Comparison: Best Microwave Cookware (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’ve ever zapped leftovers only to end up with a soggy mess or a mysterious smell, you’re not alone. The right microwave cookware can be a total game-changer—turning quick meals into something actually delicious. We’ve tested the top contenders to bring you honest, real-life insights on what heats evenly, cleans easily, and won’t leave you guessing. Let’s find your perfect microwave match.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for nestable steamer set: Calypso Basics by Reston Lloyd 6-Piece Microwave Cookware
- Best for white kitchen essentials: LaCuisine 18 Piece Microwave Cookware Set
- Best for veg-fish steamer: GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer – Vegetable & Fish Cooker
- Best for family-size steamer: Professional Large Micro Cookware 2 Quart
- Best for glass splatter guard: 10inch Glass Microwave Splatter Cover for Food – 100% Food Grade BPA Free – Dishwasher Safe – Cookware & Bakeware Serving Dish Cover
- Best for stackable bowl trio: WRINGKIT 3 Pack Microwave Bowls with Lid
- Best for adjustable-vent nesters: Reston Lloyd Nesting Microwave Containers
- Best for plastic-free glass set: Anyday 4-Piece Medium Glass Food Storage with Glass Lids | Plastic-Free Meal Prep & Microwave Cookware | Stackable Airtight Storage Container with Vented Lid for Microwave-Safe Reheating
- Best for round glass dish: Anyday 4-Cup Glass Food Storage with Glass Lid
- Best for all-purpose glass steamer: Anyday 10-Cup Square Glass Food Storage with Glass Lid | Plastic-Free Meal Prep & Microwave Cookware | Stackable Airtight Storage Container with Vented Lid for Microwave-Safe Reheating
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Cookware
Nestable Steamer Set
Calypso Basics by Reston Lloyd 6-Piece Microwave Cookware, Steamer and Storage Set, White
Reston Lloyd
- CAPACITIES | Set Contains 3-Bowls & 3-Lids 3, 4, 5 cups (24, 32, 40 oz)
- VENTED LIDS |Each container comes with a clear lid with a vented lid. This allows you to open the dial to allow steam to escape during the heating process. Or close the vent and use the container as a steamer!
- STORAGE |Bowls are great to store leftovers, lunches, dips, snacks and so much more
- COOKWARE |Each container is microwave Safe and BPA Free. Cook Rice, pasta, eggs or heat up leftovers
- CARE: Dishwasher, Microwave, Freezer Safe | All bowls and lids will nest inside the largest container to save on storage space.
White Kitchen Essentials
LaCuisine 18 Piece Microwave Cookware Set, White
Cookware company
- Table to fridge to dishwasher, convenience cooking has never looked so good
- The LaCuisine 18pc Microwave Cookware Set includes a 48oz covered casserole, four 14oz covered bowls and four 8oz covered bowl
- Lids included for refrigerator storage
- Microwave and dishwasher safe for quick meal prep and easy clean up
- Microwave Safe Up To 140°C/290°F
Veg-Fish Steamer
GoodCook Everyday Microwave Steamer – Vegetable & Fish Cooker, Microwave Cookware Preserves Vitamins & Nutrients, Quick Dinner & Meals, Adjustable Steam Release Vent
GoodCook
- FOOD STEAMER & COOKWARE: Preparing vegetables and fish just got easier with the GoodCook Microwave Steamer. A quick and convenient way to cook nutritious meals, ensuring flavorful results with minimal effort.
- PRESERVE VITAMINS & NUTRIENTS: This innovative kitchen steamer simplifies cooking fresh or frozen vegetables while preserving their vitamins and nutrients. It is also ideal for steaming fish to quickly prepare a wholesome meal in the microwave.
- ADJUSTABLE STEAM VENTILATION: The adjustable steam release vent on the lid allows steam to escape and prevents the container from sealing shut for easy and safe cooking. Adjust it to achieve delicious results, every time.
- EASY TO USE: Simply add water to the bottom tray, place the steam tray on top with veggies or fish, cover with the lid, and cook. The steamer is designed with a clear lid to periodically check your food when cooking.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: This vegetable steamer is dishwasher-safe to make cleanup a breeze. It measures 8” x 12” x 2.7” for efficient storage in cabinets and on shelves when not in use.
Family-Size Steamer
Professional Large Micro Cookware 2 Quart, Microwave Steamer for Vegetables, Cooker for Microwave – BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe
ReneeChef
- 【High Temperature Resistant】 This large veggie steamer is made for microwave cooking, and made of high-quality materials, is BPA-free and dishwasher safe, 100% food safety. Suitable for steaming all kinds of food.
- 【Large Capacity- 2 Quart】 The inner walls of both sides are respectively marked with scales for easy measurement. The capacity of ❤ 2 Quart= 8 Cups= 2 L is the perfect size for family meals, great for steam vegetables, poach chicken, heat soup, cook rice, and make side dishes in the microwave in few minutes.
- 【Lock Lid Design】 The lid of our microwave steamer has a locking design, even if it hold with liquid, will not spill out easily. And with the grooved handle, it’s easy to screw the lid, and it is insulated to avoid burns.
- 【Holes Design】 The Locking lid of microwave veggie steamer has small and medium holes, which can ensure that the humidity in the cooker is moderate during the cooking process, making the steamed vegetables more delicious. Also helps you drain liquid before serving. Note that the lid locks into place so it stays secure while you drain. (Do not dump the liquid just taken out of the microwave anon, beware of burns!)
- 【Healthier Way of Cooking】 Our microwave steamer with the design no steam basket, just add a little water to the bottom of the bowl for steaming, which maximum retained the taste of the ingredients to the greatest extent and prevents the loss of nutrients caused by overcooking. Cooking with less oil will help your health, while steaming vegetables will help your gut digest better.
Glass Splatter Guard
10inch Glass Microwave Splatter Cover for Food – 100% Food Grade BPA Free – Dishwasher Safe – Cookware & Bakeware Serving Dish Cover, Plate Splatter Guard Lid with Easy Grip Silicone Handle Knob
Le’raze
- ENSURE A CLEAN MICROWAVE: Use this pure glass splatter guard lid to cover your food plate, bowl, or meal prep container in the microwave and avoid any dirt or mess.
- KEEP YOUR FOOD SAFE: This dish cover is a safer option than plastic or rubber microwave covers, as it won’t melt or scratch, is plastic free and non toxic, and doesn’t release harmful chemicals like BPA or Lead onto your food. Proudly designed in the USA and built in a top-tier facility that specializes in tough, high-performance glass for extreme conditions.
- DUAL VENTING HOLE FOR EVEN HEATING: The lid’s venting hole system allows steam to escape in a safe manner so that you don’t burn yourself when removing the lid, but regulates the hot air to heat your food uniformly, and prevents it from drying out, keeping it fresh and moist.
- BENEFITS OF GLASS: The dish cover’s glass material allows for easy viewing of your plate’s contents as it reheats. It’s sturdy enough to endure multiple uses and can be washed in the dishwasher.
- EASY TO HANDLE: The lid’s firm grip handle makes it convenient to cover and uncover your food plate, as well as to handle the lid in and out of the microwave or store it in your kitchen drawer or cabinet.
- THE PERFECT KITCHEN ESSENTIAL: Our microwave plate cover splatter guard is perfect for cooking bacon, steaming vegetables, heating pasta, warming leftovers, basting and much more! Size; 10″ x 10″. Weight 2lb.
Stackable Bowl Trio
WRINGKIT 3 Pack Microwave Bowls with Lid, BPA-free Ramen Cooker Soup Containers with Steamer, Mixing Serving Bowls Food Storage Cookware for Kitchen, Office, College Dorm
WRINGKIT
- Set of 3 Bowls: Comes with microwave bowls in assorted 3 sizes, small, medium and large. What’s more, matched with lids and a steam rack, making it a proper choice to prep, heat, serve, and store food with ease.
- Quality Material: WRINGKIT microwave dishes are made of food grade PP plastic, which resistant temperature from -4℉ to 248℉. BPA-free, microwave and dishwasher safe, no worries about melting or diffusing unpleasant odors when use.
- Nesting Capacities: The plastic serving bowls can neatly nest inside of each other for convenient space-saving storage when not in use, perfect for dining out or storing food.
- Easy to Carry: Designed with handles on both sides, easy and convenient to grip, these soup bowls provide you with a secure and comfortable cooking experience.
- Versatile Use: Being your household essentials. Whether as a microwaveable bowl or a food storage container, it takes the burden off of your cooking prepping and storage. With 3 sizes, you can be flexible to manage different meals.
Adjustable-Vent Nesters
Reston Lloyd Nesting Microwave Containers, Set of 3, Adjustable Steam Vents, Airtight, Meal Prep, Durable BPA-Free Plastic- Freezer & Dishwasher Safe, Cookware & Food Storage, Anyday Cookware, Gray
Reston Lloyd
- CAPACITIES | Set Contains 3-Bowls & 3-Lids 3, 4, 5 cups (24, 32, 40 oz)
- VENTED LIDS |Each container comes with a clear lid with a vented lid. This allows you to open the dial to allow steam to escape during the heating process. Or close the vent and use the container as a steamer!
- STORAGE |Bowls are great to store leftovers, lunches, dips, snacks and so much more
- COOKWARE |Each container is microwave Safe and BPA Free. Cook Rice, pasta, eggs or heat up leftovers
- CARE: Dishwasher, Microwave, Freezer Safe | All bowls and lids will nest inside the largest container to save on storage space.
Plastic-Free Glass Set
Anyday 4-Piece Medium Glass Food Storage with Glass Lids | Plastic-Free Meal Prep & Microwave Cookware | Stackable Airtight Storage Container with Vented Lid for Microwave-Safe Reheating
Anyday
- 100% NON PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS – These borosilicate glass freezer containers for food storage and glass refrigerator storage containers with glass lids are a safer, nontoxic, healthier alternative to plastic food storage containers.
- VENTED GLASS LID FOR MICROWAVE REHEATING – Reheat leftovers or steam food directly in microwaveable glass bowls with lids. Splatter-free, vented glass lid with silicone seal releases steam and locks in moisture, evenly reheating food with no cold spots.
- MICROWAVE, OVEN, FREEZER & DISHWASHER-SAFE – Use these non plastic microwave containers to store, bake, & reheat. Oven-safe (500°F: bowls, 400°F: lids). Freezer safe glass food storage containers go from microwave to oven to table to dishwasher.
- STACKABLE, SPACE-SAVING DESIGN – Our glass food storage containers feature lay-flat knobs that save space in cabinets and fridge. Pull the knob up to vent while microwaving and press down for airtight stackable glass fridge storage containers.
- 4-Piece Medium Glass Food Storage with Glass Lids – Ideal for storing or reheating leftovers, steaming veggie or grain side dishes, these containers transfers from the microwave, to the fridge, to the freezer, to the oven, to the table, to the dishwasher.
Round Glass Dish
Anyday 4-Cup Glass Food Storage with Glass Lid, Round Deep Dish | Plastic-Free Meal Prep & Microwave Cookware | Stackable Airtight Storage Container with Vented Lid for Microwave-Safe Reheating
Anyday
- [ 100% NON PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS ] These borosilicate glass freezer containers for food storage and glass refrigerator storage containers with glass lids are a safer, nontoxic, healthier alternative to plastic food storage containers.
- [ VENTED GLASS LID FOR MICROWAVE REHEATING ] Reheat leftovers or steam food directly in microwaveable glass bowls with lids. Splatter-free, vented glass lid with silicone seal releases steam and locks in moisture, evenly reheating food with no cold spots.
- [ MICROWAVE, OVEN, FREEZER & DISHWASHER-SAFE ] Use these non plastic microwave containers to store, bake, & reheat. Oven-safe (500°F: bowls, 400°F: lids). Freezer safe glass food storage containers go from microwave to oven to table to dishwasher.
- [ STACKABLE, SPACE-SAVING DESIGN ] Our glass food storage containers feature lay-flat knobs that save space in cabinets and fridge. Pull the knob up to vent while microwaving and press down for airtight stackable glass fridge storage containers.
- [ 4-CUP GLASS ROUND DEEP DISH ] Ideal for storing or reheating leftovers, or steaming veggie or grain side dishes in the microwave, this container transfers from the microwave, to the fridge, to the freezer, to the oven, to the table, to the dishwasher.
All-Purpose Glass Steamer
Anyday 10-Cup Square Glass Food Storage with Glass Lid | Plastic-Free Meal Prep & Microwave Cookware | Stackable Airtight Storage Container with Vented Lid for Microwave-Safe Reheating
Anyday
- [ THE DISH THAT DOES IT ALL ] Made from frosted borosilicate glass, this square microwave cooking container works as a steamer for microwave cooking—without plastic, coatings, or microplastics. It’s your go-to for microwave cooking with nontoxic results.
- [ STACKABLE, SILICONE-RIMMED LIDS ] These airtight, splatter-proof glass lids have a steam-trapping silicone rim and vented knob. Use as microwave cookware / steamer for microwave / press knob down for airtight food storage containers with glass lids.
- [ PLASTIC-FREE AND SAFE ] These non plastic food storage containers are glass and 100% microplastic free. They also function as glass microwave cookware, microwave steamer, microwave pressure cooker, and freezer containers for space-saving food storage.
- [ MULTI-USE MICROWAVE STEAMER FOR HEALTHY MEALS, FAST ] Use as a microwave steamer for cooking, microwave pot, or even a glass casserole dish with lid. Oven-safe up to 500°F (bowl) and 400°F (lid), freezer safe, and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- [ PERFECT SIZE FOR COOKING IN MICROWAVE ] This square microwave pan is ideal for bacon, asparagus, or casseroles. Whether you need elegant microwavable cookware or space-saving glass food storage, it’s ready for anything.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key factors should I look at when picking microwave cookware?
Focus on capacity, material safety (BPA‑free plastic or glass), and lid design. Vented lids let steam escape for even cooking, while lock‑type lids prevent spills. Also check dishwasher, freezer and microwave compatibility for easy cleanup and storage.
How does a plastic set like the Reston Lloyd Nesting Containers compare to glass options such as Anyday?
Plastic sets are lightweight, nestable and often come in multiple sizes, making them space‑saving, but they rely on BPA‑free certification for safety. Glass containers are heavier, non‑plastic and free of microplastics, offering superior heat distribution and visual monitoring. Both can be microwave‑safe, yet glass usually tolerates higher oven temperatures.
Which product gives the best value for a family that needs both cooking and storage?
The Calypso Basics 6‑Piece set provides three bowl sizes with vented lids that double as steamers, plus nesting storage to reduce clutter. It covers everyday meals, leftovers, and steaming without extra accessories. For larger families, the Professional Large Micro Cookware 2‑Quart steamer adds a lock‑lid and measurement markings, but at a higher price point.
Do microwave steamer-specific sets like GoodCook or the Professional Large Micro Cookware offer advantages over regular bowls?
Steamer sets include a dedicated water tray and adjustable vents, which help preserve nutrients by providing consistent steam. GoodCook’s clear lid lets you monitor cooking, while the Professional model’s lock‑lid and dual‑hole design control moisture more precisely. Regular bowls can steam, but they often lack these specialized features.
Is a splatter cover like the 10‑inch Glass Microwave Splatter Cover worth buying?
A glass splatter cover prevents messes and keeps food moist, and because it’s BPA‑free glass it won’t melt or release chemicals. The dual vent holes promote even heating and reduce drying. It’s a good add‑on if you frequently reheat saucy dishes or want a reusable alternative to disposable paper covers.
How important are vented lids versus solid lids for microwave cooking?
Vented lids release excess steam, preventing pressure buildup and ensuring food cooks evenly without boiling over. Solid lids trap moisture, which is useful for steaming but can cause overflow if not monitored. Many sets, like Reston Lloyd and Calypso, offer adjustable vents so you can switch between steaming and covering.
What should I know about durability and temperature limits of these products?
Plastic bowls such as WRINGKIT are rated up to about 248 °F (120 °C) and are dishwasher safe, but they can warp if exposed to very high heat. Glass containers like Anyday withstand up to 500 °F in the oven and are shatter‑resistant, while the Professional steamer’s BPA‑free plastic is designed for high‑temperature microwave use. Always follow the manufacturer’s temperature guidelines to avoid warping or cracking.
Are there any hidden costs or accessories I might need with these microwave cookware sets?
Some sets include extra lids, steam racks, or measuring marks, which add value without extra purchase. However, you may still need a separate microwave‑safe plate or tray for larger dishes, and certain glass lids require silicone seals that can wear over time. Check if replacement lids or racks are sold separately before committing.