A kitchen timer may not be the trendiest culinary tool, but this little gadget is invaluable for established chefs and home cooks alike—and it shouldn’t be overlooked. Though most ovens and phones have built-in timers these days, having a separate one devoted to other various kitchen tasks will ensure flawless food every time. There are plenty of terrific options out there, each offering different features and styles, so we researched the top-rated items to help you narrow down the right one for your home.
Here are the best kitchen timers.
Best Overall
OXO Good Grips Triple Timer
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- Easy to read
- Versatile programs
- Countertop design
- Large time range
- Comes in only one color
- Not magnetic
This Oxo timer is an all-around winner and kitchen must-have. It has three 100-hour digital countdowns, each with a unique alarm sound and adjustable volume to allow for optimal multitasking. The timers can also be used as a stopwatch to count up instead of down. The extensive span of time is especially useful for braises and roasts that may need to cook over several hours, or even a holiday turkey and its iconic sides.
The latest model boasts a bigger, inverse backlit display that’s clear and easier to read and redesigned buttons that are intuitively positioned, soft, and easy to press. The angled face makes the display clearly visible as you mosey around the kitchen. Clumsy cooks best not fret about it crashing to the ground; the nonslip bottom keeps this timer stable on the counter and protects the surface.
Range: 100 hours | Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.5 x 4 inches | Weight: 0.395 lbs | Batteries: 3 AAA, included | Warranty: Limited lifetime
Best Budget
Antoki Digital Kitchen Timer, 2-Pack
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- Five color options
- Large display
- Straightforward to use
- Magnetic
- No volume control
You can’t beat the value of these easy-to-use Antonki timers. Though basic in their functionality, they perform the necessities with a maximum count, up or down, of 99 minutes and 59 seconds (that’s enough time to make a pineapple chicken stir fry or tuna carbonara).
Because they’re magnetic, you can stick them to appliances, like a refrigerator, but they also have a kickstand for posting up on a table or counter. When time runs out, the alarm is loud enough to hear in another room, so you can rest assured that you won’t miss your cue. In addition to the plain white color, this product is available in pastel blue and pink.
Range: 99 minutes, 59 seconds | Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 0.01 lbs | Batteries: 1 AAA, included | Warranty: N/A
Best Mechanical
LAOPAO Kitchen Timer
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- Classic retro design
- Doesn’t require batteries
- Durable metal construction
- Limited time range
Looking for an old-school mechanical timer? We love the retro look of this one. This device’s clockwork design allows it to work without batteries, which is super convenient for people who don’t always keep spares stocked in the junk drawer. It’s also magnetic, so it will easily stick to your refrigerator and other kitchen appliances.
According to the manufacturer, this timer boasts corrosion- and oxidation-resistant metal casing, so you don’t have to worry about deterioration if you place it somewhere humid. Just keep in mind that the maximum time it can measure is 60 minutes, so it may not be suitable for recipes that require longer intervals.
Range: 60 minutes | Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 1.6 inches | Weight: 6.4 ounces | Batteries: N/A | Warranty: N/A
Best Easy-to-Read
ThermoPro TM02 Timer
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- Backlit LCD display
- Screen brightness is adjustable
- Two timers in one
- Timer range less than other models
We love the sleek appearance of this timer, but most of all, we love how easy it is to read. It has a 2.6-inch backlit LCD display that you can dim or brighten to your liking, and the digits are large, so you don’t have to put on your reading glasses. With two separate countdowns, it’s perfect for multitasking and measures a maximum of 23 hours and 59 minutes, so you can slow-cook recipes, like beef stew and brisket, all day.
For those who are noise-sensitive or have sleeping children, you can adjust the volume or put it on mute. It has a kickstand for counter and tabletop use, as well as a magnetic back that adheres to appliances.
Range: 23 hours, 59 minutes | Dimensions: 4.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 4.2 ounces | Batteries: 2 AAA, included | Warranty: 30 day money back guarantee
Best Modern
VOCOO Digital Kitchen Timer
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- Bright LED display
- Magnetic
- Adjustable volume
- Doesn’t stand up on counter
- Can’t set hours (only minutes)
We love the minimalist, high-tech look of this thermostat-looking timer that has a twist feature instead of traditional buttons. The LED display is very easy to read and looks uncluttered in its design. It can count up or down to a maximum of 99 minutes, making it suitable for many kitchen tasks, like waiting for the chocolate on your peanut butter bonbons to dry.
Thanks to the magnetic backing, you can stick this timer to an appliance and view it as you move about the kitchen. The sound is adjustable and even offers a quiet setting for those who are noise-sensitive or don’t want a loud alarm going off in their home for whatever reason. When it’s not operating, the light will dim and eventually shut down to save energy.
Range: 99 minutes, 55 seconds | Dimensions: 3.07 x 3.07 x 1.06 inches | Weight: 118 grams | Batteries: 3 AAA, included | Warranty: 18 months
Best Professional
ThermoWorks TimeStick
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- 9 color choices
- Compact design
- Wearable
- Magnetic
- No kickstand
- Screen isn’t backlit
This tool will make you feel like a professional chef. Similar in looks to a TV remote, this portable gadget is small enough to fit in your palm or pocket. It also comes with a lanyard in case you prefer to wear it around your neck. This works as a clock and can count down or up with an impressive range of 99 hours, 99 minutes, and 99 seconds.
For those who like visuals, a bar graph illustrates the remaining time. The keypad can be locked to prevent any accidental button presses and there’s no need to worry about kitchen messes because it’s splash-proof. This timer comes in nine fun colors.
Range: 99 hours, 99 minutes, 99 seconds | Dimensions: 4.25 x 1.2 x 0.62 inches | Weight: 0.10 pounds | Batteries: 1 CR2032, included | Warranty: 2 years
Best Wind-Up
Secura 60-Minute Visual Timer
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- Multiple colors available
- Easy to read at a long distance
- Volume control
- Ringer length control
- Rotating counterclockwise can cause damage
There’s something satisfying about winding up a mechanical device. This 60-minute timer from Secura scratches that itch while also keeping you on task. The wind-up timer comes in eight bold colors, each with a large display face. What really sets this timer apart from others is the red disk that disappears as time goes on. Not only is it great to visualize the passage of time, but it makes it easy to read if you’re all the way across the room multitasking.
While Secura’s timer seems old-fashioned with its hand-crank timer and analog display, there are several modern features to make cooking easy. The timer has two helpful slider controls—one for volume and one for the length of time the alarm goes off. Hate the sound of clocks ticking? Don’t worry, this alarm is completely silent while counting down. Thanks to its built-in stand, the timer can sit on any kitchen counter without fear of falling over. Since it only times up to an hour, it’s better used for shorter bakes like apple strudel or grilled potato skins.
Range: 60 minutes | Dimensions: 4.21 x 4.06 x 2.83 inches | Weight: 3.84 ounces | Batteries: 2 AAA, not included | Warranty: 2 years
Final Verdict
If you’re in the market for a great timer that can track multiple countdowns at once, is easy to use, and boasts great visibility, we recommend the Oxo Good Grips Triple Timer. For a budget-friendly, basic option, we recommend the Digital Kitchen Timer by Antoki, which comes in a convenient two-pack for a low price.
How We Selected
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best kitchen timers on the market, evaluating their key features—like ease of use, display size, or time range—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
What to Look for When Buying a Kitchen Timer
Function
Figure out what you want in a kitchen timer. Do you just want it to keep track of one thing at a time, or do you want one that has more bells and whistles? Some things you might want to consider as possible functions include: the ability to dim or adjust brightness, ease of use, multiple alarms, an easy-to-read display, buttons that are easy to push and use, and the ability to pause and resume the time.
Design
The design of a kitchen timer is just as important as any other item in our house. We all like to make sure that whatever we get fits well with our “look,” especially if it’s something that’s going to sit out on the counter in the kitchen in full view. So, in looking at getting a kitchen timer, think about the design and whether you want a modern or classic look, or if it comes in different colors, or if you like the size of the screen, and if you like the overall look itself.
Portability
It’s handy to have a kitchen timer that is portable and can be clipped on your waist or hung around your neck. That way, it is right there with you, no matter where you’re at. A timer on the oven or microwave is not always heard unless you’re in the kitchen. Having a portable timer is just a nice thing to have.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a kitchen timer?
A kitchen timer is a great tool to keep on hand. Even if you have other timers on your oven, microwave, and/or phone, having a dedicated kitchen timer is a big convenience, especially when cooking multiple things at once. Just set it to the required amount of time needed in minutes or hours and let it do its job. A quick glance over at it will let you know how much time is left on whatever is cooking or baking. Plus, because it’s portable, there’s no need to stay in the kitchen just you can hear the alarm that lets you know your food is done.
Is there another name for a kitchen timer?
A kitchen timer was originally called an egg timer, as it was used initially for timing eggs being cooked.
What else can kitchen timers be used for?
Some kitchen timers come with other capabilities and can be used as a stopwatch, as a clock, or to time multiple things at the same time.
