I tried the egg-shaped gadget that lets you make hard-boiled eggs in the microwave, and it's perfect if you don't want to bother with the stove

• The Egg Pod promises a hassle-free experience of making hard-boiled eggs.
• Using the $27 gadget gets you peeled and microwave-cooked eggs in 13 minutes.
• While I didn't find it much easier than just boiling eggs and peeling them myself, I do think it's a great option for anyone who doesn't have access to a stovetop.

I'm a skeptic when it comes to kitchen gadgets. So when I heard about the "As Seen on TV" Egg Pod, I wanted to see if it worked.

In a sea of single-use tools and contraptions, I think there are very few that are worth precious counter or cabinet space. After giving the egg-shaped steamer a try, I think the most notable feature is that it lets you make eggs in the microwave.

So, if you live somewhere without access to a stovetop, I think the Egg Pod deserves a space on your counter.

You can find the egg cooker on the Egg Pod's website for $26.94 (including shipping and handling) plus tax. At the time of writing, it's also available on Walmart for $14.88. Here's what it was like to use.

When I opened the box that came to my door, I saw the pod, a small measuring cup, and an instruction manual. The instructions were also easy to follow, which I thought was a plus.

I took the pod apart to clean it before loading it with eggs. Inside of the plastic egg was a set of two removable metal trays that would help with the steaming and peeling processes.

I used the small plastic cup to measure out 50 milliliters of water and poured it over the bottom tray. The water disappeared from view as it filled the lower half of the plastic egg just below the metal tray. Then I loaded my four eggs, sealed the top, and placed it in the microwave for nine minutes of steaming.

After the first timer went off, I set another timer for two minutes before even opening the microwave as per the instructions. Once the second waiting period was over, I transferred the giant egg to the sink — still skeptical of how this microwavable gadget could make fully-cooked eggs.

It was time to set the third and final timer in this process: I had to leave the eggs under cold running water for two minutes. I didn't love that I had to leave the sink running for two full minutes, but it was part of the instructions and I wanted to make sure I followed them to a T.

Then came the fun part. Without draining the water, I replaced the dome-shaped top and shook the entire thing up and down 10 times to crack the shells.

Behold: ready-to-peel eggs! Opening the lid, I saw four cooked eggs with cracked shells ready for peeling. I was able to easily slide off most of the shells, but I did have to use running water to get some of the little bits and pieces off. There was also one egg white that broke in the shaking process — I lost some of the egg there.

Overall, I got what I was promised. I started with four raw eggs and finished with them fully cooked less than 20 minutes later. If you want to add a gadget like this to your arsenal, I'm here to tell you this one works.

• Read more:
• A self-taught home cook makes stunning pasta in a rainbow of different colors
• Photos show how common baking mistakes can drastically change your brownies
• The most-searched recipe in every state shows what people are looking to make at home
• 17 baking fails to make you feel better about yourself