Buying guide for Best egg rings
If you’ve ever eaten a restaurant breakfast sandwich, you have probably enjoyed perfectly round eggs that are both tasty and impressive. What you might not know is how easy it is to create restaurant-quality breakfast sandwiches at home using an egg ring.
With an egg ring (or several) in your kitchen arsenal, you can easily add a touch of fancy to your breakfast presentation. While typically used to create round eggs, they can also be used to shape a variety of other foods, such as pancakes and burgers.
Though these items are simple in design, you will still need to make a few decisions when shopping, such as the size you want and the material you prefer. Some are easier to clean than others, and some cost more than others. Is a higher price worth it, or can you get away with an inexpensive egg ring? We address these issues in our buying guide. We also point out some of the best egg rings and highlight why we feel they rise above the competition.
Key considerations
Number in a pack
While you really only need one egg ring to make a breakfast sandwich, cooking one at a time will take a long time if you’re feeding a crowd. A simpler solution is to buy more than one. Sets usually come in packs of anywhere from two to eight. Four is a common quantity.
Size
The overall size of a ring can vary; many have diameters between 3 and 6 inches. If you will be making slider sandwiches, a smaller size is ideal. If you also plan to make pancakes, however, a larger diameter of 6 inches may be preferred.
Ease of release
Does the egg slip easily out of the ring, or do you find yourself having to work it free, often leaving large pieces of egg still attached to the utensil? Ease of release often hinges on the material with which an appliance is made. Silicone tends to release food more easily than metal. However, a metal that is “nonstick” has been coated for easier food release.
Ease of cleanup
While egg rings are typically dishwasher safe, some manufacturers recommend that you wash them by hand. If this is the case, cleanup should be as simple as wiping the ring down with a little dish soap, warm water, and a cloth or sponge. Check manufacturer recommendations for the preferred method of cleaning. We also recommend that you give your egg rings a quick wash before using them.
Did You Know?
To keep eggs from sticking and cut down on smoke, use an oil with a high smoking point, such as extra virgin olive oil.
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Features
Material
Stainless steel and silicone are the two primary materials of choice.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel egg rings are sturdier and more durable than their silicone counterparts. They easily hold their shape and should be rust-resistant. Stainless steel tends to cook food more evenly than silicone, too. As we have mentioned, some stainless steel rings have a nonstick surface, but others do not.
Silicone: The flexible design of silicone may make the egg easier to release. For this reason, you will see many types of bakeware made of the material. Silicone is nonstick, heat resistant, and easy to clean. The ring itself should have thick walls so it does not easily split or break with use.
Handle
A handle can make it easier for you to remove the cooked egg. The best handles fold down for storage, yet they remain upright (i.e., they do not drop down on their own) when in use. A handle should also be slow to heat up or include some form of coating or knob at the end for cool handling.
Some egg rings do away with folding handles altogether, instead having a knob on the top or side.
Shape
The majority of egg rings are literal rings, perfectly round in shape. However, you can also buy various shapes, including stars, flowers, hearts, and animal outlines. Much like cookie cutters, these items are fun to use, especially with children who like to have a little fun in the kitchen.
Color
While metal egg rings are typically silver or black (particularly if they have a nonstick coating), silicone rings often come in festive color options. Again, this is a great feature to have when cooking with kids.
Extras
While not standard, some sets ship with a variety of tools that can help with cooking. These tools can include oil brushes, gloves, spatulas, and egg separators. If you’re in the market for any of these items, purchasing a set that includes them is an economical choice. However, if you already have these tools, you might decide you don’t want more in your kitchen drawer.
Prefer well-done eggs? If so, after removing the egg from the ring, flip it over and continue to cook it on the other side for one to two minutes.
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Egg ring prices
Inexpensive: For $6 and under, you can get an inexpensive egg ring. These are typically made of silicone or thin metal. If you buy a set, there are likely to be fewer included (often two) in this price range.
Mid-range: For $7 to $11 range, the build quality is better, and the number of rings included may be up to four per set. Products in this price range may be metal or silicone.
High-end: For $12 or more, you can expect the best build quality available. Many products in this range are made of nonstick metal. In a set, you may get four or more rings. Extras may be included, such as a pastry brush or similar tools. If you often prepare breakfast sandwiches, you might prefer to purchase in this range for the higher quantity and better product quality.
Did You Know?
If you find yourself a ring short when cooking for a crowd, a biscuit cutter or even a Mason jar lid can substitute in a pinch.
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Tips
- Silicone egg rings are less likely to scratch other cooking surfaces. If you plan to place your rings on a nonstick pan, silicone may be a better option than metal.
- Handles are convenient, but if made of metal, they may get hot. For safety purposes, grab an oven mitt before trying to lift or reposition a ring by its handle.
- Rings of a medium size are the most versatile. If your goal is to prepare a variety of foods, from eggs to pancakes to burgers, consider something with a diameter of around 4 to 5 inches.
- To seal the bottom of the egg and prevent leaking, preheat your pan or griddle to medium-high or high heat. You will know the temperature is right if the egg sizzles when you add it to the pan.
- To test the doneness of an egg, grab the ring handle and shake. If done, the egg should easily pull away from the sides.
- Your pan or griddle should be flat and non-textured. Check older pans to verify that they aren’t warped, which could lead to leakage.
FAQ
Q. What are some other food items that can be prepared in an egg ring?
A. You are only limited by your imagination as to what else you can prepare with your new tool. Common breakfast items include pancakes, hash browns, and omelets. Egg rings can also help you to achieve the perfect hamburger and are great for experimenting with various types of pastries and desserts, such as miniature pan-cooked cakes and muffins.
Q. How do you keep an egg ring from leaking?
A. Liquid may sometimes seep out around the edges of the ring. While not catastrophic, it will ruin the “perfect” shape and presentation that one expects from an egg ring. The best way to prevent leakage is to use high heat from the start. This helps to quickly set the bottom of the egg.
Preheat the pan to medium-high or high heat, and add the egg ring (if metal) to the pan for a minute to heat it up. Next, add the egg. Cook for 30 seconds, and then lower the heat to medium or medium-low to prevent burning.
Q. Will an egg ring work in the microwave?
A. Some silicone rings can be used in the microwave to cook eggs or other items. However, a metal egg ring should never be placed in the microwave.
