Cooking can be a chore sometimes. We all lead such crazy busy lives that sometimes the thought of standing over a stove to cook just isn’t appealing to us.
Of course, there are also those of us who simply don’t enjoy cooking or maybe aren’t even very good at it — and that’s okay!
The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to wait with the stove or put a lot of effort into cooking. There are a lot of really awesome tools out there designed to make our lives easier.
The microwave pasta cooker is one such tool. Forget waiting for that pot of water to boil and snag one of these to make dinner that much faster and easier!
What is the best microwave pasta cooker? Most pasta cookers work the same, but some do work better than others. It’s all in the design and being able to use the cooker to meet your own needs. The best one for you will meet your preferences and be large enough for your serving sizes as well.
In this guide, we will share with you the best microwave pasta cookers. We’ve sorted through all the options to try to bring you the very best — so we’ve got a variety for you to choose from!
We will also share some tips for choosing a microwave pasta cooker and then provide you with detailed reviews of our top picks.
Keep reading to learn about the best microwave pasta cookers, and more!
How To Choose A Microwave Pasta Cooker
Microwaves offer a surprisingly effective and convenient way to cook many foods. That’s right, they’re not just for reheating!
You can even cook pasta in the microwave if you have the right tool to help you do so.
When it comes to picking out your microwave pasta cooker, you will find that there are some things to be mindful of and even places that they differ in the way the pasta is made or the dish works.
For example, you might find a cooker that has a slotted lid for draining — or you might not. You might find a pasta cooker that is large and holds a lot of servings at one time, or you might find something designed for more like 2-4 servings.
It’s pretty neat because there really are a lot of different options to choose from so you get to choose what will work for you!
Here are some factors to consider when youre looking to purchase a microwave pasta cooker.
Size
Obviously, one of the big things you are going to want to check out is the size options. There are multiple different sizes out there, ranging from small to extra-large and then everything in between. You need the capacity that is right for you!
If you aren’t really sure what size you need, think about how many people you’re normally cooking pasta to feed. If all else fails, go with a larger size option so that you will always have plenty of room for cooking larger batches.
One more note on the size. You also want to be sure the pasta cooker will fit in your microwave — if you have a small microwave, be sure to watch those dimensions!
Attachments
As we share some options with you here shortly, you will find that there are tons of variables in the lids and attachments that pasta makers come with.
There are even some options out there that might come with multiple lids with different variables, like slotted holes or larger holes.
Again, this will probably really boil down to preference but it might be something to pay attention to. We recommend looking for slotted lids of some sort so that you have a lid that you can drain from without burning yourself.
However, while we think that is a convenient factor, you might not really care that much about it — remember that is not necessarily a requirement to make your own decision, just something to consider.
Use
Finally, you want a microwave pasta cooker that is going to be easy to use and going to perform well when you use it.
You need something that is really going to cook your pasta consistently and cook it well. The last thing you want is to end up with a giant pasta clump that tastes awful!
In addition, the pasta cooker needs to be easy to use. If it’s difficult or a pain to work with, it almost defeats the purpose of using such a dish because you can just cook it on the stove — that’s pretty easy in itself; it’s the waiting that we hate!
In most cases, you can use a microwave pasta cooker to cook pasta in as little as 4 minutes. The time savings are a major benefit of this particular utensil.
The Best Microwave Pasta Cookers
Now that you’ve reviewed the factors to consider before you make your purchase, let’s take a look at the options available. You will find a wide variety so that you can really narrow it down and find the right cooker for you.
After considerable research, we’ve narrowed down the market to offer you a wide variety of choices with different attributes without giving you an overwhelming number of options to search through.
Here are our top microwave pasta cookers for your consideration:
| Rank | Product | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fasta Pasta Microwave Pasta Cooker | The original pasta microwave cooker — long and wide shape that can handle any type of pasta, snap-on slotted lid, water circulates for even cooking, designed to prevent water from boiling over, easy to use with 3 simple steps |
| 2 | Pasta N More Pasta Microwave Cooker | 5-piece set, non-stick dishwasher-safe pasta cooker with a straining lid, steaming rack, and handles; can also steam and cook other items |
| 3 | Pampered Chef Large Micro Cooker | Tall and round shape, 2 side handles, locking lid with strainer holes, holds up to 2 quarts, dishwasher-safe |
| 4 | Comfecto Microwave Pasta Cooker With Strainer And Lid | Long rectangular shape may fit some small microwaves, comes with lid and strainer, holds up to 5 pounds, designed to be no-mess with no boiling over, can also be used for steaming |
| 5 | Lekue Quick Microwave Pasta Cooker | Long terracotta dish designed to handle all types of pasta, attached lid with straining holes, dishwasher-safe, cooks pasta quickly and efficiently |
| 6 | Kitalma All-In-One Microwave Cooker Set | Dishwasher-safe large capacity dish with splash guard lid and various other inserts and attachments; versatile multi-cooker option that can be used for pasta, popcorn, bacon, rice, and vegetables; can also be used for boiling, steaming, poaching, roasting, baking, and more |
| 7 | Prep Solutions by Progressive Microwaveable Rice & Pasta Cooker | Rice and pasta cooker that comes with locking lid, measuring spoons and cups, rice paddle, steaming insert, and pasta measurer; large 12-cup capacity; removable interior dish for straining |
| 8 | Nordic Ware Multi-Boiler | Can be used for anything that needs to boil to cook, lid has vented slots for steaming and straining, smaller dish that is ideal for 1-2 servings, designed to prevent boiling over |
| 9 | ZSQM Marukio Microwave Pasta Cooker | Rectangular pasta dish with built-in strainer, designed to be versatile and not take much storage space |
| 10 | Microwave Pasta Cooker with Portioning Tool | Rectangular dish with pre-marked fill line, vented lid for straining and steaming, includes portioning measuring tool |
| 11 | Happy Zone Microwave Pasta Cooker | Small and simple rectangular shape, lid can be used for straining, perfect for single servings and limited storage space |
| 12 | Good Cooking Microwave Cookware | 3-piece multi-cooker with dish/reservoir, removable strainer insert, and locking lid with vents; can be used for pasta and other foods |
| 13 | Rapid Pasta Cooker | Small, rectangular dish with an insert that can double as a strainer; perfect for small areas and 1-2 servings; cooks pasta in half the time |
1. Fasta Pasta Microwave Pasta Cooker
You may or may not have heard of the Fasta microwave pasta cooker, but it is actually one of the original pasta cookers created — it’s pretty neat!
It’s highly rated across the board and a really great option to consider!
This microwave pasta cooker is designed to help you get the perfect al dente pasta with every use.
It’s a clear cooker that is long and wide so it can handle any type of pasta, including things like spaghetti, alfredo, and linguine.
It is also designed to prevent water from boiling over or out during cooking as well.
The dish is set up to work with three simple steps:
- Start by measuring your pasta using the dish.
- Microwave the pasta using the appropriate instructions.
- Use the slotted lid to drain your pasta. From there, you should be able to finish prepping and serving!
The lid snaps on securely. With this design, the pasta can be spread out well, allowing the water to circulate and cook the pasta evenly in all areas. You shouldn’t have to worry about sticking, clumping, or boiling over.
Pros:
- Designed with length to accommodate pasta like spaghetti
- The original pasta microwave cooker
- Includes a lid for straining water
- Easy to use with 3 simple steps
- Water circulates within reservoir for even cooking
Cons:
- This is a large container — if you have a small microwave, it might not fit
2. Pasta N More Pasta Microwave Cooker
This next option is a smaller option that isn’t as long as our #1 choice. This helps it better fit into smaller microwaves that can’t accommodate the longer lengths as well.
It’s another highly-rated product as well!
This is a non-stick pasta cooker with a straining lid and handles.
The dish is made with plastic materials that are safe and won’t warp or soften from the heat of the microwave or even the dishwasher.
This makes it a dishwasher-safe choice as well. It’s made to be sturdy and reliable and it has a very nice design that’s easy to use.
This is great for pasta but it can also be used for things like steaming and cooking other items.
The name is Pasta N More and they really do live up to that name. It’s a five-piece set that includes the container, a steaming rack, a strainer lid, a storage lid, and a recipe book.
Pros:
- 5-piece set with straining lid and steaming rack
- Has handles for easy handling of the hot dish
- Works for pasta and other uses as well
- Dishwasher-safe materials
- Very easy to use and work with
Cons:
- Many customers did not receive the steam inserts as advertised — it is unclear whether the company made a mistake or misadvertised
3. Pampered Chef Large Micro Cooker
If you’ve ever attended a Pampered Chef party, you may have seen this awesome dish in action.
It’s a pretty cool dish and while it is slightly more expensive than some of the competitors, it’s not a bad price.
This is yet another highly-rated product. It’s very well-made also.
This dish is a large dish so it holds up to 2 quarts, which is pretty sizable for this type of container. It’s a tall and round dish so it should fit well even into small microwaves.
The water can circulate still so that your pasta doesn’t clump or cook weirdly in the process.
The dish has two side handles and can be used for right or left-handed people with ease.
The lid includes strainer holes for draining purposes as well. The lid locks tight onto the dish so you never have to worry about it falling off while draining. This is another dishwasher-safe option as well.
Pros:
- Premium quality model
- Holds 2 quarts, which is pretty sizable
- Designed to hold a lot but also fit into smaller microwaves
- Locking lid has straining holes
- Easy to use and versatile
Cons:
- Costs just a little bit more than alternative options
- Does not really come with a lot of instructions for use
4. Comfecto Microwave Pasta Cooker With Strainer And Lid
Next up, we have another long, rectangular pasta cooker.
It’s a well-made option that has a neat design. It stands out in looks the most compared to other pasta cookers but it also works really well for its purpose.
This one is not quite as long as the Fasta Pasta option so it may fit some small microwaves.
The pasta cooker is said to hold up to 5 pounds in capacity and be a no-mess with no boiling over option. It can also be used for steaming so it’s versatile for things besides just pasta as well.
The cook time is not really a whole lot faster than boiling, but you can be serving pasta in about 15 minutes and you don’t have to stand over the stove.
This is a heat-resistant dish. It has both a lid and strainer so you have versatility for storage and it’s very easy to strain out water after cooking. This is a sleek pasta maker that is simple to use and doesn’t take up a ton of space.
Pros:
- Sleek and simple design
- Can be used to steam foods as well
- Comes with a strainer and lid
- Large capacity dish
- Cooks pasta in about 15 minutes
Cons:
- The cooker does not come with any instructions for use
5. Lekue Quick Microwave Pasta Cooker
Next up is a unique terracotta option.
It does cost just a little bit more than most of the others, but it’s a really great dish — we doubt you’d be disappointed if you decide to give it a try!
This is a long dish so be sure to check the dimensions. It is designed to handle all types of pasta from spaghetti to ravioli and everything else as well.
You have a dish complete with measurements and then an attached lid that has holes for straining purposes. There is no closed lid for storage purposes, but this is designed just for cooking so it really is quite alright.
This dish was not made to be universal, although you can use it for steaming. It was designed to cook pasta and then drain it.
This pasta cooker probably is one of the faster cookers out there. It might cook your pasta in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the pasta you are making. That’s about half the time as boiling in most cases!
The dish is also dishwasher-safe, which is always a bonus.
Pros:
- Made specifically for cooking and draining pasta
- Very easy to use
- Includes a straining lid
- Cooks pasta quickly and efficiently
- Great for any kind of pasta
- No issues with boiling over
Cons:
- Quite a bit more expensive than most options
- The dish does get hot from cooking, so plan to use a hot pad or gloves
6. Kitalma All-In-One Microwave Cooker Set
Maybe you’re looking for a dish that can serve a variety of purposes and pasta is just at the top of that list.
This option can be great for a versatile multi-cooker option and it does cook pasta just fine.
It can also be used for cooking things like popcorn, bacon, rice, or vegetables as well.
This dish has a large capacity so you can put plenty of pasta or other foods in there to get your dinner cooked up. It can be used for boiling, steaming, poaching, roasting, baking, and more.
It really is a multi-cooker — this is the most versatile dish you will find for cooking pasta!
The dish comes equipped with a splash guard lid that is very handy to prevent messes. The various inserts and attachments will also allow you to drain your pasta with no issues as well.
You can even store things in the dish with a closing lid if you need to.
Pros:
- Multi-cooker dish that can do so much
- Large capacity dish that can handle full meals
- Includes inserts for straining as well as a lid
- Dishwasher-safe materials
- Easy to use for a variety of purposes
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a lot of instructions to help you out but you can find resources online
7. Prep Solutions by Progressive Microwaveable Rice & Pasta Cooker
This next option is another great option for versatility, yet it’s not a cook-all device — it is still geared towards pasta rather than trying to do everything.
This is a rice and pasta cooker. These things cook similarly overall so you know you’re getting a cooker designed for the task.
This is a complete set that comes with all sorts of goodies as well. You get measuring spoons and cups, a paddle for rice, a steaming insert, and a pasta measurer.
It does include a locking lid as well and holds a 12-cup capacity, which is pretty large.
The lid is not slotted for straining, but the interior dish is removable for this purpose.
Pros:
- Versatile but designed for pasta and rice
- Comes with a lot of useful accessories
- Removable dish for straining purposes
- Large 12-cup capacity
Cons:
- Some users had issues with water leaking out during cooking
8. Nordic Ware Multi-Boiler
This next option actually looks like a pot, but it’s designed to fit inside of a microwave.
This option is perfect for anything that needs to boil to cook. You can use it for rice, pasta, or even oatmeal — you can also use it for steaming veggies as well!
This comes with a nice lid that has vented slots for steaming but can also be used for straining when you need it to be.
This is a smaller dish that is ideal for 1-2 servings, so be aware of that. It is made to prevent issues with boiling over, which is always helpful.
Pros:
- Designed to prevent boiling over
- Best for 1-2 servings
- Lid doubles for steaming or straining
Cons:
- Pretty small, ideal for 1-2 servings
- No insert for steaming so those items sit in the water
9. ZSQM Marukio Microwave Pasta Cooker
Check out this rectangular pasta dish that can easily handle things like spaghetti, as well as other types of pasta.
This is designed to be versatile but also not have a ton of different pieces to take up space. It’s great in a dorm or small apartment where storage can be a challenge.
This dish is unique in that it doesn’t have a removable lid but it does have a strainer attached.
It’s an open dish so you add in your pasta and water. One end of the dish has a built-in strainer so it’s just part of the dish and makes draining a breeze.
Pros:
- Built-in strainer on dish
- Simple, space-saving design
- Perfect for a dorm or small apartment
Cons:
- Fairly new listing so there isn’t a lot of feedback from tried and true use
10. Microwave Pasta Cooker with Portioning Tool
Next up, we’ve got a sweet little rectangular dish perfect for serving up the right portions.
It’s a simple dish that is easy to use and comes with a lid. It’s deep so it doesn’t boil over.
The best part is that it comes with a portioning tool so you can measure out exactly how much pasta you need.
The lid is vented so it can be used for steaming and you can also use it after cooking pasta to help with draining out excess water as well.
This dish is easy to use with a pre-marked fill line. It cooks efficiently and works exactly as intended.
Pros:
- Vented lid for straining
- Includes a portion measuring tool
- Deep so won’t boil over easily
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The markings on the gauge wear off easily
11. Happy Zone Microwave Pasta Cooker
The Happy Zone pasta cooker is about as simple as it gets. It’s made with quality materials and will cook your pasta with ease.
The lid can be used for straining by attaching it and loosening one end, but there are not actual straining holes in the design.
It’s a small and simple pasta cooker perfect for a single serving and limited storage space!
Pros:
- Perfect for individual servings
- Includes a lid
- Lid doubles as a strainer if you’re creative
- Small and simple
- Great for single servings and small cooking spaces
Cons:
- The lid can be used for straining but does not actually have straining holes
12. Good Cooking Microwave Cookware
This option is another multi-cooker solution and it can be used for pasta as well as plenty of other foods.
You get your dish and reservoir, an insert that acts as a removable strainer, and a locking lid that vents. That’s a lot for one simple little pasta maker!
This is a versatile dish that isn’t huge but sure comes in handy. It can do a lot and is only three pieces!
Pros:
- 3-piece multi-cooker dish
- Used for pasta and other foods
- Removable strainer insert
- Locking lid with vents
Cons:
- Dish is pretty small and best for 1-2 servings
13. Rapid Pasta Cooker
The Rapid pasta cooker is another option perfect for small areas and 1-2 servings at a time.
It’s designed to cook pasta quickly and even says it cooks pasta in half the time.
It’s a small, rectangular dish with an insert that can double as a strainer when you’re finished cooking.
It’s simple and convenient all at the same time!
Pros:
- Simple but effective design
- Insert can be used for straining
- Small, good for small spaces
- 1-2 serving size
Cons:
- Tends to have boiling over issues
