How to use the online timer
Getting eggs exactly how you like them comes down to timing, and 166 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.
Press Start and it gets going immediately, no sign-up screen or settings menu standing in the way. The one thing to remember is that it counts down inside this browser tab, so it needs to stay open rather than closed or replaced by another site if you want an accurate result. A sound plays once the time is up, which is your cue that whatever you were timing is done.
Unlike a mechanical kitchen timer, this one doesn't need winding, batteries, or a spot on the bench where you'll remember to look at it. It sits in a browser tab, which means you can check it from your laptop, your phone, or any device with a browser without owning a gadget for it. Minimise the window and it keeps counting; just don't close the tab. Set a timer for 166 seconds, set the timer to 166 seconds, start a 166 seconds timer — it is the same countdown either way.
Common questions
Does the timer make a sound when it finishes?
Yes, an alarm plays once it reaches zero, provided your device's volume is turned up and the tab hasn't been muted.
Can I pause the timer partway through?
Yes, pause and resume are both available, so you can stop the count if you're interrupted and pick up again exactly where you left off.
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.