How to Use a Nonstick Egg Poacher on Induction Cooktops

By Cookware Brands | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use a nonstick egg poacher on an induction cooktop for perfectly poached eggs every time. Step-by-step tips for your RACO egg poacher.

Quick answer

To use a nonstick egg poacher on an induction cooktop, preheat the pan on low to medium heat, add a small amount of water or oil, crack the egg into the poaching cup, and cover until the white is set. The RACO Contemporary Nonstick Induction Egg Poacher works well because its stainless steel base is induction-compatible and the nonstick coating releases eggs easily.

Why induction cooktops need a special approach

Induction cooktops use magnetic fields to heat the pan directly, so only cookware with a magnetic base works. Many nonstick egg poachers have aluminum bodies that are not induction-compatible. The RACO Contemporary Nonstick Induction Egg Poacher 20cm has a stainless steel base that works on induction, gas, electric, and ceramic hobs.

The nonstick coating on this poacher is PFOA-free and makes cleanup easy, but you still need to avoid high heat. Induction can heat up very quickly, so using a low or medium setting prevents the nonstick surface from overheating and ensures gentle poaching.

Choosing the right liquid and temperature

For classic poached eggs, use water – about 1–2 cm deep in the pan. For a richer flavor, you can use broth or milk, but water is the most reliable. The liquid should be simmering, not boiling hard, to keep the egg white from scattering.

If you prefer a firmer white, add a splash of vinegar to the water. This helps the egg white coagulate faster. Avoid salt in the water because it can make the white spread out.

Step-by-step guide: How to poach eggs on induction

Step 1: Preheat the poacher on low to medium heat: Place the RACO egg poacher on the induction cooktop and set the heat to low or medium. Induction heats fast, so starting low prevents scorching the nonstick coating. Common mistake: Using high heat can damage the nonstick surface and cause the egg to stick.
Step 2: Add water or oil to the poaching cups: Pour about 1–2 cm of water into the pan, or lightly oil the cups if you prefer a firmer white. For induction, water heats evenly because the pan base distributes the magnetic energy. Checkpoint: If the water boils vigorously, reduce the heat – you want a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Crack an egg into each cup: Crack the egg into a small bowl first to avoid shell fragments, then gently slide it into the poaching cup. The nonstick surface helps the egg slide out easily later. Common mistake: Cracking directly over the pan can drop shell into the water.
Step 4: Cover and cook until the white is set: Place the lid on the poacher and cook for 3–5 minutes. The steam helps cook the top of the egg. Check by lifting the lid – the white should be opaque and the yolk still runny. Checkpoint: Cooking longer than 5 minutes will harden the yolk.
Step 5: Remove eggs and clean the poacher: Use a slotted spoon to lift the eggs out. The nonstick coating means you can wipe the pan clean with a soft sponge. The RACO poacher is also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. Common mistake: Using abrasive scrubbers can scratch the nonstick surface.

Product facts

RACO Contemporary Nonstick Induction Egg Poacher 20cm: The RACO Contemporary Nonstick Induction Egg Poacher 20cm has a stainless steel base that is induction suitable. This means you can use it on an induction cooktop without needing a separate induction adapter, and the nonstick coating makes egg release and cleanup easy.
RACO Contemporary Nonstick Induction Egg Poacher 20cm