How to use the online timer
Good tea has an optimum steep, and 117 seconds is about right for a lot of black teas before they turn bitter and stewed. Set it going as soon as the water hits the leaves, wander off to do something else, and come back when it calls you rather than hovering over the pot. It's a small habit that makes the difference between a decent cuppa and a rushed, weak one.
Hit Start whenever you're ready and the timer runs on its own from there, no further clicking required until it finishes. It only counts while the tab stays open, so leave it running in the background rather than closing the browser or navigating away if you need the time to stay accurate. Once it reaches zero, an alarm sound lets you know without you having to keep checking the page.
A mechanical timer needs to be wound and a phone timer needs the phone unlocked, but this one just needs the page you already have open. It sits inside your browser, ready whenever you are, and it's the same tool whether you're on a laptop or a tablet in the kitchen. Free, with nothing to install or sign into, it's built to get out of your way and count. People type this as set timer 117 seconds or timer for 117 seconds; both land here and start the same count.
Common questions
Does the timer work without an internet connection?
The page needs to load once, but the countdown itself runs locally in your browser, so a dropped connection partway through won't stop it.
Will the timer still run if my laptop goes to sleep?
No, if the device sleeps or the browser is suspended, the countdown pauses along with it, so keep your screen awake for an accurate result.
Is there a cost to use the timer?
No, it's free to use, with no registration, sign-up, or hidden limit on how many times you can run it.
Can I run more than one timer at once?
Yes, opening the page in separate tabs lets you track a few things at the same time, each counting down independently of the others.