Whenever I go through Instagram posts in the morning, I rarely miss breakfast posts from people who like food as I do. Pretty frequently too, these foods never miss an element of eggs in them. I guess this is the benefit of owning a hen house or stockpiling on eggs.
One art of preparing eggs that not many have mastered is that of egg poaching. Take note though because I am not talking about the illegal stuff. Cracking an egg into a cup then gently sliding it into heated water is what is referred to as poaching. As the egg white solidifies, the yolk remains soft and runny.
To make the poaching process a success, you need the best tool for the job. This is where you need an egg poacher such as the Calphalon elite nonstick 8-cup egg poacher. Not only is the cookware a dedicated poacher, it also converts to an excellent sauté pan.
WHAT IS AN EGG POACHER?
A poached egg refers to one that has been cooked on the outside shell. The preparation method could either be poaching or steaming. In comparison to the usual egg making methods, poached egg is more delicately delicious since it is cooked at a slightly high temperature.
Since the egg is cracked but is still in its shell, the white part solidifies, while the yolk remains runny. When cooked in ordinary cookware, the runny yolk disperses into the poaching media, resulting in a foamy mixture instead of a crisp breakfast delicacy.
Some people add vinegar during the poaching process to introduce an acidic media which accelerates the poaching process. The perfect foolproof tool for the job is an egg poacher. Note that in countries where salmonella vaccination for hens is mandatory, poached eggs are still safe, despite the runny yolk.
CALPHALON ELITE NONSTICK 8 CUPS EGG POACHER REVIEW
The Calphalon Elite Nonstick 8-Cups Egg Poacher is perfect cookware for making a wholesome family breakfast. Moreover, this cookware is handy enough to churn out restaurant-quality poached eggs for your beloved family.
The Calphalon elite has the capacity to make 8 poached eggs at a time. I think this would be enough for an energy-packed breakfast for a large family. And since you won’t be poaching eggs all day long, the poacher converts to a 6 quart sauté pan. This is an excellent feature, especially for everyday cooking.
FEATURES OF THIS GREAT PIECE OF COOKWARE
- Exceptional durability
The thing about this piece of cookware is the articulate manner in which it is made. Through the collaboration of Calphalon and Williams Sonoma, an excellently durable poacher is created. What’s more, the item can be safely used with metallic utensils. With a reputation to uphold, the item is durable as well.
When cooking, the 8 poaching cups gets submerged completely into the water, and so do the eggs or any other food for that matter. It is this capability that yields professional-grade poached eggs.
- Better material of construction
Another great feature is the material from which the poacher is made. Hard anodized aluminum ensures excellent heat conduction, a key requirement for uniform cooking. At the same time, this material ensures the impressive durability that the Calphalon, Williams Sonoma egg poacher has been known for.
- Great size and weight
This poacher measures about 13” in diameter, is 3” deep and comes with a 2” high lid. It is capable of holding 8 poaching cups at a go. The quart capacity is decent enough for everyday cooking. Together with the provided lid, this cookware weighs a total of 7 pounds.
- Can be used with metallic utensils
Since the product is lined with three layers of nonstick coating, it is capable of handle metallic utensils. You don’t have to keep using plastic or wooden spatulas, spoons, or whisks for whipping up your favorite recipes. While at it, do not be too hard on the pan in as much as it holds considerably well to metallic utensils.
- Withstands very high temperatures
When not being used for poaching, you can remove the cups. This is where the textured nonstick interior comes in handy. It seals flavors during searing and browning. These two cooking techniques are a testament to an item that withstands quite high temperatures.
- Offers the best grip
Stainless steels are riveted onto the walls, lasting through the service life of the pan. These are polished into a fantastic flawless finish. Moreover, the handles are ergonomically shaped, for a secure grip. The confidence to hold the poacher is what makes for a successful cooking process.
- Features a tempered glass lid
Another impressive feature is the tempered glass lid. It allows you to view all the contents of the poacher as it cooks. The glass lid is low profile and fits into tight spaces. For added convenience, the Calphalon Elite is dishwasher safe. However, for longevity, hand washing would be ideal.
HOW TO SAFELY USE THE EGG POACHER
The Calphalon Elite nonstick 8-cup egg poacher is ideal for use on either gas or electric cooktops. Since it is made from anodized aluminum, the pan is not compatible with induction stovetops.
As stated, this item is safe for using all types of utensils, whether wooden, coated, silicone, or nylon. However, do not use sharp metallic utensils such as knives and forks when preparing food. These would scratch the nonstick surface, limiting functionality.
As a versatile cooking item, it stays safe in an oven charged to 5000F. Aerosol cooking sprays are not to be used here. These types of cooking oil tend to build upon the cooking surface, causing food to stick onto the surface over time.
After cooking, give sufficient cooling time for the pan to cool down before washing it or immersing in cold water. A sudden change in temperature would cause the bottom to warp and peel off the nonstick coating.
CONCLUSION
The Calphalon elite nonstick 8-cup egg poacher is an excellent addition to your kitchen cookware accessories. Although many people see no need for a dedicated egg poacher, this item easily converts to a sauté pan when the poaching cups are removed. That’s the kind of versatility you desire in your kitchen.
Moreover, it is oven safe, dishwasher safe, and can take the beating of a metallic whisk. When washing the pan, allow it to first cool, then never use steel-based scouring pads or any harsh detergent. These are detrimental to the 3-layer nonstick coating.
Any stubborn food remains require scrubbing with a fine-powder cleanser. Alternatively, you can use a scrubbing pad made from nylon.
