How to use the online timer
Getting eggs exactly how you like them comes down to timing, and 180 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.
There's nothing to configure beyond tapping the button: press Start and the numbers begin ticking down straight away. The tab needs to stay open in your browser for the whole stretch, since closing it or switching the computer off stops the count, though you're free to switch to another tab and come back later. A clear alarm sounds the moment it hits zero, loud enough to notice from another room.
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 180 seconds, set the timer to 180 seconds, start a 180 seconds timer — it is the same countdown either way.
Common questions
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.
Do I need to install anything to use the timer?
No. It runs straight in your browser, so there's nothing to download and no account to create.
Will the timer keep running if I close the tab?
No. Closing the tab or the browser stops the countdown, so leave it open until the timer finishes.
Can I use the timer on my phone?
Yes. It works in any mobile browser, though the tab still needs to stay open rather than sitting behind other apps for a reliable count.