Can’t separate the egg white from the yolk? You’re not the only one. Using your hands or the shell-to-shell technique does not always guarantee you will be successful. Plus, mastering these methods takes a while and can be messy. Many use egg separators, which are devices that instantly separate egg whites from their yolk. However, there are many types of egg separators available, making it difficult to choose one. This is why we’ve listed the different types of egg separators and how they work to help you pick the separator that is right for you.
What Do Egg Separators Do?
Egg separators are devices that pull apart the egg white from the yolk in seconds. It requires minimal effort from the user and won’t leave your hands full of gunk. This is a major appeal for cooks, chefs, and home cooks who find the process too messy and complicated. Not to mention, it ensures you get the process right the first time, instead of wasting eggs.
When Would You Use An Egg Separator?
The time to use an egg separator is when a recipe calls for the use of egg whites only, and not a whole egg. It is best to use fresh eggs instead of older eggs, as older eggs are runnier, which makes separating the white from the yolk much more difficult. You must also ensure the eggs are cold or at room temperature. Eggs in these conditions are ideal for separating.
Types Of Egg Separators
Grip Egg Separators
Designed to attach to a container such as a mixer bowl or ramekin, a grip egg separator allows the container to catch egg whites. Similar in looks to a scoop but smaller, these egg separators have a bowl with one or more holes at the bottom. The holes; however, are not large enough for a yolk to pass through so you won’t have to worry about accidentally mixing the two. Just make sure to crack the egg over the hole(s) to avoid messes. Grip egg separators are typically made from plastic, which is easy to wash and wipe clean.
Ceramic Egg Separator
If having a separator that matches your decor is crucial, you may want to choose a ceramic egg separator. Ceramic egg separators typically have fun designs, such as chickens that look like they’re vomiting egg whites or boogeyman faces that make the egg white look like snot coming out of their noses. They look similar to small cups but have a slit or spout in the middle. Eggs are meant to be broken over the top opening, which makes the egg fall into the separator. To remove the egg white, tip the separator over until the egg white comes out of the slit or spout. Because it is made out of ceramic, this separator is delicate and can break easily. To clean it, you need to use baking soda and water while scrubbing gently.
Egg Separator With Receptacle
An egg separator with a receptacle looks like a deep measuring spoon. The separator is at the top of the spoon, which is the area where the yolk lands, while the receptacle captures the egg white. You might be thinking that grip egg separators also have receptacles, and they do, but these types of separators allow you to capture more than one egg white. With these separators, you won’t have to empty out the receptacle each time you crack an egg. Most are made out of stainless steel, which can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand.
Silicone Egg Separator
Shaped like a bulb, silicone egg separators offer a simple way to separate the yolk from the egg white. To use this separator, simply crack an egg over a bowl. Take the separator and locate the yolk. Place the opening of the separator above the yolk and squeeze the large part of the separator. This action will suck up the yolk inside the separator, leaving the egg white in the container. To remove the yolk from the inside, simply squeeze the separator again to make the yolk come out. This separator is made from food-grade silicone, making it easy to clean after use.
Egg Filters
Made from stainless steel, egg filters are dishwasher-safe and durable. Like grip egg separators, their design is similar to a spoon, but the head is a spiral instead of a bowl. The handle is flat, and the head has a hook at the end, making it perfect for resting on top of a bowl. Not to mention, some handles will have rubber to keep them from slipping from your hands. The spiral catches the yolk and lets the egg white out through the spaces between each loop, which is why it is called a filter. It also reduces the need to shake it to remove the egg white.
What’s Convenient For You?
When it comes to choosing an egg separator, the thing that is most important is convenience. If you can get your hands on a few separators, try them. See which ones give you a good grip, feel easy to use, and are most efficient. Deciding on an egg separator really comes down to you and your preferences. Find the egg separator that feels right for you!
