I have used the same black iron skillet for more than 25 years. the bacon always comes out crispy with minimal attention. The bread gets done on the grille and gets put directly under the bacon or sausage and eggs. Excess grease is picked up by the bread and just richens the flavor.
Steve, add one item to your microwave list: We use it for about 20 sec to soften hard ice cream just enough to ease scooping.