A co-worker and crisp-bacon addict suggested I test Allstar Products Group’s BaconBoss. I don’t usually cook bacon, but when I do I use a paper plate and paper towels in the microwave. It’s fast, and there’s no greasy pan to wash. Also, I’m not particular about crispness, so I end up with softer pieces. The more I cook them, the more they shrink, and I don’t want them reduced to oblivion.
So, for a more discerning opinion, I used the crisp-bacon addict as a taste tester.
How it works: Lay strips of bacon perpendicular to the grooves on the tray, fasten cover and microwave 1 minute per piece.
Does it work?: Yes. Using a 1,250-watt microwave, I tried thick-cut slices (four fit on the tray), and at four minutes the pieces were cooked but soft (for those who like bacon that way). Following the instructions, I continued cooking in 30-second intervals. Two minutes later the bacon was firm and flat. The bacon addict and other testers enjoyed the texture.
Regular bacon took five minutes for five pieces. At six minutes the pieces were extra crisp, and some parts stuck to the tray. Gentle loosening with a knife kept the slices mostly intact (some turned into bacon bits).
Turkey bacon turned out edible but closer to jerky. I suggest microwaving at 40 seconds per slice to start, continuing at 10-second intervals if needed.
Pros: Crisp bacon … soft bacon … medium bacon can be produced quickly. Pieces stay flat and don’t shrivel up. The slanted pan allows fat to collect at the bottom, making it easy to pour out. Can be used in the oven. Dishwasher safe.
Cons: If you need a lot of bacon, it takes a while. The hot oil has to be poured out of the very hot pan between batches, which can be dangerous. Also, using the pan multiple times in a row gets messy — pieces of bacon stick to the pan, residual oil can splatter and if you don’t pour out the oil between batches, the reservoir could overflow. The cover has to be precisely aligned so it can be latched to the tray. The gadget still has to be cleaned.
Cost and availability: $19.99 at Wal-Mart, $22.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond and available at other stores that carry As Seen on TV products. It can also be found online.
Worth it?: Not for me, because I wouldn’t want to wash it. But for bacon lovers who enjoy a crisp, flat slice of bacon — as opposed to shriveled-up pieces — this device does the job. Oh, and the bacon addict? He happily took home the gadget.
