Set the timer to 146 seconds

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How to use the online timer

Getting eggs exactly how you like them comes down to timing, and 146 seconds is a starting point plenty of people use for soft yolks with just-set whites. Drop the eggs in once the water's rolling, start the timer straight away, and pull them out the moment it finishes rather than leaving them to keep cooking in the hot water. A few seconds either way changes the whole result.

Using it is as simple as it sounds: hit Start and the countdown takes over from there. Keep the browser tab open while it runs, since the timer only keeps counting while the page stays loaded, and pause or reset it any time if your plans change. When time's up, a sound plays to let you know, so you don't need to keep glancing at the screen.

There's something to be said for a timer that doesn't try to sell you a premium version or bury the start button behind ads you have to swipe past. This one lives in a browser tab, plain and straightforward, doing exactly what it says and nothing else. You can leave the tab minimised while you get on with things, and it'll keep counting until it's time to let you know. Set a timer for 146 seconds, set the timer to 146 seconds, start a 146 seconds timer — it is the same countdown either way.

Common questions

Can I set a custom time instead of the preset?

Yes, most pages let you adjust the minutes and seconds directly, so you're not limited to the exact length shown in the page title.

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.