It is not always possible to boil an egg with exactly the desired result: soft-boiled, in a bag or hard-boiled in the traditional way on the stove. You can either undercook it and end up with a too runny yolk, or you can overcook it and it turns out too dense. And due to the slightest careless action when lowering an egg into water during cooking, the shell may crack and some of its contents may leak out. The finished product is not attractive. A completely different result can be obtained in an electric egg cooker: this kitchen appliance takes the process of boiling eggs to a whole new level.
Benefits of using an egg boiler
An egg cooker is a kitchen electrical appliance that allows the housewife to significantly simplify the process of preparing boiled eggs with exact adherence to the recipes of various dishes:
- stuffed eggs;
- “Olivier” salad or any other where this product is included as a boiled ingredient;
- pates;
- onion and egg pies and much more.
To use an egg boiler, no special skills are required, and the instructions included with the device clearly explain all the nuances. Studying the instruction manual is especially important if the model is automatic and equipped with additional equipment, for example, for preparing fried eggs for 2 eggs.
Pros of using an electric egg cooker:
- eggs never crack;
- the quality of the product meets the required consistency;
- automatic adjustment of the cooking process;
- economical water consumption;
- You can do other things while boiling eggs.
Advantages and disadvantages of egg boilers
The choice of egg boiler model depends on the area of application. At first glance, its necessity is not clear. There are actually advantages.
- The first thing we noticed was the low water consumption in electric models. If this is important (in country conditions with bottles), take the appropriate egg boiler. For six pieces you need 50 grams of water. It's just a record. Water savings are 90 percent or more. You should not boil eggs in dirty water. Mineral substances easily penetrate the shell, so it doesn’t take long to get poisoned. Chicken excrement easily penetrates inside, giving the food a disgusting taste. Wash your eggs.
- A buzzer is convenient in other cases. This will allow you not to be distracted while going about your business. I'm pleased with the persistence of the timer. We believe that the day is not far off when the egg cooker will cook on a timer and wake up the owner in the morning with a cheerful buzz. Choose a good egg cooker and no need for an alarm clock.
- Molds are simply great for inventing original recipes for cooking eggs. Pepper, coriander, milk, cumin will make a good omelette. Egg cookers often come with spoons for separating the whites or egg slicers. Before purchasing, look for recipes for delicious omelettes to try out the dishes on the capabilities of the molds.
- The opportunity to get boiled eggs is valuable for many: sometimes you miss the time, sometimes you pour the salt incorrectly. Eggs pierced in the bottom of a measuring cup do not crack. This is also important because you don’t want to wash the shells with bird excrement. You will still have to do some cleaning in the egg boiler, but the steamed shell can be easily washed under the tap. The device will have to be washed; from this point of view, the molds look better.
Eggs are in first place among the causes of salmonellosis. Please use caution. The bacterium dies in careful cooking. It is prohibited to consume soft-boiled eggs.
How the device works
The classic electric egg cooker is quite simple. It includes the following structural elements:
- heat-insulated tank with lid;
- removable tray (the number of cells varies depending on the model);
- electric heater built into the housing;
- device control elements (on/off button, cooking mode regulator, light indicators and others);
- additional functionality depending on the model.
The power source of the device is a household electrical network.
Boiling eggs in an egg cooker is easy. A tray with a raw product is placed inside the tank and filled with water.
Before laying, eggs must be pierced with a special needle, which is necessarily provided in the design of the apparatus. This is done so that the shell does not crack during cooking due to excess pressure inside.
Next, close the lid of the device, select the desired mode and initiate the cooking process. Cooking takes a few minutes. Most of the models offered on the market have a timer and an automatic shutdown system.
Varieties
Depending on the cooking method, appliances are divided into two classes: electric and for cooking in a microwave oven. By form factor there are:
- classic immersion type egg cooker;
- apparatus for steaming eggs;
- molds for boiling eggs without shells (poached).
Microwave egg cooker
The device for boiling eggs in the microwave is designed according to the classic model, with the only difference being that there is no heating element with a power cord. The egg cooker is a container with a lid made of microwave-friendly material and an egg holder tray. The device loaded in the classical way is sent to the microwave for a few minutes.
A pan made in the shape of a chicken for boiling eggs in the microwave is popular among housewives: it is convenient to use and looks nice.
Devices for boiling eggs without shells
The device consists of a mold with a tight-fitting lid. The contents of the egg are poured into the container, after which the mold is tightly fixed with a lid. The devices prepared for cooking are immersed in boiling water for several minutes. Molds for poaching eggs are made of high-quality heat-resistant food-grade plastic.
Types of egg boilers
Today, two lines of egg cookers are worthy of attention.
Boiling eggs in shell
The first family is designed for boiling whole eggs. The models are varied, but the essence is the presence of a water tray. A little higher is a mold for 4 or more eggs; the structure is covered with a lid on top. Cooking is done by steaming. The designers solved the problem that had haunted the minds of scientists and ordinary people for centuries: which side to break an egg on.
Electric egg cooker
There is no choice in devices of this type. Before cooking, use the back side (bottom) of the measuring cup to pierce the blunt side of the egg with a needle. They are placed in a cooking mold with the hole facing down. If the white begins to flow out, do the opposite.
I would especially like to note the small measuring cup, where the number of eggs to be boiled is marked. The volume of water poured into the pan depends on this. The videos show that you need to fill this container to the top. Then the water is drained to the risk. Before using the egg cooker, you should read the instructions. Eggs are boiled in three ways:
- Hard-boiled.
- Soft-boiled.
- In a bag.
If the water is measured correctly, the egg boiler will guarantee the desired result. The device with its audible buzzer persistently attracts attention, you cannot miss the moment. The buzzer will not give rest until the person pays attention.
The devices are not necessarily electrical. There will be at least one plastic pan with a mold used inside the microwave oven. It is unclear how the time and mode are determined (each model’s magnetron power gradation is different), but we believe that the information is included in the instructions. We have already talked about a pressure cooker for microwave ovens, but one thing confuses us: the platform with holes for installing eggs seems to be made of aluminum, but metal objects cannot be placed in the working compartment; it can even be burned in the microwave. Will the instructions explain the nuance? Unknown.
No salt is placed inside, cooking is done by steam, and the amount of water is minimal. Frankly, we think that this type of egg boiler was invented to save money. Of course, established modes for all types of operations help to guarantee the desired result. Cracked eggs cannot be boiled this way; we had to invent a device for boiling eggs without shells.
Boiling eggs without shells
Using plastic molds, eggs are boiled without shells. We do not recommend this method; the polymer does not benefit humans. This is frankly stated in advertisements for expensive electric kettles, but with egg boilers the policy is different. Using this technology, fill the containers with water and carry out a full cycle. Now about the design.
Set for boiling eggs without shells
Eggs are boiled without shells. The contents are poured through a small neck into a small plastic container reminiscent of a Kinder Surprise. The shape is different from egg-shaped to make it easier to remove the finished product. Please note: there is no need to grease the molds with sunflower oil. Before cooking, it is permissible to pour hot spices into the liquid egg and add a little milk, creating a unique taste.
The second advantage of boiling is the ability to cook slightly cracked eggs. The shell is broken for pouring. A timer is used to control time. The alarm clock is configured to respond to temperature, the initial conditions are always different. If you immediately throw the molds into boiling water, the process will speed up.
If the previous egg cooker was electric, we use this one on any cooking surface. Small molds are easy to store. Plastic containers easily fit into the refrigerator tray intended for eggs.
Mechanical egg cooker
The disadvantages of this type of egg boiler are also visible:
- There are no more water savings. The molds are thrown into the pan. The amount of water is not important, the main thing is the availability of space. Boiling differs from traditional cooking by the ability to cook broken eggs, the absence of the need to add salt and, of course, the addition of spices if necessary. Of course, the process is monitored by a timer thrown into the pan. The device is mechanical, the equipment will not be damaged. It is not known whether it is permissible to boil chicken (quail) eggs in the shell with it, but the idea is good. Try it!
- There is no buzzer, you cannot move away from the pan. By the way, it is not a fact that in the first type of egg cookers the bell signal turns off the power. For example, in yogurt makers the device beeps while continuing to heat.
- They say that steaming makes the protein tender. Is this a disadvantage? Decide for yourself.
Let's add that the molds resemble a float for vertical placement of containers in the water. The shape of boiled eggs is fundamentally different from the traditional one. It is more of a dome with a flat base. But, as they say in the advertisement, the eggs don’t roll around on the plate. We cook outdoors and in the country, on gas and electric stoves, on a fire - wherever your heart desires. Small molds can easily fit into a backpack and weigh nothing. Only follow safety precautions.
Eggs in an egg boiler
Important points when choosing an electric model
The range of devices presented on store shelves is wide. Despite the narrow specialization, buying a suitable egg boiler for the family is not so easy. You should pay attention not only to the dimensions, appearance of the device and price, but also to important technical parameters:
- quality of materials of the case and removable tray;
- thermal insulation of the device;
- power,
- maximum number of boiled eggs per cycle,
- overheat protection mechanism;
- additional devices.
Design
The body of the device can be made of heat-resistant plastic (budget option) or stainless steel (premium class). Some manufacturers use special durable glass as a lid. Most models are equipped with measuring cups with divisions that accurately reflect the level of water required for boiling eggs with different yolk consistencies.
Manufacturers specify the level of thermal insulation in the operating instructions for the device. The higher it is, the better.
Power
The power rating of devices presented in stores varies from 280 to 400 W. Moreover, the more product an egg cooker can prepare per cycle, the higher the power consumption indicator should be.
Number of eggs
The tray holding eggs, depending on the model, can have from 3 to 7-8 compartments. When boiling eggs, partial loading of the cells is allowed. This means that 1-2 pieces can be cooked in any device.
Additional options
High-quality devices are equipped with a protective mechanism against overheating: automatic shutdown is triggered when idle, and an audible signal sounds when the working cycle is complete. On sale you can find a device with additional functions: special devices for preparing poached eggs, preparing steamed fried eggs. The price of such an electric assistant is higher than a highly specialized model.
Choosing an egg boiler: important points
Despite the simplicity of this device, different models of egg cookers have different technical characteristics. Therefore, when thinking about how to choose an egg boiler, the first thing you need to do is study its parameters.
As when choosing any other electronic device, when buying an egg cooker, first of all, you should pay attention to its power. The power of a standard egg cooker ranges from 280 to 400 watts. Moreover, this indicator depends on the number of cells for cooking eggs - the more eggs you can cook in an egg cooker at the same time, the higher its power.
The next parameter that buyers are interested in is the number of egg holders. A standard egg cooker can cook three to eight eggs at a time. At the same time, if you choose an egg boiler, for example, with four cells, it is not at all necessary to fill them completely during use. You can boil even one egg in an egg cooker, leaving the remaining cells empty.
Some egg cookers also come with a special tray for preparing poached eggs. To prepare eggs in this way, you need to pour some water into a container, install a special tray in the device, grease its cells with butter and pour the eggs into them. In addition, some specially equipped egg cooker models also provide the ability to steam fried eggs. This supplement will be very useful for those who prefer dietary and healthy eating.
Steamed eggs in an egg boiler
Steamed eggs in an egg cooker
On the control panel of the simplest appliances there is only one button to turn the egg cooker on and off. Almost always it is equipped with a light indicator, which allows you to determine the readiness of the products. Some models additionally have a sound indicator, which indicates the readiness of the eggs with a loud sound signal. Additionally, the egg cooker can be equipped with an electronic timer. This addition allows you to set a specific mode for cooking eggs in one way or another. For example, to cook hard-boiled eggs, it is enough to set the timer for 4 minutes, and to boil a soft-boiled egg, it will take 3 minutes, etc. Recommendations for setting the time for cooking eggs in different ways are usually prescribed in the instructions that come with the device.
There is also an egg boiler with automatic shut-off. A device of this type turns off automatically at the end of the set mode. In addition, these egg cookers have an automatic shutdown function if the device overheats.
The standard set of equipment for an egg cooker often includes a measuring cup with marks on the amount of water required for cooking eggs in different ways.
How to use an egg boiler
How to boil eggs in an egg cooker
How to choose an egg boiler
Egg cooker with automatic shut-off
Review of popular devices
You can find out how well an egg boiler model of a particular brand works by reading user reviews. We will present three devices that were popular among buyers in 2017.
Bosch TEK-3002
A Bosch brand device is suitable for the needs of a small family. It is designed to cook a maximum of 3 eggs in one cycle. Model power 280 W. The device is made of high quality plastic. The cooking mode is regulated by the amount of water poured. The lid is also a measuring cup for measuring the volume of water, equipped with a needle for piercing the shell. The device signals the end of the cooking process with a sound signal. If there is no water in the tank, automatic shutdown is triggered. The price of the model is 1,100 – 1,200 rubles.
Siemens TE 12007
The Siemens brand egg cooker is capable of boiling 7 eggs per cycle. The power of the electrical appliance is 350 W. The case is plastic. The kit includes a measuring cup with a punch needle. The model is equipped with a timer and a sound signal at the end of cooking, as well as a light indicator. The cover of the device is transparent, the case has a compartment for storing the power cord. The price of the model is 1100 – 1200 rubles.
Model Profi Cook PC-EK 1084
A multifunctional device designed for use in a large family. Device power 400 W. Capable of boiling 8 eggs in one cycle. The set, in addition to a measuring cup with a punching needle, includes molds for preparing omelettes or steamed eggs. The device is equipped with an auto-shutdown mechanism, a sound alert, and a light indicator. The case is made of stainless steel, equipped with a niche for storing the power cord. The average cost of a family-type device is about 2,600 rubles.
TOP 7 best electric egg cookers
Based on customer reviews, the best models were:
- ProfiCook PC-EK 1139;
- Clatronic EK 3497;
- FIRST AUSTRIA FA-5115-3;
- Clatronic EK 3321;
- Steba EK 3;
- Bomann EK 5022 CB;
- Tristar EK-3074.
Let's take a closer look at them.
ProfiCook PC-EK 1139
Multifunctional egg cooker for preparing eight eggs and an omelet. For the last dish, special removable trays have been added to the set. When cooking is complete, the appliance beeps. The system is equipped with three operating modes, light indication, automatic shutdown, and overheating protection. The egg tray has a non-stick coating, making it easy to clean after each cooking. Rubberized feet ensure ideal stability of the equipment on any surface. There is a transparent lid with a hole for steam to escape. To boil eggs, you need to place them in cells and add a small amount of water. To prepare an omelet, just break the shell, pour the contents into the tray and turn on the device. Everything is simple and clear.
| Power, W | 400 |
| Cord length, cm | 0.7 |
| Purpose | Boiling eggs, making an omelet |
| Peculiarities | Indication, auto shut-off, overheat protection |
Cost - from 2,500 rubles.
pros
- capacity;
- convenient use;
- stylish design;
- good equipment;
- functionality;
- three operating modes;
- easy cleansing;
- compactness and light weight.
Minuses
- It is difficult to choose a mode to obtain an egg of a certain consistency.
I think that this egg cooker is simply an irreplaceable thing in the kitchen. We no longer use the pan and wait for the eggs to cook. I load the products, turn on the mode, and in a few minutes I get delicious, healthy eggs. Children love to have breakfast with omelette prepared in this device. Everything is great, I recommend it.
ProfiCook PC-EK 1139
Clatronic EK 3497
Lightweight, compact, and most importantly a useful assistant in preparing your favorite breakfast. An egg boiler will not take up much space in the kitchen and will always be in demand in any kitchen. The design includes a convenient holder with six compartments. It is convenient to take it out along with the eggs using a plastic handle. To get an egg of different consistency, just pierce the shell and turn on the device. The system has built-in overheating protection and sound indication. There is a stylish transparent lid and a container with a non-stick coating. The results of using the model are impressive, since the user receives tender and dietary eggs at any time of the day.
| Power, W | 400 |
| Cable length, cm | 0.7 |
| Area of use | Boiling eggs |
| Distinctive couples | Cooks six eggs at a time, one operating mode, removable stand, steam vent |
Price - from 1,500 rubles.
pros
- good cooking performance;
- high quality plastic;
- capacity;
- stable work;
- optimal functionality;
- stylish appearance;
- simple cleansing;
- intuitive controls.
Minuses
- average build quality;
- short cord.
This is one of the cheapest egg cookers, but it guarantees perfectly cooked eggs. While the device performs its function, I can calmly do other things. The device is compact in size, so it can be left on the table. I note that the body requires careful handling. Any inaccurate movement leads to damage to the plastic. In other respects everything is excellent, I recommend it to everyone.
Clatronic EK 3497
FIRST AUSTRIA FA-5115-3
Here is a compact device for boiling eggs and preparing omelettes. It is equipped with a special tray for creating poached eggs and a removable tray for placing eight eggs. There is a mechanical timer for heating finished products, a sound signal for notification, an automatic shutdown system, and overload protection. The transparent lid allows you to monitor the process, and the rubberized feet ensure reliable adhesion of the equipment to the surface. A special compartment on the case is designed for compact storage of the power cord.
| Power, W | 500 |
| Cable length, cm | 1.5 |
| Purpose | Cooking poached eggs, omelette and boiling eggs |
| Peculiarities | Removable stands and trays, automatic shut-off, timer |
Cost - from 1,800 rubles.
pros
- convenient timer;
- excellent stability;
- automatic shutdown upon completion of the cooking process;
- good equipment;
- well-designed design;
- convenient use;
- stylish design.
Minuses
- overheating of the product when using the timer.
I liked everything about this egg cooker except the timer. Once he did not heat the omelette, but turned it into a dark dish. Now I use the device without a timer, but these are minor things. In general, the device copes with the assigned tasks quite well. The eggs are peeled neatly, making for beautiful snacks. I will recommend you to buy.
FIRST AUSTRIA FA-5115-3
Clatronic EK 3321
Here is a compact device for instantly preparing a healthy and satisfying breakfast. The model is made of stainless steel and shows excellent resistance to mechanical stress and sudden temperature changes. There is a convenient plastic handle for safe removal of the cover. The power is enough to cook the product in a matter of minutes. In this case, the user can get hard-boiled, soft-boiled eggs in a bag. The system has three temperature settings, a sound signal, and a cable storage compartment. Even a beginner will understand the operating process: you need to place the eggs, pour a small amount of water and turn on the desired mode. After use, be sure to wipe the internal elements.
| Power, W | 400 |
| Cord length, cm | 0.7 |
| Area of use | For boiling eggs, making omelettes |
| Distinctive features | Timer, sound alert, removable trays, metal lid |
Price - from 2,500 rubles.
pros
- fashionable design;
- protective metal cover;
- several cooking modes;
- timer;
- indication;
- comfortable plastic handle;
- full set.
Minuses
- low pallet quality;
- Water evaporates quickly.
I really liked this egg cooker. Looks luxurious next to other kitchen appliances. Performs its functions perfectly. Poached eggs turn out excellent. The family liked the omelet and soft-boiled eggs. Now we have interesting dishes for breakfast, especially the children enjoy their food. I recommend it.
Clatronic EK 3321
Steba EK 3
This device is an egg steamer. Designed for boiling eggs, preparing omelettes, creating vegetable side dishes, and preparing dietary meat dishes. Equipped with a large transparent lid with special holes for steam removal. Light indication, sound notification, and cable compartment add convenience to the operation process. Thanks to the overheating protection system, the egg cooker will last as long as possible. The design is securely fixed even on a smooth surface due to the rubberized legs. The model looks beautiful, elegant and modern.
| Power, W | 350 |
| Cable length, cm | 0.7 |
| Purpose | Cooking healthy food, boiling six eggs |
| Peculiarities | Steamer system, one operating mode |
Cost - from 2,100 rubles.
pros
- rich equipment, including a variety of trays for various products;
- the desired degree of cooking of eggs is always achieved;
- steamer function;
- ideal results for cooking vegetables and meat products;
- useful options;
- sustainability;
- attractiveness.
Minuses
- large eggs will not fit six people;
- gets very dirty, but washes off easily.
If you are looking for a cool egg boiler at a very affordable price, I recommend buying this model. It comes in handy when you need to prepare a delicious and healthy breakfast for a large family. It copes with its functions. But it gets very dirty. You have to wash it with a special cleaning agent.
Steba EK 3
Bomann EK 5022 CB
Standard egg cooker without extra options. But despite its simplicity, it helps cook up to six eggs at a time. Equipped with one operating mode, a standard set of functions in the form of sound notification, light indication, and overheating protection. It has a non-stick coating, a lid and a removable stand for placing eggs. Cooking in an egg cooker is not only convenient, but also fast.
| Power, W | 400 |
| Cord length, cm | 0.7 |
| Area of use | To boil six eggs |
| Distinctive features | Timer |
Price - from 1,600 rubles.
pros
- convenient use;
- simple timer control;
- pleasant sound signal;
- standard set;
- good power indicators;
- cord storage compartment;
- durability and reliability.
Minuses
- difficult cleansing.
For this price, the egg boiler is excellent. Place the eggs, set them, turn them on and wait for the signal. Nothing more is required. I didn't like the coating of the internal parts. They are very difficult to wash and quickly spoil the appearance of the model.
Bomann EK 5022 CB
Tristar EK-3074
Let’s complete our rating with an interesting egg cooker, the body of which resembles an egg. It helps you cook up to seven eggs at a time. Equipped with a removable tray, automatic shut-off system and sound signal. There is a power button and a transparent cover. Thanks to its streamlined shape, the model is easy to clean from food debris. There is a convenient design handle on the side of the case for safe use.
| Power, W | 350 |
| Cable length, cm | 0.7 |
| Purpose | Boil up to seven eggs |
| Peculiarities | Push Button Switches |
Cost - from 1,200 rubles.
pros
- convenient control;
- increased tray volume;
- exclusive design;
- robust design;
- large button to turn on and off;
- perfect cooking results.
Minuses
- non-switchable buzzer;
- loud signal.
This egg boiler just disappointed me. It doesn’t turn off on its own, doesn’t wash well, and rings loudly, like a Soviet alarm clock. It cooks well, but its disadvantages noticeably cover up its main advantages. I recommend paying attention to another model.
Tristar EK-3074
