I only rely on my instincts if I'm cooking something on the stove top. If it's going in the oven, I am *guaranteed* to forget to check on it unless I set the timer. If I'm following a recipe, I set the timer for 5 or 10 minutes less than the recipe suggests, so that I can be reminded to check on it and use my instincts. =)

My Italian grandmother taught me to "cook with my nose." When I am baking, for instance, I can smell my cake and get into the kitchen about one to one and a half minutes before the timer goes off. If my daughter hears the timer, and I am not there, she knows to take it out. It's a good back up plan.

I have a three way digital timer so I can time more than one dish at a time, I rely on it heavily as I am apt to wander off while baking.

I really hope someone answers "hourglass" (and is for reals).

I had to answer "digital" because "sundial" was not an option. Kidding, but love "hourglass" and am picturing a great big Wicked Witch of the East model on my counter.

I use timers when I have more than one thing going. I've never used a timer for something like tomato sauce or soup, but if I've got something in the oven and 3 things on the stovetop, I'll be tracking at least two of them.

I love my apple-shaped mechanical timer for baking and roasts. I can carry it to wherever I am in the house, which is super convenient so I don't get carried away entertaining and forget to take dessert out of the oven!

Digital timer built in the stove because once something is stuffed in the oven, I tend to wander off to the sitting room and play video games or watched the telly and completely forget about the food.

I usually go by instinct, but when I need a reminder to check something at a certain time, I use the timer on the microwave.

I use my microwave timer and oven timer if I have multiple things cooking. I do have a manual dial timer on my counter, but I usually forget it's there.

I only really time things when I'm baking or making something I've never made before from a recipe...

I use the timer on my range all the time, whether I'm baking/roasting/broiling or making soup.

I tend to daydream and lose my focus, so the timer has saved many a meal.

I use the timer function on my microwave. I use it for baking or time specific foods like rice. For longer cooking items, like tomato sauce or roasts, I just use a clock. The timing on them is never specific down to the minute, so I just have a general idea, then start checking them.

I dislike my oven timer because it keeps beeping until you actually get up and press off. If I'm in the other room, that's a lot of annoying beeps.

So true about "cooking with your nose," NanaAnna! It's a really key skill to learn, along with listening for sizzling/burning. Perhaps thanks to cooking so much, I have a pretty good internal timer. But I do occasionally set the stove clock for baking things, if I know I'll be away and there's a chance I'll get sucked into email or whatever.

Vintage mechanical timer all the way.

Added benefit: if I'm using it to time housecleaning, the tedious scrubby bits gain the glamor of feeling as if I'm hurrying to defuse a bomb.

Recently (finally) bought a Taylor digital thermometer/timer. A friend of mine has had one for years and I'd always borrow it for my thanksgiving roast. I love it.

Prior to that, I was using the timer on my janky blackberry, which I'd have to keep an eye on - sometimes it would chime. Sometimes I'd end up steeping my tea for 10 minutes and having to start over.

This is a very timely (no pun intended) post for me as I have been shopping for a timer since my ever-so-cute but worthless kikkerland timer (similar the one featured above) gave up the ghost. Can anyone recommend a reliable brand? I know that Lux used to be excellent, but they have earned a bad rep for their recent products.

microwave timer (I rent, so my oven doesn't exactly have an easy-to-use functional timer, but my personal microwave does!)

for doing laundry, I use the timer on my iPhone. ;)

the ones at Anthropologie (which appears to be what's pictured) seemed so cheap in person, and is one more thing to clutter the fridge. growing up, we used one of those round white plastic ones that kind of came to a point on top, I always liked it.

I use a combination. For baking, I'll use a timer, but if I'm cooking dinner, I'll use instincts. I also have a timer on my phone which I'll use if I leave the kitchen (can't hear it from upstairs). Just depends on what's going on.

I use the microwave kitchen timer up until about 10 minutes until the called for time. I want to get a "real" timer, but my eggy timer broke my heart, so I'm not ready to move on yet.

All of the above. Okay, the hourglass is just a digital timer on my iPhone that's shaped like an hourglass. Instincts are great for items that I'm keeping a close eye on, but otherwise I need a reminder - preferably an audible one.

I actually have the timer in the picture, but in red. Its on my fridge. The timer on the stove is an old-school one (and possibly possessed). And we dont have a microwave in the house. I LOVE that thing! It's an excellent bath-timer as well

I answered cell phone but I usually do a combo of digital timer on the oven and my iPod Touch using Timer+ for when I'm going to be away from the oven for awhile...

Its all about instinct for me but I do like my microwave clock. I never set the timer but when i put something in for 15 min I have an ideas what else I have to do in that time.

I always went by instinct until we moved and the oven had a timer.

i use my microwave more for its timer function than cooking/reheating.

When baking usually a timer (digital or iPad App), especially when doing a recipe for the first time. When cooking I go by instinct.