The Convenience of an Egg Poacher

An egg poacher is a device used to poach an egg. It is a more convenient method of making poached eggs than the traditional method, which consists of simmering an egg without a shell in water or broth.

Since an egg cooked in a poacher never touches the water, a poacher actually cooks the egg by steaming. Poached eggs are healthier because they are usually cooked without any oil except for what is needed to prevent the eggs from sticking to the poacher.

Some people may wonder why egg poachers are even necessary. Well, traditional poaching in water can be difficult to master. If the eggs are not fresh, the whites can run and cause the eggs to be irregular. A poacher can keep the eggs in a nice compact shape so that they don’t look like amoeba blobs. Eggs cooked in a poacher don’t need constant attention, so that other components of the meal can be made at the same time. It’s also easy to clean up a poacher, especially if it has a non-stick coating.

There are many types of egg poachers on the market. Some are full pan units that are used on the stove. They have an insert and little cups that hold the eggs above the cooking water. These are nice for making several eggs at a time. If the cups aren’t non-stick, oil or cooking spray can be helpful in keeping the eggs from sticking. There is also such thing as a single egg poacher on the market that makes just one poached egg at a time, a great item for a single person.

Some egg poachers are metal spoons designed to hang on the edge of the pan, or individual poacher cups that are made of metal, silicone or plastic. These are placed into the boiling water with the eggs cooking inside. Poaching rings can be put directly into the water, with the eggs then placed into the rings. They come in various shapes and sizes to make fancy designs.

Eggs can be poached in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl, though eggs cooked this way need to have the yolk pierced so they don‘t explode, and they can be rubbery if overcooked. A better alternative would be to use a microwave egg poacher made of microwave safe materials. There are single, double or multiple poachers which produce acceptable results.

An electric egg poacher is possibly the easiest, hands-off method of making poached eggs. Depending on the brand, they can make two to eight eggs at a time. Electric egg poachers have a water reservoir, a poaching dish for the eggs, an automatic timer and a thermostat to maintain an even temperature throughout the cooking process to make perfectly poached eggs.

Most department stores carry egg poachers of some type, and specialty items can be ordered over the internet. Regardless of the type, all poachers are convenient to use and much easier than the traditional method. They all produce acceptable results, and are efficient at making easy poached eggs.

If you found this article interesting or helpful, be sure to check out my butchers block, meat slicer, and popcorn popper articles!