Formula Used for Calculation
Total Cooking Time (seconds) = Base Time + Temperature Adjustment + Altitude Adjustment
where:
- Base Time depends on egg size and doneness (e.g., soft, medium, or hard-boiled).
- Temperature Adjustment adds extra seconds if the egg is cold.
- Altitude Adjustment adds time to compensate for lower boiling points at higher altitudes.
What Is the Egg Timer?
The Egg Timer is an easy-to-use online tool that helps you cook eggs perfectly every time. It automatically adjusts cooking time based on the egg’s size, starting temperature, desired doneness, and altitude. Whether you enjoy a runny yolk or a fully set one, this calculator removes the guesswork from boiling eggs.
With preset and custom modes, you can use the recommended cooking times or set your own. Visual and sound alerts ensure that you never overcook or undercook your eggs again.
How It Works
The Egg Timer uses preset cooking times for soft-boiled, medium-boiled, and hard-boiled eggs, with precise adjustments for size and conditions. When you select your preferences, it calculates the total time needed using the formula above and counts down until completion.
- Soft-Boiled Eggs (4–6 minutes): Runny yolk, perfect for dipping toast.
- Medium-Boiled Eggs (7–9 minutes): Jammy yolk, great for ramen or salads.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs (10–12 minutes): Fully cooked yolk, ideal for egg salads or snacks.
How to Use the Egg Timer
Follow these simple steps to use the tool effectively:
- Select your Timer Mode — either "Preset Egg Times" or "Custom Time".
- If using Preset Mode, choose your egg size, doneness, starting temperature, and altitude level.
- If using Custom Mode, enter your preferred minutes and seconds manually.
- Click the Start Timer button to begin. You can pause, resume, or reset anytime.
- When the timer finishes, you’ll receive both sound and desktop notifications if enabled.
Why Use the Egg Timer?
Cooking eggs seems simple, but timing differences of even 30 seconds can change the texture dramatically. This tool helps you achieve reliable, repeatable results by factoring in conditions such as temperature and altitude. It’s especially useful for home cooks, meal preppers, and anyone who values consistency in the kitchen.
- Eliminates guesswork from egg boiling.
- Adjusts for altitude and temperature automatically.
- Provides audio and visual alerts for perfect timing.
- Prevents overcooked or undercooked eggs.
- Offers a clean, user-friendly interface.
Cooking Tips
- Always start with boiling water for consistent results.
- Transfer eggs immediately to an ice bath after cooking.
- Let eggs cool for at least 5 minutes before peeling.
- Older eggs are easier to peel than very fresh ones.
- Store boiled eggs in the fridge for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use this timer for poached or scrambled eggs?
No, this timer is specifically designed for boiled eggs. However, you can use the custom time option for other types of recipes if desired.
2. How does altitude affect cooking time?
At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, meaning eggs take longer to cook. The timer automatically adds extra seconds based on your selected altitude.
3. Why do cold eggs need more time?
Cold eggs straight from the refrigerator start at a lower temperature, so they require an additional minute or two to reach the desired level of doneness.
4. What happens when the timer ends?
When the countdown reaches zero, the timer displays a “Done” message, plays a sound alert, and can show a desktop notification if allowed. This ensures you never miss the exact moment your eggs are ready.
5. Can I repeat the timer automatically?
Yes, you can enable the Auto-Repeat option to restart the timer after a brief delay — helpful if you’re cooking multiple batches of eggs.
Conclusion
The Egg Timer brings precision and convenience to a simple yet time-sensitive kitchen task. By automating timing adjustments for egg size, temperature, and altitude, it ensures perfect eggs every time. Whether you’re preparing breakfast, snacks, or meal-prep ingredients, this tool helps you save time and achieve consistent results with ease.