Proven Microwave Accessories and Attachments 2026

Overview

I've spent the last eight years testing every kitchen gadget that crosses my path. Microwave accessories and attachments often get ignored until they are caked in burnt cheese. This guide covers the exact turntables, splatter guards, and steaming bowls I use daily. You'll learn how to pick the right gear for your specific model. I'll also show you how to keep these add-ons spotless without ruining their finish. Whether you're reheating leftovers or steaming veggies, the right setup changes everything. Let's look at what actually works in a real kitchen.

Key Information

Most people just use the plate that came with the box. That's a mistake. Upgrading your microwave accessories and attachments completely changes how your food cooks and how much scrubbing you do later. Take the standard glass turntable. If yours chips, you need an exact replacement. I ordered a 12.5-inch GE WB49X10138 replacement for my basement unit. It cost me $22 on Amazon. The fit was flawless.

Then there are splatter guards. I've tested this on my own oven after a disastrous bowl of chili exploded. The Nordic Ware 11-inch Microwave Plate Cover is my go-to. It's made of BPA-free plastic and costs around $12. I recommend this because the steam vents actually work. You won't get that weird soggy texture on your pizza. The raised dome shape gives steam plenty of room to circulate.

Let's talk about steaming attachments. The Sistema Microwave Collection Steamer is brilliant. It holds exactly 3.2 cups. I use it for broccoli at 1000 watts for exactly 3 minutes. The result is perfect every time. I'll be honest, this takes elbow grease to clean if you let the starch dry. But a quick soak in warm soapy water fixes it. The locking clips keep the lid secure so you don't spill boiling water when pulling it out.

Specialty cooking attachments are worth the investment. The Progressive International Microwave Bacon Grill is a game changer. It holds up to 6 slices. The raised ridges keep the meat out of the grease. I cook my breakfast at 800 watts for 4 minutes. The cleanup is a breeze because the non-stick coating works beautifully. This isn't the cheapest option at $25, but it saves me from washing a stovetop pan every morning.

Egg cookers are another category I rely on. The Sistema Easy Eggs poacher is my favorite. It cooks two eggs in exactly 70 seconds. You just add a splash of water and crack the eggs in. The non-stick plastic releases the eggs perfectly. Just don't use cooking spray on it. The propellants in aerosol sprays ruin the non-stick finish over time. Use a quick wipe of olive oil instead.

Accessory Type	Top Brand/Model	Price Range	Best For
Splatter Cover	Nordic Ware 11-inch	$10-$15	Sauces and Soups
Glass Turntable	GE WB49X10138	$20-$30	Replacing broken plates
Veggie Steamer	Sistema 3.2 Cup	$12-$18	Quick healthy sides
Bacon Grill	Progressive Int.	$20-$25	Crispy breakfast meat

Practical Steps or Recommendations

Keeping these tools in top shape requires a bit of routine maintenance. Here is exactly how I handle the upkeep in my own kitchen.

1. Measure Twice Before Buying Glass

Don't just guess the size. Grab a tape measure. Measure the exact diameter of your old glass tray. My Samsung model needed a 14-inch tray, not the standard 12-inch. If you buy the wrong size, it won't catch the drive motor coupler. I learned this the hard way after returning two wrong sizes to the store. Always measure from the outer edge to the outer edge.

2. Banish Tomato Stains from Silicone

Silicone splatter covers absorb red pigments. It's annoying. When your kids spill spaghetti sauce everywhere, the cover turns orange. Here is my proven fix. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of white vinegar. Scrub the stained area. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with hot water. The stain lifts right out without harsh chemicals.

3. Clear Clogged Steamer Vents

Steamers get gunked up with mineral deposits. I use a simple descaling trick. Fill the steamer base with equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Microwave it on high for 4 minutes. The steam loosens the calcium buildup. Use a wooden toothpick to gently poke the vent holes. Never use metal. You'll scratch the plastic and create spots for bacteria to hide.

4. Degrease the Roller Ring

The plastic ring under the glass tray collects grease. Pull it out. Soak it in a bowl of hot water and Dawn Platinum dish soap for 20 minutes. Scrub the little wheels with an old toothbrush. If the wheels stick, your food won't rotate evenly. You'll end up with cold spots in your coffee. Dry it completely before putting it back on the track.

5. Sanitize Your Cleaning Sponges

Your microwave is a great tool for cleaning your cleaning tools. I zap my damp kitchen sponges to kill bacteria. Put a wet cellulose sponge in a bowl of water. Microwave it on high for 2 minutes. The water boils and steams the sponge clean. Let it cool for 5 minutes before grabbing it. This trick extends the life of my sponges by weeks and keeps them smelling fresh.

Common Mistakes

People make the same errors over and over. The biggest one involves metal racks. Many microwaves come with a metal baking rack. You can only use the one designed for your exact model. I saw a friend use a generic wire rack in her Panasonic inverter microwave. It sparked immediately. The arcing scorched the interior wall. That repair cost her $150. Always stick to OEM racks designed for your specific unit's wavelength.

Another huge mistake is tossing silicone accessories in the dishwasher. The heating element on the bottom rack gets too hot. It warps the silicone. Once it warps, it won't sit flat on your bowls. Hand wash these items in the sink. It takes an extra two minutes. The structural integrity of the silicone remains intact when you use warm tap water and mild soap.

Scrubbing glass turntables with steel wool is a bad idea. You'll create micro-scratches. Food particles get trapped in those tiny grooves. Over time, the glass looks cloudy and gross. Stick to a non-scratch cellulose sponge. I use the Scrub Daddy dampened with warm water. It removes stuck-on cheese without leaving a single mark on the tempered glass surface.

Finally, everyone forgets the drive coupler. This is the little plastic piece in the center of the microwave floor. Grease drips down the sides of the glass and pools around it. If it gets sticky, the motor strains. Unplug the unit. Wipe the coupler with a damp microfiber cloth and a drop of dish soap. Keep it dry before putting the glass back. A clean coupler ensures the motor lasts for years.

FAQ

Can I use a glass plate from a different microwave brand?

You can, but only if the dimensions and the center coupler shape match perfectly. I've successfully used a generic 12-inch plate in my GE model because the triangular center hub aligned. However, if the hub is slightly off, the plate will grind against the motor and eventually crack. Always verify the center drive shape before buying a third-party replacement.

How often should I replace my microwave roller ring?

I recommend replacing the roller ring every two to three years, depending on how heavily you use the appliance. The plastic wheels eventually flatten out from the constant weight of the glass and food. When you hear a clicking noise or notice the plate stuttering, it's time for a new ring. They usually cost less than $10 online and take seconds to swap out.

Are silicone splatter covers safe for high-fat foods?

Yes, high-quality food-grade silicone is safe up to 450°F, which easily handles splattering bacon grease. I cook thick-cut bacon on a paper towel with a silicone cover on top without any melting issues. Just make sure the cover doesn't physically touch the food while it's cooking. Leaving a one-inch gap prevents the silicone from absorbing excessive oils and staining.

Why does my microwave steamer leak water onto the turntable?

Leaking usually happens when the silicone sealing ring is misaligned or cracked from repeated dishwasher cycles. Take the lid off and check the gasket to ensure it's seated evenly in its groove. If the rubber feels brittle or shows visible tears, you'll need to order a replacement part from the manufacturer. A tight seal is crucial for building the proper steam pressure inside the bowl.