The egg coddler is one of those quietly brilliant kitchen objects that fell out of fashion and deserves to come back. The Bia Stripes Egg Coddler revives a traditional technique — a gentle, unhurried way to cook eggs that produces results a frying pan simply cannot.

Crack one or two eggs into the coddler, add whatever you like — a little cream, herbs, cheese, or nothing at all — and place in simmering water for 6 to 9 minutes depending on your preference. The result is a perfectly set egg, eaten straight from the coddler. No pots to wash, no mess to speak of.

Hand-painted stoneware in the Bia Stripes design, available in blue or green. Dishwasher safe. A small, considered gift that is also genuinely useful.

• Material: Stoneware
• Available in: Blue, Green
• Dishwasher safe
• Cooking time: 6–9 minutes in simmering water