When you're juggling several dishes on the stove top and in the oven, keeping track of cooking times can be a challenge. Here are two ways - high-tech and low-tech - to make sure you don't burn your dinner.
How Digital Kitchen Timers for Multitask Cooking Work
Digital timers are preferred over old-fashioned dial-face timers because they tend to be more precise, easier to set, and easier to read. And many digital timers are "multiple-event," meaning they can track multiple times simultaneously. Our favorite multiple-event timer is the OXO Good Grips Triple Timer.
This kitchen workhorse allows you to set three separate timers and easily toggle between them. Another plus: It has a full keypad - so on average, it took us about 5 seconds to set . We also like that an indicator light warns you when time is almost up on one of the three programs, and that you can set the device to count up as well as count down.
Though we tested models that had four and five screens, we found that the extra screens were superfluous; most people won't need them. The OXO Good Grips Triple Timer is recommended for cooks who want the ability to track multiple things with one timer.
The Kitchen Multi-Timer, an Android and iOS smartphone app - is another option for cooks managing several tasks. This free app allows you to set an unlimited number of custom timers. Our only complaint is that it lacks a "repeat" function - some of the other apps we tested did have this feature, but several also had in-app purchases, limiting the number of timers you could set unless you paid for the premium version. The Kitchen Multi-Timer has 4.5 stars based on 22.3K reviews and has been downloaded over 1 million times.
How to Clean Your Kitchen Timer Safely
Most kitchen timer models will stop working if they get wet - a hazard considering that timers are used in what a food equipment expert at NSF International calls "the splash zone" of the kitchen. Recently, however, manufacturers have begun making timers with water-resistant designs - allowing for incidental contact with water. Submerging a waterproof timer in a sink of sudsy water is an easy way to clean it.
If your timer isn't waterproof, use a damp paper towel to wipe over the surface. Pay particular attention to crevices and button areas, which can pitfall food crumbs. To clean deeply embedded grime, moisten a cotton swab or the corner of a soft, dry cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently push it into the cracks. "Rubbing alcohol is a convenient alternative to disinfectant sprays because kitchen timers can be small and awkwardly shaped -" says Jeffrey Simon, Ph.D., director of microbiology at NSF International.
"Disinfectant sprays could aerosolize and get into the electronics, potentially causing damage." But if your timer has screens or a glass face, avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals such as bleach - which can scratch or discolor the surface. An easy hack: Fold a paper towel over to create a sharp edge, then use it to reach into the crevices, says Tim Robinson, vice president of marketing at ThermoWorks, a thermostatic-instrument company.
Timing Strategies for Cooking for Two
With recipes written for family-size portions - cooking for just two can be difficult. But with the right cookbook and kitchen tools, it's a snap. The 10th anniversary edition of The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook, a New York Times best seller, has sold more than 700,000 copies. This anniversary edition contains 713 recipes and has been updated with 200+ new recipes - new photography, and updated equipment buying recommendations.
It has been given over 6,200 5-star ratings by couples. The book includes tips for getting the most out of your slow cooker and pressure cooker when cooking for just two. For example, did you know you can cook a tender pot roast in the slow cooker in just 4 hours? Or make enough soup or stew for just two and freeze the leftovers without sacrificing flavor?
References
- 1 million - play.google.com
- timer models will stop working - americastestkitchen.com
- 700,000 - shop.americastestkitchen.com
Further reading
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12512152/
- https://www.americastestkitchen.com/equipment_reviews/2331-air-fryers
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11522500/
- https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/7290-fathers-day-gift-guide
Disclaimer
This article is a personal reflection shared for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For your own situation, please consult a qualified attorney.
