The egg cup was an integral attribute of the meals of the blue bloods of the 18th-19th centuries, but even though several centuries have passed, this device still speaks of the aristocracy and good manners of its owner.

egg cups
The egg cup was a popular table item among nobles in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Moreover, egg dishes are used not only during breakfast, but also for storing and cooking this fragile product.

egg cup
In ancient times, eating a poached egg for breakfast was considered good manners and was recommended by doctors.

What is the name of the egg cup

If you ask the average citizen of the country the name of a soft-boiled egg stand, he or she will hardly be able to answer this question. Perhaps this is due to the fact that at the beginning of the 20th century, the bourgeois elite, which always used such a device for an early meal, was destroyed in Russia, and the common people did not even know about it. But, despite its rare use and not much popularity these days, this dish has several names: an egg glass, a poacher, an egg pod'yechnitsa.

poachers
This item does not have a precise name in our country: egg cup, egg stand, poacher, egg pod'yechnitsa, but it still remains a sign of a good, expensive restaurant.

It is also important to note that special egg holders are in great demand, especially when Easter comes. People call them “holders”, but there are also containers: stands that have several tiers.

poached eggs for Easter
Painted eggs look very elegant on a festive table, and if you serve them on stands, they will look much more impressive.

What is an egg cooker

Since technology does not stop, a specific inventory was invented to simplify the process of boiling this product. Its essence is as follows: the egg is placed in a hole or recess (depending on the style of design) of the structure and deepened into water.

egg cooker
Eggs do not hit each other during cooking and, therefore, do not crack.

When the cooking time is over, the stand is removed from the pan with liquid using the handle. It will also be clarified that the device with recesses for the product has special holes (usually three) so that all the hot water can drain.

egg cooker photo
After boiling the eggs, this accessory can simply serve as a stand for them.

This type of egg boiling stand has its advantages:

  1. The risk of the product cracking and spreading is reduced as it is firmly clamped in the device.
  2. There is no need to scoop the eggs out with a spoon or anything else after cooking or drain the hot water from the pan. Simply use the stand handle and immediately move it into a container with cold water or simply leave it to cool.
  3. In such equipment, eggs can be simply stored without cooking.
  4. There is no risk of burning your fingers.
egg cooker
The dish looks appetizing thanks to this bright and beautiful accessory.

How to eat an egg from a stand

Eating soft-boiled eggs from a special glass is a requirement of etiquette, so it will be useful for everyone to know some rules for eating this product.

how to eat an egg from a stand
When going to a business dinner or business lunch at a restaurant on vacation, many people don’t even suspect that egg etiquette exists.

The prepared product is placed in a glass with the sharp end up and the shell is broken with a teaspoon. If the protein is hard, it is cut with a special knife and spices are added if desired. The meal is continued with the same spoon.

egg cups
An egg is easier to crack if it is placed in the stand with the pointed side up.

It is also important to remember that sometimes there may be a crust on the white. You cannot touch it with a teaspoon, as the yolk may leak out in a not very successful way. In this case, you should carefully remove it with a knife and put it on a special plate for waste.

soft-boiled egg
You need to peel the egg a little so that you have access to its contents, which are eaten with a small spoon.

Coaster shapes

If we take into account poachers, they usually do not differ in their diversity, as they are made in the shape of an egg. But their design still gives the buyer the opportunity to purchase original dishes based on their wishes.

silver poacher
Beautiful silver egg cups with spoons.

Paying attention to other types of product stands for the refrigerator, we distinguish:

  • square;
  • rectangular;
  • round;
  • in the form of a triangle;
  • in the form of images of plants or animals.
poachers
Apparent simplicity becomes the starting point for the designers’ imagination.

Materials for egg cups and egg cookers

Today's market can offer a huge selection of equipment for both boiling eggs and eating this type of food, and if you pay attention to the materials from which such utensils are made, they can also boast of their diversity.

ceramic poachers
Ceramic egg cups.

The following are most often used to make poached eggs:

  • ceramics;
  • crystal;
  • porcelain;
  • metal.
metal stands
Metal spiral egg cups.

Egg cups made from such materials are most often accompanied by an elaborate and original design, which can significantly increase the cost of the product.

vintage egg cups
Vintage silver soft boiled egg cups.

Taking into account the usual stands in which eggs are boiled, they are made of:

  • stainless steel;
  • silicone;
  • plastic.
stainless steel stand
An egg cooker will save you from awkwardness and reduce the risk of getting burned.

Each of this type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Stainless steel

This type of metal has been in great demand for a long time due to its strength and durability, therefore, even today housewives most often make their choice in favor of steel egg stands. Such dishes firmly hold eggs in their structure, which does not allow them to slip out.

steel egg cups
Steel holders are very difficult to bend or damage, which indicates their long service life.

The only disadvantage of a stainless steel stand is its cost, which is slightly higher than other types of material.

metal stands
Steel egg cups will serve you longer than other similar ones.

Plastic

This type of raw material is in great demand due to its affordable cost. Also, such dishes surprise with a wide range of colors and original, and sometimes cheerful, design. Plastic is not affected by high temperatures and is easy to clean. Also, a series of egg cookers from this material was released, in which you can cook the product without the shell.

plastic egg cups
A simple and very convenient stand for a boiled egg.

Despite its positive qualities, plastic has its disadvantages: it is easily damaged, which shortens the service life of the product. If there was an egg without a shell in the egg cooker, then after a crack, such a product will most likely have to be thrown away due to the presence of a splinter in the food.

plastic poachers photo
Decorative plastic stands for boiled eggs.

Silicone

Silicone is considered the newest raw material in the production of dishes and kitchen utensils. This material is flexible, durable, does not emit hazardous chemicals and is quite cheap.

silicone poaching pans
Silicone coasters are easy to care for.

The downside of a silicone product is that it does not last very long and may look bad after prolonged use.

silicone coasters
For hard-boiled eggs, a stand is desirable, but not at all necessary, but for soft-boiled eggs, a stand is a must.

Famous brands of egg cups

Nowadays, the buyer is offered a huge number of manufacturers who specialize in the production of egg dishes. If you look at the countries, this includes: Türkiye, Italy, China, Russia and others.

original stand
Original branded stand for boiled eggs.

Checking the sales statistics of a particular brand, the following are in great demand among consumers:

  • STINOL;
  • Pasabahce;
  • Ens;
  • Regent Inox;
  • Lorain;
branded egg cup
A stand for boiled eggs in the shape of a rabbit.

Conclusion

Knowing about the beneficial properties of eggs for the body, some manufacturers decided to use this information for their own purposes and make money by simplifying the already easy process of boiling eggs. It is difficult to say about the appropriateness of such utensils, because everyone must decide for themselves. But we should thank the manufacturers for returning to the masses the forgotten tradition of eating eggs on a special stand.

sumo egg cup
Such a simple thing, it would seem, is a stand for a boiled egg. And how many options!

VIDEO: DIY Easter Egg Stand.