To get the best results in the kitchen, most dishes have an optimal cooking time. Maybe you're soft boiling an egg for just six minutes, or maybe you're simmering a stew for hours. Either way, it's always a good idea to have a timer on hand to help prevent overcooking. And if you're a multitasker, a kitchen timer is easy to set and forget so you can get your other tasks out of the way while your food cooks to perfection.
Our favorite timer is Ganapoco's Dual Digital Timer, an excellent kitchen partner. It allows you to run two timers simultaneously and even has an adjustable volume so you'll be able to hear it from another room. If you want more options, view the rest of our list below! Be sure to also check out our buying guide reviewed by a chef for tips on how to choose the best kitchen timer for your space and cooking style.
Quick List - Top Kitchen Timers
Hearth & Hand
Best Stylish Mechanical Timer
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
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Kitchen timers may seem simple, but the small details are important. When your dinner is on the line, the last thing you want to do is fuss around with confusing controls! In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing a timer.
Kitchen timers can be either digital or mechanical. Aside from the obvious aesthetic differences, they also differ in the types of features they have, the durations they can be set to, and how easy they are to use.
Digital timers typically feature large displays that are easy to read. They have buttons that you use to set the timer and generally have a higher maximum time than mechanical timers, allowing them to be set for multiple hours. Plus, these timers have the ability to specify intervals down to the second.
They’re also usually battery-powered, which can be a bit of a hassle if you pull it out of the drawer to use it and it's dead. However, they may have helpful additional features, like a stopwatch, clock, and the ability to set multiple timers.
Mechanical timers feature a knob that you twist to set the timer. Typically, they allow you to set timers up to one hour with one-minute intervals. They’re not as precise as digital timers and the markings are often small, making them hard to see for some.
However, they don’t use any batteries! And while a digital timer might require you to press buttons multiple times to get it started, with a mechanical timer you can just twist and go.
Think about your kitchen space, where you’ll want to put the timer, and if the timer can be placed in a way that accommodates your needs. Some timers simply sit on your kitchen counter. This makes them easy to access, but also easier to drop or knock over.
Other timers can be hung on a wall or have a magnetic backing so you can stick them on your fridge or range hood. If you have a large house or are often multitasking, consider a timer with a clip that you can attach to your clothing or apron. This will allow you to take care of other things and know exactly when your time is up.
Some timers come with multiple placement features, like a lanyard attachment and a kickstand, or a magnetic backing and a kickstand. This way you can keep it on your counter or apron while you're cooking, but stick it on your fridge when you're done, making it all the more convenient.
While mechanical timers are universally easy to use, digital timers will vary depending on their interface.
Some digital timers have a scroll-through interface, with just a couple of buttons that you press repeatedly until you reach your desired time. But if you don’t want to scroll through a bunch of numbers, look for a digital timer that has a direct entry interface. These types of timers have a number pad, like what you would find on a calculator or microwave.
They tend to be a bit more complex and bigger than scroll-through timers, and the individual buttons may be smaller. However, they allow you to enter the exact time with just a few pushes, making it easy to set, as opposed to their scroll-through interface counterparts, which often don't have a reverse option if you happen to scroll past your desired time.
Digital timers come with a host of different button sizes and layouts, some with smaller buttons to accommodate more options, and some with fewer and larger buttons. One style is not objectively better than the other, as ultimately it's up to personal preference.
For example, when it comes to the controls for resetting the time, some timers have a clear designated button, some direct you to hold down a specific button, and others require you to push two buttons at once. If you know what button and control scheme tends to be more frustrating for you to use, then steer clear.
It’s important to make sure that when your timer goes off, you’ll hear it loud and clear. If you don’t hear the alarm, there’s really no point in having a timer to begin with! If you live in a small, quiet space, a standard timer should work just fine.
On the other hand, if you live in a large or noisy house, or are hard of hearing, you may want something louder. Look for a timer with an adjustable volume. Many range from around 70 decibels to over 100. For reference, the average alarm clock rings at 80 decibels.
Cooking can be messy, so it’s a good idea to choose a kitchen timer that can stand up to some wear and tear. In addition to getting oil, flour, and other food on it, it could also get dropped or knocked over while you’re cooking. Plastic and stainless steel are the two most common materials.
They're both easy to wipe clean, although plastic can absorb common chemicals in the kitchen like oil and water and ultimately stain. And some timers will need to be handled with extra care around water to avoid being damaged, so if you anticipate doing a deeper clean, consider a waterproof timer or one with a simple surface to deal with.
Timers made of plastic are more subject to breaking if dropped, but stainless steel is a bit more durable. However, this may not be much of an issue, depending on your floors. If you’re planning to place the timer near the stove or oven, make sure the material is heat-resistant so it doesn’t melt!
Digital kitchen timers may have other features in addition to their main function. Many of them have a stopwatch and some double as a clock. Dual or triple timers let you set multiple timers at once, which can be helpful when you’re multitasking in the kitchen. Some digital timers also have backlit screens to help you see them in the dark.
There are also kitchen timers with cute or novelty designs, such as retro- or fruit-themed timers. There are even ones shaped like eggs. In fact, if you need a timer specifically to boil eggs, there are plenty that specialize in this! They can be digital or mechanical and will provide you with different timer options depending on how cooked you want your eggs to be.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ganapoco Dual Digital Timer | ![]() | Best Dual Timer With Adjustable Volume | |
2 | eTradewinds Elegant Digital Kitchen Timer|eT-23 | ![]() | Best Simple Stainless Steel Timer | |
3 | Hearth & Hand Vintage Streamline Kitchen Timer | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Best Stylish Mechanical Timer |
4 | Xrexs Digital Kitchen Timer | ![]() | Best Timer With a Number Pad | |
5 | Vocoo Digital Kitchen Timer | ![]() | Best Digital Timer That's Easy to Clean | |
6 | ThermoPro Digital Kitchen Timer|TM02 | ![]() | Best Loud Dual Timer With a Clock | |
7 | IKEA Kitchen Timer | ![]() | Best Multi-Functional Timer | |
8 | OXO Good Grips Digital Egg Timer with Piercer | ![]() | Best Timer for Boiling Eggs | |
9 | Antonki Kitchen Timer for Cooking | ![]() | Best Set of Two Pocket-Sized Timers | |
10 | Secura 60-Minute Visual Countdown Timer | ![]() | Best Timer You Can See From a Distance |
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With a maximum time of 99 hours and 59 seconds, this dual timer can be used for nearly any need. You can set timers and stopwatches, as well as set the volume to loud, low, or mute. It has a flashing light to indicate when the time is up, and it can be conveniently placed with its kickstand and built-in magnet.
Some reviewers found this timer to be too complicated to use, and others also wished its magnets were stronger. Still, many reviewers appreciated its useful features. They also liked that the timer begins to count up after the alarm goes off so you can see how far over time you've gone.
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This kitchen timer is made from stainless steel, giving it a sleek modern look. You can set this timer up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds, and the device will automatically shut off if it's been idle for more than two minutes. It has a memory function to save your previous timer setting. It even comes with a lifetime warranty.
Reviewers warned that the memory function means it will revert to your previously set time once the timer is up, so you have to zero it out manually. Still, many liked its small size and sleek look and found it to be easy to use. They liked that it struck a balance between being unobtrusive and having easy-to-read large numbers.
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Hearth & Hand's mechanical timer boasts a vintage yet chic look that can complement any kitchen setting. It comes propped up on a metal base that allows for an angled view. To set the timer, make sure you follow the instructions carefully, or it may not be accurate or fail to sound at all.
Some reviewers found the ringing to be too soft. However, most people found the timer functions properly upon winding it per the instructions. Many were also happy with the timer's old-school and retro design and appreciated its small stature.
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With a direct input number pad, this digital kitchen timer from Xrexs makes setting a timer quick and easy. The LCD display measures one by two-and-a-half inches and will automatically shut off after 10 minutes if not in use. On the back, there's a magnet, kickstand, and hook so you can display this timer however you please.
Some reviewers said the alarm on this timer is startlingly loud, so it may be best for people who need an alarm they can hear between rooms. Aside from this, many people found it to be easy to use and were happy with its features. They especially liked the mute function and having the ability to set double-digit hours.
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This timer combines a sleek digital screen with a twist-to-set function. Simply stick the timer onto a metal surface; there are magnets and nonslip silicone pads on the back to prevent slipping. Twist the outer ring to set your desired time. There are two volume settings and a mute option, as well as two brightness levels.
A few reviewers noted that this timer can be hard to clear back to zero. While some found that the twist function takes some getting used to, most reviewers agreed that it's ultimately much faster and easier than using buttons. In addition, they said it's easy to read and looks good in their kitchen.
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This dual timer can help you keep track of two different dishes. This one features a backlit 2.6-inch LCD display and an adjustable volume that goes from 70 to 105 decibels, making it easy to hear from another room or outside. It has both a magnet and a kickstand and, when not in use as a timer, can display the time and date.
The main complaint from reviewers was that the alarm is incredibly loud! However, some people noted that sticking the timer to your fridge will muffle the sound a bit if needed. In general, reviewers were pleased with the large display and the dual timers. They also liked that it doubles as a clock for their kitchen.
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This compact timer from IKEA has four different modes, allowing it to function as a timer, clock, thermometer, and alarm. Simply rotate the device to change the mode. Even with its multiple functions, the timer maintains a simple interface, with only two buttons on the back used to set and control every mode.
Even so, some reviewers found the timer too complicated to set up. Others also reported that the timer's lack of a constant backlight makes the display hard to see. On the other hand, many people were pleased with its many features. They found it useful in various settings, with some considering it the perfect household product.
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OXO's egg timer will help you make the perfect boiled egg. Choose from seven different doneness levels and four different egg sizes. A progress bar shows how much time is left and the timer will flash and beep when your eggs are ready. It also comes with a built-in piercer to help make peeling easier and prevent cracking.
While a few reviewers said the piercer didn't work for them, others said it did seem to make their eggs easier to peel. Aside from this, most reviewers were pleased with the timer. They said that once you figure out which settings work for you, you'll be able to boil perfect eggs every time.
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This two-pack of kitchen timers from Antonki provides all of your basic timer needs, plus a stopwatch. There's an easy-to-read display and clearly marked buttons to select the time. On the back, you can turn the timer off or set it to silent mode, where it will alert you with a flashing light.
Some reviewers complained about how the buttons make a beeping sound every time you press or hold them, which can get annoying. On the other hand, many reviewers liked how small and simple this timer is. They said the magnet and kickstand combination is handy and found the alarm to be quite powerful.
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With a large 7.5-inch face, this timer is all about the visuals. Twist the knob clockwise to wind it, then counterclockwise to set your desired time. A bright colored disc will appear as the timer runs, giving you a bold visual of how much time is left. Its magnetic backing and foldable legs let you hang it on a fridge or stand it up on the counter.
A few reviewers warned that this timer doesn't ring reliably when the time is up, while others found the ticking to be too loud. On the other hand, reviewers with large spaces loved how easy it was to see from across the room.
Whether you like to experiment in the kitchen or follow recipes to a T, having the right kitchen tools for the job can make your life so much easier! Check out more of our favorites below.
No. 1: Ganapoco|Dual Digital Timer
No. 2: eTradewinds|Elegant Digital Kitchen Timer|eT-23
No. 3: Hearth & Hand|Vintage Streamline Kitchen Timer
No. 4: Xrexs|Digital Kitchen Timer
No. 5: Vocoo|Digital Kitchen Timer
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