The Best Egg Poachers

Elite Cuisine Easy Egg Cooker

Eggsactly right

This electric egg cooker cooks perfect eggs however it is you like them.

Best Overall

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Okay, so I know I said that the joy is in the process of trying, but this easy egg cooker from Elite Cuisine is exactly what it claims to be: easy. You can use this super versatile cooker as a way to cook the perfect eggs, whether that means poached, scrambled, soft, or hard-boiled, or even as an omelette. With a poached egg tray, various other cooking compartments, and enough space for seven eggs, you can take all of the guesswork out of the process and simply enjoy your meal.

Pros:

• Less mess and complication when making eggs
• Great option for dorm living

Cons:

• It’s recommended to use distilled water when using this egg cooker

Cozilife Silicone Egg Poaching Cups

Versatility is the name of the game

These silicone poachers work to keep your egg perfectly cooked and shaped.

Best Silicone Set

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Made of silicone, these poaching cups can withstand heat and will outlast other types of materials typically used for egg poaching cups. Silicone tends to be nonstick (although it is recommended to use a spray oil prior to poaching), so these poaching cups are super easy to use when it comes to creating the most delicious poached egg recipes. Curious how they work? The poacher sits directly on the pan, which works to protect it from the rolling action of the water. Because you can watch while they cook, you’ll be able to craft your eggs exactly to your liking. If poached eggs are notoriously difficult for you, these poachers will be your new best friend in the kitchen.

Pros:

• Easy to clean (flip the cup over and wash it by hand or in the dishwasher)
• Microwave-safe
• Multi-functional; not just for poaching eggs
• Cooking a poached egg in a mold helps to preserve the nutritional content of an egg

Cons:

• It takes a bit to figure out how to properly remove the poacher cup from the water; it may help to use tongs and a spoon together to keep the cup upright

Cuisipro Stainless Steel Egg Poacher

Take the dive

With adjustable handles, these egg droppers lower into the water to keep your poached eggs in place.

Best Droppers

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Aside from how cute these little egg poachers are, they actually work really well to poach your eggs. The hook that hangs on the edge of your pan is fully adjustable, meaning that these can be used for virtually any pot. The design of this poacher allows for maximum circulation of water while keeping the eggs’ shape exactly as you need. What does this all mean? Simple: you’ll end up with a perfectly poached egg every single time.

Pros:

• Easy to clean; you can even pop it in the dishwasher
• Designed with draining holes, which makes removal of the eggs easy
• The hanging hook allows for stability and functionality on a variety of pots

Cons:

• You’ll want to use a nonstick spray prior to use, as the cooked egg can stick to the inside of the poacher

OXO Good Grips Silicone Egg Poachers

Old school is the best school

If you love a traditionally made poached egg, you're going to love these traditional-style egg cups.

Best Old-Fashioned

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Designed specifically to mimic the traditional method — the water bath technique — these silicone egg poachers work quickly and effortlessly to create the ideal environment for the best poached eggs. Although the design might look a little funny, it has a purpose: the funnel allows for proper water flow, which in turn means you’ll have an evenly cooked egg. Your results will be an ideal poached egg — one that’s perfectly shaped and optimally cooked — all with zero mess and no hassle.

Pros:

• Silicone is heat-resistant, easy to clean, and collapses for space-saving storage
• Silicone tab design that allows for safe removal from hot water
• No need to buy a separate pan; all you need is a few of these and you’ll be able to create as many poached eggs as your belly desires

Cons:

• For those who prefer a hassle-free cooking experience, this egg poacher does come with a bit of a learning curve

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my poached eggs fall apart?

This is a question that has haunted mankind for eternity. Though the answer is complicated, the solution is less so. Making poached eggs that don’t fall apart gets a lot easier with a poached egg machine. When you use one of these, you typically don’t have to take a guess at the water being the proper temperature. If you love cooking for the art and science of it, egg poachers can take some of the fun out of it; however, until you get the hang of it, you run the risk of ruining your poached eggs. Troubleshooting is pretty easy, and you’ll figure it out as you go along. Example? Your poached eggs keep falling apart. Solution? Add your eggs at precisely the right temperature. If it’s too hot, your egg will break; too cool, and the white and the yoke will separate.

What should you look for, then? A rolling boil is a sign that your water is too hot. No simmering yet? Your water isn’t hot enough. Wait until your water is simmering, and then gently add your eggs.

Which is better for poaching: fresh eggs or older eggs?

The fresher the egg, the better the poach. You know those weird little wispy white strings in the water you sometimes see floating about? Those are a sure sign of an older egg. When old eggs are done poaching, their white parts won’t be nice and tight like you’d want from a properly poached egg.

Can you refrigerate poached eggs?

Though it may surprise you, yes, you can. Once you’ve finished poaching your eggs, store them in an ice-water bath and keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you are ready to eat them, add hot water to a bowl or cup, put in the already-poached egg, and wait about 30 seconds until the egg is warmed up completely.