Yes, I am familiar with this effect and can recreate it in my stainless steel pa...

Yes, I am familiar with this effect and can recreate it in my stainless steel pan. But I have yet to successfully retrieve a over-easy egg from it.

I suspect that equipment is a huge factor. My $20 stainless steel pan might not have the right surface characteristics.

Yes you need a thick pan. But also I would try using a lower heat.