of an omelette fan? There’s a piece of microwave cookware for that, too. The Omelette Maker is easy to use — simply mix your eggs with your favorite omelette ingredients, pop in the microwave, and you’ll be chowing down on the perfect omelette in minutes.

5 / 12
Amazon
$26.00

Make perfectly steamed veggies in a flash with the Sistema Microwave Steamer.It features a steam release vent on the lid, which allows for splatter-free heating and stays cool to the touch so you’ll never have to worry about burns.

6 / 12
Uncommon Goods
$29.00

Microwaving spaghetti? Yes, really! This Microwave Pasta Pot from Uncommon Goods takes a simple cooking task and makes it even easier. Simply add your noodles and water, and nuke. Best of all, the lid doubles as a strainer. Talk about ease!

7 / 12
Amazon
$14.99

No one likes limp bacon, and with the Microwave Bacon Cooker, you can have the crisp bacon of your dreams in just a few minutes. Because the bacon hangs on this cooker, the grease can drip — which results in crunchy bacon every time.

8 / 12
Amazon
$12.98
was $24.99

Steaming fish in the microwave may seem like a no-go, but the GoodCook Microwave Vegetable and Fish Steamer makes it easy and mess-free. Its vented design perfectly cooks food, while the large surface allows you to cook more than a traditional steamer. One note: If you’re going to use this to cook fish, we recommend only using this in the comfort of your own home.

9 / 12
Amazon
$8.99

What if I told you that you can get a perfectly cooked potato in four minutes? With the ingenious OBTANIM Microwave Potato Bag, simply prep your potato, pop it in the bag, and set it for four minutes. Then, all that's left to do is remove and enjoy your perfect spud.

10 / 12
Uncommon Goods
$25.00

This one’s for the bagel-lovers. Thanks to the Egg on a Bagel Maker, you can now make the perfect-sized egg that won’t spill over the sides of your bagel sandwich. Its cone-shaped center even helps create a center hole to match your bagel for easier eating.

11 / 12
Amazon
$34.99

Who said you can’t get crispy results in the microwave? The MACONEE Universal Crisper Pan works like a frying pan by absorbing heat and creating a hot pan bottom to make the crispiest foods.

12 / 12
Amazon
$9.99

You didn’t really think we’d leave out a popcorn maker, did you? Our favorite popper, The Proper Popper, helps ensure you get the perfect pop every time. Best of all, this popcorn maker is collapsible, which makes it super easy to store!