Keeping Track of Time with a Pyrex Timer
Written: Apr 24 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: compact clock and timer – clip, stand, magnet – 10 and 5 minute warning beep
Cons: does not countdown seconds, only hours and minutes
The Bottom Line: I’m timing the Bottom Line to see how long it takes to read this review and comment on it.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Robinson Knife Pyrex Digital Timer |
For years I have used a Pyrex Digital Timer in the kitchen and at work. Yes, I own two of these timers. Since I am sometimes time-challenged, having these handy beeping reminders is a must. It’s also great that this timer can serve as a clock.
Description
These timers are small at 2 1/2" wide x 2" high, and they are lightweight. The older timer is an off-white color with dark red oval buttons. The newest timer is white with light red-orange rectangular buttons.
Each timer has a clip at the back. When the clip is opened, it can clip to a pocket or other object (the clip opens to 1/2" wide). A metal piece lays flush against the back of the timer, and if desired, folds open against the plastic clip ... forming a brace so that the timer can stand upright on a flat surface such as a table. There is also a magnet that measures 5/8" wide x 1 1/8" high that is mounted to the back of the clip so that the timer can be affixed to a metal surface such as a refrigerator.
The front of the timer has three buttons, one above the other, at the right side of the timer. The top button is to set the hour. The button beneath it sets the minutes, and the bottom button engages the Stop/Start mode. Press the Hour and Minute buttons at the same time to reset the timer to zero. The display window measures 1 1/4" wide x 1/2" high. The numbers are black against a light gray background.
This timer will keep track of time up to 19 hours and 59 minutes. The timer beeps twice when 10 minutes are left in the countdown, and also beeps twice when only 5 minutes are left.
If you need a stopwatch feature, this timer can also count up from zero to 19 minutes and 59 seconds.
The timer comes mounted to a blistercard with a protective covering of hard clear plastic. A button battery comes in the package. The battery number is 357A, and says "Button Cell +".
Setting the Clock
First, the battery needs to be inserted into the timer. This is easy to do. There is a battery compartment at the back of the timer. The circular door has a wide straight-lined slot, somewhat resembling the top of a screw. I use a penny in the slot to turn the door counterclockwise. The door pops free, revealing a hole where the battery is placed. Insert the battery flat side up and press the door back in place, using the penny to turn the door clockwise to lock it.
Once the battery is inserted, the unit enters “Clock” mode. Press the Hour and Minute buttons to change the time. Then press the Start/Stop button to set the clock.
After using the timer feature, and if you wish to return to clock mode, press the Hour, Minute AND Stop/Start buttons at the same time. The clock will appear displaying the correct time.
Using the Timer Function
The timer is simple to use. Just press the Hour and Minute button at the same time. This resets the display to zero. Press the Hour and/or Minute button for the time you wish to count down. Then press the Start/Stop button to begin the timer. (You can hold the Hour or Minute buttons down so that the numbers automatically scroll upward from zero.)
This timer can also act like a stopwatch. It will count up the time, starting from zero and working forward. Press the Hour and Minute button simultaneously and then press the Start/Stop button. The timer will only count up to 19 minutes and 59 seconds.
To pause the timer, just press the Start/Stop button once. Press the Start/Stop button again to resume the timer count.
The timer has a soft repetitive beep that grabs the attention without being too startling. To turn the beeping noise off, just press the Hour and Minute buttons at the same time.
My Experiences
I love this timer. It is easy to place in a pocket, or clip it to a pocket or cookbook cover. The foot print is small enough not to use a lot of table or desk space. With the magnetic clip, I can attach this timer to the refrigerator or a filing cabinet. Its size and multi-function clip makes this versatile. It’s perfect for my kitchen and office needs.
For one thing, the numbers are large and easy to read. The numbers are brighter in a well-lit room, but I can still see the numbers when the timer is in shadow. Viewing the timer head on, the numbers are easiest to read than if trying to view them from an angle.
Many times I’ve shoved a baking dish into the oven and clipped this timer to my jeans pocket as I puttered around the house. I just have to make sure I don’t accidentally press the buttons ... or the timer will reset. The timer clip is a neat feature in that I can loop a string or chain around my neck and hang the timer from it. I don’t often do this, but I like the option.
I also bring this timer into the yard with me when I am gardening. That way I can set the timer for a few hours, and when it beeps, I know my gardening time has ended. This is especially handy when I can only spend an hour in the garden before having to get ready to leave the house for an appointment.
At work, this timer keeps me company at lunch. Some days I like to find a hideaway where I can sit undisturbed to read a book. Usually my book-reading nooks do not have a clock within viewing range. Other days I enjoy walking outside in fresh air and sunshine. I can set the timer for the length of my lunch time, and the timer beeps when I have ten minutes of time left and then again when there are only five minutes remaining of my lunch time.
I tend not to use this timer for a clock. My house is filled with clocks, and when at work, I have the computer clock and a battery-operated wall clock close at hand. At home I keep the timer on the refrigerator. At work the timer is in a desk drawer (clipped to a box of binder clips so that the timer is upright).
This timer is durable, too. Both of them have been dropped many times and still work great. The magnet has never fallen off, and the clip has never given me a problem. The battery also has a long life. I can’t remember how old the oldest timer is, but it is definitely over three years old and the battery is still working.
Purchasing
I bought my newest Pyrex Timer at Kohl’s department store. The timer regularly retails for $8.99. When on sale, I bought it for $5.40. A great deal!
Summary
The Pyrex Digital Timer works well for me. It’s not perfect since it doesn’t countdown seconds ... but I would rarely need to know the seconds anyway. The clock mode can also be tricky since I routinely forget that I have to simultaneously press the Hour, Minute AND Stop/Start buttons to enter clock mode.
Despite those minor drawbacks, I love this timer enough to own two of them. The size is compact, and the cost is certainly right. Well, I have to go now. I set this timer to remind me when it is time to fix supper. It just gave me the five minute warning beep ... so I have to go.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
25-year Warranty
“Robinson Knife Company promises to replace any Pyrex Accessories items that break during normal household use within twenty five years from date of purchase.”
Robinson Knife Company
Buffalo, NY 14225
Please read my other reviews:
T-Fal Perfection Saute Pan
Calphalon Professional Non-stick Sauce Pan
Granite Ware 19-inch Oval Roaster
Le Creuset Bean Pot
West Bend Automatic Egg Cooker
Braun Coffee Grinder (and flax seed)
KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer
Oneida Premier Flatware
GE Top Freezer Refrigerator
Maytag Dishwasher
Broan Allure III Range Hood
Maytag Gemini Double Oven Range
Copyright 2005 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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