Best Oven Bacon Cooker: Cooking Bacon to Perfection
Bacon is a favorite food for many people. Its crispy texture and delicious flavor make it a popular choice for breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and various other dishes. While frying bacon in a pan is a traditional method of cooking, there is a better way to achieve perfect results with less effort and mess: using bacon ovens. In this article, we will explore the benefits of oven bacon cookers and provide recommendations for the best ones available in 2024.
The benefits of oven bacon cookers
Oven bacon cookers offer several advantages over traditional frying methods. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using these special cooking vessels:
No need for constant attention
Cooking bacon on the stove requires constant monitoring to prevent overcooking or burning. However, with oven bacon cookers, you can leave the bacon to cook unattended. This convenience allows you to perform other tasks while the bacon cooks to perfection. The ovens provide a controlled environment that ensures even cooking without the need for constant flipping or adjusting.
Reduced calorie intake
Cooking bacon in the oven can result in fewer calories than pan-frying. Using an oven allows you to use little or no additional oil. The bacon can be cooked with its own fat, resulting in a healthier and more flavorful result. Pan-frying exposes the bacon to direct heat, which can diminish its flavor and quality. Oven cooking at high heat helps retain the natural flavors of the bacon while rendering excess fat.
Convenience and easy cleanup
Bacon is known for its greasiness, which can cause stubborn stains on pans. Bacon ovens alleviate this problem by reducing mess. Most are made with high-quality materials and non-stick coatings, making them easy to clean. Just rinse them under the sink and you won’t have to spend excessive time and effort scrubbing away grease.
Versatility with different appliances
A common concern when using specialty cookware is compatibility with existing appliances. However, Oven Bacon Cookers are compact and fit into any type of oven. Some models are even designed specifically for microwave use. This versatility ensures that you can use the cookers without adding appliances or rearranging your kitchen.
Types of bacon ovens
There are several types of bacon ovens on the market. Let’s explore the different designs and their features:
Drip pan cookers
Drip pan cookers are designed to promote healthier cooking by suspending the bacon over a drip pan. This allows excess fat to render and drip down, resulting in crispy and tasty bacon. However, the bacon may not achieve a deep caramelized color because it’s not cooking in its own fat. To enhance the color, you can use a small amount of cooking oil, preferably a healthier option.
Hang cookers
Hanger cookers offer an innovative way to cook bacon without adding extra calories. They are made of oven-safe and food-grade materials, ensuring safety at high heat. Instead of laying bacon flat on a grill, Hanger Bacon Cookers allow you to hang each piece vertically on racks. The excess fat drips off, leaving you with delicious, well-cooked bacon. Hanger cookers can also be used in the microwave, and some models include an exterior lid for even cooking and to prevent splattering.
Silicone cookers
Silicone pans are oven safe and made from durable, food-grade materials. They have grill-like indentations where you can place the bacon without it touching the bottom of the pan. This design allows for even cooking while reducing the amount of fat absorbed by the bacon. Excess fat collects at the bottom and the bacon can be easily removed with tongs. Silicone cookware is extremely convenient and easy to clean, requiring only a simple rinse with mild soapy water.
Using Bacon Cookers: A Quick Guide
Now that we’ve explored the benefits and different types of bacon cookers, let’s discuss how to use them effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (or follow the temperature recommendations provided with your specific oven). Make sure the oven has reached the desired temperature before proceeding.
Step 2: Arrange the bacon
Place the bacon on the Bacon Cooker according to its design. Each type of cooker may have a different arrangement, such as hanging the bacon or placing it in grill-like indentations. Follow the instructions provided with your specific cooker to ensure proper placement.
Step 3: Position the cooker in the oven
Carefully place the Bacon Cooker in the preheated oven. Make sure it is placed on a baking sheet or tray to catch any drippings. This will prevent potential mess and make cleanup easier.
Step 4: Monitor cooking time
Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the specific stove. It is important to monitor the bacon closely to prevent overcooking or undercooking. Typically, bacon cooked in the oven takes about 12-20 minutes, but check the instructions that came with your specific cooker for exact cooking times.
Step 5: Remove and rest
Once the bacon has reached the desired level of crispness, carefully remove the bacon cooker from the oven using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fat. Allow the bacon to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recommended Oven Bacon Cookers of 2023
Now that you understand the benefits and how to use bacon ovens, here are some top recommendations for the best bacon ovens available in 2023:
- Bacon Pro – Drip Pan Cooker: This versatile cooker allows for healthier cooking by suspending the bacon over a drip pan. Made of durable materials, it ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Hang ‘N Cook Microwave Bacon Cooker: This Hanger Cooker is specifically designed for use in the microwave. It allows you to hang the bacon vertically, resulting in crispy and delicious bacon with minimal mess.
- Silicone Bacon Rack: Made from food-grade silicone, this cooker has grill-like indentations to cook bacon evenly. It is easy to clean and provides a convenient way to cook bacon in the oven.
- Oven Safe Stainless Steel Bacon Rack: This sturdy and durable bacon rack is oven safe and allows for even cooking. It is designed to lift the bacon and allow excess fat to drip off for healthier, crispier results.
- Ceramic Bacon Rack: This ceramic bacon pan provides excellent heat retention and even cooking. It absorbs excess fat, resulting in less greasy bacon while maintaining a crispy texture.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon in the oven with special bacon cookers offers many advantages over traditional frying methods. The convenience, reduced calorie intake, easy cleanup and versatility of these ovens make them a valuable addition to any kitchen. By following the recommended steps and using the right oven, you can achieve perfectly cooked and delicious bacon every time. Consider investing in one of 2024’s recommended bacon ovens and take your bacon cooking experience to new heights. Enjoy the crispy and flavorful results that will satisfy your bacon cravings without the hassle and mess.
FAQS
Can I use any type of bacon in the oven?
Yes, most bacon cookers are designed to be used in standard ovens. However, it’s always important to check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the cooker is oven safe before using it.
Are oven bacon cookers easy to clean?
Yes, many bacon cookers have non-stick surfaces or are made of materials that are easy to clean. Most cookers can be rinsed under running water or washed with mild soap and a sponge. Always refer to the specific cleaning instructions provided with your stove.
Can I get crispy bacon with a bacon cooker?
Absolutely! Bacon ovens are designed to help achieve a crispy texture while cooking bacon evenly. They allow excess fat to drain away, resulting in crispy bacon without the need for constant flipping or adjusting.
What is the advantage of using a drip pan bacon cooker?
Drip pan bacon cookers suspend the bacon over a drip pan, allowing excess fat to render and collect. This method promotes healthier cooking and reduces the amount of fat absorbed by the bacon. It also helps prevent the bacon from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Can I use Oven Bacon Cookers in the microwave?
Some bacon ovens are designed specifically for microwave use. However, not all cookers are microwave safe, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure compatibility before using in the microwave.
Can I cook other foods besides bacon in a bacon cooker?
While bacon ovens are primarily designed to cook bacon, some models can be used for other foods. You can use them to cook sausages, vegetables, or even reheat leftovers. However, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific recommendations on using the cooker for different foods.