An hourglass is a traditional way of managing time and staying organised. As modern technology has provided easier methods of timing ourselves, hourglasses have become more of a decorative feature. But they still have plenty of uses, such as setting a timer for a boiled egg, scheduling stretch breaks at work, or for teaching children the concept of time management.
In this buying guide, we've put together all the information you need to find the perfect hourglass. From executive desk toys, to kitchen sand times and luxury gifts, we've even collated a ranking of the top ten best hourglasses in the UK, available on Amazon and eBay, so let's get started!
Quick List - Top Hourglasses
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
In this next section, we will walk you through the basics of how to choose the perfect hourglass timer. Whether you're looking for a decorative piece, or a stylish timer for boiling eggs, we will show you exactly how to find the best product for you!
Depending on how you plan on using your hourglass, there will be an ideal timer out there for you. Some hourglasses run for as little as thirty seconds, while others can run for up to an hour. Hourglasses with shorter running times are ideal for helping you complete small tasks such as boiling an egg, having a fifteen-minute cleanup, or simply designating a few moments of peace to watch the sand fall.
On the other hand, hourglasses that run for over half an hour are useful for organising your time when baking, setting aside time for short breaks at work, or just for display as an eye-catching decoration to mesmerise your dinner guests.
Pay attention to the table underneath the products in our ranking where we specify the amount of time that each hourglass takes to run out.
Inside the hourglass, you will find sand in many different shapes and forms. The most popular type of contents for an hourglass is fine sand, often coloured an iridescent white. The finest of sand is quiet and almost unnoticeable, which is what makes it so perfect for decorative hourglasses.
In addition, there's a particular novelty sand that many people are eager to find. Magnetic sand brings a scientific twist to the traditional timer, defying gravity and piling up the sand in a unique tower. It's super entertaining to watch, making a great gift for someone who works long hours at a desk!
Typically, hourglass timers are made from a thin crystal glass. This is what helps to create the much loved calming tinkling sound of the sand trickling to the bottom half of the timer, and accurately symbolises their delicate design.
However, glass can be easily broken so it's a good idea to opt for plastic if you think that this may be a risk. In primary schools, teachers use hourglasses to help children understand the concept of time, so if you have a young family, you might want to think about finding a plastic hourglass, or at least a glass hourglass in a plastic frame, to keep around the house.
It's important to first note that if you don't want a framed hourglass, you can find one that stands alone and shines in its own simplicity. These are the best choice for those who like minimalistic styles. However, if you're curious about what frames are on offer, allow us to explain.
The most common frames are made from wood, with the hourglass positioned between two solid bases, and three or four columns running up the sides. This is the most durable frame to choose and, from an interior design perspective, it's the easiest to style in any home.
Hourglasses encased inside a durable ABS plastic will be better protected from damage if it gets knocked over or dropped, making it a safe choice for young families. Metal, on the other hand, is less durable, but twice as elegant, scoring a solid ten for aesthetics.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | SuLiao Hourglass Sand Timer | ![]() | An Elegant Decorative Sand Timer | |
2 | KitchenCraft Hourglass Boiled Egg Timer | ![]() | A Super Handy Egg Timer | |
3 | Bellaware Large Hourglass | ![]() | A Highly-Efficient Rotating Timer | |
4 | Kikkerland Magnetic Hourglass | ![]() | Sand That Defies Gravity | |
5 | Bellaware Diamond Hourglass | ![]() | A Unique Abstract Design for Decoration and Time Management | |
6 | Toirxarn Sand Timer | ![]() | The Perfect Choice for Teachers, Parents and Carers of Young Children | |
7 | KitchenCraft Wooden Hourglass | ![]() | A Three-In-One Timer for Teas, Eggs, and More | |
8 | SuLiao Hourglass Timer Sand Clock | ![]() | A Durable Choice for Educating Younger Children | |
9 | SuLiao Hourglass Sand Timer | ![]() | Quite the Show Stopper | |
10 | Funtime Magnetic Timer | ![]() | Modern, Stylish, and Super Affordable |
This dainty piece is the ultimate hourglass, ticking every box from durability to aesthetics. For a total of 60 minutes, watch the rose coloured sand pour out of the upper glass and into the bottom, all within the durable metal case.
Its tall gold frame makes this sand timer a marvellous centrepiece for a coffee table or a home office. So if you're on the hunt for an elegant gift that doubles as a useful timer, this is exactly the product you need!
There's no way that this cute little timer is just over £3? We are beyond impressed at this tiny sand gadget. Encased in a rustic wooden frame, this delicate glass hourglass is a subtle yet extremely useful addition to any kitchen.
Running for three minutes, you'll be able to boil the perfect egg every time. In addition, it could be used to show your kids how long to brush their teeth for, or to make the perfect brew of tea. This nifty little timer has a plethora of different uses and it's sure to make the general tasks of your day fly by!
This is one of the most elegant hourglasses on our list, and it runs for an impressive 60 minutes! You can keep it on your desk, or on the coffee table, to bring some sophisticated style to the scenery and help you stay on track of time.
Set this timer by flipping the spinning arms, and watch as the sand cascades into the bottom half. It's a magnificent way to manage your tasks through one-hour segments, and you're sure to love how it looks wherever you set it up.
This captivating time counter is a great product to consider. It's filled with magnetic sand that falls to build a spikey structure that looks like it's come straight from outer space. Running for one minute, this hourglass is an intriguing desktop toy to help you get through the day and count you through the smaller tasks.
It's held by a sturdy wooden block with a magnet attached to attract the sandy particles, forming a fascinating new shape every time. If you're looking for a cool novelty gift idea, this is it!
This one is similar to the classic hourglass, except it has a stunning abstract diamond shape. In addition to the glistening white sand, you can find glittery red and black sand options too. So you can take your pick when it comes to finding your new favourite decorative piece.
The timer runs for thirty minutes and, thanks to the mesmerising design, it's a popular choice for preteens and young children to allocate their screen time allowance. For parents trying to teach their child about time management, this is a great choice!
This is a great choice for practical uses, like setting fifteen minutes of time aside to do your laundry, prepare vegetables for dinner, or to encourage the youngest child to empty the dishwasher in record time. It's durable, it's stylish, and provides a good amount of time that enables you to get things done, even during the busiest of days.
You can find ten variations of this timer, available in all sorts of vibrant colours. There are different times available too, so you can choose from five minutes all the way up to an hour.
This is a handy timer trio for a good 'cuppa' tea. If you want to get your green tea to the perfect strength, or let your coffee brew in the french press for the ideal amount of time, this hourglass set is your new morning sidekick for getting the caffeine in!
It's definitely a convenient way of managing small segments of time. However, reviewers have claimed that it fails to meet the promises made in the description, and have struggled to see the benefits of the recommended brewing times as results are either too weak or too strong.
With an inner layer of durable glass to contain the sand, and an outer layer of plastic to shield it from breaking, this robust sand timer is essential for managing tasks in busy kitchens. It could even be used to encourage children to complete tasks like tidying their toys away much quicker.
Somewhat disappointingly, we feel that the label denoting the time on the front takes away from what could have been a simple, minimalistic design, so it's a shame that it can't be removed. That said, it could be a helpful way to help children learn how to manage time using numbers.
Running for 60 minutes, this hourglass sand timer could be the key solution to your time management struggles. Seeing the sand fall as time passes by is sure to motivate you to be productive and organised!
We know, it's slightly pricier than most. That said, it's probably the most complex hourglass on our list, rotating at a full 720º with golden arms to hold it in place. As a gift for a friend or a new home decoration, this is a fantastic choice.
Presented on a copper base, this is a classic hourglass with a twist. Instead of fine sand, it contains magnetic fragments that build up into the shape of a small sea urchin. It's dreamy to watch and is a complete bargain at just under £10!
While we are loving the hourglass' aesthetics, it can't be too useful for time management seeing as it runs for just thirty seconds. It's definitely a great desktop gift for bored coworkers, but as for practicality, it might not be of much help.
Always find yourself running late? We've found some more unusual timepieces to make sure you're always prompt and on time. From kitchen timers for perfectly prepared meals, to sunrise alarm clocks that provide a gentle start to the day, click the links to find out more!
Time's up! We hope that you've managed to find an hourglass to help improve your time management or decorate your home. From encouraging children to tidy up quickly, to perfecting the art of boiling an egg, an hourglass can provide a myriad of solutions if you pick the right one!
Author: Annie Speight
No. 1: SuLiao|Hourglass Sand Timer
No. 2: KitchenCraft|Hourglass Boiled Egg Timer
No. 3: Bellaware|Large Hourglass
No. 4: Kikkerland|Magnetic Hourglass
No. 5: Bellaware|Diamond Hourglass
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games