Timers for Meal Prep
Timers are typical kitchen devices used to manage how time is spent in the kitchen. They can be set for alarms, watched for countdowns, and put on timers depending on your needs and preferences.
When we look at cooking as a science, timers provide some of the best means of quality control, preventing foods from being burned or overdone. It is not uncommon in most kitchens to have more than one clock or timer present.
You can also use timers to calibrate your cooking devices. Over time ovens and appliances can slowly weaken and using a timer can help you spot how much additional time might be needed to cook certain recipes.
Digital
Digital timers keep track of time just like digital clocks, displaying numbers on a screen. They are great because their bright lights make it easy for cooks to gather important information quickly.
Digital timers tend to include sound features so that cooks can be notified or alerted to specific times. These applications lend themselves to oven based cooking where it is more difficult to visually check on what you are cooking, relying on tried cooking times more frequently.
Timers are also helpful when you need to let things sit or rest for long period of time. It’s generally pretty easy to do, but walking away from something for so long can lead to forgetting about it which is where timers come in to help.
Mechanical
Mechanical timers are small two-handed clocks equipped with a wind up dial that, when finished, will ring a loud bell. Similar to old alarm clocks, nicer kitchen varieties don’t have to fight to wake you up from sleeping, only remind you when certain foods are ready for their next step.
Mechanical clocks can be great when you are working with a lot of water and don’t want to get digital equipment wet. Mechanical devices, while still battery operated, can be less susceptible to moisture because there is minimal wiring inside.
Mechanical timers are also easy to work with because they are more tactile. Digital timers often employ flat buttons and surfaces that can be difficult for some to push. Instead, mechanical timers offer a more tangible experience making it easier to orient yourself when cooking.