Overcooking your food is a sure way to ruin a meal. And with some foods, the window of deliciousness can come down to seconds. This is why you need a high-quality kitchen timer for your home.
Countertop timers are a kitchen staple. These small gadgets are easy to program, so you can focus on cooking. However, kitchen timers have plenty of other applications. You might set a timer at your desk to keep your workflow on track or in the bathroom when your child is brushing their teeth.
What to look for when shopping for a kitchen timer? Some of the key features include a bold display and a loud alarm. You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll want to mount the timer on the wall, stick it on the fridge, or keep it on the countertop. If you have kids, make sure that the timer is easy for them to set.
Here are some of the best kitchen timers for your home and office.
1. Habor 24-Hour Digital Timer
With a large display and clearly-labeled buttons, Habor’s kitchen timer is easy to use. The LCD screen can count up and down, and you can program up to 24 hours at a time. This product also includes a magnetic back, hook and retractable stand. You can hear the loud ring from another room, but the buttons are silent when you program the timer.
Pros: The timer includes a twelve-hour clock function. You can program the hour, minutes and seconds individually.
Cons: You can’t lower the volume on the timer’s ring. There isn’t an option to shut the timer completely off.
2. OVEKI Kitchen Timer
This round kitchen timer will blend seamlessly into your home decor. The large digital display can count up to 99 minutes, and the timer counts both up and down. You can silently set the minutes and seconds by during a dial. This product includes three volume levels for the alarm, and the display dims after five seconds to conserve energy.
Pros: The timer includes a magnet. The alarm sounds for a full minute before shutting off.
Cons: You can’t set the timer for more than 99 minutes at a time. The display dims quickly, requiring you to wake it up every five seconds.
3. Antonki Kitchen Timer
This kitchen timer has a simple and functional interface. The product includes minute and second buttons, and you can program up to 60 minutes at a time. You can use the magnetic backing and retractable stand to display the timer as you wish. The loud alarm is easy to hear in another room. You’ll receive two timers with your order.
Pros: The magnet is strong enough to hold the timer in place on the fridge. The numbers are large and easy to see.
Cons: The alarm sound might be too loud for some. You can only program the timer up to 60 minutes and 59 seconds.
4. Wrenwane KitchenTimer
If you’re looking for a timer with just the basics, this product is a great option. The minute, second and start buttons, as well as the numbers on the display, are all large and easy to spot across the room. The alarm is loud enough to hear around the house. This product includes an on/off switch, so you can conserve battery when not using it. You will need to purchase the AAA battery separately.
Pros: The timer has a stand, magnet and hook. This product counts up to 99 minutes at a time.
Cons: The battery may run out after just a few months. The screen doesn’t have a backlight.
5. OXO Good Grips Triple Timer
This kitchen timer is great for long events or sports, featuring three 100-hour timers in one. Each timer has its own unique alarm ring. The LCD display is on an angle, so it’s visible when the timer is on a flat surface. The soft buttons help with accuracy. This product requires two AAA batteries, which are included in the package.
Pros: The timer has a non-slip bottom. The display functions as a clock when the timers aren’t running.
Cons: The product may tip forward when you press the buttons. The alarm sound may be too quiet for some.