Although an app could easily replace the humble kitchen timer, unlike our tablet or phone, the kitchen timer will usually survive a heavy coating of chicken fat or cookie dough. And even though most kitchen appliances now have built in timers, you do need to stay nearby to hear them go off, so at least by using a separate kitchen timer, you have freedom to move around the home while cooking. Kitchen timers are also multipurpose, useful for monitoring homework sessions, play times, photography or craft projects and many other tasks in or around the home.
There are two main types of timer, mechanical or digital and in this review, we will look at some of the bestsellers of both types. We also look at differences between the types and what some of the key features are that you should consider when choosing the best kitchen timer for your cooking needs and your home.Best Pick
Our best pick title was taken by Antonki Digital Kitchen Timer after a very close fight. With its all-rounder nature starting from featuring a very loud alarm to being backed by 1000+ days of warranty to having a wide count range, it is the most durable and reliable product there can be.
Budget Pick
Wrenwane Digital Kitchen Timer is the product that gives the best bang for your buck. The timer offers an easy operation process, features a display screen that is super visible, and comes with a loud but not too deafening alarm, all in your budget.
Quick Comparison: Top 15 Best Kitchen Timers
| Product Name | Item Weight | Timer type | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antonki Digital Kitchen Timer | 0.16 ounces | Digital | A+ |
| Wrenware Digital Kitchen Timer | 0.64 ounces | Digital | A+ |
| Uigos Digital Kitchen Timer | 2.4 ounces | Digital | A |
| Habor Kitchen Timer | 3.2 ounces | Digital | A |
| Albayrak Kitchen Timer | 4.3 ounces | Mechanical | A- |
| ThermoPro TM02 Digital Kitchen Timer | 1.44 ounces | Digital | A+ |
| OXO Good Grips Triple Timer | 6.4 ounces | Digital | A- |
| Datexx The Miracle TimeCube Timer | 0.32 Ounces | Digital | A |
| eTradewinds Elegant Digital Kitchen Timer | 1.25 pounds | Digital | A+ |
| KADAMS Digital Kitchen Clock Timer | 4.7 ounces | Digital | A+ |
| Taylor Precision Products Digital Timer | 0.48 ounces | Digital | A |
| KeeQii Kitchen Timer | 5 ounces | Mechanical | A |
| KTKUDY Digital Kitchen Timer | 2.24 ounces | Digital | A |
| XREXS Digital Kitchen Timer | 0.95 ounces | Digital | A+ |
| LIORQUE Kitchen Timer | 3.88 ounces | Digital | A |
1. Antonki Digital Kitchen Timer
As the first product in our review article, we have chosen the Antonki Digital Kitchen Timer, which features the ability to count both down and up. Not only is this a valuable addition to your kitchen, but its versatile use also makes this a gem! It can perfectly work as a kid’s timer, teacher’s timer, student’s timer, classroom timer, cooking timer, bathroom timer, meeting timer, game timer, BBQ, and egg timer!
The ease of use with this one is truly commendable as it has both minutes and seconds buttons and can be very easily reset to 00:00. Moreover, it has a strong magnetic back pad that allows you to stick this timer in any magnetic base, especially your refrigerator or your ovens.
But be careful! You are reminded not to stick the timer on any hot magnetic base as it may cause it to lose its magnetic property.
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Cons
2. Wrenwane Digital Kitchen Timer
If you face difficulties seeing the numbers on your kitchen timer, then the Wrenwane Digital Kitchen should be the right choice for you as it features a large display that is visible from all angles. You can get a good glance from across the room, and you can easily read the timer as it shows big and bold digits.
Not only that, it comes with a wide count-up and countdown timer range of 99 minutes and 59 seconds. The timer operates on one AAA battery, which has minimal power consumption, making it outlast most of its competitors in the market.
In addition to these, the versatility is what we love about this one. It is not only a perfect fit for your kitchen but also can be the ideal timer for your homework, exercise, or gym workout session. To top all that, the timer features a loud and clear but not deafening alarm sound, so you do not miss it even when you are in a different room.
The most convenient feature of this timer is that the extreme ease of use it offers as you have 3 different choices for the placement of it. You can use the hook for hanging it up or use the magnetic back to attach it to any metallic surface. It is also freestanding by using its retractable stand.
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Cons
3. Uigos Digital Kitchen Timer
Uigos Digital Kitchen Timer, too, like the former features an extremely visible display with large clear digits, but the difference is that this is a great value deal as it comes in a set of 2. The big and bold digits make this an ideal addition to your kitchen, especially for the ones who suffer from poor eyesight.
This super energy-efficient kitchen timer comes with an easy on/off switch and can count both down and up, making it a hit choice in the market. The feature that makes this one stand out is that it offers a very quick set up time. You can push and hold the button over only 3 seconds, and the time will fast forward on its own, and we found this feature amazing!
Last but not least, handling is super easy with this one as you can choose to stick it to any surface due to its magnetic back, make it stand on your kitchen top using its retractable stand, or use the in-built hook for hanging it, whichever seems convenient to you.
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4. Habor Kitchen Timer
The kitchen timer from Habor features a 2.6 inches LCD screen that can display clear and bold numbers to ensure your utmost convenience. With this addition to your kitchen, you will not have to fear overcooking or undercooking your food as it comes with a 67-94 dB audible alarm, which keeps you alert when even you are in a different room.
The attractive blue timer is operated by one AAA battery and has both 12 hours (that changes from AM to PM) and 24-hour mode, whichever suits your preference.
You can shift between the modes by simply pressing the MODE button and can also switch between minutes/seconds/hours individually. Not only that, if you desire to quickly set up the timer then you can press the H, M, or S button for 3 seconds to fast forward, and you are good to go!
Furthermore, you can use the timer mode for count up and count down and supports a count range of 1 second to 24 hours. This very feature of the timer makes it ideal for not only cooking purposes but also other tasks like a gym workout, kid’s activities, and meetings.
Moreover, you do not have to worry about your timer falling as you can conveniently place it in three ways, especially using its strong magnets that stay put perfectly on your refrigerator. Also, you would need to replace the batteries when the display becomes unclear or the ring volume becomes dimmer.
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Cons
5. Albayrak Kitchen Timer
If you want to give an aesthetic look to your kitchen, that too with a valuable addition, Albayrak offers the best kitchen timer to do that. The 304 stainless steel exterior and saucer-shaped design of the kitchen gives a timeless visual to your kitchen. Not only is this pleasing to the eyes, but it is highly water and corrosion-resistant.
Due to the timer featuring a strong magnetic back, you can attach it and store it on any metal surface in your kitchen, especially a fridge, refrigerator, or oven, whichever place is more convenient for you.
On top of these, the feature that makes it a market leader is its in-built 70 dB mechanical loud alarm. The sound can easily cover a radius of about 10m under low noise conditions, meaning that you will never be at the risk of missing it even when you are away.
Lastly, you do not have to fear any error-reading in this timer as it is super precise.
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Cons
6. ThermoPro TM02 Digital Kitchen Timer
Who wants one when you can get more? The kitchen timer from ThermoPro allows you to monitor two different timing simultaneously on the same timer, and we could not have asked for anything better! The timer is a dual digital timer that supports a count range of up to 23 hours 59 minutes, making it not fit for kitchen use only but also for exercise, kids’ activities, and meetings.
The timer features a large 2.6 inches LCD backlit screen with a backlight function that makes the digits visible even in low lights. Another feature that makes this timer out favorite is that you can alter the volume of the alarm between high/medium/low levels (between 70-105 dB) as per your desire. This will serve both your purpose, and you will not end up disturbing others around you.
Moreover, the built-in unique mute mode will alert you when it is time without creating extra noise. It does not only stop at this, the timer also has a calendar clock mode so that you can read the date and time anywhere you want.
Another unique feature of the timer is that it is programmed with a user-friendly memory, meaning that it will restore the last timer date after the countdown has finished. This way, you will not lose track of time and keep a note of it.
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Cons
7. OXO Good Grips Triple Timer
With three 100 hour timers, the OXO Good Grips triple timer is designed for longer and multiple cooking timings. All three timings show on its angled LCD display and when timers are not in use, it functions as a clock. The buttons are soft and easy-press and it has non-slip feet to keep it in position on the countertop.
It has a quiet audible alarm and comes ready to use with two AAA batteries. Some users may find that this timer does not have as longer lifespan as expected; particularly with heavy use.Pros
Cons
8. Datexx The Miracle TimeCube Timer
The TimeCube from Datexx is essentially a kitchen timer with 4 different duration labels on each of its four sides so that you can set the number side up for the time of your choice from 1, 3, 5, and 7 minutes. The simplicity of this timer is truly intriguing. It features an alarm that is between the ranges of 70 – 72 dB, which is enough to keep you alert at all times. The alarm sound is adjustable and has a friendly beeping sound when the time is up.
Moreover, the digital timer on the bottom shows the countdown of the time left both in minutes and in seconds until your alarm rings, letting you keep track of time more conveniently.
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9. eTradewinds Elegant Digital Kitchen Timer
Tradewinds Elegant Digital Kitchen Timer does not come in a pack of 1 or 2 but 6 timers in one pack! The more, the merrier!
The timer features an auto-shut program that turns off on its own after being left idle for 2 minutes to help you with energy consumption. In addition to that, you would never have to worry about the look of your timer getting hampered as it comes with a foam anti-scratch “appliance-saver” magnet exterior, which keeps the timer as good as new.
The unique feature of this timer is that you just have to hold the button for 2 seconds only to fast forward. Together with the large display screen and loud but pleasant-sounding 75-80 dB alarm sound which can easily be heard in other rooms, this timer is our absolute favorite.
Not only is this one a priceless addition to your home, but it also has other commercial purposes as it works perfectly as a medical, dental, and salon timer. Moreover, the super-powerful flush set magnets allow the timer to be attached to any metallic surface without the risk of falling off.
Lastly, the timer also holds auto memory through auto shut off, saving the last reading for your convenient use for the next time.
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10. KADAMS Digital Kitchen Clock Timer
For the 10th entry in our review article, we have chosen this waterproof digital clock timer from the KADAMS, which comes with Ip24 protection making it safe from all sorts of kitchen hazards.
The feature that we found extraordinary in this kitchen timer is that in addition to being an ideal timer, it comes with an indoor temperature thermometer display that converts between Celsius and Fahrenheit and has a temperature range of 0°C-50°C (32°F-122°F). Not only that, but it also has an in-built indoor humidity hygrometer display that supports a range of 20% to 95%.
The timer has a time display of both 12 and 24-hour modes that can be switched. The loud and clear but not too deafening alarm sound keeps you alerted even when you are not in the same room as the timer. The 3 mounting options that it offers are another factor that makes this our top choice. You can use the stand for placing it on your tabletop, use the in-built hole for hanging or mounting it or go for the suction cup that makes it convenient for hanging on glass, window, mirror, granite, and stainless steel. However, the suction cup will not work that well on tiles, and the timer can fall off so, be aware not to risk it.
The timer is further programmed with a low battery indicator which makes you aware when you are running on a low battery (battery power lower than 2.75V) by showing a signal on the LCD screen. The LCD screen is made of breakage proof clear plastic acrylic material called pmma, which is more durable and sturdy than regular glass.
Even though the timer is waterproof, you should be careful not to keep it directly in front of heavy water as it may then be damaged. Also, it is suggested that you avoid placing it in high humidity areas.
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11. Taylor Precision Products Digital Timer
If you are looking for a kitchen timer that is compact and lightweight then this might be just the right product for you. The Taylor Precision Products Digital Timer features a versatile design as it can be mounted anywhere in your kitchen with a clip, attached to any metallic surface using its magnetic back, or use its stand to place it on your kitchen top.
The large 0.75 inches display of the timer helps you read the numbers very easily from any angle.
The timer has a multi-use as it is capable of displaying up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds which is a wide range and can be perfect for other tasks like school assignments and office meetings. It can be programmed to count both up and down. The timer has a beeping sound when your setup has been elapsed and operates by easy start/stop buttons.
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12. KeeQii Kitchen Timer
KeeQii Kitchen Timer might just be the one to solve the problems you face due to unheard alarms as it comes with an 80 dB loud alarm and is capable of covering a test distance of 0.98 feet. Not only is the alarm loud, but it will last up to 3 seconds and 30 milliseconds when the time has elapsed. Forget all the worries regarding overcooking your food as you can hear the loud and clear sound of the timer even when you are in a different room.
The timer comes with a strong magnetic back, which allows you to stick it on any metallic panel, especially your fridge, refrigerator, and oven.
For the timer to work perfectly, you need to follow two simple steps. First, you need to knob the timer a full round in the clockwise direction until the pointer is aligned with zero symbols before every use. The second step is to wind the timer knob in the counterclockwise direction, pointing it to the number you want it to ring. The timer will only work if you have completed these two steps.
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13. KTKUDY Digital Kitchen Timer
Having both silent mode and ring mode, the KTKUDY Digital kitchen timer makes it to the 13th entry of our review article. It is the perfect timer for situations where you do not want your timer to ring with a deafening alarm as the mute & flash mode of it comes to your rescue.
With easy convertibility, you can switch to the ring mode at your convenience which has a 70-90 dB loud beeping sound that keeps you alert even when you are in a different room.
It has other amazing options, including the memory function and fast forward function. You can switch between minutes and seconds very easily. Also, with this one, you do not have to face any problem with storing or placing the timer as you can do it in three different ways- use its magnetic back, use the retractable stand or use the hook for hanging.
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14. XREXS Digital Kitchen Timer
XREXS Digital Kitchen Timer ushers in the second last position of our review article with a loud beeping alarm that can be heard from any corner of the house so that you do not have to keep an eye on your timer. You can effortlessly see the bold and clear numbers displayed on its large LCD screen.
Moreover, the timer will turn off on its own if left idle for 10 minutes. It can count both down and up and has a memory function, meaning that it will record the last time setting. It is not only an ideal timer for your kitchen but can be used for tasks like homework, workout sessions, games, and classroom timer activities.
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15. LIORQUE Kitchen Timer
For the final and last product in our article, we have chosen the kitchen timer from LIORQUE, which offers the most shortcut setting. You can easily set the counting time by quick and short presses of 1H/5M/1M/1S, and it requires longer presses to increase the times rapidly. You can also shift between 12-hour and 24-hour mode by a long press of ST/SP buttons.
The large and bold digits shown in its 2.7 inches LCD is super visible and can be viewed from any angle. Not only that, you can choose from 3 different levels of alarm sound, the highest being 90 dB, as per your desire.
You can store the timer by sticking it on any metallic panel as it features a strong magnetic back. In addition to that, you can also use the stable stand to place it on your kitchen top, or you can use the lanyard hole for hanging it. You would be required to replace the batteries of the timer if it stops working after a couple of months of use.
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Mechanical and Digital Timers
Mechanical timers are the more traditional timer, which you work by turning part of the timer to the time needed. It then counts down, usually with an audible tick, until it reaches zero and then the ringer goes off.
These timers are sometimes available with larger digits for those with limited vision and this type of timer is much easier to use than programming a digital timer. The main disadvantage with mechanical timers is that their time limit is usually 60 minutes maximum.
Electronic timers usually have a longer time range than mechanical timers, often up to 24 hours, or some may even run to 99 hours. They tend to also have a clock function, but digital timers can be more awkward to program than a mechanical timer and batteries may sometimes run down during timing. They are usually freestanding or can be wall mounted.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Kitchen Timers
1. Durability
‘Kitchen’ equals extreme conditions. So, you would want your kitchen timer to be able to withstand extreme environments. Your choice of kitchen timer should be fine around water splashes, humidity, heat and must allow to wipe off grease and fat easily.
2.Portability
An ideal kitchen timer is one that can be used inside and outside the kitchen area. It becomes more convenient when you get to carry it with you. Portability is only offered when it is compact and lightweight. Your choice of kitchen timer will allow you to clip it on your cloth apron or at least hang it around your neck when you are away from the kitchen.
3. Alarm Sound
What good is a timer if it does not come with a clear alarm sound? You surely do not want to keep looking at your timer and would want it to remind you of your work even when you are away. So, it is always a good decision to go for timers that support higher decibels. It is equally important for your alarm to be loud as well as long-lasting. This way you will never miss the ring unless of course, you prefer otherwise.
4. Precision and count range
The most basic timers can measure hours and minutes, but only the best timers can stretch to time seconds. Precision is highly appreciated when it comes to cooking, so why not have a kitchen timer that can measure time to greater precision?
In addition to precision, it is always a bonus to have a timer that has a wide count range. Again, it may not be a complete necessity for everyday use, but a kitchen timer with this extra feature can come in handy when it comes to long and serious cooking sessions.
5. Ease of Use
Your choice of kitchen timer should allow simplicity, or else using it can become frustrating. Complicated kitchen devices often lose their value, and you do not get the satisfaction from using them. The best ones are those that offer simple operation with press buttons like “on”/”off”/”clear” and create no extra fuss.
6. Versatility
Why wouldn't you love it if your kitchen timer was useful for other purposes as well? A multipurpose timer can come in handy in a lot of different situations. You can use a multi-function timer for your workout sessions, meetings, and kids’ activities. Not only that, if your timer comes with different modes like stopwatch mode or a clock mode, then it is a cherry on top.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the simplicity of the mechanical timer, or a multifunction digital timer, we hope that this review has given you some things to consider as to what is the best type of timer for you and your home.
Using a kitchen timer not only offers freedom from having to stay near the kitchen when cooking, but also means that you cannot accidentally damage your phone or tablet when using your timer app. Having the best kitchen timer to hand – or hung around your neck – also ensures that your cookies will be in the oven for exactly the time that they should be.
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