How to Use an About to Hatch Egg Timer for Perfect Boiled Eggs

Quick Answer

Twist the bottom of the About to Hatch egg timer to set your desired minutes, place it near the stove, and start timing when the water boils—this simple tool takes the guesswork out of boiled eggs.

Steps to Perfect Boiled Eggs with the About to Hatch Timer

1. Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water: Arrange eggs in a single layer and add cold water until it covers them by about an inch. Put the pot on the stove over high heat. Starting with cold water prevents cracking from sudden temperature changes.
2. Twist the timer to your target time: While the water heats, twist the bottom of the About to Hatch timer to set the minutes: 6–7 for soft, 9–11 for medium, 12–13 for hard. The timer counts down from the set time. Set the timer before the water boils so you can start it the moment boiling begins—don't start timing from cold water.
3. Start the timer when the water reaches a rolling boil: As soon as you see steady bubbles, start the timer. The countdown begins, so you can focus on other tasks without worrying about overcooking. If you forget to start it, quickly estimate remaining time and adjust—but for consistent results, always start at the boil.
4. When the timer rings, transfer eggs to an ice bath: Immediately remove eggs from boiling water and place them in a bowl of ice water for at least 5 minutes. This stops the cooking process and makes peeling easier. Skipping the ice bath can lead to overcooked yolks and stubborn shells.

Product Spotlight

• About to Hatch Kitchen Egg Timer: The egg-shaped timer twists at the bottom to count down any time interval from one minute to 60 minutes. You can set it for exactly the doneness you want—soft, medium, or hard—without needing a separate app or guesswork.