Vintage kitchen gadgets always attract attention, but some are so unusual they leave people guessing. One perfect example is the Howard Electric Egg Boiler and its tiny ceramic measuring cup. At first glance, the cup looks like a miniature coffee mug with strange numbers printed around it. Many shoppers spot it at estate sales or thrift stores and assume it’s a toy, a novelty cup, or even a shot glass.
In reality, that ceramic cup had a very specific purpose. The markings—3, 5, 7, and 9—weren’t minutes on a timer. They were water levels. Each level matched how you wanted your egg cooked, from soft to firm. You would pour water into the cup to the desired line, then pour that water into the base of the egg boiler. The appliance heated the water and steamed the egg gently.