All About Digital Kitchen Timers

A Brief History of Kitchen Timers

Kitchen timers have come into use during the last century as cooking has become more regulated and regimented. Back when families only cooked a few staple dishes, such as breads and soups, timers were not necessary since cooks knew by looking or touching when food was done. As culinary feats became more complex, and regional dishes spread around the world, it became necessary to record and regulate recipes and cooking times.

The first kitchen timers were wind up "egg" timers that ran on internal springs. These simple timers can still be found very cheaply in most kitchen stores, but may not be ideal for use. First of all, these kitchen timers can be inaccurate, and they are also loud, ticking each second away. They also generally only run up to one hour.

A great modern day alternative is the digital kitchen timer. Digital kitchen timers come in a variety of styles, but all digital kitchen timers have an LCD screen that allows you to easily view cooking times. In addition, they are easily programmed by a few simple buttons, and can keep time long enough for you to cook that three hour cheese souffle.

Styles of Digital Kitchen Timers

Digital kitchen timers come in a variety of styles and designs. All digital kitchen timers are lightweight and, as a result, very portable. Digital kitchen timers generally come in a durable plastic casing, which can be almost any color. You may want to a get a color that matches your kitchen decor, or you may want to get a contrasting color that allows you to easily spot your kitchen timer.

Some digital kitchen timers have attached mounting clips that allow you to stand them upright on a counter. Other digital kitchen timers have magnets on the back to allow them to fasten directly to your fridge. Still others have clips that are designed to clip the timer to an apron pocket, or strings so the timer can be worn around one's neck. These last two designs are handy if you plan on wandering away from your kitchen while dinner bakes. This way, you will still know when it is time to check the oven.

Why Get a Digital Kitchen Timer?

A digital kitchen timer is nice because it allows you to keep track of timing for cooking, stirring, or baking accurately and with little hassle. While most kitchen stoves and microwaves come with a kitchen timer setting, these can be inconvenient to operate, and may not work if you are cooking other food for a set period of time. Since digital kitchen timers are easy to operate, and inexpensive, they make a timely addition to any kitchen.

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