The Purpose and Benefits of Using an 85 Minute Kitchen Timer

Understanding 85 Minute Timers

Kitchen timers are essential tools for any type of cooking or baking. Setting a timer helps ensure you don't over or under cook your dishes. But why specifically 85 minutes? Here's an in-depth look at the purpose and functionality behind 85 minute timer options.

The Concept Behind 85 Minute Timers

Most shorter duration kitchen timers max out at 60 minutes. However, many baking recipes require more than a full hour to fully cook or bake properly. Things like large roasts, whole chickens, hearty casseroles, and even some breads or cakes can take over an hour. So the 85 minute timer fills a useful niche.

The 85 minute mark allows enough time to cook most standard large dishes or baked goods without having excess time on the timer. It covers the gap between basic 60 minute timers and two hour timers. This makes it a versatile kitchen tool.

Benefits of Longer Duration Timers

Having a timer that goes up to 85 minutes has some helpful advantages:

• Avoids under-cooking longer recipes
• Prevents potential burning or over-cooking
• Give you warning to baste, glaze, or tend to food if needed
• Provides reminder for next cooking steps
• No need to reset a shorter timer multiple times

The hour and 25 minute duration gives enough of a buffer for most baking, roasting, simmering, or multi-step recipes. This removes the frustration of basic one hour timers not being sufficient.

Types of 85 Minute Timers

You can find 85 minute countdown timers in a range of styles:

• Digital kitchen timers - Easy to set and read LCD display, portable to carry around the kitchen
• Dial timers - Retro twist timers, adjustable up to 85 minutes
• Oven timers - Built right into many modern ovens for convenience
• Smartphone timer apps - Use your mobile device to time up to 85 minutes

Digital and dial timers work well as standalone options. Oven timers provide a handy built-in tool, while timer apps offer flexibility through your phone or tablet when cooking. Choose the style that fits your kitchen setup best.

Using an 85 Minute Timer Effectively

Getting the most out of your 85 minute kitchen timer involves using it strategically. Proper use can lead to perfectly cooked dishes with ease.

Read Recipe in Advance

Glance through your full recipe before starting to cook. Check if there are any crucial time-sensitive steps at certain points during the process. For example, needing to stir or add ingredients every 20 minutes. If so make a note so you can anticipate the alerts from the timer.

Factor in Preparation & Cook Time

Pay attention to both prep time and actual cook time stated in a recipe. Don't start the 85 minute timer until the dish is actually in the oven or beginning to cook. Use your best judgment to decide when to set the timer. Starting it too early can lead to overcooked or burnt food.

Use Multiple Timers If Needed

For complex recipes, you may need to use additional shorter timers. If a dish needs to bake for 60 minutes followed by resting for 20 minutes covered, use two separate timers. This ensures you handle each step properly.

Place Timer in a Noticeable Spot

Position your timer where you can clearly see or hear it from anywhere within your kitchen. You don't want to miss the alarm going off indicating your dish is ready or needs attention. Having good visibility prevents unintentionally over-cooking.

Recipes Well Suited For 85 Minute Timers

Having an 85 minute countdown timer on hand provides plenty of options for more advanced dishes to expand your cooking skills:

Roasts

Beef roasts, pork roasts, lamb roasts, and other larger meat cuts require low and slow cooking. Guiding roasts to perfect doneness without drying out the meat can take 60 minutes up to around 85 minutes depending on size and preparation method.

Whole Chickens

A whole chicken can take over an hour to fully roast in the oven. 85 minutes gives enough time to sufficiently cook a chicken through without burning the outside to a crisp.

Hearty Breads

Some artisanal bread recipes call for longer rise times and baking durations. An 85 minute timer accommodates baguettes, whole grain loaves, and other complex bread types that need ample oven spring time.

Multi-Course Meals

Planning a special multi-course dinner? Using an 85 minute timer allows you to properly time longer prep recipes like lasagna or soufflés as you manage cooking the other dishes.

Big Batch Meals

Fixing large meals, casseroles, or pasta bakes to stock your freezer? These big batch items can bake for over an hour. So having a longer timer to prevent burning makes planning ahead efficient.

Get the Most From Your 85 Minute Timer

Adding an 85 minute countdown timer to your kitchen provides flexibility. You can confidently tackle recipes that need a bit longer cook time without having to constantly restart a basic 60 minute option. Strategically using the timer and selecting dishes that benefit from the extended range results in perfect outcomes every time.