Best Kitchen Timers

best kitchen timers

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.


One of the biggest challenges many would-be chefs and bakers face is making sure they cook their food for the correct length of time. A convenient kitchen timer provides a simple way to ensure you don’t leave meals in the oven for too long when you’re distracted by other tasks. However, choosing one can be a complicated process, which is why we made this guide for you.

How We Compared Kitchen Timers

To find the right kitchen timers, we considered multiple factors, including:

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Ease of Use

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews, and comparing features to come up with this list.

Kitchen Timer Reviews

Salter 355 BKXCDU (Editor’s Choice)

This kitchen timer has a range of fantastic features intended to reduce your chances of burning your favourite meals. The powerful product can track up to 19 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds of cooking with a count-up and count-down mode. There’s also an extra-loud beeper created to grab your attention regardless of where you are in your home.

With an easy-to-use control panel, the Salter Premium kitchen timer ensures you can monitor every second your food spends in the oven. Three volume levels for your alert means you can crank up the sound if you’re busy in the house or reduce it when baking at night. There’s also an extra-large start/stop button, ideal for people with limited visibility.

This practical device is convenient and attractive, with a compact shape sure to fit well on any kitchen counter. It can stand on its own or attach to your fridge magnetically. There’s also an extra-large display and a memory function if you lose power.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-read display with simple controls
  • Memory function for power outages
  • Loud beeper with three volume options
  • Long counting time
  • Magnetic components included

Cons:

  • The lack of a backlight on the screen may be a problem for some
  • The magnets might not be strong enough in some cases

Alessi A09 (Luxury Choice)

Add a touch of nostalgic appeal to your kitchen with this quirky timer. Designed by Michael Graves, it comes in various colour options to suit your style. A thermoplastic resin structure also means your attractive device will stand the test of time with a durable outer shell.

The Alessi A09 kitchen timer is a simple and effective way to keep track of your meals. The manual dial-style controls are ideal for people who want to avoid using electricity or energy. You can measure up to 60 minutes just by twisting the device clockwise. This analogue model is practical and visually interesting, great for contemporary kitchens.

With no complicated screens or buttons to keep track of, this solution is likely to be a good choice for older people or those who might be less tech-savvy too.

Pros:

  • Durable thermoplastic resin design
  • 60-minute dial
  • Easy to use with no electricity
  • Attractive retro appearance
  • Range of colour options

Cons:

  • The bell may be a little too quiet for some users
  • The device might break when twisted too vigorously

Wrenwane Digital (Best Value)

You’ll be able to keep a close eye on your cooking with this handy kitchen timer. Its convenient built-in stand allows the device to sit easily on any counter or worktop. What’s more, the extra-large digits on the digital screen provide quick insights into how long you have left to bake. The large buttons are well-labelled for visibility, too.

The Wrenwane Digital kitchen timer is easy to use for beginners. Simply tap the three buttons to set a time of up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds, and you’re ready to go. The product can count up or down, so you can switch between stopwatch or timer mode. An extra loud alarm also ensures you’ll get a clear notification when you need to check your food.

This item comes with multiple mounting options. Thanks to its magnetic back, you can stick it straight to your oven hood or fridge, and there’s also a hook for hanging purposes.

Pros:

  • Extra-large digits for visibility
  • Multiple mounting options, including magnet
  • Easy to use controls
  • Loud sounding alarm
  • Counts up or down for timer or stopwatch function

Cons:

  • The volume can vary when you use the magnetic back
  • The buttons might stick with regular use

Secura 60-Minute (Best for Practicality)

This mechanical kitchen timer requires no batteries or power, so you can enjoy excellent accuracy without worrying about energy. Suitable for cooking, homework, and various other occasions, this practical device comes with a clear screen allowing you to track the passage of time for 60 minutes.

The Secura 60-minute timer is great for all ages, with no technical elements to deal with. The mechanical system simply shades a portion of the clock with a bright colour to show you how many minutes have passed. It’s even a great way to help children understand time. To set your device, you can turn the control knob on the front to expand the disk to the right point.

Different mounting options mean you can place this product anywhere in your home. Two foldable legs are included for placement on flat surfaces like countertops and desks. Alternatively, you can use the two magnetic backing panels to connect the item to a fridge or whiteboard.

Pros:

  • Simple to follow for beginners
  • Versatile uses for a range of occasions
  • Excellent visibility with bright colours
  • Easy to use with no batteries or plugs
  • Multiple mounting options

Cons:

  • This device might have a pretty loud ticking noise
  • The bell when the timer runs out may be too short

LIORQUE Digital (Best Design)

This sleek and modern kitchen timer isn’t just practical; it looks great too. With two strong magnets on the backplate, you can connect your device to any metal surface around your kitchen or home. The bright white numbers stand out perfectly on the black background for great visibility, even for people with sight issues.

This durable LIORQUE magnetic timer is made with lightweight aluminium to ensure easy cleaning and excellent durability. The product is straightforward for beginners; all you need to do is rotate the outer rink, and the number will move up or down on the screen. You can track up to 99 minutes at a time with this item, counting up or down.

It is suitable for a range of tasks, from homework and office meetings to baking and roasting. When you’re done and the extra-loud bell rings, you can simply press the large ST/SP button on the screen to refresh the system.

Pros:

  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Magnetic backing for mounting anywhere
  • High visibility with a large screen
  • Beautiful contemporary design
  • Counts up or down for timer or stopwatch function

Cons:

  • It could be challenging to adjust the volume and brightness
  • The plastic elements may deteriorate over time

NOKLEAD Digital (Best for Ease of Use)

This versatile kitchen timer comes with an ultra-clear LED display to improve visibility in any setting. The backlit digits on the 4-inch screen contrast perfectly with the black background so that you can see the numbers from any angle or distance. What’s more, to ensure you don’t miss it when your bell chimes, it offers three volume levels ranging from 65 to 90 DB, including a Mute mode.

The NOKLEAD Digital kitchen timer is great for efficient time management, whether you’re doing homework or cooking. With four extra large control buttons, it’s simple to set the ideal time for your specific tasks. You can also press any button on the top of the device to recall your most recent setting. It includes two brightness modes and a power-saving feature which turns off the lighting when the device is in pause/stop mode.

This solution comes with various options if you’re struggling to figure out where to place your new device. There are two strong magnets on the back to connect it to your fridge. A stand allows for desktop placement, while a hole makes it possible to hang on a hook.

Pros:

  • Extra large and bright LED display
  • Easy to use with extra-large buttons
  • Helpful memory function
  • Three volume levels
  • Adjustable brightness and power-saving mode

Cons:

  • The batteries could run out quite quickly
  • The timer might beep too frequently

INRIGOROUS Digital (Best Basic)

An attractive and simple option for tracking time, this convenient device can either count up or down depending on your needs. It features an extra-large LED screen with clear, bold digits that are easy to see. It’s also compact enough to make it easy to transport to the office, school, or anywhere else you might need it.

The INRIGOROUS Digital Countdown timer ensures you never lose track of the minutes with an extra-loud alarm sound. It is easy to use, with clearly labelled buttons on the front for setting minutes, seconds, and starting or stopping the device. What’s more, you can place this solution anywhere you choose in your kitchen.

It comes with a fold-out stand, so you can position it on a kitchen counter – a hanging hook for your walls and a magnetic backing for oven hoods and fridges.

Pros:

  • Three mounting options are available
  • Counts both up and down
  • Portable and compact design
  • Loud and clear alarm sound
  • Excellent visibility

Cons:

  • The device may be a little smaller than expected
  • The sound might be too harsh for some users

How to Choose a Kitchen Timer

Today’s kitchen timers come in various styles to suit different needs. Some are specially designed for people who might have difficulties with their vision or hearing. Other products are intended for children or the elderly. There are also advanced appliances available with a range of bonus features, such as a memory function or the option to change brightness and volume levels.

When searching for the ideal kitchen timer, here are some factors you may want to consider.

Design

Depending on your specific circumstances, you may want your kitchen timer to match the décor in the rest of the room or convey something about your personality. These products come in different styles, including retro manual dials and modern contemporary options.

The design of your chosen solution may also influence where you place your appliance. Some come with magnets on the back so you can attach them to a fridge, while others have an in-built stand or hanging hook.

Functionality

Kitchen timers can have plenty of different capabilities, depending on your chosen model. Some can count up and down, ranging from 60 minutes to 12 hours. Certain features can also make your device more straightforward. For instance, having a memory function built-in means you’ll be able to press a key to find a time you previously set.

Ease of Use

As a crucial tool for kitchen enthusiasts, your timer must be easy to use. Some products are manually operated, with a dial you twist to set your chosen period. Others are digital, with a selection of buttons to press. The right option for you will depend on what you feel most comfortable with.

A clear LED screen with large digits and a loud bell sound can make your timer more convenient. Finding a system with good visibility is often important for those with poor eyesight.

Summary

Our top pick from this list is the Salter 355 BKXCDU Premium kitchen timer. Simple and convenient, this product can track up to 19 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds, and it has modes for counting up or down. You can set the volume level to suit your needs, and the magnetic backing means you can attach it to your fridge if you don’t have room on your counter.

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