Egg Timer - Perfect Boiled Eggs Every Time
Cook perfect soft, medium, or hard boiled eggs with our free online egg timer. Whether you're making soft boiled eggs with runny yolks, medium boiled eggs with jammy centers, or hard boiled eggs for meal prep, our boiled egg timer ensures perfect results every time. Never overcook or undercook your eggs again! Simply select your preferred egg style (soft, medium, or hard), start the timer, and get audio alerts when your eggs are ready. Perfect for breakfast, meal prep, ramen toppings, salads, and deviled eggs. Our egg cooking timer works on all devices and provides visual progress tracking with precise timing for professional-quality boiled eggs at home.
Choose Your Egg Style
How to Boil Perfect Eggs
- Place eggs in a pot: Use a single layer, don't stack them
- Cover with cold water: Water should be about 1 inch above eggs
- Bring to a boil: Heat on high until water reaches a rolling boil
- Start the timer: Once boiling, start your egg timer
- Reduce heat: Lower to medium-low to maintain gentle boil
- Prepare ice bath: Fill a bowl with ice water while eggs cook
- Transfer to ice bath: When timer goes off, immediately move eggs to ice water
- Cool for 5 minutes: This stops the cooking process
- Peel and enjoy: Tap, roll, and peel under running water
Egg Cooking Time Guide
| Time | Result | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4-5 min | Very soft, runny yolk | Dipping toast soldiers |
| 6-7 min | Soft boiled, liquid yolk | Ramen, salads |
| 8-9 min | Medium, jammy yolk | Sandwiches, bowls |
| 10-11 min | Almost hard, slightly soft center | Snacking, meal prep |
| 12-13 min | Hard boiled, fully cooked | Deviled eggs, egg salad |
Pro Tips for Perfect Eggs
- Use eggs at room temperature for more even cooking
- Add a pinch of salt to the water to prevent cracking
- Older eggs (7-10 days) peel easier than fresh eggs
- Pierce the wider end with a pin to prevent cracking
- The ice bath is crucial - it stops overcooking
- Store hard boiled eggs in the fridge for up to 1 week
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I boil eggs for soft, medium, and hard?
For soft boiled eggs with runny yolks, boil for 6-7 minutes. For medium boiled eggs with jammy yolks, boil for 8-9 minutes. For hard boiled eggs with fully cooked yolks, boil for 12-13 minutes. Our egg timer provides precise timing for each style with audio alerts when ready.
Why do I need an ice bath after boiling eggs?
An ice bath immediately stops the cooking process, preventing overcooking and that green ring around the yolk. It also makes eggs easier to peel by causing the egg to contract slightly from the shell. Always transfer boiled eggs to ice water for at least 5 minutes after cooking.
How do I prevent eggs from cracking while boiling?
To prevent cracking: use room temperature eggs, add a pinch of salt to the water, don't overcrowd the pot, start with cold water, and bring to a gentle boil (not rolling boil). You can also pierce the wider end with a pin to release pressure.
Why are my hard boiled eggs difficult to peel?
Fresh eggs are harder to peel. Use eggs that are 7-10 days old for easier peeling. Also ensure you use an ice bath immediately after cooking, and peel under running water. The shock from the ice bath helps separate the membrane from the egg white.
Can I use this egg timer for multiple eggs at once?
Yes! The cooking time remains the same whether you're boiling 1 egg or 12 eggs, as long as they're in a single layer and fully covered with water. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pot, which can cause uneven cooking.
How long can I store boiled eggs in the refrigerator?
Hard boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep them in their shells for maximum freshness, or store peeled eggs in an airtight container covered with water (change water daily). Always refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.