Customer Reviews

West Bend Digital Timer, White

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

WEST BEND made something very similar to this many years ago (like 10 or maybe 15 years ago?), ye old model number 40005. We liked them so well we kept two in our kitchen. One day, one finally stopped working (and it wasn't merely the battery). The other has developed a key bounce (typical of the technology).

SO, we tried a couple of those nasty 'press hold and wait (ho hum) until it gets there' timers that are (apparently) so popular (because those are all we could find around town) and we couldn't stand them. Thankfully, I found these on Amazon, the new model 40005X.

DIFFERENCES between the old and new models include: a) old used hearing-aid sized battery, new uses AAA. b) Old limited to 99 min and 99 seconds (4 digits), new can time up to 99 hours, 99 min, 99 seconds (6 digits). c) new has larger buttons! and larger display! d) old timer could only count down, new counts-down or counts up from zero. e) new is slightly larger and stands at 90 degrees on the battery compartment (as shown) or leans back to an easy to read (perhaps) 55-50 degrees on a fold-out clip. old couldn't stand at 90 degrees. f) old and new have the same volume. g) as I recall, the old model's magnet was too weak to hold it to the fridge, but new model's magnet is larger. (Our remaining old model no longer has a magnet; it fell off the fridge early on in its life and the magnet popped off -- I kid you not. I haven't dropped the new model yet, but it looks sturdier). Like someone else said, you'd have to take it off the fridge and hold it in your hand to set the timer. (We're used to leaving them on the counter).

USAGE EXAMPLEs: To set the timer to 4 hours, 30 minutes, press 4, 3, 0, 0, 0, and start. To count up, press stop/reset to zero the display (unless it is already zero) and then press start. (Great for the BBQ).

UPDATED Oct 21, 2008 - OHHHH NOOOO! One of the two units developed a problem with the display after only a little more than a month of use! The left-hand column for the minutes digit started flickering, and now it won't display! (i.e., It can't display a 1 in the minutes digit). New battery didn't help. Still works, just annoying. I guess they don't make them like they used to. (Made in China)

UPDATED Jul 13, 2009 - Regarding the unit that developed a problem with the display? I tightened the screws on the back cover plate and the minutes digit works perfectly again. We're so happy with this unit, we just ordered two more. (To use in our offices)

I picked up this timer because our two previous timers were not very reliable. My husband torched a cheese pizza because one of them never chimed telling him that his time was up. The West Bend 40005X had some great Customer Reviews, so I thought I'd give it a try. And it's great! I love how you just type in the time and click "start". It's so easy. And the buzzer is loud enough, so that I can hear it from another room.

There are few timers that let you type in the time rather than gradually counting up from zero. The extra buttons cost a few dollars but they save lots of time and aggravation.

I didn't like this timer too much because when placed on the 'fridge with the magnet, it is not sturdy. For example, you press the number one and the whole thing falls because the magnet is only in the very center. Since the magnet sticks out about 1/2", the whole device moves when any side number is pushed. Also, there is no auto-shut off for the frighteningly loud beeper. So, it will beep and beep and beep.

I love this little timer. We've had it for years & it keeps going, even if it has been dropped. Becuase it has a magnet, it conveniently sits on the fridge so I can use it easily but yet it's out of the way. There is also the metal stand so I can place it anywhere to time events, exercise... When the stand is not needed, it is folded & out of sight. I often pocket this little, but easy to read timer and exercise out of doors. My pilot husband uses of one while flying for accurate timing when needed.
This is a great little unit with many uses.

Reliable, and this layout requires the fewest key presses to set. Obviously also can set hours: not all other timers can do that. Some other timers also require a person to type "leading zeros", which this one does not. Can count up or down. If not needed, one also can unscrew the magnet/stand to make it slimmer. Perfect for me.

The title of the review says it all. Any idiot can use this timer without messing it up. It counts up or down and is easy to use, and loud enough to wake me up. Small enough to carry around easily, with a magnet and a clip. This timer works well.

What's nice: time entry is fast, using the numbered buttons. Just enter 345 for 3 mins 45 secs and hit go... Love this!

Could be better: the back of the unit is ok - at least the magnet is strong enough to make it stick. The fold-out mechanism that allows standing it upright is a little dorky (but not weak), and makes the unit sit somewhat far from the magnetic surface. I may frankenstein the back and remove the hinging clip and attach the magnet directly, as I don't need the thing to stand on my counter.

Minor negative: Some reviewers mentioned (correctly) that the timer does not reset to the time you entered when time is up. It *would* be nice to know what the original set time was when the timer goes off, or to just hit go if you have repeat timings with the same time.

Verdict: I am surprised at the huge amount of BAD timers out there, whether online or in retail stores, for perhaps half the money. Most are really sub-par: weak (nonfunctional) magnets, confusing buttons, bad cases, crooked electronics... and they're still all around $8-$15.

This one is sturdy and fast. If you need a basic timer without any additional frills or timekeeping, you'll be happy with this one, at a slightly higher price. Recommended.

Overall, a good loud timer. A bit difficult to set as the hour display is very touchy. Requires extra attention, but after correctly setting it, it is great.

I was looking for less expensive substitute for a FlyLady timer and this fits the bill pretty well. It is easy to set, rings loudly and will reset, too with just one push of the stop button. I also like that it can be clipped on your clothing, or worn with a lanyard, stuck onto anything metal due to the magnet on back or it will even stand alone on the counter or desktop via it's pop-out bracket. I've found I get a lot more accomplished if I do it in 15 or 20 minutes at a time (thanks, flylady!) and this timer is perfect for keeping me aware of the time. The only feature I wish it had was recessed buttons or else a smooth top front, to prevent accidental touching of the buttons when it is set.