A microwave will cook a lot more than leftovers if you give it the right dish. Cookware built for it has a vent you can control, a shape that is easy to lift out hot, and a lid that keeps steam around the food instead of on the oven walls. A plate and a sheet of paper towel don’t do any of that.
This guide covers seven sets and pots, in glass, plastic and silicone, from a full glass set down to a simple steamer. We have not cooked in these ourselves. What follows comes from maker and listing details, plus the reviews we read and name, including where those reviews found problems.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications, maker information and the sources we name.
Quick verdict: which microwave cookware to buy
If you plan to really cook in the microwave, buy the Anyday Everyday Set, which America’s Test Kitchen rated highly recommended. For a stacked meal in lighter pieces, look at the Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine set. If all you want is steamed vegetables, the Sistema 3.2-liter steamer is the simple choice.
Five sets side by side
Five of the seven, one for each kind of cook. All seven are covered in full below.
| Pick | Best for | Material | Lid | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Anyday Everyday Set, 8 PiecesBest overall
|
Real meals, cook and store in one dish | Borosilicate glass | Glass with silicone rim and vent knob | View on Amazon |
Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine 4-Piece SetBest stacking set
|
A stacked meal in one go | Not stated | Lid doubles as a plate | View on Amazon |
Sistema Heat & Eat 3.2-Liter SteamerBest for steaming
|
Steaming vegetables | Plastic, BPA free | Clips with steam vent | View on Amazon |
Nordic Ware Steam CookerBest US-made
|
Long items and US-made plastic | BPA- and melamine-free plastic | Adjustable steam valve | View on Amazon |
Reston Lloyd Calypso Basics 6-Piece SetBest for small portions
|
Small portions and lunches | BPA-free plastic | Vented dial | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best microwave cookware
1. Anyday Everyday Set, 8 Pieces – The Most Reviewed Glass Set
This is the set most reviewers have written about. It has four frosted borosilicate glass dishes (large deep, large shallow, medium deep, medium shallow) and four glass lids. Each lid has a silicone rim and a knob you pull up to vent or press down to stack and store. Anyday says the dishes also suit oven roasting, serving and storage.
America’s Test Kitchen named it a top pick and highly recommended. Its testers said recipes came out properly cooked, the knob stayed cool during long cooks, and the gasket held moisture in. They also pointed out the catch: there is no browning, so nothing crispy will come out of it.
Other reviewers add useful warnings. NBC Select’s team, using samples from Anyday, had trouble with rice until they adjusted power, timing and measurements, and noted the lid doesn’t lock. At theSkimm, one reviewer cracked a bowl while stacking them and another wished the hot glass had heat-resistant handles. Expect some trial and error with your own microwave.
Why we like it
- Rated highly recommended by America’s Test Kitchen
- Vent knob stayed cool in that review
- Goes from cooking to storing in the same dish
- Sold as plastic free by the maker
Key specifications
| Model | 62044-C002 |
|---|---|
| Material | Frosted borosilicate glass; silicone rim and knob |
| Pieces | 4 dishes, 4 lids |
| Capacity | Large and medium sizes; cups not stated in this listing |
| Lid and venting | Pull knob up to vent |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits someone who wants to cook proteins, grains and vegetables in the microwave and keep leftovers in the same dish. It is the only pick here with this much independent reporting behind it.
Skip it if you want crisp or browned food, or you need something that can take a knock. This is glass, and it gets hot.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong independent reviews
- Doubles as storage
- Lid traps moisture
Cons
- Glass can crack; one reviewer’s did
- No handles, so use oven mitts
- Doesn’t brown food
- Heavier than plastic
2. Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine 4-Piece Set – A Stacked Meal in One Pot
This set comes with a 2-liter pot, a steamer, a griddle and a lid, and the pieces stack so you can cook more than one item at a time. The lid also works as a base for the griddle and steamer, or as a plate on its own. Handles built into the pot and lid are there to help you get it out of the microwave.
The listing doesn’t tell you how much browning to expect from the griddle, so don’t count on it matching a skillet. It also doesn’t name the material. Joseph Joseph’s rice cooker in the same line has won praise from Expert Reviews, but that is a different product, so we can’t carry that praise over to this set.
At 7.7 inches tall when stacked, it’s worth measuring your oven’s interior height, especially in a compact model.
Why we like it
- Four pieces that stack
- Handles on the pot and lid
- Lid doubles as a plate
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 45001 |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated |
| Pieces | Pot, steamer, griddle, lid |
| Capacity | 2 L pot |
| Lid and venting | Lid with handle; vent details not stated |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits one or two people who want a main and a vegetable from a single stack, without buying several separate dishes.
Skip it if you want to see independent cooking results first. We found none for this exact set.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Space-saving stack
- Several cooking styles
- Light compared with glass
Cons
- Material not stated
- Griddle results not documented
- Stack height may not suit small ovens
3. Sistema Heat & Eat 3.2-Liter Steamer – A Simple Vegetable Steamer
Sistema’s steamer is a round tub with a removable basket. The stalk in the middle of the basket is meant to stay cool so you can lift the food out after cooking. The lid has a steam vent, easy-lift tabs and Sistema’s locking clips.
It measures about 9.4 inches across and 4.3 inches tall and holds 3.2 liters, so check it against your turntable. Sistema says it is designed and made in New Zealand, free of BPA and phthalates, and safe for the top rack of the dishwasher, the fridge and the freezer.
This is a one-job tool. It won’t replace a set, but steaming is one of the most useful things a microwave does. This listing was sold by a third-party seller when we checked, so look at who is selling before you buy.
Why we like it
- Removable basket with a cool-touch stalk
- Steam vent in the lid
- Locking clips
- Named place of manufacture
Key specifications
| Model | 1103 |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic, phthalate and BPA free |
| Pieces | Tub, basket, lid |
| Capacity | 3.2 L |
| Lid and venting | Clips with steam vent |
| Dishwasher | Top rack |
| Made in | New Zealand |
| Warranty | Listing states an unlimited warranty for defects |
Why we recommend it
Suits anyone who steams broccoli, carrots or other vegetables often and wants a basket to lift them from the water.
Skip it if you want one dish that also cooks grains and stores leftovers neatly. A lidded glass dish does more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Lift-out basket
- Clear country of origin
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Single purpose
- Sold by a third party at last check
4. Nordic Ware Steam Cooker – A Long Tray for Whole Pieces
Nordic Ware’s cooker is long and narrow, 12 by 6.75 inches and 3.25 inches tall. That shape suits long pieces of meat and vegetables that a round tub would make you cut. Inside is a removable tray, and the lid has an adjustable valve to let steam out.
Nordic Ware says it’s made in the USA from high-heat plastic free of BPA and melamine, and backs it with a 5-year limited warranty. It also says plainly that the cooker isn’t for the stovetop or the oven.
A 12-inch length needs checking against your turntable. In a small microwave, it may not be able to spin.
Why we like it
- Long shape for whole pieces
- Adjustable steam valve
- Removable interior tray
- 5-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 68600 |
|---|---|
| Material | High-heat plastic, BPA and melamine free |
| Pieces | Base, tray, lid |
| Capacity | Not stated |
| Lid and venting | Adjustable valve |
| Dishwasher | Not stated |
| Made in | USA |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Suits someone who cooks meat and vegetables in long pieces, and who likes a US-made product with a stated warranty.
Skip it if your microwave is small. Measure first, because 12 inches is long for a compact turntable.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made in USA
- Clear warranty
- Simple to use
Cons
- Capacity not stated
- Not for stove or oven
- May not fit small microwaves
5. Reston Lloyd Calypso Basics 6-Piece Set – Small Bowls That Nest
This is three bowls and three lids, sized 3, 4 and 5 cups. Each clear lid has a vent dial: open it to let steam out, or close it when you want to hold steam in. The bowls and lids all nest inside the largest bowl.
Reston Lloyd pitches these for rice, pasta and eggs as well as reheating, and also as lunch and leftover containers. The listing says they are BPA free and safe for microwave, dishwasher and freezer, with a one-year defect warranty.
At these sizes, they’re for one or two portions. Nothing here will cook a family meal, and there’s no steamer basket despite the word steamer in the name.
Why we like it
- Three useful small sizes
- Dial vent on each lid
- Nests for storage
- One-year defect warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 20100 |
|---|---|
| Material | BPA-free plastic |
| Pieces | 3 bowls, 3 lids |
| Capacity | 3, 4 and 5 cups |
| Lid and venting | Clear lid with vent dial |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year defect |
Why we recommend it
Suits an office lunch, a dorm room or a single cook who reheats and cooks small amounts through the week.
Skip it if you want to cook for three or more. The largest bowl is only 5 cups.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Small and stackable
- Good for storage too
- Sold by Amazon at last check
Cons
- Small capacity
- No basket or insert
6. Lékué Silicone Deep Steam Cooker, 2,000 ml – A Soft Case for Bigger Portions
Lékué, a Spanish cookware maker, built its name on silicone steam cases like this one. The deep version holds 2,000 ml and is sized by Lékué for four people. The listing says the extra depth suits soups, stews and larger pieces, and that it works in the oven as well as the microwave.
It’s made of platinum silicone, according to the listing, so it’s light and won’t crack if you drop it, and it has non-slip handles that Lékué describes as heat resistant. That makes it the one soft option among the glass and hard plastic here.
The listing doesn’t give outer dimensions, dishwasher care or a warranty, so check those on the box. It was sold by Amazon’s German store when we checked. We read no independent test of this case.
Why we like it
- Sized for four, per the maker
- Deep enough for stews
- Light and unbreakable silicone
- Oven use, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 890680 |
|---|---|
| Material | Platinum silicone |
| Pieces | 1 steam case |
| Capacity | 2,000 ml (4 people) |
| Lid and venting | Not stated in the listing |
| Dishwasher | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits a family cooking vegetables, fish or a stew for four who wants something light that won’t break.
Skip it if you want a set of sizes. This is one piece, and the Anyday or Calypso sets give you more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Biggest single piece here
- Can’t crack like glass
- Established maker
Cons
- Care and warranty not listed
- Silicone can hold smells
7. PrepSolutions Steamer for Fish and Veggies – A One-Quart Steamer From Progressive
PrepSolutions is Progressive International’s kitchen line. This 1-quart (0.94-liter) steamer is made for fish and vegetables, and its lid has an adjustable steam vent so you can choose how much steam stays inside.
The listing says it has a non-stick surface for easy cleanup. At one quart, it’s the smallest piece on this page, which makes it a fit for one person’s side dish or a single fillet, and for a small microwave.
When we checked, it was sold by Progressive International itself. The listing doesn’t give the material, dishwasher care or warranty terms, so look at the box for those. We read no independent test of it.
Why we like it
- Adjustable steam vent
- Small enough for compact ovens
- Sold by the maker at last check
- Non-stick surface, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | PS-46GY |
|---|---|
| Material | Not stated |
| Pieces | Steamer and lid |
| Capacity | 1 qt (0.94 L) |
| Lid and venting | Adjustable steam vent |
| Dishwasher | Not stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Suits a single cook who steams a portion of vegetables or one piece of fish at a time.
Skip it if you cook for a family. The Sistema or Lékué steamer holds much more.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Vent you can control
- Compact
- Clear maker and seller
Cons
- Small capacity
- Material not listed
How to choose microwave cookware for your kitchen
Measure the oven first
Turntable width and interior height decide a lot here. A long steamer may not spin in a compact oven, and a stacked set may not clear the ceiling. Our compact microwave guide shows how small some ovens run.
Pick glass or plastic for the way you work
Glass such as Anyday’s cleaned up without stains for NBC Select’s reviewers, but it’s heavier, gets hot and can crack. Plastic and silicone are light and easier to replace. Check that the maker calls it microwave safe, and don’t assume it works anywhere else. Nordic Ware says its plastic isn’t for the stove or oven.
Look for a lid you can control
A vent or valve lets you decide how much steam stays in. Locking clips stop a lid from lifting, while Anyday’s lid doesn’t lock and relies on its gasket.
Expect a learning curve
Microwaves vary in power, and Anyday’s recipes adjust for wattage for that reason. NBC Select’s reviewers still needed to tune rice. Start with the maker’s times, check early, then write down what works in your oven.
Be careful with the heat
The FDA says most microwave-related injuries are burns from hot containers, hot food or bursting liquids. Lift lids away from your face, and use mitts on anything without a cool handle.
How we picked these seven pieces
We looked for cookware made for microwave cooking, rather than ordinary storage boxes, from makers we could identify. All seven were in stock with a new offer when we checked. We read each listing, then read America’s Test Kitchen, NBC Select and theSkimm on Anyday, and Expert Reviews on Joseph Joseph’s related rice cooker.
We didn’t test any of it, and most of these picks rest only on their listings and maker details. The Lékué and PrepSolutions listings leave out care and warranty details, and we’ve told you what’s missing. We dropped a large Montgomery Ward set and an Amazon-first ReneeChef set because their listings were too thin.
Microwave cookware questions, answered
What makes a microwave safe cook set?
The FDA advises using cookware specially made for microwave use and following your oven’s instructions on containers, because some plastics can melt from hot food. Look for the maker’s own microwave-safe statement on each piece.
Will microwave cookware brown food?
Not in the way a pan does. America’s Test Kitchen found no browning in Anyday’s dishes, even with meat that came out tender. Finish in a hot skillet if you want color.
Why do microwave recipes take longer at home?
Power differs from oven to oven. A low-wattage microwave will need more time than a recipe written for a stronger one. Anyday’s recipes adjust for wattage, and reviewers still reported some trial and error.
Can I use these for Mexican leftovers?
Yes, as long as the piece is microwave safe and vented. Our guide to reheating Mexican leftovers goes through the common dishes.
Is a set better than single pieces?
Only if you’ll use the sizes. One steamer and one lidded dish covers a lot of cooking, and a large set can end up as extra storage boxes.
Our last word on cooking in the microwave
For most people who want to cook properly in the microwave, the Anyday Everyday Set is the one with the evidence behind it, as long as you can live with glass and no browning. If you still need the oven itself, start with our compact microwave guide or our countertop microwave guide, and see our microwave egg cooker guide for breakfast.
Julia’s is a working Mexican kitchen in Houston, and some nights the best dinner is one you don’t cook at all. Call to order at (346) 546-8283, or look through our menu.