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1. A bestselling microwavable pasta cooker with over 8,000 5-star ratings that cuts your cooking time in half. No more waiting to boil water!
This much-loved product can make one to four servings of pasta, individual servings of rice, lasagna noodles, and gluten-free pasta. The lid doubles as a sieve and helps you drain the pasta once you're all done, mere minutes later. I myself am a lover of this product!
Promising review: “Usually I’m cooking for just myself and I have been loving this easy to use and clean pasta cooker more and more. Before Fasta Pasta I only made pasta rarely and now I enjoy it several times a week. The Fasta Pasta is quick, precise and easy; just how I like things. Since I’ve adjusted timings for my microwave my results are consistently excellent and that’s the bottom line for me. Fasta Pasta is still exceeding my expectations!” —Stephanie Sullivan
Get it from Amazon for $17.99.
2. A rapid cake maker that'll make delicious little cakes in the microwave in less than six minutes. If you've ever craved cake but don't have the energy to do the whole baking shebang, this will be a game changer for you.
This cake maker is perfect for anyone with limited access to an oven, like in college dorms, military barracks, or RVs. It is also great for older folks, busy parents, or those with limited mobility! It comes with ingredient containers so you don't have to worry about juggling different measurements, and it will also spare your kitchen from heating up even more in this never-ending heat wave.
Reviewers note that you might have to play around with your microwave depending on whether yours is high or low watt.
Rapid Brands is a California-based small business that debuted on Shark Tank in 2012.
Promising review: "I love cake but hate to make them. This makes it a breeze! Throw the ingredients in the maker and microwave for five and one half minutes. You make two cakes from one cake mix. Very moist and perfect size." —rd
Get it from Amazon for $10.99.
3. And a rapid brownie maker for under $10! Idk about you but this is basically everything I've ever wanted.
All you need is brownie mix and a microwave!!! This is great for sweet toothed people with not a lot of time. Can be used in the office, in college dorms, barracks, and in households with children.
Promising review: “Brownies are my favorite dessert, but I have difficulty using the oven. I have tried the cake/brownie in a mug thing and it was intolerable, just a tasteless airy mess. So when I randomly came across the Rapid Brownie Maker, I was excited to try it! With high hopes, but low expectations, I gave it a shot. The compartments are clearly marked, so it’s easy to see where to put each ingredient and in what amount. Emptying into the cooker and mixing the batter was just as effortless. The entire process was quick and clean. All in all, I don’t think it could have gone any better. I like my brownies more fudgy than cakelike and this worked out great for me. I’m sure the amounts can be played with a little if a different density/texture is preferred. If there’s a difference between these brownies and oven-baked, I can’t taste it. The brownies were delicious, it was a perfect amount for my family, and I finally get to make brownies whenever I want! I’m now inspired to make homemade mix, because I know the Rapid Brownie Maker will help me make the perfect brownies!” —LD
Brb, buying this for myself.
Get it from Amazon for $8.89.
4. A literal microwavable s'mores maker that'll make warm, melty s'mores in under 30 seconds. Great for kids and even for classrooms, this product will make dessert lovers swoon!! GIMME.
Simply fill up the product's water reservoir, assemble your graham crackers/chocolate/marshmallows, and start the microwave! It is also dishwasher- safe for easy cleanup.
Note: because there is no actual flame, the marshmallows won't have any browning (they won't literally be roasted), but they will come out super warm and gooey!!
Promising reviews: “I was so happy I bought this and so are my kids! This product is so easy to use that my 6-year-old daughter can easily make her own s'mores. It's perfect for sleepovers and family movie nights.” —Rachel Johnson
“This s'mores maker is one of my best purchases ever! I had actually never tasted s'mores until I bought this simple but wonderful little gadget. It is easy enough for a child to use, with very little supervision. Just fill the little tank with water, snap the lid closed, stack up the graham crackers, Hershey's pieces, and marshmallows and put in the microwave for just 30 seconds, and voila! Perfect s'mores every time! I was delighted at what tasty desserts they make. The s'mores maker cleans up super easily, and all you need to do is put fresh water in the tank before reusing. It can make two s'mores at a time. Every time I eat one I feel like I'm at Girl Scout camp, sitting round the camp fire and singing songs. I definitely recommend the handy-dandy s'mores maker! A must-have purchase for anyone with a sweet tooth!” —L. Potts
Get it from Amazon for $12.02.
5. A microwave-friendly panini press that is perfect for dorm rooms or making lunch at work. In addition to paninis, reviewers recommend it for making grilled cheese, chicken, salmon, hot dogs, burgers, and potatoes! All you need is a little oil.
The panini press is hot coming out of the microwave, so make sure to wear mitts or gloves!
Promising reviews: “My granddaughter loves this. She cannot have a toaster in her college dorm, but this lets her make toast, heat bagels, make grilled cheese sandwiches, etc., in her microwave.” —Carolynn
“I am very impressed with this sandwich maker. The directions are easy to understand and cleaning it is effortless. I made grilled cheese and it looked like it came from a restaurant!” —Jeff and Derrick
Get it from Amazon for $32.99.
6. A microwavable rice cooker for us impatient rice lovers that comes with a 2-liter cooking pot, a colander, a measuring cup, and a rice paddle so that you truly get your money's worth.
Reviewers caution that the rice cooker is hot coming out of the microwave, so make sure to protect your hands with mitts!
Promising review: "This is my first (and only) microwave rice cooker and I like it! Gave my electric one away several years ago to save cabinet space and I’ve been burning our rice since then in every pan I own (even my AllClad!). This takes very little cabinet space, cleans easily, and makes perfect rice. I highly recommend it.” —Retired and Tired
Get it from Amazon for $25.
7. Or a nonstick rice cooker that can also make porridge, pasta, soup, corn on the cob, casseroles, and more. In addition to saving time, it saves money, as microwaves use less electricity than other cooking appliances and won't be as hard on your energy bill.
This product comes with a rice cooker, a ladle, and a measuring cup. It is best suited to cook long-grain rice (like Basmati, jasmine, or whole grain), not short-grain sticky rices.
Promising review: “I will never cook rice or pasta any other way. This is an excellent value and a time-saver! I followed the instructions, rice is fluffy and cooks faster than in my rice cooker. The product comes with a measuring cup indicating water and rice quantity. I always sufficiently pre-rinse the rice and add a little oil to prevent the bubbling over! Overall I am very happy with the product.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
8. A four-egg omelet maker for making a perfect morning meal in less than two minutes.
Add your cheese and frozen vegetables, and you're good to go. This product is dishwasher safe and nonstick for easy cleaning.
Promising review: “Where has this been all my adult life?! Easy to use and clean and the omelet is fluffier than a skillet version. Be careful to follow directions and not overcook. Overcooking will make the omelet chewy. We’ve added chopped peppers, tomatoes, and bacon crumbles to make a healthy breakfast.” —KJay
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
9. Or a two to four egg omelet maker with over 2,500 5-star ratings that is another great option for breakfast lovers in dorms, RVs, or barracks.
This product is dishwasher safe and made in the US.
Promising review: “I’m actually shocked that I not only bought a microwave omelette pan but that I love to use it. As I’ve gotten older it’s gotten difficult for me to get around as easily. I bought this microwave pan to make omelets on a whim because I ran across it online. Decided to buy it and liked it so much that I bought a second one just in case. I now make omelettes quite frequently because of it being so simply and quick.” —PJD
Get it from Amazon for $9.71.
10. Some bestselling, food-grade silicone egg poaching cups if you prefer poached eggs to omelets.
Simply poke a hole in the yolk with a toothpick, place in water, and then microwave. The poaching cups also sport ring base designs so that they can "stand" on their own on a counter.
Promising review: "These poaching cups work really well and make the perfect poached eggs! They are simple to use. Just spray some Pam or other nonstick spray in the cups, crack an egg, and add salt/pepper if you wish. Place the cups in 1" of simmering water and cover the pot. Cook about five to six minutes for a soft, slightly runny yolk. I can take the cups out of the pot with my hands as the silicone doesn't burn my fingers. I slide the eggs out on a silicone serving spoon so they're easy to turn the proper way (according to me) on the plate. The cleanup is a snap!! I suggest anyone who likes poached eggs to give these cups a try.” —Jessica
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $10.97.
11. And! A bestselling microwavable egg cooker for fluffy poached or scrambled eggs in minutes.
The egg cooker has steam release vents in its lid for splatter-free cooking in the microwave. It is also phthalate-free, dishwasher safe, and fridge and freezer safe.
Promising reviews: “This egg cooker is perfect for me. I don't like to hard boil eggs in the summer since the steam makes the kitchen hotter, and it takes a while to cook them. With this egg cooker, I can cook one egg in 36 seconds, and I'm done. (I have only cooked one egg but it is large enough to probably do two.) It is very easy to clean, and is a sturdy item. I wish I had bought it sooner.” —rescuemom843
“I have been using Sistema products ever since seeing them demonstrated on the Shopping Channel years ago. I don't cook for fun and just want easy meals that taste wonderful and are super easy to clean up afterwards. There are many favorites but my newest Sistema piece, the Easy Eggs maker, is one of the best. I put two eggs in the cup with a tbs of water (no butter no oil, no milk), add some condiments and cheese and give it a little stir. Close the vent and cook for about 30 seconds, then give it a light stir and cook for 40 seconds. THAT'S IT! My food slides right out of the cooker unto the toast or muffin and a soapy sponge will clean it right up. My newest favorite. Love it.” —HMS
Get it from Amazon for $8.49.
12. A bacon tray that boasts a sloped design that drains away grease and moisture, while its ridges keep food above the draining grease to ensure crispiness. You can also use the tray for cooking steak, potatoes, or for defrosting!
Made in the US by a family-owned business, this bacon tray lasts for years (according to some reviewers, even decades).
Reviewers note that the tray requires a suitably large microwave for the turntable to turn and cook bacon evenly; they recommend taking out the microwave's glass plate while using the product if this comes up.
Promising reviews: “This is the very best bacon cooker on the market. Purchased this to replace one identical that we used for 15 years.” —Amazon Customer
“I have had one of these for 30+ years and it finally started to show signs of being tired. I looked and looked over the past two years for a replacement but no luck. You can imagine my joy to find it on Amazon. I love this microwave tray. It makes perfect bacon and I love that the grease drains away. I can’t live without this little wonder.” —Debbie L. Maxwell
Get it from Amazon for $15.
13. Or a bacon tray with a fitted lid to prevent splatter that fits inside small microwaves.
Reviewers note that the lid gets hot due to its steam vent, so be sure to use gloves or oven mitts when handling this product.
Promising review: “OMG!! Why didn't I try this sooner? Just changed my whole perspective on cooking bacon. Country girl, love bacon but cleanup became a chore as I am now in my mid 70s (cast iron fry pan is heavy). My bacon strips were a little long for the pan so I just cut them in half. Also, my brother likes a thinner slice of bacon so I shortened the recommended cook time. Bacon came out just perfect. So if you love bacon but hate the clean up, you have to give this product a try. I also use the bacon grease for cooking and it came out so clean.” —Silver Lady
Get it from Amazon for $14.97.
14. A splurgeworthy stainless steel grill pan that uses patented heatwave technology similar to an infrared grill so that your meat is crispy and browned in minutes. Use it for lamb chops, steak, bacon, or hot dogs at a tailgate, a hotel, or a dorm room.
The grill pan can also be used to reheat leftovers and is dishwasher safe.
Promising review: “As a general rule, I don't care for meat or fish cooked in the microwave. This little grill pan changed my mind. I cooked a steak in it, adjusting the time in the instructions so it wouldn't be well done. Boy, my steak was GREAT! I preheated as instructed and flipped the steak, too. The pan and lid were very easy to clean. It's just the right size for one or two people. I can't say enough good things about this pan.” —gin
“All foods can be grilled. From pineapple to pizza. You can grill and add your stock as well to make soups. Too versatile. For work I live in a hotel and this is going with me to take home! Too easy breezy to not use. Cleanup can be done with a wet napkin.” —Hoochie
Get it from Amazon for $48.99.
15. A microwave steamer that makes veggies, fish, chicken, and shrimp in minutes. This is a great item to make daily life a little more manageable for elderly folks, people with disabilities, singles, and college kids.
This microwave steamer has a steam-release vent on its lid to prevent splatters and is freezer safe, dishwasher safe, and phthalate-free.
Promising reviews: “We are a family of three and hated how annoying it was to get out pots to steam veggies. More heavy items to clean and all that. This veggie steamer seriously makes it so easy and you can pop it in the dishwasher. I’ve used it for broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. They come out really nice. I do four minutes in the microwave but I’m sure it depends on what microwave you have.” —California family
Get it from Amazon for $14.81.
16. And a microwavable veggie steamer with over 2,700 5-star reviews (you can pop some frozen cooked chicken in there too)! This steamer is great for single servings ~for us singles~ and doubles as a colander.
It is also nonstick and dishwasher safe.
Promising review: “This is the second time I’ve purchased this product. These are great for steaming veggies for one person. I load mine up and put it in my lunch bag and take to work. I have freshly steamed veggies with my lunch. That way they don’t get soggy with reheating. I can fill the other one and have it ready for dinner. So glad I found this.” —L. Bedford
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
17. A microwave crisper that cooks like a fry pan using patented heating material. It makes amazing chicken nuggets, French toast, pizza, and sandwich melts.
Reviewers note that this microwave crisper requires a bigger microwave, so make sure to check your measurements. It is also dishwasher safe and nonstick.
Promising review: “I don't like making frozen food in the microwave that's supposed to be crispy normally because it always comes out soggy. I am talking about french fries and chicken nuggets and such. FINALLY this doesn't happen anymore! Spray the pan with nonstick spray. Heat it for three minutes. Then put on it whatever you are cooking for the time requested on package of your food product and voila! It comes out crispy! I have learned though to stop halfway and turn over the food, otherwise you have one side crispy and one side soggy! Great buy! And simple to clean!” —lfpc10
Get it from Amazon for $32.99.
18. A beloved rapid ramen cooker with over 18,000 5-star ratings if you need EXTRA FAST ramen.
Promising review: “More than worth the money. I've used mine almost every day at work or at home for the kids. I've made many different kinds of ramen (mostly Asian ramen) literally thousands of time with this cooker. I've eaten directly out of it hundreds of times with metal utensils with no scarring or gouges evident. It's a snap to clean and I've run it in the dishwasher almost every time I've used it. Still in great shape. In short it's a time saver. I don't have to attend it while it cooks and it doesn't make the house humid while it’s summer. It's also great for college students as most aren't allowed anything but a microwave in their dorm. It works way better than just boiling water in the microwave and cooking it in a Tupperware container.” —S McGee
Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in nine colors).
19. A popcorn maker with nearly 19,500 5-star ratings if you're craving quick popcorn but don't want to use those microwavable popcorn bags filled with tons of nasty chemicals.
This product uses kid-friendly, food-grade PVC-free silicone and holds up to 15 cups of popcorn. It is also collapsible, which allows for easy storage.
Promising review: “This popcorn popper works very well! Not only does it pop popcorn beautifully, it cleans up easily too. The trick is not to put any oil in the bottom — it's not needed AT ALL, and oil can even mess up the bowl. If you can trust that info (it's in the instructions) and not use oil, you'll see for yourself how well this works. After reading about how toxic the chemicals on the insides of most microwave popcorn bags are, I stopped buying it. And I missed it. With this bowl, it's JUST AS EASY to make popcorn as the bags I once used, but with no toxic chemicals! (Of course, I do pour it into another bowl and then drizzle melted butter all over it before eating, but you can season it however you like. If you want it to be oil-free, you can eat it without any.) And it's such a breeze to clean — just throw it in the dishwasher and that's it. I've ordered two now — one for a family member and one for myself. I only wish I'd gotten it sooner!” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 16 colors).
HAPPY CHOMPING!!!
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