While Christmas shopping online last year, I came across an egg separator in the shape of a fish. I separate yolks from whites using the eggshell — it’s free, easy and not that messy. But this tiny silicone fish was so adorable I had to try it.
When the 2-1/2-by-3-1/2-inch orange fingerling landed on my desk, a few co-workers quickly said, “I want it.”
A quick Google search for “animal egg separator” brought up the same type of product in shapes of a pig, chicken and frog, all equally cute. I wanted one of each, but first I had to see if the fish worked.
How it works: Crack an egg in a bowl, place the fish’s lips on the yolk and squeeze. Release while turning the fish horizontal.
Does it work?: Absolutely! It was so awesome. When some whites ended up hanging out of the fish’s mouth, I give it a shake and they fell back into the bowl.
Pros: Inexpensive, small, easy to wash, cute, and kids will get a kick seeing the fish suck up the yolk.
Cons: It can hold only one yolk at a time. It is possible to use a plastic water bottle to separate eggs in the same manner, according to videos on youtube.com (search for “separate egg with water bottle”), and the videos show a person holding multiple yolks in a bottle. However, I could only hold one yolk at a time, fearful of the yolk in the bottle falling out while I was trying to squeeze in the other yolk. And, I broke a couple of yolks on the sharp rim of the bottle. The fish’s mouth is smooth.
Cost and availability: Several companies sell the fish. I bought the cheapest one on amazon.com from Zeroyoyo. Other sources include Nuovoware, JiaHui, Whming, Gxhuang, YolkFish, GreenLeafTech, Ai Yue and Peleg Design. Prices run from $2.99 to $8.99.
Worth it?: Definitely.
Got a gadget that you love, or are you curious about one you’d like us to test? Email crave@staradvertiser.com or write Crave, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza Suite 210, Honolulu 96813.