An electric egg cooker takes the guesswork out of breakfast. Add a measured amount of water, choose soft, medium or hard, and the unit switches itself off when the water has evaporated, so overcooking is unlikely. Most also include a poaching tray.
This guide compares four popular UK models by capacity, extras and price. If you are also upgrading other breakfast kit, see our guide to the best fast-boil kettles, or browse the best quiet kettles and best kettles overall.
Prices below were checked at the time of writing and can change, so check the product box for the current figure.
Our top picks at a glance
- Best overall: Salter Aspen Electric Egg Cooker – six eggs, two poaching trays, around £19.99
- Best compact: Dash Rapid Egg Cooker – small footprint, also makes omelettes, check current price
- Best for batches: Lakeland 7 Boiled Egg Cooker – seven eggs, timer and buzzer, around £19.99
- Best budget: Duronic EB35 BK Egg Boiler – seven eggs, keep-warm function, around £21.99
How much should you spend on an egg cooker?
Egg cookers are inexpensive. Most good models sit between about £18 and £30, and the four here are all close to £20. Paying more mainly buys extras such as digital displays or an omelette function rather than better boiled eggs, so a basic model with auto shut-off is enough for most households.
What to look for in an egg cooker
- Capacity: six to seven eggs suits most families; smaller units save space.
- Poaching tray: included with most models, and useful if you like poached eggs.
- Auto shut-off and buzzer: the key safety and convenience feature.
- Measuring cup with piercer: sets the water level for soft, medium or hard.
- Easy cleaning: removable trays and racks make descaling simpler.
Comparison table
Product | Best for | Capacity | Poaching | Approx. price |
Salter Aspen Electric Egg Cooker | Best overall | 6 eggs | Yes (2 trays) | £19.99 |
Dash Rapid Egg Cooker | Best compact | 6-7 eggs | Yes, plus omelettes | Check box |
Lakeland 7 Boiled Egg Cooker | Best for batches | 7 eggs | Not listed | £19.99 |
Duronic EB35 BK | Best budget | 7 eggs | Omelette trays | £21.99 |
1. Salter Aspen Electric Egg Cooker – Best overall
The Salter Aspen EK6353MMS cooks up to six eggs to soft, medium or hard using the supplied measuring cup, which also has a piercer. Two poaching trays are included, and a transparent lid lets you watch progress. It draws 430W and switches off automatically. The removable rack is dishwasher safe. Salter lists it at £19.99.
2. Dash Rapid Egg Cooker – Best compact
The Dash Rapid Egg Cooker has a small footprint that suits tight worktops. As well as boiled and poached eggs it makes small omelettes, and it shuts off automatically. Pricing varies by colour and seller, so check the box above for the current figure.
3. Lakeland 7 Boiled Egg Cooker – Best for batches
This Lakeland model cooks seven eggs at once, with a timer and buzzer, transparent lid, measuring cup and egg pricker. It is aimed at soft and hard boiled eggs rather than poaching. Lakeland lists it as in stock, around £19.99, and offers a 3-year guarantee.
4. Duronic EB35 BK Egg Boiler – Best budget
The Duronic EB35 BK cooks up to seven eggs at 350W, with soft, medium and hard settings, a buzzer, automatic shut-off and a keep-warm function. Two omelette trays and a measuring cup with piercer are included, and the parts are removable and dishwasher safe. Duronic lists it at £21.99.
Frequently asked questions
How does an electric egg boiler work?
You add a measured amount of water to the heating plate using the supplied cup, which is marked for soft, medium and hard eggs. The water steams the eggs, and when it has evaporated an alarm sounds and the power cuts off automatically.
Are egg boilers better than boiling eggs in a pan?
They give consistent results because the automatic shut-off replaces manual timing, making overcooking unlikely. They also use less energy than a hob.
Can egg cookers poach eggs too?
Most can. The Salter Aspen includes two poaching trays, and the Dash Rapid also makes small omelettes. The Lakeland 7 Boiled Egg Cooker is listed for boiling only.
How do I clean an egg cooker?
Let it cool, then wipe the heating plate and wash removable trays and racks. In hard-water areas, descale occasionally with a vinegar and water solution.
The final word
For most households the Salter Aspen is the best all-rounder, with poaching included at around £20. Choose the Dash Rapid for a compact unit, the Lakeland for seven-egg batches, or the Duronic for a low-cost seven-egg cooker with keep-warm.
