Set the timer to 5 hours

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How to use the online timer

A slow cooker set for 5 hours is meant to be left alone, which is exactly why a separate timer running on your phone or laptop is handy for knowing when to check back in. Start it when you switch the cooker on, get on with your day, and come back to lift the lid only once the countdown's finished rather than every hour. Patience pays off with slow-cooked food.

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. People type this as set timer 5 hours or timer for 5 hours; both land here and start the same count.

Common questions

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.

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.