I Tested 9 Kitchen Timers—Four Beeped Their Way Into My Heart

The chicken’s in the oven, you just washed your hands, and you can’t get your smartphone’s timer to start because a drop of water fell on the screen—not to mention the roasted carrots have a different cooking time. While there are built-in timers everywhere in a modern kitchen (oven, microwave, toaster oven, etc.), a stand-alone kitchen timer has merit. They’re easier to set, portable, and, best of all, designed to get messy for those moments when you’ve got dough stuck on your fingers—something you’d rather avoid with your phone. 

While most off-the-shelf options will do an adequate job, I wanted to highlight the models that can do what your microwave, oven, and smartphone can’t. With a slew of options with extra features, I put our longstanding winners to the test against seven new challengers to see which ones kept time the best, were simple to program, and cleaned up quickly.

The Tests

• Accuracy Tests: I checked each timer for accuracy by setting a one-minute timer and starting them all at the same time, looking for any outliers. 
• Sight and Sound Tests: I set a three-minute countdown on each timer and walked across the kitchen to see if it was legible. I then went into another room of the house to discern if the timer’s beep was still audible. 
• Usability and Cleanup Tests: I evaluated how easy it was to program each timer and how intuitive the start, stop, and reset buttons were. I also tested each timer’s bonus features, like backlights, magnetic backs, and volume adjustment. Finally, I dusted flour over each timer and wiped them down with a damp cloth to see how easy they were to clean.

What We Learned

Multiple Timers Were the Most Versatile

The most versatile kitchen timers I tested had at least three inputs, allowing cooks to make busy bake days or elaborate dinner prep more organized. I particularly liked it when each timer had a unique beep. The ThermoWorks TimeStick Trio, OXO Good Grips Digital Kitchen Timer, and ThermoWorks TimeStack all beep once for timer one, twice for timer two, and three times for timer three, so you know which one is going off even from across the room. 

Backlit Displays Were Key for Visibility

LCD screens can be hard to read in low-light conditions, so I liked displays that were backlit. The OXO timer had a particularly great display, using contrasting lighting to show a blue-ish number on a dark background. This made it easier to read from across the room since the contrast was very sharp. Other models, like the TimeStick Trio, TimeStack, and ThermoPro TM02 had a button to trigger their illumination. However, since it turned off automatically, it was only useful when you had the timer in your hand. Still, this was better than models with no backlight, like the Marathon Direct Entry Timer. Depending on how the sunlight was filtering into the kitchen, I had to rotate the timer to read the screen better.

Adjustable Volumes Were Appreciated

All of the timers I tested were loud enough to hear in the other room, but some models, like the ThermoWorks Extra Big & Loud Timer, were so loud they were jarring. Adjustable volumes were ideal, in case the auto setting is annoyingly loud. This feature wasn’t a dealbreaker (the TimeStick Trio doesn’t have adjustable volume), but it helped my budget pick, the Samshow Triple Timer, jump up in the rankings. 

Full Keypads Made Data Entry a Snap

A full keypad made entering multiple timers quick and easy. Single-button timers could be a drag—in order to enter 30 seconds, you’d have to push the second button 30 times versus simply pushing the “3” and the “0” buttons on a keypad. Overall it’s not a huge timesaver, but in critical moments when seconds count (like, say, poaching an egg), quick and accurate timer entry is important. 

Wedge-Shaped Timers Were Easier to Operate with One Finger

Countertop timers with a substantial base and an angled screen made it possible to enter times with just one finger. Most other timers required me to brace the back of the timer with the palm of my hand while entering numbers with my thumb. For bakers who have just had their hands in a pile of sticky dough, a one-finger operation is important, and the OXO and TimeStack made that possible. 

Recessed Screens Were Harder To Clean

During the cleaning tests, timers with a recessed screen tended to pick up more flour in their nooks and crannies, and it was harder to wipe them out. All of the winning timers have screens that are flush with the body of the timer, which made them easy to wipe down. Since kitchens can get messy quickly, easy-to-clean screens were a must-have feature. 

Flashing Indicators Were a Big Plus

The Samshow and TimeStack both had individual flashing indicators for their multiple timers. This was a huge plus for being able to tell which timers were going off from across the room. It’s also a good consideration for the hard of hearing. Since so many timers rely on sound alone, flashing lights add a layer of accessibility that’s appreciated. 

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Kitchen Timer

The best kitchen timers are simple to program, have multiple timers, and have bonus features like backlights, adjustable volume, and flashing indicators. They also have screens that are flush with the body of the timer, making them easier to clean. 

Our Favorite Kitchen Timers

The Best Kitchen Timer

ThermoWorks TimeStick Trio

View on Thermoworks

What we liked: When it comes to versatility, the TimeStick Trio has it in spades. It has three separate timers for keeping track of multiple cooking projects, and each one has a unique beep pattern so you know which timer has ended. It has a backlight to make it easier to read, and it was the only timer I tested that had a lock function so I could safely drop it into a pocket without accidentally screwing up the countdown. It had a clear beep that was audible throughout the entire house without being too loud. Its water-resistant body and lack of protruding buttons made it the easiest timer to clean. Its detachable lanyard was a nice touch, and its magnetic back was ideal for storing on the fridge. All in all, it’s a great timer with loads of features—and a longtime Serious Eats favorite. 

What we didn’t like: Its buttons are slightly tougher to press than other timers, potentially making it hard to operate for people with mobility issues. I wish the display was larger so I could read it from further away.

Key Specs

• Weight: 2.5 ounces
• Materials: Plastic, silicone
• Dimensions: 5 x 1.75 x 1 inches
• Features: Keypad, three timers, backlight, timer lock, magnetic
• Battery type: Lithium
• Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth

The Best Countertop Kitchen Timer

OXO Good Grips Triple Timer

$27 at The Container Store

What we liked: With its wedge design, the OXO timer is easy to program with just one finger. It angles the screen in a way that’s visible even from further away, and the illuminated contrast display is sharp and easy to read. It also features three timers that all have unique sounds and it has an adjustable volume so you can customize how loud the timer is. 

What we didn’t like: I wish the start/stop button was larger and easier to see, and that it had a magnetic back or a loop so it’s easier to store when not in use. OXO has discontinued this model and replaced it with a new version. We'll test it and update this review.

Key Specs

• Weight: 5.4 ounces
• Materials: Plastic, silicone
• Dimensions: 3.25 x 4.25 x 2.5 inches
• Features: Keypad, three timers, contrast lighting, adjustable volume
• Battery type: AAA
• Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth

The Best Kitchen Timer for Busy Kitchens

ThermoWorks TimeStack

View on Thermoworks

What we liked: If you’re an avid baker or love to cook elaborate, multi-course meals, the TimeStack is right up your alley. It has four individual timers, each with its unique sound and flashing light. It can record voice memos, so you can queue up “Turkey’s done!” when it’s time to check your poultry. It has a large and clear display with a backlight option for better legibility, and its adjustable volume can reach 100 decibels if you’re worried about missing an alarm. 

What we didn’t like: It’s big. At this size (and with this many features), the TimeStack might be overkill for most people and better suited for restaurants or test kitchens. However, it has a magnetic back, so you can store it on your fridge to clear more counter space. It’s the priciest option of the bunch. 

Key Specs

• Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Materials: Plastic, silicone
• Dimensions: 4.25 x 6.75 x 2.5 inches
• Features: Keypad, four timers, backlight, magnetic, adjustable volume
• Battery type: 9-volt
• Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth

The Best Budget Kitchen Timer

Samshow Digital Dual Kitchen Timer

$14 at Amazon View on Kmart.com

What we liked: For a budget pick, the Samshow has a lot of great features. Like the other winners, it has three timers with unique sounds. It also features a large, flashing light for each timer. I liked that the screen was flush with the body, making it easier to wipe down than other budget competitors. Its large start/stop button was great when I needed to grab it fast. It has two adjustable volume settings and a silent option. 

What we didn’t like: The build quality feels cheap, and there seems to be a variety of online retailers that sell this same timer with a different name on it. It doesn’t have a full keypad, which makes entering times a bit of a pain. There’s no backlight, either. This timer has also been discontinued and replaced with an updated version.

Key Specs

• Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Materials: Plastic, silicone
• Dimensions: 3.25 x 4 x 1 inches
• Features: Three timers, flashing indicator, adjustable volume, magnetic
• Battery Type: AAA
• Care Instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth

The Competition

• ThermoWorks Extra Big & Loud Timer: This timer is exactly as described: big and loud. But with a small screen compared to its body size and only one timer, it lacked the versatility of the top picks. 
• CDN Digital Timer: Almost a winner, this restaurant kitchen staple has a great compact design. Its spring-powered stand is useful for clipping to an apron or pocket while you travel to other kitchen tasks. But with a small screen and a single timer, it just didn’t quite measure up to the winners. 
• Marathon Direct Entry Timer: This timer’s wedge design is set at too low of an angle to read the display unless you’re right over the top of it, and it was tricky to figure out how its functions worked. 
• Taylor Drop ‘N Digital Timer: I liked this timer’s water-resistant case and shock-proof silicone bumper, but with only one timer and a bulky body, it wasn’t as versatile or comfortable to use as the competition. 
• ThermoPro TM02: This timer doesn’t allow you to set seconds, which was a dealbreaker.

FAQs

Can you use your phone for a kitchen timer?

If you have a smart phone with a timer app, you can certainly use that. But the Serious Eats staff (and indeed most professional cooks) prefer traditional kitchen timers. They're easier to access (no need to unlock a screen and swipe through apps), they're reliable, and they've never distracted us with an unwanted email.

What are the different types of kitchen timers?

The two main types of kitchen timers are mechanical timers and digital timers. Mechanical timers rely on an internal mechanism that tracks time using gears and a spring the same way that mechanical clocks work. Digital timers instead use an oscillator to control electronic pulses to keep time and are generally more accurate. 

Do professional kitchens use timers?

Yes—while timers are more often used during baking, many professional kitchens use timers while boiling pasta, finishing thick-cut steaks in the oven, or deep frying various foods. Timers are essential in busy kitchens where it’s easy to get distracted by multiple cooking tasks.

Are mechanical or digital kitchen timers better? 

Mechanical timers rely on clockwork gears and springs to operate, which can slowly become less accurate over time or break altogether. Digital timers never lose their accuracy, and with regular battery replacement, can run for a very, very long time. 

Why We’re the Experts

• Jesse Raub was Serious Eats' commerce writer and spent over 15 years working in the specialty coffee industry. He's regularly tests baking gear, including reviews of loaf pans and bread lames.
• For this review, he spent an entire day programming eight kitchen timers, listening for their beeps throughout different rooms in his house, entering and reentering times to check for ease of use, and testing out any bonus features.
• When we originally published this review in 2016, the ThermoWorks TimeStick Trio and OXO Good Grips Digital Kitchen Timer were our winners. Both were retested with a selection of new options to ensure that they were still worthy of being top picks.