Best With Candler: KEBONNIXS 12 Egg Incubator

Egg incubators keep the eggs at the right temperature for hatching by controlling humidity and temperature.

Yes, some models turn the eggs automatically. Otherwise, you have to do the turning yourself.

Fertilized eggs take about 21 days to hatch. After hatching, you should leave the chicks in the incubator for another 24 hours before moving to a brooding box.

One key feature to look for with egg incubators is a candler function. This is a light that can check the progress of the embryo. After researching a dozen different egg incubators with candlers, we think the KEBONNIXS is the best bet for most folks. Here’s why:

What We Liked

• Holds humidity and temperature well.

• Easy to clean.

• Built-in candler works well.

What Needs Work

• Doesn’t work as well for larger chicken eggs or duck and goose eggs.

• Interior space is cramped for chicks after they hatch.

Best for 4H projects: Magicfly Digital Mini Fully Automatic Egg Incubator

We liked the design of this incubator—and it is so simple to use, it is our pick if your child has to do a 4H project. The automatic temperature control works well.

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Egg turner works well.

• Compact size.

What Needs Work

• Directions could be more clear.

• No hygrometer to monitor humidity level.

Best For Large Numbers Of Eggs: Manna Pro Harris Farms Nurture Right Incubator

Most incubators we researched were designed for a dozen or so eggs. But what if you have more? This model by Manna Pro can handle 22 eggs—and we liked the overall quality here, albeit at a higher price.

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Easy to clean.

• Thermometer.

• Hygrometer to indicate humidity level.

What Needs Work

• Instructions could be more clear.

• Turner works best with chicken eggs, in our opinion.

• Pricey.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

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We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

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