A free online cooking timer that runs multiple countdowns simultaneously — one per dish. Label each timer so you always know which alarm is which. Polytimer works in the background even when you leave the tab, and the alarm sounds when cooking time is up. No app, no account, no ads.
How to Use the Online Cooking Timer
For a single dish: the Countdown tab is pre-set to 10 minutes — adjust the duration if needed, type the dish name in the label field (e.g. "Pasta 10 min"), and press play.
For multiple dishes: switch to the Multiple Timers tab. Add one timer per dish, label each clearly, and start them when each item goes on the heat.
Each timer alarms independently — you'll know exactly which dish needs attention.
Enable End Time to see the exact clock time each dish will finish, so you can plan plating and serving.
Common Cooking Timer Durations
3 minutes — soft-boiled eggs, blanching green vegetables, instant noodles
5 minutes — pour-over coffee, sautéed greens, grilled fish fillets
6 minutes — medium-boiled eggs, Aeropress coffee, quick pan sauces
Label every timer — "Pasta", "Roast", "Sauce" is clearer than three identical countdowns
Work backwards from serving time — if you want everything ready at 7 PM, start the longest-cooking item first and offset shorter timers accordingly
Use End Time toggle — shows exactly when each timer finishes in clock time, making meal coordination easier
Keep the tab audible — Polytimer's alarm plays even when the tab is in the background, but make sure your browser isn't muted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run multiple cooking timers at once?
Yes. Switch to the Multiple Timers tab to run several countdown timers simultaneously — one per dish. Label each timer (e.g., 'Pasta', 'Roast', 'Sauce') so you always know which alarm is which. Each timer has its own countdown and alarm.
How do I use Polytimer as a kitchen timer?
Click the Countdown tab, enter the cooking time, type the dish name in the label field, then press play. For multiple dishes, use the Multiple Timers tab and add a timer for each item — each alarms independently.
What timer should I use for boiling pasta?
Most dried pasta cooks in 8–12 minutes. Spaghetti and linguine: 9–11 minutes; penne and rigatoni: 10–12 minutes; fresh pasta: 2–4 minutes. Set the timer to the lower range and taste-test at the alarm.
Can the cooking timer work when I leave the kitchen?
Yes. Polytimer uses a background Web Worker to keep accurate time even when the tab is not in focus. The alarm plays when cooking time is up regardless of what else you're doing on your device.
How do I time multiple dishes at different speeds?
Use the Multiple Timers tab. Add one timer per dish, set each duration, and label them clearly. Start each timer when that dish goes on. Use the End Time toggle to see exactly when each will finish and plan serving accordingly.