Poaching eggs is arguably the most delicious way to cook them, but it’s also perhaps the most difficult to master. However, by using a poacher, you can take all the hassle out of the process – so to help you choose, here are our top picks for the best egg poacher.
1. COZILIFE Silicone Egg Poaching Cups with Ring Standers
If you search online for egg poachers, you’ll turn up all kinds of expensive and complicated methods. However, sometimes you don’t need to overcomplicate things, and instead, something delightfully simple like these silicone egg poachers can be the best pick.
They are super-easy to use and work on the stovetop, in the microwave or in the oven, making them highly versatile and convenient. They can be washed in the dishwasher – but they’re quick and easy to wash by hand too.
There’s very little to dislike here. There’s a slight learning curve at the beginning, but it only takes a few attempts to master the technique. Also, the eggs can occasionally be difficult to remove – however, this is not a common occurrence if you use a little oil or butter in the cup.
We love these cute little egg poachers. They’re simple, inexpensive and highly effective – and if those are attributes you value, these egg poachers should be high on your list of possibilities.
Pros
- Inexpensive option – yet highly effective
- Versatile cooking method – suitable for stovetop, microwave or oven
- Attractive colors – cute items to own or give as a gift
- Dishwasher safe – but also very easy to clean by hand
- Stand on base – prevents them from tipping over
Cons
- Slight learning curve – but easy to master after a couple of tries
- Can be awkward to remove – but usually just slide out
2. Skoo Silicone Egg Poaching Cups
For anyone who likes the idea of the silicone egg poachers above, here’s another similar option that you might like to compare them with. These poachers are a little more expensive, but they include handles and lids – the lids are perfect for when you use them in the microwave.
They are BPA-free, so you don’t need to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your food, and we love how versatile they are – you can even use them for cooking other foods, and they come with a free eBook to give you some extra ideas.
There is a minor downside, and that’s that they can float up if you don’t get the water level just right – although if you make sure you use the right amount of water, this is not an issue.
Also, you may find that eggs stick inside them, but this doesn’t happen much if you prepare them with spray or a little oil.
All in all, another great option if you want an easy way to poach eggs that won’t cost you a fortune. For anyone who doesn’t want to add yet another electrical appliance to their kitchen, these poachers could be the ideal alternative.
Pros
- Versatile way to poach eggs – in a pan or in a microwave
- BPA-free – no harmful chemicals
- Include a free eBook – with suggestions for recipes to try
- Include handles and lids – lids are ideal for microwave cooking
- Dishwasher safe – for people who don’t like manual washing up
Cons
- Float up – need to get the water level just right
- Eggs can stick – but won’t happen if you use spray or oil
3. Modern Innovations Egg Poacher Pan
This is an egg poacher pan that can cook up to six poached eggs simultaneously, making it ideal for cooking for several people at once. Each egg cup has a non-stick coating, so they just slide out, and it comes with a silicone spatula to help pop them out when they’re done.
We like the tempered-glass lid – it allows you to see the eggs while they’re cooking, and it’s also tough and durable, so it should last a long time. We also like the way the pan doubles up as a regular pan, so you can use it for other things and not just poaching eggs.
The one major issue is the fact that the egg tray is sharp – enough to cut your hand – so you need to be careful when using it. A more minor gripe is that the handles on the egg cups are a little short, so you need to use an oven mitt to pick them up.
Other than this, however, this is an excellent product. It can produce perfect, evenly cooked poached eggs every time and with a minimum of effort on your part. It also retails at a very reasonable price, and if that sounds like what you need, it could be well worth a look.
Pros
- Deep cups – cooks eggs evenly and from the sides rather than just underneath
- Tempered-glass lid – tough and designed to last
- Non-stick egg cups – eggs slide out when done
- Can poach up to 6 eggs – enough to cook for several people
- Versatile item – pan can be used for regular cooking
Cons
- Sharp edges on tray – need to be careful you don’t cut your fingers
- Short handles – means you need to wear a mitt when picking up egg cups
4. ExcelSteel Non Stick Egg Poaching Pan
If you’re looking for other options that allow you to poach up to six eggs at a time, this is another option that could be worth a look. The six egg cups have a non-stick coating that lets eggs slide out and makes clean-up easy – although it works better if you spray in some oil first.
Generally speaking, the whole item is well made, featuring stainless-steel construction, and should last a long time. We also like the way the pan can double up as a regular pan, making this a versatile item to own.
One downside is that some of the edges are a little sharp and you may cut yourself on them when cleaning them, so you need to be careful.
Also, the pan itself isn’t of the highest quality. It serves its purpose for poaching eggs, but if you specifically want a high-quality pan, you should probably look at dedicated pans rather than hope to turn to this one as your main cooking pan.
Overall, this is a great egg poacher that will allow you to cook perfect eggs with ease. It’s relatively inexpensive and is easy to use, making it an option that should be of interest.
Pros
- Non-stick egg cups – eggs slide out, and cups are also easy to clean
- Stainless-steel construction tough and durable
- Vented glass lid – makes it easy to see your eggs cooking
- Versatile tool – doubles up as a regular pan
- 6 cups – enough to cook for all the family
Cons
- Sharp edges – some parts are sharp enough to cut you
- Pan not the highest quality – but gets the job done
5. Eggssentials Poached Egg Pan
This is a versatile egg poacher that can cook up to four eggs at a time from Eggssentials. The cups are big enough for even extra-large-sized eggs, and they include a PFOA-free non-stick coating that is safe for your health and lets eggs just slide out when they’re done.
One positive to mention is the clear instructions that are included with the pan explaining how to achieve the best results every time. We also like the way the pan is compatible with all stovetops, including induction, and it can be used as a regular pan, giving you more flexibility.
There are only a couple of minor negatives to mention. The cup handles can get hot, meaning you might not be able to pick them up with bare hands. Also, the shape of the cups is deep and narrow, so some people might not like the shape of the poached eggs they produce.
However, these small issues aside, this is an excellent egg poacher that does its job with a minimum of fuss and that sells at a very reasonable price point. Another recommended pick.
Pros
- Compatible with all kinds of stovetops – including induction
- Large cups – big enough for extra-large eggs
- PFOA-free non-stick coating – safe for your health
- Clear instructions – tells you how to use it for the best results
- Pan can be used for other cooking techniques – versatile item to own
Cons
- Handles on the cups get hot – need to be careful when picking them up
- Deep, narrow cups – some people might prefer them to be flatter and wider
6. Eggssentials Stainless Steel Egg Poacher Pan
Sometimes we might not want to buy yet another cooking tool that will end up taking up more space in our kitchen. In that case, rather than buying a whole egg poacher with included pan, this egg poaching insert might be a better option.
You simply use it with a pan you already own – it is compatible with a range of pan sizes as well as pressure cookers – and you can look forward to perfect poached eggs every time. It’s also easy to store thanks to the stackable cups, so it won’t take up space in your cupboard.
We might complain that the non-stick coating isn’t quite perfect – although it works better if you help it with a little oil or butter. Also, the cups have small handles that can be awkward to grab hold of, especially when you’re wearing oven mitts.
There are many reasons why this product is a great pick. It’s affordable, effective and produces great results, making it the ideal choice for anyone who doesn’t want to add even more clutter to their kitchen.
Pros
- Can be used with a range of pans – don’t need to add yet another to your collection
- Easy to store – stackable cups
- Large size – big enough for XL eggs
- Clear directions – lets you know how to get the best results
- Inexpensive egg poaching solution – more affordable option
Cons
- Non-stick surface not perfect – helps if you add some oil or spray
- Small handles on cups – makes them awkward to pick up
7. Nordic Ware Egg Poacher
Sometimes there’s no need to overcomplicate things, and if that’s a sentiment you agree with, this super-simple and inexpensive egg poacher could be just the kind of product that appeals to you.
It’s so easy to use – you simply add a little water, crack an egg into it, pop it in the microwave and in less than a minute, it’s done.
An important positive for many people will be the fact that plastic is BPA-free, and this product is also made in the USA, so it’s great for people who prefer to buy American.
Perhaps the main downside is that there is a bit of a learning curve for getting perfect results just because all microwaves are slightly different. Also, you need to be careful with the hinges since they are a little fragile, but if you are gentle with them, they will be fine.
In sum, this product represents possibly the most budget-friendly way to poach eggs available. It’s quick, easy and effective, and if those are qualities you appreciate, this could be the poacher you’re looking for.
Pros
- Super-inexpensive option – perhaps the most affordable way to poach eggs
- Poaches eggs in no time – takes less than a minute
- BPA-free plastic – don’t need to worry about harmful chemicals
- Very easy to use – just put in the eggs, close the lid and turn on the microwave
- Made in the USA – all-American product
Cons
- The learning curve with timings – need a few tries for perfect results
- Fragile hinges – need to be careful not to break them
8. RSVP International Single Egg Poacher
For anyone who loves eggs and lives alone – or perhaps for households with only one poached egg eater – this could be the perfect option. It features durable stainless-steel construction along with a non-stick insert for ease of use, allowing eggs to slide out effortlessly.
When you’ve finished using it, it’s also super-easy to clean, too – and if you don’t want to wash it manually, you can put it in the dishwasher instead.
However, perhaps the best thing about it is that once you’ve mastered the technique, you get perfectly poached eggs every time – just the way you like them.
One of the biggest negatives is the price since poaching a single egg, it’s a bit expensive. However, if you’re likely to use it a lot, it will be a smart purchase since it’s a high-quality product.
Our only other gripe is that it would have been better with a glass lid to let you see the egg cooking, but if you can put up with this, this is a great option for anyone who only needs to make a single egg at a time. A big thumbs-up from us.
Pros
- Durable stainless-steel construction – built to last
- Dishwasher safe – for those who don’t like cleaning manually
- Ideal for cooking a single egg – perfect for those who live alone
- Non-stick insert – lets the egg slide right out
- Easy to use for perfect results – and easy to clean too
Cons
- Pricey option – although great value for this kind of quality
- No glass lid – would have made it easier to see how the egg is cooking
9. Progressive Microwave 4 Egg Poacher
Here is another simple and effective egg-poaching solution for use in the microwave, this time for making up to four eggs at once. You put the eggs in, put it in the microwave and within a minute or so, your perfect poached eggs are ready.
There’s plenty to love about this simple tool. It’s BPA-free, so there’s no need to worry about harmful chemicals getting into your food, and we also like the round shape of the eggs it makes – they’re ideal for breakfast muffins.
One of the drawbacks is that you’ll probably go through a few eggs while you experiment with the timings – but once you master it, you won’t have any more problems. Another thing is that the cups are a little small, so it won’t be ideal if you like to use jumbo eggs.
However, despite these small issues, we think this is a great option for lovers of poached eggs who aren’t fans of the complicated process for making them and who want an easier way to do it. If that sounds like you, this is a product that should be worth a look.
Pros
- Simple, effective method – works well with little fuss
- Inexpensive option – much cheaper than a poaching pan
- Good shape – round eggs ideal for breakfast muffins
- Easy to clean – and dishwasher safe too
- BPA-free – safe for your health
Cons
- Need to experiment to get it right – might not achieve perfect results the first time
- Small size – not suitable for jumbo eggs
10. Norpro Stainless Steel Egg Poacher
If you are the kind of person who prefers to own top-end kitchen equipment, this is an egg poacher that could be of interest. It features superior stainless-steel construction with an aluminum core for excellent heat distribution, ensuring evenly cooked eggs.
Furthermore, it boasts a tempered-glass lid that allows you to see the eggs as they are cooking and a stay-cold handle for ease of use. We also think this is one of the best-looking poachers we’ve seen.
The major downside is the price since this isn’t a cheap option – however, you expect to pay more for top quality, and we still think this pan is worth what it costs. Also, there is no non-stick coating, so you need to use oil – but at least there are no harmful chemicals.
This is an egg poacher that will appeal to anyone who demands the best quality and is willing to pay extra to get their hands on it. If you belong to that category, this is an option that should be on your radar.
Pros
- High-quality option – a top-end egg poacher
- Stainless steel and aluminum construction – ensures superior heat distribution
- Stay-cool handle – easy to pick up or hold
- Tempered-glass lid – allows you to see the eggs as they cook
- Produces consistently great results – never mess up your poached eggs again
Cons
- Expensive pick – but you expect to pay more for quality
- Not non-stick – but at least there are no harmful chemicals to worry about
How To Choose A Egg Poacher: A Buyer’s Guide
If you are looking for the best egg poacher, you will probably be wondering about the kind of factors to consider when choosing – so let’s have a look at the most important ones now.
Number of eggs
Perhaps the first thing you should look at is how many eggs you need to cook at one time. Most poachers can cook four eggs although some can also make five or six at a time. If you have more people to feed, choosing a large one might be the best option.
On the other hand, if you live alone or will only ever need to poach one or two eggs at a time, choosing a smaller poacher might be a more convenient option.
Non-stick
When choosing a poacher, you need to decide whether you want one with non-stick cups.
The advantage of non-stick is that the eggs won’t stick to the cups and will just slide out when they’re done.
On the other hand, some people worry that non-stick coatings may contain harmful chemicals and so prefer to avoid them.
Also, non-stick coatings eventually wear off, and when this happens, you will need to buy a new poacher. This means something made of stainless steel will last longer, although you may have more issues with the eggs sticking to the surface.
Versatility
Buying lots of kitchen gadgets that each only serve one purpose might not appeal to everyone – they cause clutter and you may not have the space to store everything.
This means choosing more versatile cookware can be an advantage, and many poaching pans can double as a regular pan – so this might be something else for you to consider
Pan, microwave or cup?
There are several styles of egg poachers. A traditional pan poacher is easy to use and produces consistent results – and arguably the best-tasting eggs – but they are the most expensive type.
On the other hand, silicone cups are cute and inexpensive, but the poached eggs they produce are perhaps not quite as perfect as those done in a pan.
Microwave poachers are ideal if you want quickly poached eggs as you rush out of the house in the morning – but again, the eggs are not as good as those done in a pan.
Quality of materials and build
Pay attention to the materials the poacher is made of as well as how well made it is. You can find some very inexpensive poachers, but sometimes the quality is not as high. This is another point to note.
Plenty of great options to choose from
As you can see, there are many styles of egg poachers on the market to suit just about any budget. If you are looking for the best egg poacher but are having trouble deciding which to go for, any of the picks in our review would be a great place to start your search.

Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.