Egg Timer
Perfect boiled eggs every time
Select your preferred doneness and start the timer. Works on phone, tablet, or computer.
Soft-boiled egg
3 min
Runny yolk, soft white
Tip: Start with cold egg in boiling water
Medium-boiled egg
5 min
Creamy yolk, firm white
Tip: Perfect for salads and sandwiches
Hard-boiled egg
10 min
Firm yolk and white
Tip: Transfer to cold water after cooking
Scrambled eggs
2 min
Pan fried
Tip: Stir constantly on low heat
Omelet
3 min
Pan fried
Tip: Flip after 90 seconds
Poached egg
4 min
Cooked in water without shell
Tip: Add a splash of vinegar to the water
How Long to Boil Eggs
The difference between a perfect soft boiled egg and a rubbery mess comes down to timing. I've overcooked more eggs than I care to admit, which is exactly why this timer exists.
| Doneness | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Soft boiled | 3-4 min | Runny yolk, barely set white |
| Medium boiled | 5-6 min | Jammy yolk, firm white |
| Hard boiled | 10-12 min | Fully set yolk and white |
| Poached | 3-4 min | Cooked without shell in water |
Tips for Perfect Boiled Eggs
Use Older Eggs
Eggs that are 7-10 days old peel much easier than fresh eggs. The air pocket grows as eggs age, making the shell separate more cleanly.
Ice Bath Immediately
Transfer eggs to ice water right when the timer ends. This stops the cooking and prevents that green ring around the yolk.
Room Temperature Start
Let eggs sit out for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Cold eggs are more likely to crack when dropped into boiling water.
Don't Overcrowd
Cook eggs in a single layer. Stacking them leads to uneven cooking and makes timing less reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to boil a soft boiled egg?
For a soft boiled egg with a runny yolk and just-set whites, boil for 3-4 minutes after the water returns to a boil. Start with the egg at room temperature for best results.
How long to boil a hard boiled egg?
For a fully set hard boiled egg, boil for 10-12 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
Should I start eggs in cold or boiling water?
Both methods work. Starting in boiling water gives more consistent timing. Starting in cold water and bringing to a boil is gentler and may reduce cracking. Our timer presets assume you add eggs to already boiling water.