The 10 Best Egg Cookers to Free Up Time in Your Day

One of the most popular foods for breakfast is eggs, perhaps because they come in so many styles. You can enjoy them scrambled, poached, or boiled; you can also add in some extra ingredients and enjoy an omelet when you're starving. While cooking eggs by hand works for some people, there's nothing better than using an egg cooked to handle them while you work on the rest of a meal.

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Egg Cookers

1. Dash DEC005BK Rapid 6-Capacity Electric Egg Cooker  

What to Be Aware of When Choosing an Egg Cooker

A large number of kitchen appliance companies are now offering egg cookers due to how popular they are among home cooks. While most of these devices seem to be somewhat similar, they can differ in their capacity as well as extra features that can make a massive difference if you’re someone who makes many eggs.

As an example, some egg cookers are rather simple and have a single cooking option, but others will let you choose between different types of eggs, including hard-boiled, medium-boiled, and soft-boiled. Many of the devices today also comes with an audible alert that sounds when your eggs have completed cooking. The best egg cooker will also include an automatic turn-off feature so your eggs don’t get overdone if you can’t immediately reach them.

There are lots of things that you want to consider when choosing an egg cooker, including ease of use, needed level of cleaning, capacity, and more. Below, we’ll look at some of the most important things to be aware of so you can choose the egg cooker that meets your needs. We’ll also look at some things you may not know about the humble egg cooker and what it is capable of.

How an Egg Cooker Operates

Every egg cooker that you see on the market is likely going to promise to offer you the perfect hard-boiled egg. Whether that is true or not is up for debate, but one thing that all of the models have in common is that they work on the principle of steam. Rather than submerging eggs into extremely hot water, the devices use heated plates that create hot steam to cook your eggs in an efficient and even way.

Other Foods That Can Be Cooked in an Egg Cooker

The great thing about an egg cooker is that you have less to handle when you’re prepping a meal since the eggs are taken care of mostly automatically. Most of these cookers are created to offer both scrambled and poached eggs, and some will also work well for cooking omelets.

If you choose one of the most substantial egg cookers, it can likely be used as a steamer for other items. Some of the devices even come with a basket so you can steam fish, vegetables, and other things, so you need fewer appliances in the kitchen overall.

Different Types of Egg Cookers to Choose From

You may not be aware of this, but there are two significant types of egg cookers that you can select from. There are also endless designs for these gadgets, so you can easily choose one that fits the feel and style of your kitchen. While some of the cookers have different purposes and may look quite different, they typically all work in the same way.

A countertop egg cooker is typically the highest-quality in terms of technology and often has an elegant feel to it. Many of the models you see will have inserts you can use to switch between poaching and boiling eggs. If you go with the high-end models, you may also be able to cook eggs of different types at the same time to save time and energy.

Most of the countertop versions will come with alarms and timers so you can quickly determine when they are done. Some of them even come with delay timers or offer a warming function so the eggs can stay in pristine condition until you need them for the rest of your dish.

The other primary type of egg cooker requires that you have a microwave installed in your kitchen. The positives of choosing this kind of egg cooker are that it often does the cooking quicker than a countertop model, and they are going to be easier to clean. Unfortunately, every set of eggs will all be the same level of doneness, so that you may need several cookers for boiling, poaching, and scrambling eggs.

Factors That Matter When Selecting an Egg Cooker

There are several things that you should consider when picking an egg cooker that will offer convenience in your kitchen. While capacity is regarded as the most important for most people, that doesn’t mean it’s the only thing that you should be looking at. Below, we’ll go over all the features that matter so you can make an educated decision.

Capacity

We mentioned that most people look at capacity first when deciding on the right egg cooker to purchase. That makes complete sense as a single person likely doesn't need to cook a dozen eggs at once, while a large family might be unhappy with a device that only poaches half a dozen or fewer eggs. What you need to do is think about how many eggs you typically make at one time and ensure that the egg cooker you decide on offers at least that capacity.

Flexibility

The top egg cookers are going to be the ones that let you cook your eggs in the manner that you like the most. If you are a huge fan of poached eggs, choosing a device with a bowl that offers that method should be a priority. Another huge perk for many is having an egg cooker that comes with omelet trays so you can make at least three different types of eggs using a single machine.

Materials

Egg cookers can be made of all sorts of different materials, but the most common are plastic, steel, and aluminum. For the interior of the cooker, you want something that offers a high heat conductivity; the exterior should be made of a non-conducting material. If you’re someone who likes to monitor dishes while they are cooking, a clear top might be a perk since it makes that much easier.

Size

We already talked about capacity, but the size is something different but no less critical. If you have a small kitchen with very little space, a compact egg maker is going to be the best option to fit your kitchen. On the other hand, if you have a massive kitchen with lots of extra counter space, you might be just fine choosing one of the most substantial egg cookers on our list.

Cooking Time

You likely want to choose an egg cooker that offers you fresh and ready eggs in only a few minutes. The good news is that most of the egg cookers you see will provide this ability to you. If this is something that you are prioritizing in your cooker, make sure you know what the average cook time is listed as for the model you plan to purchase.

Cleaning Needs

If you’re like many people, you’d prefer to have a unit that is easy to clean and can simply be placed in the dishwasher. When you choose this kind of egg cooker, typically, all the components except the base can be cleaned through the dishwasher. However, it’s always a good idea to read through the manufacturer’s instructions to determine what is possible and what isn’t.

Auto Shut-Off

Choosing an egg cooker that offers an automatic shut-off is useful since you don’t have to run over to the device and turn off the eggs the second that they are done cooking. Instead, the machine itself will turn off when the cooking is complete. If this is something that will make life easier for you during cooking, make sure the choice you make offers it.

A Maintenance Guide for Egg Cookers

Thankfully, egg cookers tend to be easy to clean, simple to use, and straightforward to handle. However, there are a few things you should be aware of if you want to extend the life of your egg cooker and keep it going for years to come. Follow the tips below to ensure your egg cooker will last:

• Only Use Indoors – An egg cooker should always be used indoors. It shouldn’t be used outdoors as it can cause overheating due to exposure to the sun. Also, outdoor use makes it easier for accidents to happen, such as water reaching the unit or a pet contacting the device.

• Use on Clean, Dry Surfaces – You should keep your egg cooker clean and dry at all times, and it should only be used on a surface with the same qualities. The base of the egg cooker should be kept away from water and other liquids. Allowing the egg cooker to contact water can result in an electrical shock that can injure you.
• Use Original Cords and Parts – If your egg cooker has a damaged cord, you should not use it. The same applies to electrical cords that did not come with the device. If you need extra parts such as a cord, lid, or try, it’s best to order it from the original manufacturer.
• Always Secure the Cord – Securing the cord of your egg cooker will keep you from accidentally pulling on it, which can overturn the device and result in serious injuries. You should also keep the cord far away from any heat sources, including the stove or flames. It’s also best to keep it away from water sources.
• Clean Before First Use – Your device should be cleaned outside and inside before you ever use it for the first time. The plastic or metal base can be wiped down using a clean, damp rag. You also should clean the bowl and trays by hand or in the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Also, removable parts of the egg cooker can be cleaned using warm water and a mild detergent. After washing, make sure you rinse them off and then dry them thoroughly. At this point, the egg cooker is ready for you to use.
• Make Use of the Measuring Cup – Some egg cookers will shut down if the water level falls too low because they include a low water protection system. However, not every device is going to offer this technology. If you do not add enough water, it can lead to a malfunction with the egg cooker.

You should also be careful when adding water to the egg cooker. Most companies recommend that you use a measuring cook to better estimate how much you are adding in. Be cautious when using the measuring cup, since many of them include an egg piercer on the bottom area.

• Clean After Each Use – Turn off the egg cooker and unplug it before you begin to clean it. You should also let the inside components get cool to avoid damaging the plastic when it touches your fingers or makes contact with cold water. Always clean using a mild cleaning product rather than an abrasive wipe.

• Prevent Build-Up and Stains – Using tap water means introducing minerals, which can lead to stains and limescale. Using distilled water is an excellent way to ensure your egg cooker lasts longer and has no problems during steaming.
• If your egg cooker has limescale, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar to remove it. These are safe products to clean the machine and will not cause issues to you while using them. More aggressive limescale removers are not recommended for this kind of appliance.

Conclusion

There is a wide selection of egg cookers on the market, so you are sure to find one that meets your needs. Everything from the capacity of the cooker to its price and design may play a part in deciding which is perfect for your kitchen. What’s important is thinking over your priorities and what is going to serve you well into the future.