The 10 Best Egg Steamers
This wiki has been updated 37 times since it was first published in April of 2015. It is a common belief that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and eating some eggs can kickstart your morning by providing plenty of protein, vitamins, and heart-healthy fats. Whether you want to cook one, two, or 12, one of these handy steamers will help you enjoy them hard or soft boiled. Many also come with trays that can be used to make omelets and other foods. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Cuisinart Central
2. Nostalgia EC7AQ
3. Dash Rapid Deluxe
Editor's Notes
July 23, 2021:
We're happy to report that all our previous selections are still available and still great choices. The Dash Rapid Deluxe and Cuisinart Central both sport a two-level design that's perfect for prepping large batches of deviled eggs, while the Chef's Choice Gourmet is ideal for picky eaters who like perfectly soft-boiled eggs. Just make sure to keep an eye on it because it doesn't shut off on its own.
May 04, 2020:
An egg steamer works more quickly than the traditional stovetop method for giving you easy-to-peel, perfectly cooked soft- or hard-boiled eggs. Just place your desired number of eggs into the designated slots, follow a couple more steps, and your eggs will be cooking. Many, like the Chef's Choice Gourmet and the Chefman Electric, also come with handy trays that also turn them into omelet markers or a means of poaching eggs or cooking vegetables. Today we added in the Nostalgia EC7AQ, which can add a cool, retro feel to your kitchen with its cheery aqua color. It’s equipped with a clear lid that makes it easy to watch your eggs as they cook, as well as safe handles that stay cool to the touch. It boasts a small footprint, so it won’t hog your counter space.
We kept the Cuisinart Central in the top spot on the list, as it has a lot to offer. It can cook up to 10 eggs at a time and is controlled by a simple, prominent power switch, and comes with a handy measuring cup for water and a piercing pin that helps ensure your eggs don’t come out with an unpleasant, sulfur-like taste. It boasts a powerful, 600-watt motor and handy built-in cord storage. Another popular choice, the Dash Rapid Deluxe, remains high on the list. It boasts a user-friendly interface and a large cooking capacity, as it can steam up to 12 eggs at a time.
For anyone who doesn’t have the space for yet another small kitchen appliance, the Salbree Rack is worthy of a look. It’s made to fit into an Instant Pot, and is easy to lift in and out, thanks to its red silicone-wrapped handles. It folds down to a height of just a half inch, so it’ll fit easily into most cabinets and drawers. For an easy-to-use model from a well-known name in small kitchen appliances, look to the Hamilton Beach 25500, which features a convenient see-through lid, onboard cord storage, and a nonstick tray that’s easy to wipe clean of any remnants when you’re done. It cooks in six to eight minutes, and its buzzer is loud enough to hear from the far corners of your house.
Always exercise extreme care when operating these appliances, as they become filled with hot steam. Do not place your hands or arms over the steam holes, and unplug them when you’re done using them. In addition, keep small children away from them at all times during use.
Special Honors
Breville the Eggspert Take the guesswork out of cooking, poaching, and steaming eggs with this handy small appliance. Simply add the recommended amount of water for your preferred texture, and click the button. It’s made of BPA-free materials and comes with trays for making omelets, as well as poaching and steaming. An audible buzzer lets you know when your eggs are ready. It can cook up to seven eggs at a time, and you can purchase it with confidence, thanks to its one-year replacement warranty. breville.com
Williams Sonoma Egg Poacher This handy tool simplifies poaching an egg from start to finish, as all you have to do is crack the egg into its ladle base, then slowly lower it into simmering water. In about 10 seconds, you can release it into the water to finish cooking. Once it’s done, use the tool again to scoop it out of the pot. The flat base allows you to rest the ladle on the countertop as you crack the egg and pour it into it, while the long handle helps you remove the egg safely from the hot water. williams-sonoma.com
4. Big Boss Genie
5. Salbree Rack
6. Hamilton Beach 25500
7. Chefman Electric
8. VonShef Electric
9. Chef's Choice Gourmet
10. Maximatic Elite Platinum
Why An Egg Steamer Deserves A Place In Your Kitchen
If you enjoy incorporating eggs into your recipes, or if you like to eat them on their own, buying an egg steamer will transform the way you prepare your food.
If you enjoy incorporating eggs into your recipes, or if you like to eat them on their own, buying an egg steamer will transform the way you prepare your food. These nifty devices are designed to make the often tricky business of cooking eggs a quick and easy process. Read on for the main reasons why you ought to consider picking up an egg steamer.
With a steamer, you'll be able to speed up your kitchen routine. They allow users to cook multiple eggs at once, which will save you time and energy. This note should be of particular interest to those who prefer their eggs poached. Poaching is a method that yields best results when eggs are cooked one by one, which can be a big hassle if you're fixing a meal for a large group of people. Many steamers address this problem so you don't have to attend to each individual egg one after the other.
Another thing that steamers are known for is dependable results. Preparing eggs can be challenging for even the most experienced chefs, let alone home cooks. In particular, hard boiled eggs are difficult to perfect because it's impossible to determine whether they've been prepared properly without removing the shell. If you heat them for just seconds too long, a dark, unappetizing ring will form around the yoke. And, when they're underdone, they can be dangerous to consume. Steamers are designed to eliminate all of the guesswork.
Finally, egg steamers offer versatility. As mentioned, you can steam one egg or an entire batch at once, and to indicate the type of cook you want, all you have to do is push a button or turn a dial. Cooking eggs in a pot requires near constant supervision and more the just a little finesse. So, if you don't have the extra time to dedicate to learning the ins and outs of egg cookery, a steamer will make a welcome addition to your collection of appliances.
How To Choose The Right Egg Steamer
It may come as a surprise, but egg steamers vary widely in terms of both design and capability. Making the right choice for your household will be a cinch if you familiarize yourself with the following features.
Some are shaped like animals, others are decidedly modern-looking, and some are no-frills workhorses that simply get the job done.
The primary aspect you'll want to consider is capacity. If you cook for your entire family, a steamer that's large enough to accommodate more than just a few eggs at once is what you need. Fortunately, there are models on the market that can hard boil a full dozen in one go. On the other end of the spectrum, those who usually prepare food for one, or who live in a home with limited counter space, will benefit from a smaller device.
It's important to think about how you like your eggs, of course. Virtually all steamers offer hard and soft boiling modes, but poaching features are not always standard. If you're a fan of this method, watch for models that come with poaching trays. Similarly, a number of steamers boast extra compartments for cooking vegetables, which make it easy to create well-rounded meals in one step.
There is also the question of design. Individuals who are concerned with how their appliance will fit into their decorating scheme are in luck, as there are plenty of stylish models to choose from. Some are shaped like animals, others are decidedly modern-looking, and some are no-frills workhorses that simply get the job done.
Ease of storage should be mentioned, as well. Those without ample cabinet space should probably choose something other than a decorative, awkwardly-shaped machine — especially if it isn't going to be used on a frequent basis.
You can also go the low-tech route. Believe it or not, there are actually steamers out there that are crafted to be used in a pan or pot right on the stovetop. Products like these are straightforward to operate and are often dishwasher safe, too.
The Benefits Of Consuming Eggs Regularly
Not only are eggs delicious, but they also fit wonderfully into a healthy diet. The benefits of consuming eggs are many, but we'll just outline some of the main perks.
It isn't common knowledge, but eggs are packed with vitamins and minerals. In the yolk, there are high concentrations of B vitamins, folate, and phosphorus, among other nutrients, all of which will help keep you feeling your best throughout the day.
The protein in an egg will help you feel full longer and will provide your body with sustained energy.
Eggs are also a fantastic source of protein. Instead of wolfing down a supplement bar at the gym, opt for a hard boiled egg instead. The protein in an egg will help you feel full longer and will provide your body with sustained energy. If you've been looking for a healthier alternative to snacks that are full of sugar and salt, eggs are the way to go.
Since most of the calories in eggs are located in the yolk, dieters can enjoy a low-calorie scramble or omelette made using the whites only. The white contains plenty of protein (and zero fat), which means you don't have to sacrifice satiety or energy in order to keep your waistline in check.
Now to address the misinformation. At one point in recent history, medical professionals believed that egg consumption could lead to elevated levels of cholesterol. Today, it's generally agreed upon that eating eggs in moderation will not have any significant negative impact on your cholesterol levels or put you at greater risk for developing heart disease.
So there you have it: all the big reasons to begin incorporating eggs into your diet. Besides their culinary versatility, they're also a nutritious whole food. You can use them in main courses, baked goodies, or as a snack. However you take your eggs, you can rest easy knowing that — despite what you may have heard — they pack quite a nutritional punch.
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.