Prior to the purchase of this excellent little machine, I would boil my breakfast egg in a saucepan of water on a solid plate electric hob - slow and a waste of electricity. Nowadays, with the help of the Stainless Steel Egg Boiler,I can cook up to seven boiled eggs in a tiny amount of water. I don't even have to watch the timing, as the buzzer tells me when the time is up. (It only took a couple of experiments to discover the exact amount of water for my preferred 'doneness'.) I haven't yet tried the poacher ring, but I am sure this would work just as well. Also, I laid some asparagus spears on the steamer tray, and they were steamed to tender perfection! The egg boiler is in daily use and I leave it on the worktop (takes up a very small space) ready for action. I am sure that I will be getting a lot of use from this inexpensive, but sturdily made, little gadget.