Pig Wind-Up Kitchen Timer with Bell

This wind-up kitchen timer takes the shape of a cheerful pink pig, with two pointed ears, a round snout and rosy cheeks on a smooth domed body. The dark brown dial band around its base carries white minute markings, and a small pointer just above it marks the time you have set. It counts down from a maximum of 59 minutes in one-minute steps. A loud, clear bell then rings for three seconds once the dial reaches zero. It needs no batteries, so there is nothing to replace or charge. At 6cm across and 6.7cm tall, it sits neatly in the palm of your hand.

We like it on the kitchen worktop, where a quick glance tells you how long is left on the roast, the pasta or a tray of biscuits in the oven. Because it is so compact, it tucks onto a windowsill or a shelf between uses and takes up barely any room. The pig face brings a bit of fun to an everyday job, and the soft pink sits happily in a cosy country kitchen or a bright modern one. A couple of twists of the dial set it going, which is handy when your hands are busy with dough.

The body is ABS plastic with a rubber coating, which feels gentle in the hand. The mechanism inside is made from zinc alloy, stainless steel and ABS and POM plastics. To start a new countdown, turn the dial anticlockwise all the way to zero, then turn it clockwise back to the time you need, taking care not to overwind it. To clean it, wipe it only with a soft fabric cloth and never immerse it in water. Weighing just 73g, it is light enough to carry from worktop to table, and it makes a cheerful small gift tucked in with a favourite cookery book.

Does this pig kitchen timer need batteries?

No, it is a wind-up timer and needs no batteries at all, so there is nothing to replace or recharge.

How long can the timer count down?

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

How do I set the timer?

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

Does it make a sound when the time is up?

Yes, a loud and clear bell rings for three seconds once the dial reaches zero, so you will hear it across the kitchen.

How big is the timer?

It measures 6cm wide, 6cm long and 6.7cm tall, and weighs just 73g, so it takes up very little worktop space.

How should I clean it?

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