Outlet Timer, NEARPOW Multifunctional Programmable Timer with Countdown and 7-Day Digital Infinite Repeat Cycle Intermittent, 19 ON/Off Programs for Electrical Outlets, 3 Prong, 15A/1800W

This device is probably the easiest timer to program. I've had this device for at least two weeks now, but I am extremely pleased with the purchase. I have had other timers, mechanical and digital, and I have to say that the set-up of this particular item is very dumb proof.First, the timer is a bit large for what it is. I don't mind it, since the design feels though it's not a piece of junk. As long as I take care of it, like everything else, it should last quit a while.Second, the display is large, but it's a good thing so as not to have to squint to see what you are doing. I like the idea of having a red light in the upper left corner to indicate that the timer is on.I also like the fact that the indicators (day, time, etc) are located where they are and you really can't lose where they are placed on the screen.Third, the buttons are not to soft and not to hard when working them. I did not feel uncomfortable programming the device.Fourth, the weight of the timer feels good. It does not droop when placed in the socket. I do have to admit that the prongs on the device are a bit stiff, but that prevents the timer from drooping.Fifth (and last), the price. For what you are getting the price is perfect. I ended up buying three more units.

The countdown and turn off function works properly for times between 1 and 60 seconds, making this a good enlarger timer for darkroom use. Early reviews of this device show it not working for countdown and turn off. Countdown and turn off times between 1 and 60 minutes make this an ideal timer for UV exposure units used in alt process printing. Other functions are also useful in photo darkroom work. A very accurate and easy to use general timer for this specialized usage is also easy to see the lcd display under safelite illumination. Very happy with this economical unit.

I needed a count-down timer to shut off an appliance after X amount of time. The instructions are clear and easy to understand and it was easy to set this timer. I like that the clock runs when it is unplugged and recharges itself when plugged in. I am fully satisfied with this device.

Works well, slightly complicated to program

Software design flaw (NOT defect) Count down timer does NOT workI very rarely write reviews. When I do, it is generally something very significant in which I feel morally compelled to give a heads up to other prospective buyers. I bought several of these for the count down and turn off feature. The feature is supposed to turn on, run for a specified amount of time and turn off. This feature does not work at all and I assure you that I operated the device correctly. I tested it on all of the items that I bought. All of the other features appear to work as designed including the count down and turn on feature. I bought another timer from another manufacturer in which the count down and turn off does work correctly (though unfortunately that one only does by the minute rather than by the second which is why I had originally bought this one).Summary, if you need the count down and turn off feature, then don't buy this product.Update:I tested this more to see if I could find some work-around and I was able to identify the software bug. The code for the count down feature only works if there is a non-zero value in the hours, minutes and seconds places. If there is a zero in hour, minute, and/or seconds, then the countdown will not work. So, 1 hour, 1 minute, 1 second countdown will turn on. However (0 hour, 1 minute, 1 second); (1 hour, 0 minute, 1 second); (1 hour, 1 minute, 0 second); etc will NOT work because there is a zero value in any of the hour, minute, or second fields.

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the package and discovered that I did not need a magnifying glass to read the instructions, they weren't on flimsy paper folded up 5 times, the writing is grammatically correct, and the diagrams were great. It took me less than 5 minutes to get it programmed and operational to do exactly what I wanted (in this case, run 10 minutes every half hour). No problems with it, so far.

The large display is readable from a distance and it is easily programmed. Once it has been "charged" for a few hours it can be programmed without being plugged in to a wall socket. In addition to the normal functions of a timer and clock the countdown feature allows any kitchen countertop appliance to be turned off or on in a 24 hour period. Most stove tops cannot do this and it makes recipes that require a prolonged simmer time easy and efficient, you can do other things without worry. Steamers will not run dry (can be a fire hazard) and rice won't be overcooked. The easily read minutes and seconds are handy for timing coffee grinders and steeping tea. In the garage and workshop it turns off the battery chargers based on the charger current and capacity of the battery to prolong the life of the batteries because overcharging will damage them. This has proven to be an all-around handy item with a new use popping up from time to time (pun intended).

My elderly mother had a habit of not turning her cordless phone off after a call preventing anyone else from calling her since they would get a busy signal. I used this timer kinda in "reverse" where I used it to turn her cordless phone off for 5 seconds every 2 hours causing it to reset the base unit and end the call on the handset. It's been in use for about 2 weeks and so far so good! Now if I call my mother and her phone is busy, I just wait for a reset to occur and her phone rings! No busy signal! Programming is pretty simple if you follow the instructions and practice a little. Once programmed, you can then change the timer time to right before it is programmed to do something to test it. No need to wait for the actual time to role around! Just set the time on the timer to like 1 minute before and wait. Once you are satisfied, just change the timer time back to the actual time and you should be good to go!