How to use a microwave egg poacher

Start your day right with perfectly made poached eggs in the microwave.

poached eggs

by Sophie Thompson |
Updated on

Poached eggs, with their high protein content and delightful taste, continue to reign as the quintessential healthy breakfast option. This healthy breakfast is high in protein and super delicious but is also notoriously difficult to get just right. Microwave egg poachers not only deliver tasty results, but they're also user-friendly for beginners and breakfast pros alike.

Some even have added functionality, making them an all-around tool for your breakfast needs. You simply need to crack the egg into the poacher, set the microwave timer, and voila. You've got perfectly cooked eggs with minimal cleanup involved. A microwave-poached egg maker is the perfect kitchen gadget if you’re on a budget and not on the hunt for anything fancy. In just minutes, you can whip up perfectly runny eggs that look like they’ve come from a restaurant. No need to hunt down the best saucepan sets, and they go perfectly with buttered toast.

Best microwave egg poacher at a glance

Best double egg poacher: good2heat Microwave 2 Egg Poacher - View Offer at Wayfair
Best all-rounder egg poacher: Morphy Richards Microwave Egg Poacher - View Offer on Amazon UK
Best egg poacher with clear lid: ProCook Microwave Egg Poacher, Set of 2 - View Offer at ProCook

You can find them in a range of colours and styles, fitting into any kitchen décor with ease. Plus, their compact size ensures they won’t hog up unnecessary space on your kitchen counter or in your cabinets. Safety is another key factor to consider, and the products we have listed are made from high-quality plastic that is BPA-free and non-toxic, ensuring that your eggs are cooked safely. Just remember, never microwave an egg in its shell, as may explode.

Additionally, most of them come with a secure lid to prevent any spillages or messes, making your egg-poaching experience even more convenient. So, whether you’re looking to make a quick, protein-packed breakfast before work or if you want to impress guests with sophisticated eggs, these microwave egg poachers are an absolute game-changer.

Best microwave egg poachers

Best cooker for all poached, scrambled and omelette

Sistema 1117ZS Microwave Egg Cooker Easy Eggs - Microwave Poached Egg Maker

Rrp: $13.43

Price: $8.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$15.02View offer

Description

In this microwave container, cook a poached egg to perfection. Featuring distinctive locking clips and team release vents in the lid for splatter-free heating, this Sistema 1117ZS Microwave Egg Cooker Easy Eggs is cool to the touch with an easy lift tab for safe handling. It's also safe for the dishwasher, fridge and freezer. Not only that, but it's compatible with those wanting to make a mini omelette or scrambled eggs. We love its simplicity and versatility.

Customer review: "Does poach, scramble, omelette and so easy to use and clean. Comes with trials and errors depending on the power of your microwave. It’s very handy to read other reviewers' experiences first hand. I was so impressed with the results, I purchased two."

Pros

  • Steam release vents for splatter-free microwave reheating
  • BPA free
  • Dishwasher (top rack), microwave, fridge and freezer safe

Cons

  • Trial and error to get it right with each microwave

Best all-rounder egg poacher

Description

Part of the Morphy Richards MICO range, this is a pretty chic offering as far as microwave-poached egg makers go. Not only is it sturdy, but it also has cool-touch silicone, so there's little danger of scalding yourself. The Morphy Richards Microwave Egg Poacher is dishwasher-safe, and you can even try your hand at making fried eggs in it, as well as poached.

Customer review: "Because we are so happy, if not to say enthusiastic, we even bought all three Morphy Richards microwave ovens over time. So we have the egg, the toastie and the baked potato maker. Finally, you can use these microwaves to prepare snacks super-fast and really super delicious in the micro. Results like from the oven or from the stove!"

Pros

  • Two interchangeable plates for versatile results
  • Great food from your microwave and perfect for small spaces
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Sleeker than others which may not be necessary

Best double egg poacher

Description

Experience effortless egg poaching with the good2heat Microwave 2 Egg Poacher. This budget-friendly gem can perfectly cook two eggs at once, ensuring a hassle-free breakfast. Its stain-resistant design and dishwasher-friendly features make cleaning a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing. Take your mornings to the next level – and you'll never look back

Customer review: "Great way to do poached eggs you can do two at once."

Pros

  • Excellent value
  • Simple and effective

Cons

  • Doesn't state material quality

Best egg poacher with clear lid

ProCook Microwave Egg Poacher, Set of 2
Price: £5.95 (RRP £7.50)

www.procook.co.uk

Description

If speed is your top priority when it comes to poaching eggs, these ProCook Microwave Egg Poacher, Set of 2 are perfect. They come in sets of two, but hold individual eggs, and best of all, in just 40 seconds you can be tucking in. It's dishwasher-safe and comes with a one-year guarantee for extra peace of mind if you're a beginner.

Pros

  • 2-piece set
  • BPA-free
  • Dishwasher safe 
  • Comes with a clear lid

Cons

  • No customer review

Best egg poacher for one

Description

For fuss-free poached eggs, this Joseph Joseph M-Pouch Microwave Egg Poacher is a neatly designed microwave poacher. The egg sits in a little basket and there's a lid to prevent spattering. To serve, simply lift the yellow basket out of the cooking pot and your perfectly cooked poached egg will release with ease.

Customer review: "I've always struggled to make the perfect poached egg, this little product makes it so easy and great eggs every time."

Pros

  • Neat design
  • Premium brand
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • A little trial and error to get the microwave timings right

Best microwave egg poacher for four eggs

Description

Enjoy perfect poached eggs in minutes with the Microwave Egg Poacher 4 Cup from Baanfly. It has a three tier design, with an easy to remove cooking basket, lid and water cups. It's ideal for a family weekend breakfast, for easy poached eggs, and minimal clean-up.

Customer review: "Off the bat this does make very good poached eggs. We are still experimenting with timing as it does vary quite a lot if you are doing one or two eggs. 40-50 seconds from cold in 1000W microwave. 60-70 seconds for two eggs. Always prick the yolk with a cocktail stick or such. I always rub a little butter over the inside of the egg holders it helps the eggs slide out and also minimises residue."

Pros

  • Great for a family
  • Time saving
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Customers comment that this product doesn't come with instructions

Best budget microwave egg poacher

Description

Handy for a quick snack at home or at the office, this Microwave It 2 Cup Egg Poacher is lightweight, BPA-free and an convenient way to make poached eggs in a hurry.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • No product specific customer reviews

FAQs: Microwave egg poacher

How do I use a microwave egg poacher?

1) Fill the rounded cups just below halfway with water. If you have more rounded cups than you intend to use, just ignore the ones you don’t need, it won’t impact the process.

2) Pop the lid back on and put it into the microwave on full power for 60 seconds. During this time the water will start to boil and bubble... it means it’s working!

3) Once the timer is up, remove the egg maker from the microwave. Be careful, as it’ll likely be very hot, and the water will be boiling. Remove the lid, place your eggs gently into the water and reseal the lid once again.

4) This next part depends purely on a) how you like your eggs and b) what your individual egg poacher recommends in terms of timings. Typically it’s recommended to put the poacher back in the microwave for 120 seconds, but you can usually gauge how cooked your eggs are by looking through the lid, or pausing every so often to check. For a runny egg, you’ll be looking at around 80 seconds.

5) Once you’re happy with how soft or hard your eggs are, simply plate up with your favourite kind of buttered toast.

Sophie Thompson is a freelance writer and editor, having spent her career so far at some of the biggest names in the industry, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour UK, and The LADBible Group.

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