Many baking recipes call for egg yolks or egg whites instead of the whole egg. Sure, there are a few methods to separate the two by hand, but they can be tricky to master and messy at best. However, you can simplify the task with an egg yolk separator tool. There are many different styles of separators, from metallic spoons to ceramic pots and even silicone suction tools.
Best Overall: Oxo Good Grips 3-in-1 Egg Separator
What We Lik
- Clips to bowls
- Raised sides prevents spills
- Non-slip grip
What We Don’t Like
- Not as effective with smaller eggs
If you’re looking to simplify the task of separating yolks from whites, this tool makes it incredibly easy. It clips to the side of bowls, so you can add it right over whatever you’re mixing. The non-slip grip ensures you won’t drop anything while handling eggs. The tool even has raised edges, so nothing spills out over the top when you crack an egg open. It’s designed to keep things nice and clean while the whites slip through the slits and the yolk stays intact in the shallow bowl.
Material: Plastic | Weight: 1.06 ounces | Dimensions: 3.88 x 2.9 x 1.75 inches
Best Budget: Mertek Wheat Stem Egg Filter
What We Like
- Made from wheat stems
- Multiple colors available
What We Don’t Like
- Too short to fit over larger bowls
For a budget- and eco-friendly option, these egg filters are made out of wheat stems. The spoons are sturdy, odorless, and feature multiple holes for egg whites to drain through. There is a ridge on the edge, so you can secure the spoon over measuring cups and small bowls. Choose between green, blue, or pink—whichever suits you best. The colors won’t fade, and the material is even oxidation-resistant.
Material: Wheat stem | Weight: 0.35 ounce | Dimensions: 5.12 x 2.36 x 0.39 inches
Best Silicone: Tovolo Silicone Yolk Out Egg Separator
- Small and easy to store
- Suction reduces mess
- Dishwasher-safe
- Rough handling can break yolk
Similar to the water bottle method of separating egg yolks, this nifty silicone tool takes the concept of using suction to lift the yolks right out of the whites. Just squeeze, place over the yolk, and release. The yellows will shoot up into the silicone tool, and all you have to do is gently squeeze to release them. The tool even looks a little like an egg yolk.
Material: Silicone | Weight: 0.66 ounce | Dimensions: 2.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches
Best Ceramic: Artbyshirly Handmade Egg Separator
- Multiple colors available
- Dishwasher- and microwave-safe
- Handmade
- Can chip or crack if dropped
Handmade items add a bit of flair to your bakeware. These ceramic egg-separator pots were thrown on a pottery wheel and painted by hand. There are eight interior colors to choose from with these adorable speckled pots, and each features a smiley-shape slit to let the egg whites out. They are food-safe, dishwasher-safe, and microwave-safe, making this a well-rounded tool.
Material: Ceramic | Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.75 inches
Best Large-Capacity: Cuisinox Egg Separator with Receptacle
- Can hold 4 egg whites at a time
- Dishwasher-safe
- Yolk separator isn’t detachable
If you plan on separating multiple eggs, then you may find a high-capacity separator tool handy. This tool has a deep receptacle that can hold up to four egg whites at a time. You’ll have to transfer the yolk after every crack, but it’s nice to hold multiple whites at once. Thanks to its stainless steel construction, this tool is both durable and dishwasher-safe.
Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 5 ounces | Dimensions: 3 x 6 x 3
Best Spoon: Soleader Egg Separator Tool
- Long non-slip handle
- Dishwasher-safe
- Drains quickly
- May break yolks of stale eggs
This stainless steel spiral spoon fits over most mixing bowls thanks to its extra-long handle. The coil drains quickly, too, so you can focus on the recipe instead of waiting around for the whites to filter. It’s also durable, dishwasher-safe, and won’t rust. Another nice feature is the non-slip grip handle.
Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 1.5
Best Novelty: Peleg Design Silicone Egg Separator
- Charming pig design
- Non-stick
- Dishwasher-safe
- Not ideal for larger eggs
Would you like some pork sausage with your eggs? This charming little silicone yolk separator is shaped like a pig and will snort the egg yolks right up in its snout. With a gentle squeeze, it will deposit the yolk back out again. It has a nonstick interior and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. There are other animal designs, too, including a red fish and a green frog.
Material: Silicone | Weight: 1.41 ounces | Dimensions: 2.44 x 3.74 x 1.57 inches
What to Look for in an Egg Yolk Separator
Ease of Use
A tool is meant to make a task simpler, so you’ll want to find an egg yolk separator that makes the task easier than doing it by hand. There are many different styles available, so search for one that works best for you—whether that’s squeezing a suction tool or cracking an egg into a spoon and letting it drain.
Material
There are three main materials you’ll see when it comes to egg yolk separators: ceramic, stainless steel, and silicone. Stainless steel is hard and sturdy, and it will certainly hold up under many egg cracks—just be sure to clean stainless steel tools and dry them right away to avoid rust. Ceramic is a tried-and-true stoneware that is typically dishwasher-safe, but if dropped, it can crack. Silicone is typically found in suction-style yolk separators; it may be a tiny bit flimsy, but these tend to be easy to clean and store. Some tools may also be made of food-grade plastic, which is an affordable and durable material, but be sure to check if it’s dishwasher-safe or not.
Style
The most common styles of egg yolk separators include the following:
- Draining cup: Crack an egg in a cup, and the whites will drain through slits or holes on the bottom.
- Spoon: Spoon-shaped tools let the yolk sit in the shallow cup while the whites drain.
- Pots: These small bowls or jars have an opening on the side and drain the whites when tilted.
- Suction tools: Typically made of silicone, these tools suck up egg yolks out of the whites.