The microwave has long been a staple for quick reheating, but with the right accessories, it can transform into a versatile cooking appliance for preparing healthy and delicious meals. Beyond simply warming up leftovers, modern microwave cooking can involve steaming vegetables to perfection, cooking grains effortlessly, and ensuring your appliance stays spotless. Investing in quality microwave accessories can elevate your culinary experience, making cooking faster, healthier, and significantly cleaner.
Why do these specialized tools matter? Thoughtfully chosen microwave accessories provide numerous benefits. They ensure more even heat distribution for consistent cooking results, helping food retain moisture and taste better. For health-conscious individuals, steaming accessories lock in vital nutrients, making it easier to prepare wholesome meals quickly. Furthermore, items like splatter covers are invaluable for preventing messy explosions, drastically reducing the time spent on cleaning your microwave’s interior. With a focus on safety and efficiency, the right gadgets can unlock your microwave’s full potential.
Variety of microwave cooking accessories improving efficiency and health.
Here are the top 5 accessories that will revolutionize your microwave cooking:
1. The Versatile Microwave Food Steamer
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Our Picks for the Best Microwave oven in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | COMFEE' Retro Small Microwave Oven With Compact Size, 9 Preset Menus, Position-Memory Turntable, Mute Function, Countertop Microwave For Small Spaces, 0.7 Cu Ft/700W, Green, AM720C2RA-G |
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| 2 | Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black |
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| 3 | COMFEE' Retro Small Microwave Oven With Compact Size, 9 Preset Menus, Position-Memory Turntable, Mute Function, Countertop, Perfect For Small Spaces, 0.7 Cu Ft/700W, Red, AM720C2RA-R |
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| 4 | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver |
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| 5 | COMFEE' Retro Small Microwave Oven With Compact Size, 9 Preset Menus, Position-Memory Turntable, Mute Function, Countertop Perfect For Spaces, 0.7 Cu Ft/700W, Cream, AM720C2RA-A |
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| 6 | COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black |
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| 7 | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W |
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| 8 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft |
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| 10 | COMFEE CMO-C20M1WH Retro Microwave with 11 power levels, Fast Multi-stage Cooking, Turntable Reset Function Kitchen Timer, Speedy Cooking， Weight/Time Defrost, Memory function, Children Lock, 700W |
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A microwave food steamer is a game-changer for anyone looking to eat healthier without the fuss. Designed to harness the power of steam, these accessories gently cook vegetables, fish, and even poultry, preserving their nutrients, vibrant colors, and natural flavors. They offer a speedy alternative to stovetop steaming, often cooking food in mere minutes.
When selecting a microwave steamer, look for models with a vented lid to allow excess steam to escape, preventing sogginess and ensuring even cooking. A removable basket or insert is also a beneficial feature, allowing you to lift cooked food out easily while leaving any water behind. Many are made from BPA-free, microwave-safe plastic or silicone, offering durability and ease of cleaning. From single-serving mini steamers perfect for a quick side dish to larger, multi-tier options for family meals, there’s a steamer to suit every need.
2. The Indispensable Microwave Splatter Cover
Perhaps the most universally appreciated microwave accessory, a good splatter cover is a must-have for maintaining a clean appliance. Food, especially sauces and fats, can notoriously erupt during heating, coating the microwave’s interior in stubborn messes. A cover acts as a protective shield, containing any splatters and keeping your microwave pristine.
Beyond cleanliness, covers also play a role in better cooking. They help retain moisture, preventing food from drying out, and contribute to more even heating. Essential features include steam vents, which are critical for allowing pressure to escape and preventing food from becoming rubbery or exploding. Many covers are collapsible for compact storage, and some even come with magnets to stick to the microwave’s ceiling when not in use. While BPA-free plastic and silicone options are popular, glass microwave covers are increasingly favored for their non-toxic properties and superior durability.
Microwave splatter cover protecting the microwave interior during heating.
3. Specialized Microwave Rice Cooker
While some general food steamers can handle rice, a dedicated microwave rice cooker is engineered to deliver perfectly cooked, fluffy grains every time. These specialized containers take the guesswork out of stovetop rice preparation, preventing boil-overs and sticky messes.
Microwave rice cookers typically feature a unique design that allows water to circulate and steam effectively, ensuring even cooking. Many include precise measurement markings and a lid that doubles as a strainer for draining excess water. They are ideal for preparing individual portions or family-sized batches of white rice, brown rice, quinoa, and other grains with minimal effort, making healthy side dishes a breeze.
4. The Multi-Purpose Silicone Mat/Cover
For those who appreciate versatility, a multi-purpose silicone mat or cover offers a range of functions beyond simply protecting your microwave. These innovative accessories can serve as a splatter guard, a hot pad for safely handling heated dishes, a trivet for protecting countertops, or even a jar opener.
Made from food-safe silicone, these items are incredibly flexible, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. Their pliable nature allows them to conform to various dish sizes when used as a cover, and their textured surface often provides an excellent grip. This single accessory can replace several traditional kitchen tools, streamlining your cooking process and saving valuable drawer space.
5. Convenient Microwave Egg Cooker
For breakfast lovers or anyone needing a quick protein boost, a microwave egg cooker or poacher is an indispensable accessory. These compact gadgets allow you to prepare perfectly cooked eggs—whether poached, scrambled, or in an omelet—in a fraction of the time it takes using conventional methods.
Microwave egg cookers are typically small, simple containers designed to cook one or more eggs quickly and cleanly. They eliminate the need for pots of boiling water or messy frying pans, making healthy egg preparation incredibly convenient. Look for models made from BPA-free materials that are easy to clean and often dishwasher safe, ensuring quick cleanup after your meal.
Choosing the Right Accessories: What to Look For
When upgrading your microwave cooking arsenal, consider these key factors:
- Material Safety: Always ensure accessories are labeled “microwave-safe” and, if possible, “BPA-free.” Glass and silicone are often recommended for their non-toxic properties.
- Ventilation: For covers and steamers, steam vents are crucial to prevent pressure buildup and ensure proper cooking.
- Size and Compatibility: Measure your microwave’s interior to ensure accessories fit comfortably on the turntable.
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe items will save you time and effort.
- Durability: Opt for sturdy materials that can withstand frequent use.
By incorporating these top microwave accessories into your kitchen, you can transform your microwave from a simple reheater into a powerful tool for preparing nutritious, delicious, and mess-free meals with remarkable efficiency.
