Best Microwave Cookware You Should Have in 2023!
When it comes to cooking in the microwave, having the right cookware can make all the difference in achieving the best results. Choosing the best microwave cookware can be a daunting task, with so many different types and brands available in the market. From glass and ceramic to plastic and silicone, each material has its unique advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will guide you through some of the best microwave cookware options available, to help you make an informed decision and enhance your microwave cooking experience.
1. Best Overall Microwave Cookware – Microhearth Nonstick
One user raved: “My husband just loves these pans. We have bought more for family members who are amazed how they work.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $79.99
Pros:
- The clean-up is easy.
- It has a non-stick coating.
- It is able to stand with high heat temperatures, and it gets hot quickly.
- It offers comfortable holding.
Cons:
- The non-stick is not very durable.
What is best about it?
- Non-stick pan
- Versatility to cook food
Features and benefits:
The Microhearth comes with a 1.5-Quart non-stick coated metal pan. This quality pan can safely perform under the hottest temperatures. It offers versatile cooking options by converting electromagnetic waves into infrared energy. The pan has a ceramic-coated metal lid with a standing handle and side rims for convenient support to move.
User experience:
Below we have shared some reviews about the product. The reviews will give you knowledge about the actual quality and working of the product.
- The users said that it did not grill or perform any other function mentioned in the advertisement. The manufacturer did a false advertisement, and it is only capable of steam vegetables. Secondly, it starts to bubble up, and when it breaks, you will not be able to use it any longer. Even if you wash with hands or keep it with care, it will discolor, and the coating will get off. Moreover, some people also complain that it does not get hot like professional ones.
- On the other hand, people have also praised this product. They said that it is an innovative product and its clean-up is easy. They make steak and said that it comes out just like it has cooked on an outside grill. It saves your time than cooking on the stove.
What do we not like about it?
The product seems to have more than average quality but not that good. We do not like that the coating is not durable, as mentioned. And, it also does not work once it gets destroyed. Secondly, it stops heating the food and discolors. First of all, the manufacturer should make the product according to what he has claimed. The product is not durable and needs to work on its coating. Otherwise, we think that it is a waste of money.
Our Verdict:
As a whole, the product is good and gives a quality performance. It is best for the ones who do not like to cook or not have time for that. It will save your time by offering versatility in items to cook.
2. Best Runner-up Microwave Cookware– Joseph Joseph
One user raved: “Works as promised, making quick rice in the microwave in about ten minutes. Simple to prepare and clean up, afterwards. Great for a simple lunch or dinner.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $31.99
Pros:
- It has a stackable design.
- It is dishwasher safe.
- It saves time to cook.
- It is easy to use.
Cons:
- It takes time to clean.
- It can get melt if the microwave is above the required temperature.
What is best about it?
- Stackable design
Features and benefits:
It is highly functional cookware that comes with four inter-changeable pieces. The versatility allows you to cook the entire meal in minutes. The integrated handles in the cooking pot and lid ensure easy transfer from the microwave to the table for serving. This microwave cookware is dishwasher safe and suitable for all power ratings in domestic microwaves. You can adjust the cooking time of the microwave to suit your appliance.
User experience:
The product got a high buying rate with interesting reviews. We are going to mention some experiences below for your help.
- Users have warned the buyers to purchase this product because the whole item got melted in the microwave. It gives terrible fumes and cannot withstand a microwave even though this is advertised as a microwave cooker. There is a thin layer of plastic that peels away from the lid. It may possibly be getting into the food. If you use all 4-pieces, then you have to wash them after every single use.
- Secondly, the unit gets hot while cooking rice, and there is no handle to hold it. You need pot holders to take it out. It is worst at cooking rice, and also its size is quite large. The amount of water and rice barely covered the bottom and produced a crunchy crust-like wafer of uncooked rice. You will have to clean up a goosy mess in the microwave every time you cook rice.
- On the side, the satisfied users said that the product works best but has some rules to follow. You can cook the best rice even if you do not have a rice maker. The product is a huge time saver and easy to use.
What do we not like about it?
The worst thing about the product is that it gets melt inside the microwave. That destroys the whole item and the microwave, and there will be a goosy mess for the users to clean. That will take a long to complete making the meal. In other words, it is not a time saver in such a case.
Our Verdict:
The product is suitable for the ones who do not cook regularly. It will save you time and gives you the option to cook a full meal at one time. It requires maintenance and instruction while using to get good results.
3. Best Nonstick - Maconee Crisper Pan
One user raved: “2 minutes by itself in the microwave to heat it up. Place the meat in and zap it 6-10 more minutes and you’re done. To clean up just wipe it out. Love it.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $49.99
Pros:
- It is sturdy and well-built.
- It is easy to clean.
- It has an attractive design.
- It cooks a variety of meals.
- It is simple to use.
- It cooks fast and even.
Cons:
- It gets heat up.
What is best about it?
- Non-stick coating
- Used for Multi-purpose
Features and benefits:
Maconee Microwave cookware has a non-stick metal pan that gets direct heat from the oven. It has platinum silicone construction along with non-stick aluminum plates. It offers easy cleaning and is also dishwasher-safe. It is a multi-purpose pan that gives you the option to grill, bake, boil, saute, stir-fry or steam. It is easy to use, and you only need to set the proper microwave timing. It is also ETL-approved, BPA-free material and gives you a 100% guarantee of a healthy meal.
User experience:
We are going to share a few reviews about the item. That will give you a strong sense to judge the actual quality and working of it.
- Users said that the pot is attractive, light in weight, easy to clean, and cooks fast and well. However, there is a flaw in that it overheats the interior of the microwave to a dangerously high degree. Due to overheating, the microwave gets shut down after few minutes.
- Secondly, the complaint is about the lid that it does not fit properly. The rim also gets a melted burn mark after some time of usage.
- Users have also liked their purchase and said that it worth the price. It is easy to use and makes cleaning a breeze.
What do we not like about it?
We do not think that there is something serious to worry about the quality of the item. It is good and almost works the same as advertised. The only thing is that it gets hot and heats the microwave. The company should check the problem behind it. Otherwise, it can be a dangerous thing.
Our Verdict:
The product is quite handy and a good addition to the kitchen. It gives you quality with a performance at a reasonable price.
4. Best Steamer & Storage – Calypso Steamer & Storage
One user raved: “I’ve had this set for a long time. Still looks brand new. Lids continue to fit properly. Easy to clean. Usually washed in the dishwasher without a problem. I highly recommend these. Would make a good gift.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $21.99
Pros:
- Air-tight containers
- No pilling of food
- Easy washing
- Smooth interior to prevent food sticking
Cons:
- Not for cooking meat
- Comparatively smaller containers
What’s best about it?
- BPA-free plastic
- Adjustable steam vents
- Transparent lids
- Dishwasher-safe
Features & Benefits:
The Reston Lloyd’s basic microwave cookware set includes 3 multitasking containers for different jobs. Whether you want to steam, freeze, or heat up the food, this one has got you covered. Besides, you can use these containers to carry your lunch meals, too. Moderately priced, made with BPA-free plastic, these containers can stand a lot of temperatures and never deform or catch stains when heating acidic food. Don’t worry, they’re dishwasher safe and durable.
User experience:
Raking up the customers’ experiences, we get to know these things about them:
These are well made and sturdy. However, even the large container is small and never has a standard size for a casserole dish. They are also not the deeper options available in the market. The maximum depth of small to medium to large containers is just 2-inches.
Impressively, these are solid containers, contrasted to their throw-away or recycled peers. Nested inside each other while putting the lids on the bottom, they fit into your kitchen’s cabinet or take a very little storage space.
The lids feature a dial knob combined with a vented hole to let you remove the heat if needed. Further to this, by turning the knob on opposite and hiding the vented hole, you can turn these containers into air-tight ones.
What we don’t like about it?
No problem unless you warm up veggies or cook food with water. But for cooking meat, they aren’t qualified. The bottom of these containers can get burn marks and never gets clean even after a lot of scrubbing or washing.
Our verdict:
This basic microwave set has impressed us with the solidness of its make. They are useful as long as you want to warm up food in a microwave or want to store food in them. However, when it comes to cooking raw meat, these containers can’t hold up well and may burn from the bottom. But from the point of affordability, they’re a considerable choice.
5. Best Micro Cooker – Pampered Chef
One user raved: “We have an older version (which we liked). The new version is even better. It’s easy to carry. Easy to lock the top in place. Easy to clean. Overall, it’s a winner!” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $27.99
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Gets the work done
- Perfect for steaming veggies for 1-2 person
Cons:
- Little expensive
What’s best about it?
- Fastening lid
- Drain holes on both sides
- BPP-free plastic
Features & Benefits:
“Cooking in the microwave can seep dangerous chemicals into the food”, partially true as long as you work with any regular plastic cookware. But the Pampered chef has busted out this statement with its smartly-designed cooker. This microwave-safe utensil lets you steam and cook ready-to-go dishes, not only in a fraction of time but with a fraction of money as well. Put the ingredients, add seasoning, water, and good to go for. The vented holes on the top escape the heat and the interlocking lid ensures there’s no spilling of food when you drain the liquid.
User experience:
Read to know how the product is receiving feedback from its users:
Whether it’s about steaming veggies or preparing hamburgers for spaghetti, this cooker is the best microwave ally for instant cooking. Well-made and build with BPA-free and lead-free plastic, this is a microwave-safe utensil. A good and instant go-to option.
This cooker performs what it is designed for. Name your favorite dish, add ingredients to it, add seasoning, and set the time needed to cook the dish. Simple, quick, and 3-4 minute game! Done! The cherry on the top, the teeny vents on both sides of the lid escape the heat perfectly.
This cooker stays at the higher price side, but its smooth interior and exterior make it easy to clean. Nonetheless, when you cook meat in it, its base tends to get burn scars, that can’t be undone.
What we don’t like about it?
We have found that interlocking its handles is cumbersome. A novice user may end up snapping the plastic piece that slides into the handle.
Our verdict:
If you haven’t earlier work with this kind of cooker, you might break off its lid or plastic part, so be careful when bolting it. The product also is expensive, however, it is well built and a performer in its field. If you want to impress your loved one with your instant cooking abilities, this one helps you ace it.
6. Best Silicone Made – Microwave Steamer
One user raved: “I’m in a hotel for my job with only a microwave. This is perfect for my veggies!! The fact that it collapsed makes it perfect for packing in my suitcase!” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $26.99
Pros:
- Folds flat to save a lot of space
- Eco-friendly choice as compared to plastic steamer bags
- Simple to use
- Solid construction
Cons:
- Sizable large steamer
What’s best about it?
- BPA-free silicone
- Resistant to kinking
- Steam detachable insert
- Weighs just 1.6 pounds
Features & Benefits:
Thanks to the goodness of this smartly designed collapsible silicone steamer that has made steaming and cooking stress-free. Contrary to other plastic-made microwave cookers which comes with plastic pieces and usually snap off, this one uses silicone. The high-quality silicone is non-toxic and BPA-free, making it healthier.it stays longer as far as you use a sponge or a soft cleaning cloth.
User experience:
- A user who was tired of using microwave steaming bags tells us that it is an impressive and more efficient choice. The collapsible design takes less space in a kitchen’s cabinet. on the other hand, every veg needs different cooking and steaming time, so it requires some practicing on a user’s part.
- For steaming fresh or frozen veggies, this one bears a WOW tag and works. Within 6-8 minutes, it will cooks or steams your vegetables, depending on the size. Better than Ziploc zip-n-steam bags. For cooking chicken, it will take about 15 minutes. So you have to learn to set its time first.
- A user finds its size too large for standard microwave ovens and you may have to cut off the sides of its handles. But it does lock the deal when you see how fast and easy it is to clean up this useful gadget in a dishwasher or by hand.
What we don’t like about it?
If you’re using this steamer as a container for storing frozen vegetables, make sure to thaw it first to avoid melting. Else the whole product might ruin up.
Our verdict:
Our testers have found this steamer efficient when it comes to steaming vegetables. Simple application, easy to work with, and available at an affordable choice. Its collapsible design easily folds up. However,
7. Best for Egg Dishes– Sistema Red
One user raved: “This is a nice size, the lid is easy on and off but seals tight and tomato- based soups and sauces don’t leave a stain. I’ll order a couple for pack ahead lunch salads and soups.” Read more comments
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $8.99
Pros:
- Well built
- Fast and easier cooking
- Worth the money
- Cooks in seconds
Cons:
- Cleaning is difficult
What’s best about it?
- Stackable design
- BPA/phthalate-free
- Easy lift tabs
- Steam-release vents
Features & Benefits:
Cooking scrambled eggs or an English muffin for a dreamy breakfast has become instantaneous with this classy microwave-safe container. There’s no splattering during cooking since a vent in the lid escapes the heat. Unlike ordinary or recycled plastic containers, it is crafted with non-toxic plastic and is a safer option for healthy cooking. Not only dishwasher-safe but easier to clean and maintain.
User experience:
- This Sistema cookware is perfect for cooking egg dishes in seconds. Since every microwave is different, the cooking time varies vice versa, so find out which timing works best for your meal. But this is an amazing product that needs no oil or butter and delivers you a healthier breakfast when you’re on the go.
- This egg cookware is a great package that not only worth your time and money as well. Super easy and super-fast for cooking the perfect frittata.
- Cleaning this cookware is a hassle and requires serious scrubbing.
What we don’t like about it?
It’s partially designed for breakfast recipes and is not a multipurpose gadget. Also, you have to find out the exact timing for preparing different egg dishes.
Our verdict:
This is an impeccable microwave-safe cookware that makes excellent and novel egg recipes in a jiffy. For healthier and quicker breakfast recipes, this one worth your money and time. Highly recommended!
Which cookware material is safe for microwave?
When we talk about microwave-safe materials, keep in mind that utensils without any metal construction are usually microwave safe. Glass and ceramic dishes and utensils are microwave-safe until they are not chipped or cracked. Napkins, towels, paper plates, glass jar without lids, and micro-wave safe dinnerware are some of the materials that can be used in a microwave safely.
We all know that using plastic in a microwave is a huge controversy nowadays. Well, all the plastics are not microwave-safe, but now some of the plastics are specially made for the microwave. You can use them in a microwave but make sure they don’t touch the wall of the microwave at all by maintaining a certain distance of 2 to 3 cm. Besides, some of the non-stick cookware that has no metal included in its surface is microwave safe as well.
What type of cookware is not safe for microwave use?
Metal utensils are not safe for microwave at all. Unlike ceramic and glass utensils, metal does not allow the microwaves to pass through it hence, there is no use in placing metal utensils inside the microwave. Let it be aluminum trays, metal surface non-stick cookware, stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, or copper cookware, all of them are quite unsafe to use in a microwave. Also, if you have utensils with silver, platinum, or gold bands, it is better not to use them in a microwave. This is because they will surely reflect the microwaves causing arcing and other possible issues.
How do I know if my cookware is microwave safe?
After buying new cookware, most of us do not know that either it is microwave-safe or not. Even if you know it, it is better to check it before using it. The most effective way to check if your cookware is microwave safe is to take a 1-minute test. Fill the utensil with 250 ml of cold water. Place it in the microwave, and turn it on at full power for 1 minute. Exceeding the time limit can alter the accurate results hence, take care of that. After one minute, carefully remove the utensil from the microwave. Now, if the utensil is hot to touch from outside that means the material is not safe for the microwave. Whereas, if the water inside is warm but, the exterior of the utensil is cold, then you can easily use that utensil in the microwave.
What happens if you put the metal cookware in the microwave?
We all know that putting metal containers in the microwave is not safe. Well, at first it does not let the food get warm. The microwaves do not pass through the metal surface hence, the food is only heated up from the top surface whereas, the rest of the food always remains cold. Secondly, when you put a metal container in the microwave, the microwaves pull the electrons from the metal surface. As a result, the thin layer of metal gets too hot, which can set the microwave on fire as well. A current can be induced in the metal containers also, sparks will most likely fly. While, if you are using a microwave convection oven for convection cooking, then metal containers are good to go.