HGTV Message Boards
Bacon press
Aug 26, 2012, 07:10 PM
twoboysgrammyBacon press
How do I handle a bacon press as I use it
to keep bacon flat while it cooks? When it's hot
I stand it upright on a chopping board. When it's cool, I wash it and dry it before putting it away. Is there anything else I need to do or
do differently?
Aug 26, 2012, 08:13 PM
KeepYouInStitchesCan't answer your question, but have you tried baking your bacon? Does NOT curl! I have a coated wire rack that fits perfectly in my baking sheets (jelly roll pan). I lay almost a pound of bacon on the rack. Oven about 400 - to your degree of doneness - I like crispy. Start the bacon before cooking anything else (except waffles, then I start on the waffles first).
Aug 26, 2012, 08:32 PM
Spanish RevivalI also bake my bacon in the oven 400 degrees 18-20 minutes depending on thickness. I always buy the thick sliced bacon, I figure if I'm going to eat bacon, I'm going to eat bacon!! I like baking it much better than the microwave which, to me, removes all the flavor. Baking leaves it crunchy, delicious, AND FLAT!! (I don't use a rack.)
Aug 27, 2012, 01:36 PM
CA LoriI M/W my bacon all the time. The flavor is always delicious--maybe it's the brand used?
Aug 27, 2012, 02:47 PM
zone9aladyI cook mine in the oven too. Line the strips up evenly on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cook one side for 20 minutes at 400, take the pan out, tilt to drain off the fat in a heat proof bowl and turn the bacon over..another 20 minutes on the other side.
(for thick cut bacon)
Aug 27, 2012, 05:32 PM
metwoAnother oven baker here... or grill. Like the no more grease splatters on the clothes.
But that doesn't answer the original question. If I had just gotten one, what you are doing sounds reasonable. Are you having a problem with it or just wondering if you are caring for it properly?
Aug 27, 2012, 09:12 PM
KeepYouInStitchesI had to do it! Baked a pan of bacon while supper was cooking. Of course I ate 2 or 3 slices while cleaning the kitchen.

Work mornings all I have to do is toss it in the skillet with my egg. Quick and no grease splatters.
CA Lori, I do the MW when I'm desperate.
Aug 27, 2012, 10:07 PM
Handie AnnI do my bacon in my jet stream oven (air oven) I put it between two racks and cook for about 12 minutes. Than just take a paper towel and blot off the little bit of grease that is left. I also use the thick cut bacon.
Handie Ann
Aug 27, 2012, 11:24 PM
Florida Farm GirlOh, you lucky people who get to eat bacon!!! Don't even remember the last time regular bacon was in this house, and that turkey stuff isn't fit to eat - at least most of it. DH can't have bacon and I'm not going to eat it in front of him.
Aug 30, 2012, 01:44 PM
twoboysgrammyMetwo, yes, I was wondering about how to take care of the bacon press. Should I wash it after it cools or just wipe it off? I've been washing it, letting it dry then putting in the cupboard.
I haven't tried baking it yet. May do that later on.
Thanks for the replies.
Aug 30, 2012, 01:57 PM
conradIf it is made of a cast iron type of metal, then just wiping it well with some paper towels to get off any removable cooked grease should be fine. That is what I did with cast iron skillets and a bacon press that I once had. Kept them pretty much non stick too in the process.

Sep 01, 2012, 01:02 PM
KeepYouInStitchesHave you had any trouble with it rusting? If not, what you are doing is working. I very seldom use any detergent when I wash my cast iron - just HOT water. Then I dry most of the moisture off with a paper towel. Last - back on the burner to finish the drying.
Many times, just swiping the inside of the skillet while still warm from cooking gets the food residue out and there's no need to even run hot water over it.