If we cast our minds back to early childhood, most of us will recall our very first lesson in cooking. When it comes to Western food in particular, that first lesson likely involved a carton of eggs.
Doe-eyed, we’d watch our instructor demonstrate how to crack eggs properly, and how exactly to slide out the slippery pieces of shell that inevitably made their way into the mixing bowl.
After seasoning with salt and pepper and adding our chosen extras – which usually consisted of whatever was available in the fridge, slightly mouldy cheese included – some young chefs were also taught to add a splash of milk or a dollop of butter into the golden yellow mixture.
Yet what started off as a lesson in omelette making would inevitably become an impromptu tutorial on cooking the perfect scrambled eggs. As such, many of us can’t exactly remember which version of the breakfast staple we learned to cook first.
Beloved for their versatility, the beauty of the omelette and eggs in general is that they can serve as a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. But where and when did the omelette originate?
Despite the French etymology, according to Breakfast: A History by Heather Anderson, omelettes and the Iranian dish known as kookoo sabzi are virtually interchangeable, the latter herb-filled alternative originating in ancient Persia.
Many cultures and cuisines across the globe have some form of their very own omelette, whether traditionally rolled or cooked more like a frittata. From Cantonese egg foo yong in China, Indian pora and Indonesian kerak telor to Italian frittatas, Japanese tamagoyaki and a good old English omelette Arnold Bennett – the cultural varieties are endless.
No matter where the recipe originates from and whether it requires an intricate ‘folding over’ or not, getting the perfect omelette every single time is no simple task. Enter: the omelette maker.
Shaped much like a classic toastie maker, omelette makers require little to no oil thanks to their handy non-stick surfaces. Designed to take all the guesswork out of omelette making, the value-for-money gadget will have your favourite omelette combination ready in under five minutes for your easiest meal yet.
How do you like your eggs in the morning? Baked into an omelette with the utmost ease. Keep scrolling for our top pick of omelette makers to shop now.
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Salter Non-Stick Dual Omelette Maker
One of the most reliable kitchen gadget manufacturers on the market, Salter is known for producing an array of handy devices to make home life that little bit easier. This non-stick dual omelette maker is certainly no exception to the rule, and produces thick, airy and fluffy omelettes in just three minutes.
The sleek stainless steel casing will seamlessly blend into any kitchen aesthetic, and the handy power-on and ready indicator lights will ensure you always know when your omelette is perfectly cooked. According to Salter, you can also use this handy grill to make pastries, cakes and other sweet treats.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Salter EK4213S Omelette Maker – XL
Ideal for larger families, this duo XL omelette maker from Salter is essentially the same as the original model – the only difference being its capability to produce two, full extra-large omelettes instead of two half-sized ones. You can also use this larger sphere-shaped omelette maker to make fluffy pancakes with ease.
Buy now, Amazon
Lakeland Electric Omelette Maker
This versatile omelette maker from Lakeland comes with an instruction manual filled with recipes including a classic ham and cheese omelette, chicken panini and gooey triple chocolate brownies – all of which can be made with this 19x23x9.5cm kitchen gadget. No need to turn or flip your creation with this device, either – for the automatic temperature control ensures that your food is cooked evenly from top to bottom with that perfect golden, crispy finish on either side.
Buy now £24.99, Lakeland
Presto Deep Fill Omelette Maker
A chic, dorm room-sized option for students, the Presto Deep Fill Omelette maker certainly doesn’t compromise on function. Featuring non-stick plates, non-slip feet and a conveniently long 80cm power cord, students could cook an omelette from bed with this option from Tower – though we wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
Buy now £14.99, Presto
KitchenCraft Microwave Omelette Maker
If there’s one major culinary difference between Brits and Americans, it’s the use of the microwave for just about everything in the USA. However blasphemous it may seem, microwave omelettes are very much a thing, and offer a fuss-free solution to your morning breakfast woes.
With the help of this microwavable, dishwasher-safe and value-for-money clam-shaped device from KitchenCraft, you can simply pop your favourite omelette filling into the BPA-free case and tuck into an extra fluffy omelette before you can say presto.
Buy now £8.46, Amazon
MisterChef Red Multi Use Electric Pizza Maker 1400W
Though marketed as an electric pizza maker, this handy little device from PizzaChef can do so much more than it says on the tin. Energy-saving and a portable solution for family camping trips, the MisterChef cooker can make quesadillas, nachos, quiches, croissants, giant cookies and of course, omelettes. As easy to clean as it is to use, simply wipe down the non-stick base with a soapy cloth while it’s still slightly hot to remove any leftover greasy residue.
Buy now £48.99, Amazon
Verdict
Tried and true, the classic Salter Omelette Maker is the most trustworthy option. Coming in close second is the family-friendly, XL Omelette Maker by the very same brand.
