Don't Waste Bacon Grease: Here Are 9 Ways to Put It to Use
Next time you pull strips from the frying pan or baking sheet, drain that beautiful bacon grease into a stylish, temperature-safe container like this one. Not only will you avoid dried, caked up grease to deal with after eating, but you'll have the key ingredient for bacon-washed bourbon or pork-laced cornbread, burgers, meatballs or meatloaf.
Bacon grease is packed with salty, slightly smoky flavor that you can use to add an umami burst to a number of dishes and recipes. A little goes a long way and you'll only need a small amount of bacon fat to make your next stir fry or skillet of scrambled eggs sing.
You'll hang on to some of that leftover bacon grease if you know what's good for ya.
David Watsky/CNET
Here's how to use leftover bacon grease in the kitchen.
First, store it properly
Most nonmetal containers will melt or crack when hot bacon grease is poured in but this silicon bacon bin is resistant up to 500 degrees F.
Bacon Bin
First things first: You'll want to store your bacon grease properly for future use. While it shouldn't spoil, we still recommend keeping it in the fridge as it may have pieces of pork running throughout.
Keep it in a metal can and cover it because the pungent bacon smell can permeate other foods in the fridge. If you're going to store it in a glass or plastic container, wait for the grease to cool completely before you transfer it. This $18 silicone bacon bin has a built-in strainer to sift out the bacon bits.
9 ways to use leftover bacon grease
Fold it into your next burger
A little bacon fat mixed into ground beef goes a long way.
KirbyIng/Getty Images
If you want a seriously punched-up burger, fold a teaspoon of bacon fat into the ground beef or turkey before it hits the grates. You won't need much to turn a basic burger into a pseudo bacon cheeseburger. Be aware that the burger will spit and sizzle more than a burger without pork fat but it will be worth the danger for all that extra flavor.
Season a cast-iron skillet
Use a bit of bacon grease mixed with your go-to seasoning wax to pack your cast-iron skillets with flavor.
Tyler Lizenby/CNET
Seasoning your cast-iron pan is key for keeping the surface of the skillet nonstick. Doing this regularly, along with washing cast-iron cookware properly, will also build a base flavor that the pan imparts to certain foods such as steaks, burgers, chicken and hash browns. To season with bacon grease, add a small amount of the fat to your favorite cast-iron seasoning wax -- I like Knapp -- and proceed as you normally would.
Add smokey pork flavor to a stir-fry
Add a teaspoon of bacon fat to your next stir fry and thank me later.
Kilito Chan/Getty
The next time you're whipping up a quick stir-fry for dinner, toss in a teaspoon of bacon grease to punch up the flavor. Don't go overboard or you'll end up with an overly greasy dish and a bacon flavor dominating all.
Add depth to a batch of cornbread or cookies
Cornbread will benefit from a small hit of that leftover bacon grease.
David Watsky/CNET
Bacon and cornbread are another magical combo. Because cornbread can easily dry out, adding a teaspoon of bacon fat to the mixture along with butter, will ensure the bread is moist with a hint of delicious bacon flavor.
You can also add some bacon grease to a batch of chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies. Bacon works with a lot of other flavors, like maple, chocolate or vanilla, so don't be shy about trying it with your favorite cookie recipe.
Make bacon-washed bourbon
Add bacon fat to bourbon, shake and freeze. Then separate the solidified fat from the booze and you'll have something special.
Free Spirits
I don't know who originated the concept of adding bacon fat to bourbon but I'd like to buy them a drink. Fat-washing booze is simple: just add an ounce or two of liquified bacon fat to a bottle of bourbon. Shake and let it hang out in the fridge or freezer for a few days. Strain the solidified fat out of the bourbon with a mesh strainer and you're left with seriously smoky brown booze to drink neat or use in cocktails.
Use a smidge to make scrambled eggs
Bacon and eggs? Who would have thought?
CNET/Brian Cooley
Bacon and eggs make as good a duo as any other in the breakfast universe. Add a small bit of bacon grease to your pan with butter before dropping in the beaten eggs and stirring slowly.
Mix it with another cooking oil to sear steaks or chicken
Add some bacon fat to your cooking oil the next time you fry a piece of meat.
Getty
You won't want to use bacon grease alone to saute foods but you should consider adding a little to your cooking oil of choice, such as olive, flaxseed or avocado oil.
Make bacon air fryer Brussels sprouts
Toss a pound of Brussels sprouts with some bacon grease and olive oil and pop them in the air fryer.
Brian Bennett/CNET
Brussels sprouts are dense and make a good candidate to be air-fried. Toss them with a little bacon grease and then into the air fryer for 20 minutes. They'll taste so good, you'll forget you're eating a vegetable at all.
Make a bacon fat salad dressing
Add some bacon fat to your next salad dressing. A little goes a long way.
David Watsky/CNET
Most salad dressing calls for some oil component so why not use delicious bacon grease? You won't want to use bacon fat as the sole fat component but mix a small dab in with olive oil in your favorite vinaigrette recipe and you won't be sorry.
What you can't do with leftover bacon grease
Pour it down the drain
Don't put bacon grease down the drain. It's about the fastest way to clog it up.
Alina Bradford/CNET
If you pour even one batch of bacon grease down the kitchen sink, you'll likely be on the phone with a plumber before the week's over. Grease solidifies when cool and can ruin your plumbing.
Compost it
Bacon grease can't be turned into viable compost.
Mill
Bacon grease and other super oily foods can't be composted. Keep them out of your home compost pile or electronic countertop composter.
Pour it into the garbage while it's still hot
Hot grease will burn right through a garbage bag.
Taylor Martin/CNET
Do this and you'll burn a hole in the bottom of the garbage bag. It won't be a pretty scene when you try to take the trash out next time. If you're going to trash it, pour it into a metal can and let it cool before discarding it.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fast Company
11 minutes ago
- Fast Company
Oprah Winfrey says highly effective leaders use the 3-sentence rule to make every meeting more productive
First things first: Whenever possible, science says don't have so many meetings. Here's why: A meta-analysis of more than a decade of research shows employee productivity increases by more than 70% when the number of meetings is reduced by 40%. A study published in Journal of Organizational Behavior found that meetings that start late don't just waste time: Meetings that start 10 minutes late are one-third less effective in terms of both actual and perceived outcomes than meetings that start on time. A study published in Transcripts of the Royal Society of London found that people placed in small groups asked to solve problems experience an individual IQ drop of approximately 15%. Walk into a meeting, instantly get dumber. So yeah: Stop having so many meetings. (Besides: A full calendar—especially a calendar full of meetings—is never a proxy for productivity.) But what if you really need to have a meeting? How can you make that meeting as focused and productive as possible? Borrow a move from Oprah Winfrey's leadership tool kit. Start with intention Brendon Burchard, the author of High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way, says Oprah starts every meeting by asking three questions: What is our intention for this meeting? What's important? What matters? The premise behind that approach is simple. High performers constantly seek clarity. (And employees who aren't high performers—yet—need clarity.) They work hard to sift out distractions so they can focus and continually re focus on what is important. Clarity? It isn't something you get. Clarity is something you have to seek: You gain clarity, and focus, only when you actively search for them. Keep in mind the same holds true on a personal level. Successful people don't wait for an external trigger to start making changes. Successful people don't wait until New Year's, or until Monday, or until the first of the month; they decide what changes they want to make and they get started. Now. That's why no meeting agenda should include words like recap, information, review, or discussion. Bringing everyone up to speed, whether formally stated as an intention or not, is a terrible reason to have a meeting. And if information is required to make a decision during a meeting, share it ahead of time. Send documents, reports, etc., to participants in advance. Good meetings result in decisions. What. Who. When. Clear direction. Clear actions. Clear accountability. And stick to that intention That's why the most productive meetings typically have one-sentence agendas: 'Set product launch date.' 'Select supplier.' 'Determine roll-out responsibilities.' Those agendas are much easier to accomplish when you start a meeting the right way: by clearly stating intentions, and then sticking to those intentions. Try it. The next time you hold a meeting, kick it off—on time—by answering the three questions for the group. State the intention. Explain why it's important. Explain why it matters. If you find yourself in a meeting that's drifting, help everyone focus by asking the three questions. Ask what you're really trying to accomplish. Determine why it's important, and why it matters. While it might feel awkward, everyone in the meeting will thank you for it. Because no one likes an unproductive meeting. And nor should you. —By Jeff Haden
Associated Press
12 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Carnegie Council Unveils New Ethics-Based Tool to Accelerate the Implementation of Climate Action in Cities
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 7, 2025) - Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs has released a new free-to-access tool for professionals working to address or limit climate change impacts in cities. Drawing upon insights from a global community of ethicists, city government actors, and nonprofits, the tool provides a framework and interactive guide for how ethics can be applied to accelerate the delivery of climate action, better serving communities within urban environments, both today and into the future. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] [ Explore the tool ] To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Cities are at forefront of climate change accounting for approximately 70 percent of global CO 2 emissions yet covering only 2 percent of Earth's land. Even for those who recognize the urgency of taking climate action within cities, such as municipal employees, nonprofits, and private companies, there remains a lack of tools and long-term strategic guidance to assist with ethical implementation of climate mitigation and adaptation efforts at the local level. In response, the Council's Carnegie Ethics Accelerator convened a group of experts from around the globe to examine the unique moral and political challenges of advancing climate action within cities. From the Accelerator meetings, the Council developed a suite of resources for practitioners to leverage, including the Climate Action in Cities Tool, a short issue brief, and a selection of applied ethics strategies. These tools are designed to enable creative and innovative thinking when planning climate action interventions, adaptable to a wide range of stakeholders with varied resources. What implementation challenges are you aware of where applied ethics strategies could help? Carnegie Council wants to hear from you. Access the tool and select 'Submit a Challenge' on the homepage to share your own ideas for how applied ethics could help accelerate the implementation of climate action. Your submissions and participation are essential for helping us expand and refine the tool over time. About Carnegie Council: Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs is an independent 501(c) (3) nonprofit institution that works to empower ethics globally by identifying and addressing the most critical ethical issues of today and tomorrow. From our Global Ethics Hub in New York City, the Council identifies emerging ethical issues; convenes leading practitioners, academics, and next-gen leaders; builds active communities by embracing multilateralism and exploring shared values; and frames ethical perspectives by educating and engaging with audiences around the world. Founded by Andrew Carnegie over a century ago, the Council is the only nonpartisan institution working to empower ethics across international relations and defend the moral principles of international cooperation, democracy, humanitarianism, and fidelity. For more on the intersection of ethics and climate action, subscribe to the Carnegie Ethics Newsletter. To attend a Global Ethics Hub event, sign up to receive Event Announcements. Contact: Samuel Bradshaw Carnegie Ethics Accelerator Lead [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Forbes
42 minutes ago
- Forbes
The 7 Best Fans To Keep Any Room Cool And Comfortable
A good fan should make your space feel better the moment you turn it on. But plenty of models simply move air without actually cooling things down, often because of weak motors or limited airflow. The best fans do much more: They circulate air throughout the entire room, run quietly enough for sleep or work and include useful features like adjustable speeds, oscillation and timers. Our top pick, the Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator, moves a surprisingly strong volume of air with minimal noise, making it especially ideal for bedrooms and home offices. The best fans help cool down any space quickly and efficiently. Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers In addition to strong airflow and low noise, it's important to choose a fan that's built to last. As Gerrit Jan Reinders, CEO of climate systems company Reinders Corporation, puts it: 'Never buy a fan just because it's the cheapest. Cheap fans are loud, break quickly and don't move much air." In fact, he warns, "you'll end up buying two or three cheap fans instead of one good one." To help you find a fan that's actually worth it (and right for your space), we spoke to experts about the features that matter most, including quiet operation, reliable performance and thoughtful design. If you need something powerful for a bigger room, consider the adjustable-height Dreo PolyFan 704S pedestal fan; for bedrooms or smaller areas, the sleek Dreo Smart Tower Fan is a quiet, space-saving option. Ahead, find all of the best fans on the market to help keep your space comfortable. Dimensions: 8.6 x 12 x 13.6 inches | Number of speeds: 3 | Timer: No | Remote: No | Oscillation range: Multi-directional tilt (no oscillation) What you'll love: Effectively circulates air across an entire room Easy-to-adjust tilt directs airflow precisely Simple three-speed manual controls Easy to clean due to removable grill Keep in mind: Doesn't include a remote or timer No automatic oscillation This compact model uses what Vornado calls 'Vortex circulation' to efficiently move air around the whole room, instead of just blowing it in one direction. Experts consistently point to airflow as the single most important factor when choosing a fan; Reinders notes that a fan's ability to effectively move air doesn't depend on how big the blades are, but rather on how well they're designed and positioned. With steeply pitched blades and an inlet guide cone, this Vornado model creates strong and focused airflow that quickly evens out temperature and makes stuffy rooms comfortable almost immediately. The adjustable tilt head also lets you direct airflow exactly where you want it, whether toward your desk or across a warm living room. While this fan is powerful, it's definitely not whisper quiet, especially at the highest speed. On low, the sound is fine for sleeping, but you'll still hear noticeable white noise. If you prefer total silence, this fan isn't ideal. But if you don't mind ambient fan noise, it's steady and smooth, without any rattling or mechanical hum. It's also helpful that this fan has a removable front grill, because dust inevitably builds up on the blades over time. Instead of taking the whole fan apart, you can just pop the grill off and easily wipe the blades clean. I've had mine for years and it's noticeably sturdy; nothing has loosened or broken, and it stays perfectly stable even after running all night. Dimensions: 8.94 x 6.3 x 10.91 inches | Number of speeds: 3 | Timer: No | Remote: No | Oscillation range: No oscillation; pivots 90 degrees What you'll love: Fan head pivots 90 degrees Easily mounts on a wall Quiet compared to similar models Keep in mind: No oscillation feature Smaller size limits airflow range The Honeywell Turbo Force fan is small but surprisingly strong. It pushes a noticeable breeze several feet out and the fan head pivots vertically up to 90 degrees, which helps direct airflow exactly where you need it most. While there's no oscillation feature, mounting the fan on a wall lets you position it higher for better air circulation in tight spaces. Even though it's inexpensive, this fan doesn't feel cheaply made. It has a lightweight build, but the plastic casing is sturdy rather than flimsy. Honeywell says it's about 25% quieter than comparable compact fans, but that doesn't mean it's silent; on higher speeds, you can expect noticeable, steady fan noise. If typical white noise from a fan doesn't bother you, it works well in bedrooms, home offices or other smaller spaces. Dimensions: 10.5 x 13.7 x 17.6 inches | Number of speeds: 3 | Timer: No | Remote: No | Oscillation range: Yes | What you'll love: Elegant, vintage-style Art Deco design Sturdy die-cast metal construction Oscillation and tilt adjustment for better airflow Keep in mind: Heavier than typical table fans Pricier due to premium materials and design Most fans aren't attractive; usually they're just something you tolerate because you'd rather not be hot. The Silver Swan is an exception. With its vintage-inspired Art Deco curves and sturdy metal construction, this is a fan you'll actually want visible in your room. It circulates air just as effectively as other powerful fans from Vornado, with three speed settings, tilt adjustment and smooth oscillation. It also feels noticeably solid when you pick it up, thanks to the all-metal build, and it won't wobble or vibrate even on higher speeds. But the real upgrade here is aesthetic: Instead of hiding it behind a plant or in a corner, you can keep this one out as part of your decor. Dimensions: 12.8 x 12.8 x 42.5 inches | Number of speeds: 12 | CFM: 1,475 | Timer: 1 to 12 hours | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: 30 to 120 degrees | Noise range: 25 to 48 decibels What you'll love: Smart controls via app, Alexa or Google Assistant Wide, customizable oscillation angles Ultra-quiet operation on lower settings Removable rear grill for easy cleaning Keep in mind: Higher price point App is easier to use than the remote The Dreo Pilot Max S tower fan connects to the Dreo app, Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can control it without getting up from the couch. It produces strong airflow at speeds up to 27 feet per second, which is enough to cool off even a larger bedroom or living area. There are 12 speed settings to give you much finer control compared to typical fans that have only two or three. Or, if you'd rather not adjust settings yourself, the auto mode senses the room temperature and adapts the fan speed accordingly. It's especially quiet at lower speeds. At the lowest setting, the Pilot Max S runs around 25 decibels, quiet enough for comfortable sleep or work calls. To clean dust from the blades, the back grill pops off easily, so you don't have to take apart the whole fan. Dimensions: 8.7 x 13.7 x 43 inches | Number of speeds: 9 | Timer: Up to 12 hours | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: 150 degrees horizontal, 120 degrees vertical | Noise range: As low as 25 decibels What you'll love: Oscillates horizontally and vertically Adjustable pedestal height Smart controls via app, Alexa or Google Assistant Energy-efficient and quiet DC motor Keep in mind: Higher price than basic pedestal fans Primarily plastic construction This Dreo pedestal fan lets you get highly specific with airflow direction and strength. It offers nine different speeds and oscillates horizontally and vertically, which helps move air evenly throughout the entire room. The DC-powered motor is quiet and energy efficient; at the lowest speed, it runs at just 25 decibels, which is quieter than typical whisper-level noise. It also adjusts in height from about 38 to 43 inches, so it's easier to position for better coverage in larger spaces or rooms with high furniture. You can control this fan in several ways: using the included remote, the Dreo app, or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. There's also a built-in timer that lets you schedule when it turns off, which is helpful if you use it overnight. Cleaning the fan is simple, too, since the grille and blades detach easily rather than requiring you to take apart the entire unit. Dimensions: 5.6 x 20.6 x 21.3 inches | Number of speeds: 3 | Timer: No | Remote: No | Oscillation range: None | Noise range: Around 40 decibels What you'll love: Lightweight and portable Simple three-speed control Safety grill protects blades Keep in mind: Noticeably louder than other fan types No oscillation feature The Pelonis 3-Speed Box Fan is exactly what you'd expect from a classic box-style fan. It's lightweight, easy to carry and fits neatly on a windowsill or tabletop. The dial control offers three simple speed settings, without extra features or complicated controls. And while this fan isn't quiet, the sound it makes is a steady and predictable white noise rather than rattling or buzzing. The protective safety grill covers the blades to prevent accidents, and the durable plastic housing can survive daily bumps or knocks. Because it's light and compact, this Pelonis model works especially well in garages, workshops or any space where you need extra airflow without delicate parts or extra maintenance. Dimensions: 5.7 x 26 x 7.2 inches | Number of speeds: 4 | CFM: 1,315 | Timer: No | Remote: Yes | Oscillation range: None (reversible intake/exhaust) | Noise range: Around 45 decibels What you'll love: Slim design doesn't block window views Switches easily between intake and exhaust Auto temperature control adjusts fan speed Keep in mind: Only fits windows between 26 to 40 inches wide Must be installed horizontally The Vornado Transom window fan has a slim, low-profile shape that fits neatly into your window without blocking the view or drawing too much attention. You can easily switch between intake mode, which draws fresh air indoors, and exhaust mode, which pushes stale air outside. There are four different speeds, plus automatic temperature control that adjusts airflow based on the room's temperature. This fan is easy to install, as long as your window measures between 26 and 40 inches wide; foam blocks help create a secure fit and seal out drafts or gaps. It also includes a remote control so you can adjust settings from across the room. If you live somewhere mild and don't always need air conditioning, this model helps circulate fresh air comfortably. The Forbes Vetted home team regularly researches, tests and reviews cooling appliances—including the best tower fans, portable air conditioners and air purifiers—to recommend products that keep your home comfortable and fresh year-round. This article was written by home and kitchen editor Kelly O'Sullivan and edited by deputy editor Rebekah Lowin. They bring more than a decade of experience in lifestyle journalism, home appliances and product testing. Our recommendations for the best fans rely on thorough research, expert insights and firsthand experiences. We've personally tested several of the fans featured in this guide and only selected highly-rated models endorsed by our own team and HVAC professionals. We consulted HVAC and home climate experts including Geno Caccia, CEO of Caccia Homes & Services, who has more than 30 years of experience in heating, ventilation and air conditioning; Gerrit Jan Reinders, CEO of climate systems company Reinders Corporation, who specializes in high-quality residential cooling solutions; and Tim Alagushov, co-founder of IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical, whose expertise focuses on HVAC system design and customer education. These experts provided detailed guidance on airflow efficiency, noise levels, motor quality and which features matter most when choosing a fan for your space. We periodically revisit and update this guide to ensure our recommendations remain current and reliable. This article was most recently updated in August 2025. To choose the best fans, we thoroughly researched and compared top models across various categories. Some products we included were recommended directly by HVAC experts, while others stood out due to consistent positive feedback from buyers. We chose highly rated fans from well-known brands like Vornado, Honeywell, Pelonis and Dreo. We spoke to HVAC professionals about what matters most when selecting a fan, including airflow strength, blade design, motor quality, noise levels and ease of maintenance. We focused on features that impact daily use, such as adjustable speeds, timers, remote controls and easy installation. We included options for different budgets and spaces, from affordable compact fans for small rooms to powerful tower and pedestal fans designed for larger areas. We prioritized products with consistently high customer ratings—specifically models earning at least 4 out of 5 stars from hundreds or thousands of real users. Choosing the best fan depends on your specific space, noise tolerance and cooling needs. HVAC experts we spoke to recommend focusing on airflow efficiency, noise output and convenient features. Airflow Good airflow is essential if you want your fan to noticeably cool down your space. Reinders notes that blade design is key: "Blades angled at 12 to 15 degrees push air much better than flat blades," he explains. He also emphasizes motor quality, pointing out that "CFM (cubic feet per minute) is what really matters," and suggests aiming for "at least 1,000 CFM for small rooms and 3,000+ CFM for bigger spaces." Our top overall pick, the Vornado 630, uses steeply pitched blades and focused airflow technology, providing powerful, even circulation throughout the room. Noise Level If you're sensitive to noise or plan to use your fan in a bedroom or office, decibel rating matters. Geno Caccia, CEO of Caccia Homes & Services, recommends "looking for decibel ratings under 50 dB for nighttime or office use." Brushless DC motors also run quieter, making them ideal for spaces where noise matters. Both the Dreo PolyFan 704S pedestal fan and Dreo Pilot Max S tower fan operate around 25 decibels on lower settings, quieter than typical whisper-level noise, making them great choices if you plan to use them while sleeping or working. Convenient Settings Fans with multiple speed settings, oscillation and smart controls are simply easier and more convenient to use. Tim Alagushov, co-founder of IRBIS Air, Plumbing & Electrical, notes that "oscillation is really helpful because it spreads air around the whole room instead of just one spot," and he also recommends looking for features like remote control or app integration for convenience. Our best tower fan pick, the Dreo Pilot Max S, includes customizable oscillation angles, 12 speed settings and app connectivity, letting you control airflow without repeatedly getting up to adjust it.
