Our Favorite
The OXO Good Grips Kitchen Timer is our pick for the best overall kitchen timer. The unique slanted design and digital display make it easy to read, and the multi-timer function is a bonus for multi-course cooking. More experienced chefs or serious bakers may feel comfortable with extra functions that help them manage time in the kitchen, like the Thermoworks Big Loud Timer.
Factors to Consider
Versatility and Precision
Mechanical and analog timers generally limit the maximum time range, have few to no customizable functions for volume control, and don’t provide multi-timer options. Mechanical timers can also be less accurate depending on the amount of use and durability. However, some prefer their simplicity because they are so easy to use.
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On the other hand, digital timers offer more key functions, like the countdown and count-up functions, for better accuracy and versatility. Alarm volume control and multi-timer features are helpful for executing more complex recipes or a multi-course holiday meal. While digital timers are incredibly accurate, they may be a bit too complex for everyday cooking. A multi-display digital timer will come in handy if you are cooking more than one type of food simultaneously or a large holiday feast.
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Portability is essential for some users. If you will be moving around to different areas of the home when cooking, a small kitchen timer that fits in your pocket is more useful. However, if you are grilling or cooking outdoors, you may want to use a larger, louder, easier-to-read timer to monitor longer cooking times.
Ease of Use
How a timer is displayed in your kitchen is something to consider since some models are easier to read from a distance, though smaller models may be easier to store. Many options come with magnetic backs for mounting on metal surfaces, a hole for hanging, or a helpful kickstand on the back. Some brands used by professional chefs even include a custom voice memo option. Voice options, display size, and digits are all key factors.
Kitchen timers keep busy parents and distracted cooks from ruining their meals, according to Amy Jurist, caterer and owner of Amy’s Culinary Adventurers. “Some ovens only chime once or twice when the timer is done. If you’re not around, you might completely miss it,” says Jurist. “Having a kitchen timer that repeatedly goes off until it is silenced helps prevent food from getting overcooked. Also, being able to bring the timer with you to other parts of the house helps alleviate missed timers.”
Alarm and Sound
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A timer’s alarm should be loud enough to hear from the other side of the kitchen at a minimum and last for a few seconds or longer. A nifty extra feature includes a timer countdown after the alarm goes off, so you can determine the total cook time. Sound preference is also a key factor. A beep, buzz, or “the rolls are done!” voice option might make the difference in your selection, even if it makes navigating the timer more challenging. Some alarms will need a manual shut-off, while others are preset to stop automatically. You may consider buying a kitchen timer with an adjustable alarm volume.
Practical Matters
Most digital timers come with batteries, while a few newer brands come with a power cord option. If you don’t generally keep spare batteries on hand, you might need a mechanical backup timer, just in case. The type of batteries is an important consideration as well. Typical AAA batteries are easy to find; some other types may require a scavenger hunt. Power-saving modes are available with some brands, and an on/off switch will help save on replacement batteries. Soft buttons offer more control than a twist dial timer setting but will be trickier to clean.
The Research
We extensively researched various brands and models of kitchen timers, reviewed consumer product guides, and combed through countless user reviews. We consulted a panel of industry experts including Amy Jurist, caterer and owner of Amy’s Culinary Adventures and JoAnn Cianciulli, author, culinary producer, food stylist, and founder of Dirty Dishes, and Romain and Alexandre Lecat, French Bakers Sweet Wheat Bakery Entrepreneurs.
Our Expertise
Kara Mickelson is a recipe developer, producer, writer, and food stylist, an alumnus of UCLA and Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts, and the creator of Styled Delicious, a boutique culinary brand. She is a professional chef, food stylist, and creative content producer. She trained in Spain and Napa at the famed French Laundry and has worked behind the scenes with top Food Network chefs. She is the author of Friends: The Official Central Perk Cookbook.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens