Cat Face Wind-Up Kitchen Timer with Bell

This wind-up kitchen timer wears the face of a contented grey cat, with closed smiling eyes, a tiny coral nose, fine black whiskers and two pointed ears on top. A white blaze runs from the forehead down to the muzzle, and three short stripes sit between the ears. The plastic body has a rubber coating, and it rests on a dark teal dial band numbered in white every five minutes, with a small arrow beneath the chin to read the time against. It is a compact piece, 6cm wide, 6cm long and 6.7cm tall, and light enough to sit anywhere on the worktop without getting in the way.

We think it belongs on a kitchen counter or open shelf, where a quick glance tells you how long is left on a bake or a simmer. It counts down from a maximum of 59 minutes in one-minute steps, so it covers everything from a pot of tea brewing to a cake that needs most of an hour. When the dial reaches 0, a loud, clear bell rings for three seconds to tell you time is up. It needs no batteries, so there is nothing to replace and it is ready whenever you are.

Setting it is simple: turn the dial anticlockwise all the way to 0, then turn it clockwise back to the time you want, and the countdown begins. Take care not to overwind it. Inside, the mechanism is made from zinc alloy, stainless steel and plastics, under the coated plastic body. To keep it clean, wipe it only with a soft fabric cloth, and never immerse it in water. With its sleepy face and neat size, it makes a cheerful small gift, and between uses it sits happily on a kitchen windowsill or beside the tea caddy.

How long can this cat kitchen timer count down?

It counts down from a maximum of 59 minutes, in one-minute steps, which suits most everyday baking and cooking times.

Does the timer need batteries?

No, it needs no batteries at all. It is a wind-up timer, so you simply turn the dial to set it and it runs on its own.

How do I set the timer?

Turn the dial anticlockwise all the way to 0, then turn it clockwise back to the time you want. Take care not to overwind it.

What happens when the time is up?

When the dial reaches 0, a loud and clear bell rings for three seconds, so you know your bake or simmer is ready.

How big is the cat timer?

It is 6cm wide, 6cm long and 6.7cm tall, a compact size that sits neatly on a worktop or kitchen shelf.

How should I clean it?

Wipe it only with a soft fabric cloth and never immerse it in water, as the wind-up mechanism sits inside the body.