Best Egg Incubators UK (2026): From Brinsea to Budget
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Hatching your own chicks is one of the most rewarding parts of keeping hens — and a brilliant project for children. A good incubator does the hard work for you: it holds a steady temperature, turns the eggs and lets you watch the magic happen.
We’ve compared the most popular egg incubators on Amazon UK, from British-made Brinsea models to budget options, so you can choose one that suits how many chicks you want to hatch.
Our top picks at a glance
| Incubator | Best for | Capacity | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brinsea Mini II Advance | Best overall | 7 hen or duck eggs | £150 |
| Brinsea Mini II EX | Best premium small incubator | 7 hen or duck eggs | £192 |
| Brinsea Maxi 24 Advance | Best for bigger hatches | 24 hen eggs | £223 |
| GQF Incubator | Best mid-price option | Varies by model | £52 |
| MYMULIKE 12-Egg Incubator | Best budget incubator | 12 eggs | £41 |
The best egg incubators in the UK
1. Brinsea Mini II Advance — best overall
Brinsea is a British company that has been making incubators since 1976, and the Mini II Advance is its most popular small model. It’s a favourite with backyard keepers and schools.
- Holds up to 7 hen or duck eggs
- Automatic temperature control
- Automatic egg turning
- Compact: about 24.5 x 24.4 x 16.5cm
- Made in Britain
What we like: It’s reliable, easy to set up and small enough to sit on a kitchen worktop. The clear lid gives a great view of the hatch.
Worth knowing: Seven eggs is a small hatch. You’ll need to manage humidity yourself by adding water.
2. Brinsea Mini II EX — best premium small incubator
The EX is the upgraded version of the Mini II, with additional controls for keepers who want more precision.
- Holds up to 7 hen or duck eggs
- Automatic temperature control and egg turning
- Same compact size as the Mini II Advance
- Made in Britain
What we like: It has an excellent owner rating, and it’s a good choice if you plan to hatch regularly.
Worth knowing: It costs around £40 more than the Advance. For an occasional hatch, the Advance is usually enough.
3. Brinsea Maxi 24 Advance — best for bigger hatches
If seven eggs isn’t enough, the Maxi 24 offers the same Brinsea approach with room for up to 24 hen eggs.
- Holds up to 24 hen eggs
- Automatic temperature control and egg turning
- About 35.4 x 35.4 x 16.5cm
What we like: A larger hatch from a trusted British maker, without needing a huge cabinet incubator.
Worth knowing: Its owner rating is lower than the smaller Brinsea models, so read recent reviews before buying.
4. GQF Incubator — best mid-price option
GQF is a long-established incubator brand, and this model is well reviewed on Amazon UK at a mid-range price.
- Automatic egg turner
- Automatic temperature control
- Over 200 reviews on Amazon UK
What we like: Good value for an automatic incubator from a recognised brand.
Worth knowing: Check the exact capacity and egg size listed for the version you choose.
5. MYMULIKE 12-Egg Incubator — best budget incubator
A low-cost incubator with automatic turning and humidity trays you can top up from outside.
- Holds 12 eggs
- Turns eggs automatically every two hours
- Digital temperature control and humidity display
- External water bottles for humidity
- Detachable parts for cleaning
What we like: You get automatic turning and a humidity display for around £40.
Worth knowing: Budget incubators can vary more in temperature. Check it with a separate thermometer before setting eggs.
How to choose an incubator
- Capacity: not every egg will hatch, so set a few more than the number of chicks you want — but only as many as you can rehome.
- Automatic turning: essential unless you’re happy to turn eggs by hand several times a day.
- Forced air (fan): gives a more even temperature than still-air models.
- Humidity control: most incubators need you to add water; some can be topped up from outside.
New to hatching? Read our step-by-step guide to hatching chicken eggs.
Before you hatch: think about the cockerels
Roughly half of the chicks you hatch will be cockerels. Many people can’t keep cockerels in a garden because of the noise, so have a plan for rehoming them before you start.
Prices, ratings and specifications were checked on Amazon UK in October 2026 and may have changed since. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
