Best Microwave Cookware
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Microwave cooking is a fast, convenient, and energy-efficient way to prepare meals, but getting the best results requires the right cookware. Microwave-safe dishes come in a variety of materials and shapes, each suited to different cooking needs. Safety is the top priority—always choose cookware labeled “microwave-safe” to prevent hazards. Additionally, the shape and size of the dish matter; round or oval containers tend to heat food more evenly than square ones. Durability and ease of cleaning are also important factors for frequent use. We tested a range of microwave cookware to find the best options for even heating, safety, and overall efficiency in the kitchen.
Anyday Small Dish Set
We recommend this versatile microwave cookware set for its time-saving convenience and healthy cooking capabilities.
We recommend this versatile microwave cookware set for its time-saving convenience and healthy cooking capabilities.
We’ve been testing the Anyday Small Dish Set, and it’s changed how we use our microwave. These glass dishes with silicone-rimmed lids cook food from scratch amazingly well. We cooked vegetables, pasta, and even eggs with great results.
The steam-trapping lid is key. It keeps food moist and cooks it evenly. We loved how quickly meals came together – much faster than stovetop cooking. The dishes are sturdy and go from microwave to table to fridge with ease.
Cleanup is a breeze since these dishes are dishwasher-safe. We appreciated being able to cook, serve, and store food all in one container. While they’re pricier than basic microwave dishes, we think the convenience and quality make them worth it for frequent microwave cooks.
La Cuisine Microwave Set
This 18-piece set offers good value for convenient microwave cooking and food storage, though it has some durability concerns.
This 18-piece set offers good value for convenient microwave cooking and food storage, though it has some durability concerns.
We found the La Cuisine Microwave Set handy for quick meals and leftovers. The 48-oz casserole dish was perfect for family-sized portions, while the smaller bowls worked well for individual servings and snacks.
The plastic felt a bit flimsy at first, but it held up fine in the microwave. We liked being able to take food straight from the fridge to the microwave. Clean-up was a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe design.
One thing that bugged us was the loose-fitting lids. They didn’t seal as tightly as we wanted, which made us nervous about spills. We also couldn’t find clear info about whether the set is BPA-free, which might be a deal-breaker for some folks. Still, for the price, it’s a useful set for busy households.
Anyday Microwave Cookware Set
We think this Anyday set is a smart buy for anyone looking to simplify cooking and save time in the kitchen.
We think this Anyday set is a smart buy for anyone looking to simplify cooking and save time in the kitchen.
We’ve been using this Anyday Microwave Cookware Set for a few weeks now, and it’s changed how we think about microwave cooking. The medium starter set includes two deep and two shallow dishes, which we found perfect for most meals. The frosted glass looks nice enough to serve from, and we like that we can take it straight from the microwave to the table.
The silicone-rimmed lids are a standout feature. They trap steam while cooking, which helps food cook evenly and stay moist. We noticed our vegetables came out tender and flavorful, not soggy or dry like they sometimes do in the microwave. The knob on top vents just enough steam to prevent pressure buildup, which made us feel safe using it.
Cleaning up is a breeze with these dishes. We just pop them in the dishwasher when we’re done. It’s nice not having to scrub multiple pots and pans after cooking. We also use them for storing leftovers in the fridge. The lids create an airtight seal, keeping food fresh. When it’s time to reheat, we just put the dish back in the microwave. It’s so simple, we find ourselves cooking more often.
Calypso Basics Microwave Set
We think this versatile 6-piece set is a smart buy for anyone looking to streamline their microwave cooking and food storage.
We think this versatile 6-piece set is a smart buy for anyone looking to streamline their microwave cooking and food storage.
We’ve been using these Calypso Basics containers for a while now, and they’ve quickly become a go-to in our kitchen. The set comes with three bowls in different sizes, each with its own lid. What we really like is how the lids have a built-in steam vent. It’s super handy when heating up leftovers – no more exploding spaghetti sauce in the microwave!
The bowls are made of sturdy plastic that’s BPA-free. We’ve put them through their paces in the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer without any issues. They stack neatly inside each other too, which is great for saving cabinet space.
One thing to note: while the lids fit well enough for storage, they’re not completely airtight. We wouldn’t trust them for carrying soup in a lunchbox. But for reheating and storing most foods, they work just fine. The largest bowl is perfect for family-sized portions, while the smaller ones are ideal for individual servings or snacks. All in all, we find this set to be a practical addition to our microwave cookware collection.
ReneeChef Microwave Veggie Steamer
We think this 2-quart microwave steamer is a great choice for quick and easy vegetable cooking.
We think this 2-quart microwave steamer is a great choice for quick and easy vegetable cooking.
We found the ReneeChef steamer to be a handy kitchen tool. Its 2-quart size was perfect for cooking veggies for our family dinners. The locking lid was a standout feature – it kept everything secure and made draining a breeze.
In our tests, we steamed broccoli, carrots, and even rice. The results were great. Food came out evenly cooked and kept its nutrients. We liked that we could see the food through the clear lid while it cooked.
Cleaning was simple. We just popped it in the dishwasher. The BPA-free plastic held up well, but we wonder about its long-term durability. We had to be careful when taking it out of the microwave, as the lid got pretty hot. All in all, this steamer made quick work of veggie prep and saved us time on busy weeknights.
Joseph Joseph Stackable Microwave Cooker
We think this versatile microwave cooking set is a great choice for quick and easy meals.
We think this versatile microwave cooking set is a great choice for quick and easy meals.
We were impressed by how well this Joseph Joseph microwave cooking set worked in our tests. The stackable design let us cook a full meal with rice, veggies, and protein all at once. We liked being able to add or remove pieces as needed during cooking.
The 2-liter pot was perfect for cooking rice or pasta. The steamer basket worked great for vegetables and fish. We even used the griddle to crisp up some bacon. Everything came out nicely cooked.
Cleanup was a breeze since all the pieces are dishwasher safe. The integrated handles stayed cool and made it easy to remove from the microwave. While the plastic construction felt a bit flimsy, it held up well in our testing. For quick meals or small households, this set offers good value and convenience.
GoodCook Microwave Steamer
We recommend this microwave steamer for quick, easy, and healthy meals.
We recommend this microwave steamer for quick, easy, and healthy meals.
We tried out the GoodCook Microwave Steamer and found it great for busy cooks. It’s super fast – we steamed fresh veggies in just 2-3 minutes. The clear lid let us check on our food without opening it.
The steamer did a good job keeping vitamins in our food. We liked how our broccoli stayed bright green and crisp. The steam vent on top was handy. We could change it to get our veggies just right.
Clean-up was a breeze. We just popped it in the dishwasher when we were done. It’s small enough to fit in most cabinets too. We wish it was a bit bigger, though. It’s fine for 1-2 people, but you might need more for a family.
MACONEE Microwave Pan
We think this microwave pan is a good choice for people who rely on microwaves but want tastier meals.
We think this microwave pan is a good choice for people who rely on microwaves but want tastier meals.
We tried out the MACONEE microwave pan and found it pretty handy. It’s nice for cooking quick meals when you don’t have a stove. The pan did a good job crisping up foods that often get soggy in the microwave.
We cooked some chicken and veggies in it. The food came out juicy, not dry like we feared. The non-stick coating worked well – cleanup was a breeze. We just wiped it down with soap and water.
This pan isn’t perfect though. It’s on the small side, so you can’t cook big meals. We had to play around with cooking times to get things right. Some foods, like fish sticks, didn’t crisp up as much as we hoped. But for most dishes, we were happy with how they turned out.
Microwave Saucepan Set
We think this microwave saucepan set is a good buy for quick and easy meal prep.
We think this microwave saucepan set is a good buy for quick and easy meal prep.
We’ve been using these microwave saucepans for a while now, and they’ve become a handy tool in our kitchen. The 24-ounce capacity is just right for single servings of soup, oatmeal, or leftovers. We like that we can take them straight from the fridge to the microwave.
The lids are a nice touch. They help keep food from splattering all over the microwave. This makes cleanup much easier. We’ve found the handles stay cool enough to grab right out of the microwave, which is a plus.
One thing to note is that these pans can stain if you heat tomato-based sauces or other colorful foods. The plastic is on the thinner side, so they might not last forever with heavy use. Still, for the price, we think they’re a good value for quick meals and reheating.
Evelots Colorful Microwave Bowls
We recommend these versatile bowls for their convenience and practicality in everyday microwave cooking.
We recommend these versatile bowls for their convenience and practicality in everyday microwave cooking.
We found the Evelots 10-piece microwave bowl set to be a handy addition to our kitchen. The colorful bowls brightened up our meal prep routine. We liked having different sizes available for various dishes, from small snacks to larger meals.
The stay-cool handles were a standout feature. We could grab the bowls right out of the microwave without worrying about burns. This made them perfect for quick office lunches or late-night snacks at home.
We appreciated the vented lids when reheating leftovers. They let steam escape while keeping food from splattering. The bowls also worked well for storing food in the fridge or freezer. We found them easy to stack and store when not in use.
While cooking soups or larger portions, we noticed the bowls were a bit shallow. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s worth keeping in mind. The plastic material felt sturdy enough for regular use, though some might prefer glass or ceramic options.
Buying Guide
When shopping for microwave cookware, we recommend focusing on a few key factors:
Material
Look for microwave-safe materials like glass, ceramic, and certain plastics. Avoid metal or aluminum foil. Silicone is also a good option for flexibility.
Size and Shape
Choose cookware that fits comfortably in your microwave. Round or oval shapes tend to heat food more evenly than square ones.
Lids and Vents
Lids help retain moisture and prevent splatters. Vents allow steam to escape safely. We suggest opting for cookware with both features.
Heat Resistance
Check the temperature rating. Higher heat resistance means more versatile use for cooking and reheating.
Ease of Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe options save time. Non-stick surfaces can make cleanup easier but may not last as long.
Versatility
Some microwave cookware can also be used in conventional ovens or for food storage. This multi-use capability adds value.
Handle Design
Look for cool-touch handles or grips for safe handling when removing hot dishes.
Here’s a quick comparison of common microwave cookware materials:
Material | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Glass | Durable, doesn’t absorb odors | Can be heavy |
Ceramic | Retains heat well, attractive | May chip or crack |
Plastic | Lightweight, affordable | Can stain or warp over time |
Silicone | Flexible, easy to clean | May retain odors |
By keeping these factors in mind, we can choose microwave cookware that best fits our needs and cooking habits.