Photo: KitchenAid
Even though you may use the built-in timers that are common in most kitchen appliances today, a kitchen timer ensures you hear the alarm go off because you will have it close by.
Also, as compared to the timer in your mobile device, this unit is advantageous because it can withstand food particles such as dough, and can be hanged or placed at a convenient location for easy use.
That said, there are mechanical and digital timer types in the market, and each type has different varieties to choose from. To help you get the ideal piece, this article lists the best kitchen timers from which you can take your pick.
In this post:
- 10 Best Kitchen Timers – Review
- 1. Wrenwane Digital Kitchen Timer – Affordable Kitchen Timer
- 2. Habor Digital Kitchen Timer – Kitchen Timer with a Magnetic Back
- 3. AcuRite 00482 Digital Kitchen Timer – Triple Event Kitchen Timer
- 4. eTradewinds eT-26 Digital Kitchen Timer – Kitchen Timer with Auto Shut-Off
- 5. OXO Good Grips Kitchen Timer – Kitchen Timer with an Angled Face
- 6. KitchenAid Digital Kitchen Timer – Round Kitchen Timer
- 7. Time Timer TTM9-W Kitchen Timer – Best Mechanical Kitchen Timer
- 8. Datexx DF-37 Kitchen Timer – Cube Kitchen Timer
- 9. eTradewinds eT-78 Digital Kitchen Timer – Kitchen Timer with Volume Control
- 10. Taylor 584721 Digital Kitchen Timer – Good Kitchen Timer
- How to Buy the Best Kitchen Timer
- Conclusion
10 Best Kitchen Timers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Wrenwane Digital Kitchen Timer (Affordable) |
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 | 2. Habor Digital Kitchen Timer (With Magnetic Back) |
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 | 3. AcuRite 00482 Digital Kitchen Timer (Triple Timers) |
| |
 | 4. eTradewinds eT-26 Digital Kitchen Timer (Auto Shut-Off) |
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 | 5. OXO Good Grips Kitchen Timer (Angled Face) |
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 | 6. KitchenAid Digital Kitchen Timer (Rounded Shape) |
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 | 7. Time Timer TTM9-W Kitchen Timer (Best Mechanical) |
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 | 8. Datexx DF-37 Kitchen Timer (Cube Design) |
| |
 | 9. eTradewinds eT-78 Digital Kitchen Timer (With Volume Control) |
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 | 10. Taylor 584721 Digital Kitchen Timer (Good) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Wrenwane Digital Kitchen Timer (Affordable)
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2. Habor Digital Kitchen Timer (With Magnetic Back)
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3. AcuRite 00482 Digital Kitchen Timer (Triple Timers)
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4. eTradewinds eT-26 Digital Kitchen Timer (Auto Shut-Off)
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5. OXO Good Grips Kitchen Timer (Angled Face)
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6. KitchenAid Digital Kitchen Timer (Rounded Shape)
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7. Time Timer TTM9-W Kitchen Timer (Best Mechanical)
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8. Datexx DF-37 Kitchen Timer (Cube Design)
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9. eTradewinds eT-78 Digital Kitchen Timer (With Volume Control)
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10. Taylor 584721 Digital Kitchen Timer (Good)
|
1. Wrenwane Digital Kitchen Timer – Affordable Kitchen Timer
Photo: Wrenwane
- Type: Digital
- Timing Ranges: 99 mins and 59 secs
- Dimensions: 3.1 x 2.9 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 0.64 ounces
If you are tight on cash, Wrenwane’s digital kitchen timer is an affordable unit that you should consider and despite this, it is equipped with a loud sounding alarm that is audible even from the other rooms in the house.
The timer has a count up and count down mechanism, which means you can also use it as a stopwatch for other activities such as sports, games, and workouts.
As for placement, the unit is fitted with a kick-out stand that is ideal for table or countertop use. It also has a magnetic back for sticking it to a fridge door or any other metal surface, while a hook gives you the hanging option.
Other features include an on/off switch, a memory function that stores the previous settings and a large screen with large digits for easy use. On the downside, the timer has a short range of 99 minutes, 59 seconds, and the required AAA battery is not included in the pack.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Loud sounding alarm
- Count up and countdown settings
- Kick-out stand, magnetic back, and hook for placement
- Memory function for storing the previous settings
Cons:
- Short timing range
- Battery not included
2. Habor Digital Kitchen Timer – Kitchen Timer with a Magnetic Back
Photo: Habor
- Type: Digital
- Timing Ranges: 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.2 x 1 inches
- Weight: 3.52 ounces
Just like with Wrenwave’s unit above, this one is fitted with a retractable stand, hanging hook and a strong magnet that will grab firmly onto the refrigerator door for easy mounting.
The timer also features count up and countdown settings, which allow for multi-purpose use such as during workouts, meetings, games, etc.
A triple-A battery is included with the piece and this ensures you get to use it straight out of the box, powering it either in timer or clock mode. This mode gives time in a 12-hour format, but no on/off button is included for energy-saving purposes.
Other features include a large 2.6-inch LCD screen that displays in clear, bold numbers, a fast-forward function that allows you to quickly set up the timer by pressing the H, M or S button for 3 seconds and a memory function that keeps track of the previous settings.
Pros:
- 3 installation options, including a strong magnetic back
- Count up and count down settings
- Comes with its battery
- Fast forward function for quick setup
- Clock mode option in 12-hour format
Cons:
- No on/off button
3. AcuRite 00482 Digital Kitchen Timer – Triple Event Kitchen Timer
Photo: AcuRite
- Type: Digital
- Timing Ranges: 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds
- Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
AcuRite’s 00482 is quite unique because it is a triple event timer, containing a jumbo screen that displays three separate timers, all with a very long range of 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds. This design makes it possible to keep track of three cooking processes or other events at once.
Once any of the three timers reaches the set time when counting up or down, the unit sounds the alarm continuously for one minute to ensure that it is clearly heard, or until you press the silencing button.
Other features include a memory function to store the frequently used timing settings and magnetic mounting or fold-out stand for installation.
Combined, these features make it the top-rated kitchen timer in this review, as well as one of the best professional kitchen timers. However, you get no hanging hook and no on/off button for battery conservation.
Pros:
- Triple timers for monitoring 3 events at once
- Large screen for displaying all 3 timers
- Long 100-hour range with count up and countdown settings
- Memory function
- Magnetic back and a fold-out stand for placement
Cons:
- Lacks a hanging hook
- No on/off button
4. eTradewinds eT-26 Digital Kitchen Timer – Kitchen Timer with Auto Shut-Off
Photo: eTradewinds
- Type: Digital
- Timing Ranges: 99 mins and 59 secs
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.7 x 1 inches
- Weight: 0.16 ounces
This eT-26 from eTradewinds is particularly designed for energy conservation because it has an automatic shut-off feature, which powers off the timer after idling for 10 minutes.
Additionally, it comes with the required battery plus an extra one, thereby ensuring that you get a long period of use without buying a battery.
Other than this, the timer is also optimized for easy use because it has a fast-forward function, in which you need to press the minute or second button for 2 seconds to fast-forward while pressing both buttons simultaneously clears the timer back to 0000.
Also included is a memory function that recalls the last setting but, on the downside, the unit’s 100-minute timing range is quite short, and it only has a mounting option for installation.
Pros:
- Auto shut-off for battery conservation
- Comes with the required battery plus a spare one
- Fast forward function
- Memory function keeps track of the last setting used
Cons:
- Short timing range
- No mounting hook or stand
5. OXO Good Grips Kitchen Timer – Kitchen Timer with an Angled Face
Photo: OXO
- Type: Digital
- Timing Ranges: 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds
- Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.1 x 2.1 inches
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
OXO’s Good Grips is also a triple event timer that features an angled face for better visibility to the screen when placed on shelves or countertops.
This screen is quite large to display the 3 timers at once, and each one has unique alarm sounds for easy identification of which cooking event’s time is up, while a long 100-hour range gives you enough flexibility to count up or countdown long cooking events.
More features include soft buttons for easy use, anti-slip feet for stability and the inclusion of two AAA batteries for immediate use straight from the box.
However, the unit does not have a magnetic back or hanging hook for mounting purposes and has no shut-off feature for battery conservation. Instead, it converts to clock mode automatically when no timer is in use.
Pros:
- Triple event timer
- Angled face for easy visibility
- Unique alarm sound for each of the 3 timers
- Long 100-hour range
- Stable anti-slip feet
Cons:
- No shut-off feature
- No magnetic back or hanging hook for mounting
6. KitchenAid Digital Kitchen Timer – Round Kitchen Timer
Photo: KitchenAid
- Type: Digital
- Timing Ranges: 9 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds
- Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
KitchenAid’s digital timer comes in a rounded shape that measures 3 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches in height. It also has a shiny chrome rim all round and a large, easy-to-read LCD display forming a semi-circle on the upper half while 4 push-buttons occupy the lower half.
Just like with OXO’s unit, this one features an angled face for easy reading when placed on a countertop, but lacks a magnetic back or hanging hook for mounting it on your fridge or wall.
Other features include a 10-hour timing range, which is relatively short, and 3 color options to choose from, which are black, ocean blue and red.
Pros:
- Large and easy-to-read LCD display
- Angled face for easy viewing
- Rounded shape with a shiny chrome rim detail for good looks
- Available in 3 color options
Cons:
- Relatively short 10-hour timing range
- No magnetic back or hanging hook for mounting
7. Time Timer TTM9-W Kitchen Timer – Best Mechanical Kitchen Timer
Photo: Time Timer
- Type: Analog/Mechanical
- Timing Ranges: 60 minutes
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 3.6 x 2 inches
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
Though quite expensive, this TTM9-W kitchen timer features a disappearing red disk design, which gives good visuals of the amount of time that is remaining at a glance. However, you only get a 60-minute max timing range.
On the bright side, even with its mechanical design, the timer runs very quietly (without any ticking) to cause no distractions, and has an optional alert setting, in which you can decide that sounds the audible signal when time is up, or simply use the red disk visually.
More features include a clear lens for easy reading and for protecting the red disk, and the availability in 3 color options, which are charcoal gray, lime green and sky blue.
Pros:
- Red disk timer gives good visuals of the remaining time at a glance
- Runs quietly with no distractions
- Optional alert setting
- Clear lens for easy reading
- Available in 3 color options
Cons:
- Expensive
- Short 60-minute maximum range
8. Datexx DF-37 Kitchen Timer – Cube Kitchen Timer
Photo: Datexx
- Type: Digital
- Timing Ranges: 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 or 60 minutes
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches
- Weight: 1.92 ounces
This kitchen timer is characterized by a unique cube shape that measures 2.4 inches on all sides, with 4 of the 6 sides bearing the preset number of minutes that are preprogrammed to count down.
With this setup, the cube’s timer is activated by placing the minutes that you want as the top, upper face. Once this is done, a digital timer at the bottom shows the remaining time before the loud, built-in alarm system goes off.
The major disadvantage of this design is that the unit only has 4 preset times and this makes it less versatile. However, you get 6 different varieties to choose from, each with different preset times.
These are color-coded and include white (5, 15, 30, 60), purple (5, 10, 20, 30), blue (1, 3, 5, 7), yellow (5, 10, 20, 45), green (1, 5, 10, 15) and red (5, 10, 20, 25). However, none of these come with the required batteries.
Pros:
- Preset time settings make it easy to use
- Loud alarm system
- A digital timer for showing the remaining time
- The different cubes are color-coded for easy identification
Cons:
- Preset design makes it less flexible and less versatile
- Battery not included
9. eTradewinds eT-78 Digital Kitchen Timer – Kitchen Timer with Volume Control
Photo: eTradewinds
- Type: Digital
- Timing Ranges: 99 minutes and 59 seconds or 99 hours, 59 minutes
- Dimensions: 2.5 x 0.8 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 3.04 ounces
eTradewinds’ eT-78 has a unique volume control feature that allows you to adjust the alarm volume between 62 and 80 dB for a soft or loud output.
Other than this unit is also equipped with several convenience features such as auto memory, which recalls the last used settings, and auto shut-off, which turns off the timer after being idle for 2 minutes for battery conservation.
You also get a fast-forward function for easy setup and silent push buttons that don’t beep. However, the required batter is not included in the pack.
Pros:
- Adjustable alarm volume
- Auto memory function keeps a record of the last settings
- Auto shut off for battery conservation
- Fast forward capability for easy setup
Cons:
- Battery not included
10. Taylor 584721 Digital Kitchen Timer – Good Kitchen Timer
Photo: Taylor
- Type: Digital
- Timing Ranges: 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds
- Dimensions: 2.5 x 5 x 7 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
Rounding up this list is Taylor’s 584721, and this piece is equipped with a 0.75-inch LCD display that is easy to read and shows a count up and down timer range of 24 hours.
The unit also has a memory function that stores the previously used settings while a digital clock takes over when the timer is idle.
Other features include silver and chrome accents for good looks and hook, stand and magnet mounting options. However, the unit does not shut off automatically when the timer is idle.
Pros:
- Easy-to-read 0.75-inch LCD screen
- Memory function for storing the last used settings
- Built-in clock
- Good looking silver and chrome accents
Cons:
- No automatic shut-off
How to Buy the Best Kitchen Timer
Photo: Habor
1. Mechanical or Digital
While there are many factors to consider when selecting a kitchen timer, the most important one is choosing between a mechanical/analog or digital unit.
Most mechanical timers do not need batteries but instead, require you to twist it so that the dial lines up with the desired timing period. Their major drawback is that their range is usually limited to 60 minutes, which is not enough for slow cooking meals.
With a digital timer though, you can get almost any timing range that you want, and some even have preset ranges such as Datexx’s cube for simplicity in use. Their alarms are also usually louder and most feature count-up and countdown functionalities, making them very versatile.
Some digital units also contain 3 timers in 1, and this enables you to keep tabs on three cooking processes at once. Generally, they are better than the mechanical type.
2. Timing Ranges
Timers with shorter ranges are usually cheaper, but their limited range makes them less versatile. It is recommended to get a timer with the highest range possible, or at least one that goes up to 10 hours, especially if you like slow smoking or slow-cooking meat.
3. Precision
Digital timers are generally more precise than their analog counterparts because you can adjust the settings down to the exact second. Mechanical units don’t afford you this convenience.
4. Display
A large and clear screen that displays in large, bold numbers is very important for easy reading of the remaining time at a glance. Otherwise, you will have to go closer to the unit to see the numbers clearly.
5. Alarm
Lastly, you need to consider the timer’s alarm system because it needs to be loud enough to be properly heard. It should also last for long, say for about a minute so that it’s hard to miss.
Other additions such as volume adjustment or even optional vibration and/or flashing lights are advantageous to have and make the timer much better.
Conclusion
It is quite clear that digital timers have an edge over their mechanical counterparts but if you prefer simplicity, a mechanical piece can still do. Of course, there are many more features to consider during the selection process and these are clearly laid out above.
Therefore, after reading through this article, you will be better informed so as to make a wise decision in picking the best kitchen timer that suits your needs.