The typical cooking time for eggs in an egg cooker is approximately 10 to 12 minutes. This duration is sufficient for hard-boiled eggs, which are the most common use for egg cookers. The precise cooking time can vary slightly depending on the model and the desired level of doneness. For example, if you prefer your eggs to be soft-boiled, you may need to reduce the cooking time to around 6 to 8 minutes. The egg cooker's design ensures that the eggs are submerged in water and cooked evenly, making it a convenient and consistent method for boiling eggs.

The reason for this standard cooking time lies in the heat transfer properties of water and the specific heat capacity of eggs. When water is heated to its boiling point, it transfers heat to the eggs, causing them to cook. The cooking time is influenced by the temperature of the water, the size and shape of the eggs, and the efficiency of the egg cooker. Most egg cookers are designed to maintain a consistent temperature, which contributes to the relatively uniform cooking time across different models.

According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, the ideal cooking temperature for hard-boiled eggs is around 212°F (100°C). This temperature ensures that the eggs are fully cooked without overcooking, which can lead to rubbery textures. The study also found that the cooking time for hard-boiled eggs in a standard pot is similar to that in an egg cooker, further supporting the 10 to 12-minute range for egg cookers. Additionally, the American Egg Board recommends cooking hard-boiled eggs for 12 to 15 minutes for the best results, which aligns with the typical cooking time in an egg cooker.

In summary, an egg cooker usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes to boil eggs, with variations based on the desired level of doneness and the specific model of the cooker. This duration is influenced by the heat transfer properties of water and the efficiency of the egg cooker, ensuring that eggs are cooked evenly and to the desired level of doneness.