The variety of egg cookers has expanded in recent years. There are many sizes and designs that employ different cooking techniques. The most basic self powered appliance would be the electric egg cooker, also referred to as an electric egg poacher, is primarily used to cook hard and soft boiled eggs. The cooking is usually controlled by the amount of water you add to the device before placing the eggs in the cooker. There is usually a convenient measuring jar that is marked at various levels depending on the number of eggs and the desired consistency (hard-boiled verses soft). Sometimes these cookers also have removable trays that allow you to us the cooker to steam or poach the eggs. The Oster 4716 and Krups 230-70 are both examples of this type of egg cooker.

Another variety of egg cooker is the toaster egg poacher. These machines are actually 2 small appliances in one-an egg poacher and toaster. Designed to be able to prepare the primary parts of a breakfast sandwich in just a few minutes, they have become quite popular. The Back to Basics TEM5 is the best selling egg poacher toaster probably because it sells for under just under $30.

There are actually several other options for cooking or poaching eggs. The traditional chef may still prefer to poach eggs the "correct" way by placing the raw egg in simmering liquid (usually water). Though this method may also produce excellent results, it does take some skill and practice. Should you opt for trying this method, here is a video that illustrates the technique. There are specially designed trays and containers specifically designed for cooking and poaching eggs in the microwave. This is a very inexpensive way to go, as numerous products are available for $5-$10. Just a caution; I did read about a person that bit into an egg that had been out of the microwave a few minutes, received a rather severe burn in his mouth.  Apparently this is not common as I could not find any other instances reported about this on the internet. It’s best to use caution with anything cooked in the microwave as they cook from the inside out.

There are so many options when it comes to egg cookers that the selection process can be a bit overwhelming. For more detailed information on many models of egg cookers and egg poachers, visit Electric Egg Poacher. Bon Appetit!

Chefscape TEMPR                                 West Bend 7822                                Back to Basics TEM500

West Bend 7822 Back to Basics TEM500 The new generation of electric egg poachers that also toast bread and English Muffins were prompted by the popularity of fast food breakfast sandwiches. With a poacher toaster it is now easy to make your own breakfast sandwich at home in a matter of minutes. Until recently Back to Basics dominated this type of egg poacher. But now both Chefscape and West Bend have added a poacher toaster to their line. Although the designs are quite similar, there is a difference in price. The Back to Basics TEM500 are $29.99, the West Bend 7822 is $49.95, while the Chefscape TEMPR-4 retails for $145.74.

This poacher manufactured by Fagor is a commercial grade poacher featuring a 1810 stainless steel saute’ pan with an integrated bottom for even heat distribution. Includes a 4-egg non-stick insert for poaching as well as a tempered glass lid. As several reviewers have noted; use tongs or other protection when handling the cups as they are hot!

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Though not technically an egg poacher because it steams eggs in a cup, the West Bend 86628 Automatic Egg Cooker is an traditional egg cooker for hard and soft boiled eggs as well as an egg poacher. The devise is dead simple to use…simple fill the measuring container to the level corresponding to the number of eggs you are cooking p[our into the base, place the eggs in the cooker and just wait. An alarm will sound when the eggs are done. Cooks up to 7 eggs in the cooking mode, and can poach up to 4 eggs at a time.

Just Added: West Bend 86628 Automatic Egg Cooker Video Review/”