![]() Other models come with three separate timers, which can be used to time one long-cooking food item or keep track of three separate recipes at once. Some cooks want to be able to count both up and down, while others want to ensure that the timer can time multiple dishes at once. One of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a kitchen timer is to make sure it can do what you need it to do.Or perhaps you’d like a kitchen timer on a special stand that allows you to see the display screen from wherever you are.Īnd if you aren’t very tech-savvy, a simple kitchen timer can provide the needed features without you having to learn the complexities of the oven or microwave clock first. If you’re busy around the kitchen, you may prefer a kitchen timer that is magnetic and can stick to metal surfaces. If you’re a prolific cook, this is a must-have feature. Some kitchen timers also come with multiple timers, so you can set one for each of the dishes you’re making without having to use separate devices. Depending on your personal preference, you may want to use a particular setting for a specific recipe - and a kitchen timer provides that freedom. One of the key features many kitchen timers have (that most microwave and oven clocks don’t) is that they can either count up to higher numbers or down to zero. Precision is a key quality of kitchen timers you want to make sure when you set it for one minute, it will beep at that time and not dock a few vital extra seconds. However, a good kitchen timer is often far more exact than an oven, microwave or smartphone clock because it is made specifically for timing food. Plus, your smartphone has a clock and timer in it as well, so you can take it with you around the house while waiting for your food to cook. Most ovens and microwaves come with built-in cooking timers, which can be handy for simple recipes. The thing is, your kitchen likely already has a number of timers. If you take your brownies out of the oven too early, the batter may not have finished cooking. If you wait an extra 30 seconds, your soft-boiled egg may develop a texture you don’t want. In cooking and baking, timing can be critical. Some could be set to sil.Whether you’re making a complex recipe with highly involved steps or boiling an egg for the first time, a good kitchen timer can make your life much easier. Adjustable Volume Levels: Many models had two or more volume settings, so you can accommodate your personal preferences or adjust to different noise levels in your kitchen.Many of the multiple-event timers also had unique patterns of beeps and/or visual alerts and indications on their screens that helped us differentiate between the events. (Previous models we tested required scrolling, which we found untenable.) One model featured separate “set” and “start/stop” buttons for each event. ![]() The screens of the dual, triple, and quad timers we tested displayed each of their events simultaneously. Clear Differentiation Between Events: When using a multiple-event timer, you don’t want to accidentally clear an active event while adjusting another.We also preferred screens with big, easy-to-read digits. ![]() Tilted Display with Large Digits: Timers with tilted displays were the easiest to read the best models were wedge-shaped or had kickstands.Accuracy: Fortunately, you don’t have to look very hard to find an accurate timer.It’s also common for timers to have adjustable volume settings (sometimes including a silent setting) and flashing lights so that there’s a visual alert, too. Most can count up (like a stopwatch) in addition to down. ![]() Many are “multiple-event,” which means they can track multiple times simultaneously. The simplest digital models track a single set time and beep when that time is up. We prefer digital models to old-fashioned dial-face timers because they tend to be more precise, easier to set, and easier to read. A kitchen timer is also often easier to set than the timers on appliances, and you don’t have to worry about dirtying your phone with food. Unlike most of the alternatives, a timer can be carried into another room so that it’s always visible and within earshot. You can use the timers on your smartphone, smart speaker, oven, or microwave-but there are good reasons to have a dedicated kitchen timer. For cooks who want the ability to track multiple things with one timer, we recommend the OXO Good Grips Triple Timer. The ThermoWorks Extra Big & Loud Timer is our top pick for cooks who want to track only one thing at a time. They often have extra features (such as stopwatch functions and memory settings) or adjustable settings to increase their usefulness. The best kitchen timers are simple and easy to read and hear, with clearly labeled buttons, big digital screens, and alerts that are audible and/or visible from across the room. ![]()
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