Pods/cups: With the egg fully supported whilst sitting in the cup, the entire pod or cup is lowered into the simmering water before being carefully lifted out once the eggs are ready. Generally easy to use, the pods and cups can generally be used with more than one in a pan and are convenient to store, but less efficient for poaching more than two or three at a time. Cups/dishes – Poaching cups or dishes are available in a variety of styles but are typically half spheres that cradle the egg. They can float on top of the water or hook onto the side of the pan and cook in a firm semi-circle shape. Whilst single-use only, these pouches are biodegradable and recyclable. However, the fact they’re disposable means they’re not the most cost-effective option for more regular use. Here’s the picture of the cooked eggs after I flipped them – look how much nicer it looks compared with the previous picture! We make eggs poached using OXO egg poachers.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Caspianberg) Our verdict

Once you’re happy with how soft or hard your eggs are, simply plate up with your favourite kind of buttered toast. 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. Best microwave egg poacher at a glance: When it comes to which kind of poacher to buy, it’s down to personal preference and how you like your eggs, but pans can be harder to regulate than silicone poachers, and have a reputation for creating a more rubbery texture. Egg poaching help comes in all shapes and sizes, but these are the three most common types available to buy.If you’re looking for the ideal combination of convenience and low cost, Mumsnet users couldn’t speak more highly of Poachies as a budget-friendly egg-poaching tool for occasional use. These nifty poaching bags self-seal when submersed in bubbling hot water, allowing the the egg to cook perfectly without leakage. Keen to up your brunch game? Or fancy adding a tasty topping to a bowl of noodles? A poached egg is a versatile addition to mealtimes. What’s more, eggs are an affordable way of adding vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper to your family’s diet, so, although a beautifully poached egg can feel indulgent, it’s actually incredibly healthy. Frequency: How often do you intend to make poached eggs? Will you only be making them on special occasions or the odd anniversary breakfast in bed, or are you hoping to integrate some healthy egg options into your daily routine? For more frequent use, options such as poaching pans may be the best choice, whereas disposable poaching bags and pods are perfectly adequate for an occasional poaching aid. Note on this picture the eggs don’t look very pretty. Sometimes this happens when you cook eggs in a microwave. I assure you that they taste great :) But if the look bothers you, here’s a solution – FLIP THEM! The other side of the eggs looks really nice! Scroll down to the next picture and you’ll see the difference.

Thanks to the small holes across the base, you’ll find good airflow around your egg, which ensures it cooks evenly throughout. Once it’s ready, the handy tab on the top makes it really easy to remove without burning your fingers in the process.This countertop cooker is a handy gadget for egg enthusiasts. Not only does it poach eggs, two at a time, but it can also boil them and help whip up a delicious omelette in minutes. These clever silicone egg poachers mimic the traditional ‘water bath’ method of poaching eggs but without any of the faff. With an innovative hourglass design, they gently cradle the egg as you lower it into the pan, whilst the funnel guides it through into the simmering water without needing to swirl or risk breaking the yolk. 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.

Most poachers are very easy to clean, particularly microwave cups that tend to be dishwasher safe, while poaching pans can be hand-washed the same as saute pans. Electric egg poachers: If you can’t get enough of your eggs and are planning to eat them regularly, an electric egg poacher can certainly take the hard work out of poaching, with the ability to also boil eggs, too. They do require fairly significant storage space, so they’re less suited to those who have eggs once in a blue moon or people struggling for cupboard space alongside their baking trays and cake tins. Egg poaching pans: Most poaching pans can be used on a variety of hobs (including induction) and allow simultaneous poaching of between two and four eggs. Some double up as handy sauté pans for a versatile kitchen tool, however, they are harder to store for those more limited on space. I have had these for years, great results but only recently realised that you don't need to loosen them with a knife, then lift them out with a spoon… You just turn them upside down and pop them out, they sit like little domes on your toast!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user ItsnotaHenryMoore) Our verdictThey’re super easy to use with no need for butter or oil, making it a healthy option, too. If you’re whipping up breakfast for the whole family, you can also pop multiple Poachies all in one pan. Another fan of Poachies here. I never had any success with poaching eggs before but since I started using them, they always turn out well.” (Rated by Mumsnet user ScarlettSunset) Our verdict Note: you might need to adjust the timing depending on your microwave. My microwave is pretty powerful and 1 minute is enough to get perfectly cooked eggs. If your eggs are still undercooked after 1 minute, increase the timing until you figure out the perfect time for cooking eggs in your microwave. 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. Disposable bags: Whilst they are recyclable and relatively cheap to buy, one single-use bag is required per egg, which makes them less cost-effective if you’re eating poached eggs on a more regular basis.

Plus, for more efficient kitchen tools rated by Mumsnetters, we’ve also rounded up the best chopping boards and easiest-to-use can openers. Best egg poacher 2023: at a glance Don’t let anyone tell you they are a useless gadget - they are fabulous.” (Type of method recommended by CarolBornAMan) Our verdictThis sturdy stainless steel tool also doubles up as a handy sauté pan, working well on both induction and gas hobs. Relatively deep when compared to traditional pans, there’s less risk of the water running dry during cooking. This is done so the top of the egg cooks evenly. The water boils and cooks the top of the egg. I experimented with not adding the water, and when I didn’t add the water the top, the top of the egg was still runny and undercooked while the rest of the egg was cooked. Adding water prevents the tops of the eggs from undercooking. You need one of these - water in the bottom, egg in each section.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user PattyMelt) Our verdict