Egg coddlers

 Although egg coddlers have been around for centuries many people do not know what this is. An egg coddler is a small cup typically made of porcelain with a lid that firmly attaches on top. This device is used to prepare a dish called coddled eggs.

Coddled eggs are basically the same as poached eggs, however the egg is prepared and cooked inside the coddler. Coddled eggs are typically only slightly cooked eggs. The eggs are soft and the yoke is runny. When preparing the eggs you break them and then put them into the coddler. Some people like to include seasonings and other ingredients as well. The coddler is then closed tightly with the lid sealed shut. You then immerse the coddler in boiling water for a short period of time, typically a couple of minutes. When the eggs are cooked and firm the coddler is removed from the boiling water and ready to be eaten. You can eat it right out of the coddler.

Cook Great Eggs

Where did egg coddlers come from?

It is believed that egg coddlers have been around for hundreds of years, however, it is confirmed that they were made in Worcester since the 1880’s. It is unknown who actually invented the egg coddler or exactly when they first came about. Grainger’s China Works first began producing egg coddlers in the 1880’s by firing earthenware at a very high temperature. The designs on their products were simple. You could purchase a plain white egg coddler or buy one with a simple design such as a bird or flower. The egg coddler had a snap lid on top but did not initially have a handle. The original name for an egg coddler was “pipkin.”

Buying great new coddlers

If you want to purchase a new egg coddler you can purchase one directly from the manufacturer or from a retail store that carries them. Royal Worcester still makes egg coddlers and many of them are available in-stock. If you are looking for a unique or hard to find piece, you can buy them special order from companies that specialize in China giftware. Ebay and other auction sites have new and used egg coddlers, as well.

Buying rare and used egg coddlers

Because their popularity has dwindled in recent years egg coddlers have become a much sought after collectors item. Many people like to buy and display egg coddlers. Many brands are now rare and valuable. Egg coddlers that are no longer being manufactured may not be sold at retail stores any longer. If you are looking for a certain piece that is no longer being produced you may need to start looking in a secondary market. This makes your search harder but the thrill of the chase may just be the best and most interesting part.

Auctions that specialize in antiques and collectibles are known to be great places to find that elusive egg coddler. Individual sales or swaps between collectors is also a common way to add to your collection.

Spice up your eggs

Other ingredients can be added to the egg coddler before cooking to make your egg a little more exciting and wonderful to eat. To make the egg easier to remove it is smart to butter the coddler before breaking the egg into it. Of course, you can add salt and pepper as well as other spices such as paprika or garlic powder. Adding a little cream can make your egg richer and more filling. A sprinkle of cheese (grated parmesan works well) is good. Chopped ham or diced strips of bacon add a great flavor, also. Some restaurants have even been known to include a small amount of caviar to the egg coddler.

Spice It Up

Hints for tastier eggs

When cooking with an egg coddler you should not totally submerge it in boiling water. It is best to only allow the water to cover half of the coddler. Egg coddlers should not be used in the microwave. Many coddlers have metal on the lid or hinges. This can damage the microwave. Do not allow your egg coddler to come in contact with an open flame or direct heat. Do not try to cook on a stovetop or burner. And always make sure your eggs are cooked. Eating raw or undercooked eggs poses a risk for contracting salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.

Cleaner is better

Thoroughly wash your egg coddler with soap and warm water after every use. Porcelain egg coddlers can be washed in the dishwasher, however, it is not recommended. You should not use scouring pads that are abrasive. Be careful not to use rough cloths, brushes, or powders on the coddler, either, as they may damage the coddler’s paint, decorations or the glaze.

Designs and great manufacturers

Although egg coddlers had simple designs in the beginning, more intricate, beautiful designs were added later by other manufacturers. Some coddlers were still produced with a simple, plain glaze with a solid pattern. However, patterns began to evolve and you could choose from flowers, birds, fruits, vines, butterflies and vegetables. Specialty egg coddlers were made as well. Some of these designs included Mardi Gras themes, Holly Hobbie and even Princess Diana. Some egg coddlers have words, quotes and names on them as well.

While Royal Worcester is by far the largest manufacturer of egg coddlers, some other manufacturers include Crown Staffordshire, House of Prill, Sigma, Wedgewood, Adams, T.G.Green and Coalport.

Beautiful Ceramics

Purchasing egg coddlers online may be the easiest way to shop, locate and compare styles and prices before you buy. Fante’s Kitchen Wares Shop  has a white porcelain egg coddler with a stainless threaded lip and cover for sale at a low price. Williams-Sonoma has been selling egg coddlers for some time now. They typically only sell one pattern at a time, however. You can purchase them in sets of four on their website. La Belle Cuisine offers porcelain egg coddlers in a set of two. These come in solid blue or solid white without a pattern.