We have one of the Vintage Magnetic Kitchen Timers. It stopped working after a few days and now I have to hit it a few times for it to actually engage after winding it.

Still looks nice though, if that's worth anything.

I had a magnetic one, and they seem like a good idea, but check how strong the magnet is. Mine fell off the fridge a few times and stopped working. Now I just use the one on the microwave.

Ditto on the Vintage Magnetic Kitchen Timer. I was so excited to get one because it was so cute. But it stopped working pretty soon.
I left it on the stove because I liked the way it looked, but the plastic face got cloudy from all the steam. :(

FYI, with those retro timers, be advised that you need to wind it to 55 and then turn it backwards to the time that you want it set to (took me a while to figure that out, thought I had a dud at first). Have had no problems at all with mine!

Thanks, LesleyM! I have the first one, too, and I thought mine didn't work. I'll definitely be trying this.

Interesting. I have something that looks almost identical to the Vintage timer listed, but it doesn't have the text "Retro Timer" on the face. Mine has the brand "KIKKERLAND" on it and I would have to say that, of all of the timers I have used, it is one of the best. The magnet is very strong, and for a wind up "analog" timer it is very accurate ( /- 15 seconds vs. a stopwatch; I tested). And to top it off, it's $13 on their website. Makes me think that either the one listed is a copy, or both of them are remakes of something available elseware once upon a time.

I have the double version of the triple kitchen timer, and both sides of the timer have stopped working several times despite proper use (i.e. winding to 55 and turning back). They're pretty, but they aren't worth the money.

I made my own timer. I dismantled an old microwave and put the circuit board into a good-looking electronics case about 6"w x 2"h x 6" deep. I wired in some buttons on the top and added a line cord and a transformer inside.

The display is light-green digital. It is so beautiful and one-of-a-kind. It beeps when the time is up just like a microwave, plus it doubles as a beautiful shelf clock in the kitchen.

PS, I am an electronics technician. I made the clock while attending school.

My husband and I picked up a Vintage kitchen timer (KIKKERLAND brand) on our honeymoon. We have used and enjoyed it every day since! It keeps accurate time, has a strong magnet, and a delightful "brrring!" when the time is up. Not to mention that charming design!

Here's a link for the KIKKERLAND vintage-style timer:
http://www.kikkerlandshop.com/kt046-y.html

I bought a red magentic kirkland last month and love it- strong magnet, works perfectly (so far) and goes perfectly in our turquoise and red, diner inspired kitchem

bought the vintage-style kikkerland timer (in red) last month at anthropologie. worked once. we left it on the fridge, looks great and has a strong magnet, but it's a disappointment.

I use a Taylor mechanical timer. Works great. Love it!

Find it here: http://www.surlatable.com/product/id/221798.do?mr:referralID=a98d6449-7b5d-11df-8039-0026b9571fcf

I had a version of the first timer as well- it fell right off the fridge after only a few weeks and has never worked since :/ I think mine was from costplus world market, but looked identical.

I also have the kikkerland vintage timer and it has never worked. I wind it to the desired time and it eventually just stops somewhere along the line. I have tried turning it to 55 and then setting- still does not work.

Also part of the Kikkerland vintage timer (from Anthro) club: Adorable but a piece of crap. The metal ring around the outside was the first to fall off, then the plastic face got all clouded. . .it doesn't keep proper time. It just looks cute.

I second third and fourth the kikkerland timer comments. Cute but crappy. I returned my first one when the metal ring came unglued only to have it happen again with the replacement.

I have the Stainless-Steel Triple Timer but it has stopped working despite proper usage - same story as Caren19.

I also have a magnetic stainless steel timer that sits on the fridge, but mostly use the timer on the iPhone.

Ha! My Vintage Magnetic Kitchen Timer also gave up the ghost shortly after I got it. It sometimes ticks nicely when you turn it, but doesn't appear to keep time.

Those vintage kitchen timer are useless. If you give them a full spin, they will ALWAYS loose their spring when pointer hits 30 min. I tried like 10 at the store and all the same problem. Definitely cute, but useless.

I just use my cell phone.

Real, old timers, are truly the best. mine is the Minute Meter from the 50's, I'd say. Love the thing. Classic vintage look. Still works like a charm. Picked it up for $5.00. Now if only my brand new oven would heat to the temperature I set it at. :(