The 6 Best Kitchen Timers of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

Nov 06, 2024

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We tested more than 20 timers from top-rated brands including OXO and ThermoWorks.

In This Article

Food & Wine / Riddley Schirm

Sure, you can make Nonna’s Sunday sauce from memory, but more advanced multi-step recipes require precision. That’s where a great kitchen timer comes in. Whether you’re a dedicated baker, a passionate home chef, or a newbie just looking to set a solid technical foundation, the best kitchen timers act as a safeguard, ensuring you nail the perfect cook on everything from crispy sourdough to poached salmon.

“Kitchen timers are one of the most useful learning tools you can find in a kitchen,” says Betsy Thorleifson, professional baker and owner of Nine Cakes in Hudson, New York. “They make it easier to learn a new recipe and follow along with each step of the process along the way. If a recipe calls for creaming butter and sugar together for 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy, if you set a timer, you’ll learn what light and fluffy means and looks like.”

For many home cooks, a reliable kitchen timer is as indispensable of a tool as an accurate instant-read thermometer , a do-it-all chef’s knife, or a kitchen step stool. “The best kitchen timers can help you achieve more in the kitchen,” says Thorleifson. “They’re a great way to help focus your attention and help keep track of where you’re at in a multi-step recipe.”

We tested more than 20 top-rated picks to help you find the best kitchen timer for your routine. From a four-in-one tracker to a design with an alarm you simply can’t miss, these kitchen timers aced our tests.

The slanted shape of this timer makes it easy to read from all angles, while grips on the bottom ensure it won’t budge as you press the buttons.

The shape and size of this timer are a bit on the larger side, so it’s not easy to slip into the pocket of an apron or carry it from room to room.

OXO makes some of the most reliable kitchen tools on the market, so it was no surprise that top honors in our testing went to one of their kitchen timers. The Triple Timer is mighty in size and functionality, with the ability to accurately clock up to three different cook times on the same screen. Each row displays hours, minutes, and seconds, maxing out at 100 hours each. With three volume settings and three slightly different alarm sounds, there will be no mistaking when it’s time to rotate your cookie sheet.

During our testing, this device earned high marks thanks to its substantial size and easy-to-read screen. Setting the timer was straightforward and intuitive, and we loved how any of the timers could be used as a stopwatch, counting up the passing seconds instead of down. While the bulkier size of this model meant it wasn’t easily slipped into the pocket of a kitchen apron, the adjustable volume alarm meant it was easy to hear from another nearby room of the house. Each of the three timers has a memory function that keeps track of the last time set, so if you’re making the same item frequently, you won’t have to manually input your desired time.

Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 2.55 x 4.5 x 8.2 inches | Battery type: Requires three AAA batteries (not included)

Ten different color options allow you to have a bit of fun with this utilitarian kitchen gadget.

This model doesn’t offer volume control and, while our testing found the alarm noise to be adequate, there’s a chance you may not hear it if you step away from your kitchen.

If you’re someone who jives best with simple gadgets, these Antoki digital kitchen timers are for you. The two-pack of devices is as basic as it gets, with just enough features to keep you on track without derailing novice cooks with a complicated user interface. Each of the identical timers has just three buttons — a start/stop button, a minutes button, and a seconds button — making it simple to set it to your desired length. The back of the device has a small kickstand that can help the timer stand upright, or you can take advantage of its magnetized back and stick it to a refrigerator.

Our testing found this model to be the ideal budget-friendly pick for cooks just beginning to experiment with using a kitchen timer. While the interface doesn’t allow you to time more than one item at a time, your purchase does come with two individual timers, so you can always track separate dishes that way. Each of these easy-to-read timers maxes out at 99 minutes, which provides ample time for tracking most common dishes but may prove inadequate when timing slow-cooked meats or loaves of bread. Ultimately, this model is a great option for anyone not looking to spend too much money on their kitchen timer.

Materials: Plastic, metal | Dimensions: 0.7 x 2.9 x 2.7 inches | Battery type: Requires one AAA battery (included)

An optional backlight can illuminate the display screen for easier reading, especially from a distance.

With raised buttons, this model can be a bit more tedious to clean if you happen to splatter some batter or sauce on it. You’ll want to clean it right away so the buttons don’t stick.

Serious home cooks will appreciate all the bells and whistles packed into this comprehensive kitchen timer from ThermoWorks. The tech-forward brand kept pro kitchens in mind when designing this timer, which touts an impressive four different clocks, each of which can count down or up, depending on your needs. Each of the timers is identifiable with a unique alarm, and the device’s easy-to-read screen (and optional backlight) ensures your time remaining is visible from every vantage point in your kitchen.

During testing, we were immediately impressed by the durability and design of this piece, which has a stable wedge shape, non-slip base, and magnetic back (should you want to attach it to a nearby appliance). The alarms were also among the most impressive in our tests — there’s loud and then there’s ThermoWorks loud, ensuring you never run the risk of missing your cooking cue. Even better, many of the well-thought-out features seemed geared toward serious cooks, including tactile non-slip buttons, adjustable volume, flashing display, water-resistant exterior, and an impressive 100-hour upper limit for each of the four timers.

Materials: Plastic, metal | Dimensions: 2.4 x 4.13 x 6.6 inches | Battery type: Requires one 9V battery (included)

This kitchen timer models your time left in a beautifully visual way, so it’s even easy for younger cooks or children to comprehend.

When this model sounds the alarm, it only beeps six times in a row. If you happen to be out of the room during that moment, you may miss your cue.

Yearning for the good old days? This clever kitchen timer is just as simple as the one Grandma used to rely on, with a few modern perks thrown in. Ditching digital displays and buttons for a straightforward dial, this timer displays your time set/remaining with a vibrant red hue, so a glance lets you know where you stand on your cook. Setting the timer is as easy as turning the dial, and you can measure individual minutes up to an hour. The body of the timer itself is sturdy and square and is encased in a silicone protector for extra durability.

During testing, we liked the simplicity of this device, confident that it filled a niche for cooks who can’t bear the idea of one more piece of tech gear in their kitchen. The timer proved very reliable when tested against a digital version, and setting it to an “in-between” time accurately (i.e. seven minutes for the perfect soft scrambled eggs, or anything not denoted by a number on the face) was surprisingly easy. While we appreciated the silicone sleeve for its protective nature, it did hold on to crumbs and debris more than some of the other designs on our list. That being said, it was easily rinsed clean and ultimately did not affect the performance.

Materials: Plastic, silicone | Dimensions: 2.05 x 3.62 x 3.62 inches | Battery type: Requires one AA battery (not included)

A heavy-duty magnet on the back of this design allows you to hang it on any metal surface.

This timer is always “on,” which took us a little to get used to during testing, and may drain the battery faster than other models.

If you’re the type that likes to make the most of their bake time by also checking emails, doing laundry, and vacuuming the living room, then this kitchen timer is for you. With a wide, visible screen and the ability to measure time up to 99 hours, it can tackle any recipe on your baking Pinterest board. The volume on this model is adjustable and by far the loudest on this list (even the lowest setting could be heard from two rooms away), making it a great option for large homes or industrial kitchens. The toteable design is lightweight and practical, with a waterproof body, tactile buttons, and a handy kickstand meant to keep it upright.

While testing this model, we liked both the adjustable volume and unique counter on this timer. As the alarm goes off, it will signal for a minute before quieting down for a few seconds, then signaling again. Not only that, but it continues to count the time passed as the alarm is sounding, making it especially handy for baking tasks that necessitate steps within precise timing. It has all the features you’ve come to know and love from a ThermoWorks device, including a durable plastic exterior that comes in fun colors.

Materials: Plastic, metal | Dimensions: 1.15 x 3.5 x 5.1 inches | Battery type: Requires one 9V battery (included)

This buttonless design is free of creases or crevices, making it the easiest to clean on our list.

A single back button operates the reset, start, and pause features, which can get confusing at times.

If clarity is what you’re after, look no further than this easy-to-read digital kitchen time from VOCOO. Designed with modern and clean lines, it has bright digital numbers that can be faded as desired (saving mode will dim the figures when not in use, while regular mode keeps them illuminated the whole time). The size and shape of the piece — similar to a hockey puck — make it easy to slip into the pocket of an apron or grab as you're leaving the room to keep tabs on your latest baking masterpiece. The timer can be adjusted in five-second increments, with an upper limit of 100 minutes that will carry you through most basic baking and cooking tasks.

A few things stood out as we put this kitchen timer to the test. For starters, the timer was so easy to see — among the best of the bunch — and the twist method of setting it (you simply turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to add or subtract time) made for a very straightforward user interface. You have two options for placement of this gadget; you can either lay it face up on your countertop or use the strong magnet on the back to attach it to a nearby appliance.

Materials: ABS material, metal | Dimensions: 3.07 x 3.07 x 1.06 inches | Battery type: Requires three AAA batteries (included)

While we tested a lot of great kitchen timers (21, in fact), our top honors went to the OXO Good Grips Triple Timer. Not only did it allow for clocking multiple dishes at once, but it also provided top-tier durability, a highly visible screen, and easy-to-distinguish alarms.

Food & Wine / Hang Pham

We tested a total of 21 kitchen timers, including 14 digital devices and 7 analog styles. There were options with a wide array of capabilities, including the ability to set a singular timer and devices that allowed you to clock up to four separate cooks. Timers were rated on four metrics:

The most important part about your kitchen timer is hearing the alarm go off. When shopping for the best kitchen timer for your needs, consider how loud the alarm is and whether you’ll be able to hear it from the opposite side of your kitchen or another room in your house. Additionally, if you opt for a timer that has multiple alarms, make sure they each have a slightly different cadence or tone so you know which is going off and what dish to address.

While kitchen timers are inherently small gadgets, there are still plenty of size variabilities to contend with when shopping for your preferred timer. Portability is a key consideration when shopping — look for smaller, palm-sized devices if you want something that can slip into the pocket of an apron or be easily carried from room to room. Likewise, if you like to keep your countertops clean, timers that fold flat or can be attached to your refrigerator via a magnet might be beneficial.

Your chosen kitchen timer should have a clear and visible display that is easy to decipher whether you’re right alongside it or across the room. The bigger the numbers — and brighter the screen — the better, though we’ve also included options on our list that visually represent the amount of time remaining with colors instead of numerals.

Yes — many professional kitchens use kitchen timers, whether they’re cooking up your main meal or mouth-watering pastries. With the business and chaos of professional kitchens, a quality kitchen timer is of the utmost importance to keep everyone on track and service flowing.

Ultimately, choosing between a mechanical (also known as analog) and digital kitchen timer is entirely up to your preferences and discretion. Most chefs and home cooks find digital kitchen timers easier to use, thanks to their numerical display of the time remaining and their ability (in some instances) to set more than one alarm. That being said, many purists opt for analog timers, thanks to their straightforward and utilitarian nature.

If you want a kitchen timer that truly does it all, be sure to shop for a gadget that touts a clear, oversized screen, loud alarm, a count-up and count-down timer, and at least a 4-hour limit. If you’re a savvy home cook who often has several dishes going at once, you should strongly consider a multi-clock timer that allows you to track more than one recipe at a time.

Food & Wine / Rachel Shalla

While the six kitchen timers that ultimately made our list were the best of the best, we still found several strong contenders throughout our tests. The models below are still great options, lacking in just one or two testing categories (more on that below). Here’s what stood out:

CDN TM8 Digital Timer (Amazon)The CDN TM8 Digital Timer performed great in our tests and, truthfully, it would be an excellent option for any home cook looking for a basic kitchen timer model that gets the job done. That being said, when compared to the other simple timer on our list by Antoki, we felt like it didn’t quite hold up the same value, especially considering you get two timers from Antoki for less than the price of this one.

ThermoWorks TimeStick Trio (ThermoWorks)Considering two other ThermoWorks kitchen timers made our list, we had high hopes for this model — and they were mostly met. Geared towards kitchens with minimal storage and those home chefs who feel comfortable forgoing a few bells and whistles found in higher models, this TimeStick is a solid buy if you’re looking to snag something from the brand. That being said, the buttons weren’t as responsive as we would have liked during testing, and the alarm could have been louder.

Marathon Commercial Grade Direct Entry Table Timer (Amazon)This kitchen timer may look like an old-school calculator (part of the reason why we docked it a few points), but it certainly gets the job done when it comes to rudimentary kitchen timing tasks. Like many of the other options on our list, it allows you to count up or down to a predetermined time, with a limit of 100 hours. Ultimately, though, it was just too bulky and old-school in appearance compared to some of the other highly-rated options on our list.

Taylor Super-Loud Digital Timer (Amazon)While on the hunt for an ear-splitting kitchen timer that could be heard from any room, we also put this Taylor device through the paces. We loved how intuitive and easy to operate the palm-sized device was. It was loud too, but at the end of the day just didn’t have as many bonus features as its list-worthy counterparts.

ThermoPro TM02 Digital Kitchen Timer (Amazon)While this ThermoPro device has a large, legible screen and durable body, it lacked in a few key areas that ultimately resulted in it falling out of favor. For starters, setting your timer wasn’t as intuitive as with other models, and if you accidentally added too much time to your counter, you had to zero out and start over (there was no option to decrease the timer count easily). Beyond that, the alarm could have been louder and wasn’t easily heard from the next room.

Our goal with product testing is always to bring you the best gadgets on the market, so there are inevitably some options that don’t meet our rigorous criteria. In the case of the below kitchen timers, there were several instances where each fell short, either in durability, volume, ease, or accuracy. We also took the price and perceived value into consideration, as well as how the models held up against cooking spills and daily use.