How to make a perfectly poached egg in a microwave

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

Egg Poachers

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 incredibly 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 - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best all-rounder egg poacher: Morphy Richards Microwave Egg Poacher - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best egg poacher with clear lid: ProCook Microwave Egg Poacher, Set of 2 - Buy now on 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
Price: £14.16
Alternative retailers
Walmart$25.47View offer

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.

One customer commented that it does everything from poaching to scrambling to making an omelette. Many customers agree that it's easy to use and clean - it's dishwasher safe. Yes - it does take a little while to get used to, with trial and error, depending on your technique and microwave. Customers like the quality. That said, some complain about the ease of removal, explaining that some eggs escape through the sides. So, beware. Plus, opinions are mixed on adhesion and explosions.

Safe for the dishwasher, fridge and freezer, this pick is user-friendly. Not only that, but it's compatible with those wanting to make a mini omelette or scrambled eggs. We love its simplicity and versatility.

Pros

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

Cons

  • Trial and error to get it right with each microwave

Best all-rounder egg poacher

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.

Customers love this product - with an average rating of 4.3/5 stars on-site. Customers are simply thrilled by how easy it is to cook veggies, however, they find eggs a little challenging to get right. Overall, they love the quality and ease of cleaning - with clear instructions. However, some are left unconvinced by the value for money, with mixed opinions on heating capabilities and the size.

Revolutionise your microwave with this versatile egg poacher, which can help cook jacket potatoes, mixed vegetables and more. With advanced tech, it guarantees tasty, fast food at home.

Pros

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

Cons

  • Sleeker than others, which may not be necessary

Best double egg poacher

Good2Heat Egg PoacherGood2Heat
Price: £15.26

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. It's a nifty kitchen gadget.

With a respectable 4/5 stars from Amazon, this microwave egg poacher is loved by customers for its easy cleaning (in the dishwasher) and the quality of the eggs. Some customers even say it makes "perfect eggs". However, some customers have some negatives to say about the quality, such as the sturdiness and harness of the poacher.

Take your mornings to the next level – and you'll never look back...

Pros

  • Excellent value, time and energy saving
  • Simple, effective and perfect for busy lifestyles
  • Dishwasher safe for an easy clean

Cons

  • Some customers say its not sturdy enough

Best egg poacher with clear lid

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

www.procook.co.uk

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.

Customers loved their microwave egg poacher from ProCook, saying it works well and poaches the eggs the way they like them. Though it takes a little trial and error with their microwave, many of the customers love how easy they are to store, clean and use. Excellent quality, customers are so surprised they actually work - as they've never been able to poach an egg before this. However, like all of our picks, it may take a while to master...

We love ProCook for their high-quality kitchen cookware, appliances and more...

Pros

  • 2-piece set with a clear lid
  • Made from BPA-free plastic
  • Dishwasher safe for an easy clean

Cons

  • Will take time to get used to

Best egg poacher for one

 Joseph Joseph M-Pouch Microwave Egg Poacher
Price: £10.00

For fuss-free poached eggs, this Joseph Joseph M-Pouch Microwave Egg Poacher is neatly designed. 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. So, what are the reviews saying?

Unfortunately, there are no customer reviews for this product at The Hut. Not only is this product BPA-free and designed for easy cleaning in the dishwasher, but this pick is also user-friendly. Enjoy delicious eggs in minutes with Joseph Joseph, a reliable kitchen brand.

Pros

  • Neat, stylish design
  • Premium kitchen brand
  • Easy to clean and use

Cons

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

Best microwave egg poacher for four eggs

 Décor Microwave Egg Poacher Cups for 4Decor / Amazon
Price: £30.78
Alternative retailers
Walmart$44.97View offer

Enjoy perfect poached eggs in minutes with the Décor Microwave Egg Poacher Cups for 4. They're versatile and easy to use, allowing you a quick and easy lunchtime poached egg. Dishwasher safe with stain-resistant bases, it's a great bit of kit. What did customers say?

With a respectable 4/5 stars on Amazon UK, the Décor Microwave Egg Poacher Cups for 4 is liked by customers due to its ease of use and cleaning of the container - in the dishwasher, super handy! You'll be making poached eggs in no time, easy as pie... well, eggs. As for negatives, some customer's opinions are mixed about the quality and value.

It's ideal for a family weekend breakfast, easy poached eggs, and minimal clean-up.

Pros

  • Great for a family brekkie
  • Dishwasher safe for an easy clean
  • Time-saving addition

Cons

  • A handful of customers thought it was not good quality

Verdict: which is best?

Our top pick is the Sistema 1117ZS Microwave Egg Cooker Easy Eggs for egg perfection.

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.

A single poached egg on artisan hand sliced toasted bread. The egg is split to reveal a runny yolk. White dinner plate, non-descript dark wood table and chair just about visible in the background.
©Photo: Jody Louie / Getty

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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