Kitchen Timers
Electronic vs. mechanical and do you have a particular model you recommend? I bought one on clearance from Williams Sonoma that is quite possibly the least easy-to-use timer ever. So I am in the market and would love some thoughts. Thanks in advance!
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Start Talking!
Need a question answered? Have advice to share? Start a Talk topic now!
Sign up to get your questions answered and share advice.
17 Comments:
Anxious to hear the answers, as well. The one on my stove broke. The microwave timer is just a little beep. I have purchased two mechanical timers and both aren't loud enough and the ring is too short.
I always hear my Polder thermometer's alarm, but I'm not sure if there is a way to just use it as a timer.
PerkyMac at 11:50AM on 08/05/08
I have one of these, and it's just perfect.
jenilowrance at 1:09PM on 08/05/08
jenilowrance:
Thanks, but the problem is that I have a probe thermometer (don't get me started on THAT one) and only need a timer. Much as I'd prefer a multitasker, it seems silly to replace something I've already got.
jpolk at 1:25PM on 08/05/08
@jpolk - check out this thread, perhaps you'll find something useful there. I'm afraid I can't offer a good solution otherwise as I use my oven and microwave timers (and am very happy with both).
brooke29 at 3:43PM on 08/05/08
I posed this very same question a few months ago after being disgusted with the last two timers we purchased. Finally, we found a great timer at an Ace hardware store made by West Bend. It counts down in seconds so you always know exactly where you are time wise and has a great LCD display. Magnetic mount or use on the counter. Couldn't
be more pleased. Good luck!
bessfour at 3:47PM on 08/05/08
Oops, my link didn't work for some reason, even though it looked fine in the preview. So here it is again.
.
brooke29 at 3:51PM on 08/05/08
Thanks for all of the comments. I guess most people like digital over analog. Any and all comments are welcome, as I won't be going out to buy a new one earlier than Friday.
Sort of as a follow up, and I suppose this is silly, but I keep my timer and probe thermometer unit above my stove... is this stupid, or are they OK there?
jpolk at 4:00PM on 08/05/08
I have my time & probe thermometer "stuck" to the oven door (or on top of my toaster oven, whichever I used it in last) as it has a magnetic strip - which, I'm guessing, all of them have? I figured that's what it was there for:-).
brooke29 at 4:12PM on 08/05/08
^Like Brooke29 - I have a probe therm/timer stuck to one or another metal appliance in my kitchen. I prefer a digital timer that's loud enough for me to hear without wearing the blasted thing around my neck.
All the better if the timer counts up after it goes off. At least if you miss hearing it, you know by how much.
therealchiffonade at 4:49PM on 08/05/08
I really truly want the big red one they have on Top Chef. I love the big numbers! But I don't think they sell it anywhere.
amanda0730 at 6:27PM on 08/05/08
I don't believe in kitchen timers...I follow my nose...
Lilartist at 6:56PM on 08/05/08
I have an old wind-up rooster timer. Not too high tech, but I don't need a timer too often and this baby has never let me down!n ;-)
izatryt at 7:20PM on 08/05/08
I have a digital timer with 3 timers...I get a lot of things going at once, and need reminded. It's magnetic and sticks to the fridge (with a regular clock as well).
I think we paid about $10 for it at Meijer last summer...
thewrighttaste at 11:23PM on 08/05/08
@Lilartist:
Mostly so do I, but for things like tea... and I've a 2 year old, so getting distracted and having it brew for 10 minutes is a distinct possibility. That and baking. I certainly don't need one that will count for more than an hour or two max. A six hour simmer is something that is fairly easy for me to keep track of.
jpolk at 10:39AM on 08/06/08
I have a green Ecko mechanical from the grocery store that rings shockingly and keeps very good time. When I changed to an all-red kitchen I bought a Typhoon "Retro Red" mechanical off Amazon.com; the ring is softer so I don't hear it if I'm upstairs. The parrot screams for me when it goes off, but I'm guessing most people don't have an avian sous-chef so it could be a problem.
cowprintrabbit at 12:01PM on 08/06/08
So I bought a Polder single timer and the alarm is almost inaudible. Gah! The quest continues...
jpolk at 7:47PM on 08/12/08
OK, let me try to help the community out. The best kitchen time I have found is the digital unit with large display (see links below). It can time 4 separate items for up to 10 hours. You will notice a look similar to timers like on Top Chef et al.
http://www.etundra.com/EnlargedImage.aspx?productID=7641
http://www.etundra.com/4_Function_Programmable_Digital_Timer-P7641.html
This is $42.90 on sale now.
No I have no affiliation to Tundra Specialties or anyone else named "Alton"
Enjoy!
Al
ahoover at 4:51PM on 08/16/09