Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Hourglasses

Updated September 2021
How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
September 24, 2021
38
Models
considered
14
Hours
researched
Category cover
Ade Hennis
Written by Ade Hennis

Updated September 2021

Hourglasses are famous as the timer of choice for villians in the movies. But they can be used as a cool piece of artwork in your home too. The hourglass consists of two connected clear glass or plastic bulbs containing sand. As you turn the hourglass upside down, the sand will run from the top bulb into the bottom bulb. The sand passes through the narrow connection between the two bulbs. It always takes the same amount of time for all the sand to run from the top bulb into the bottom bulb. Hourglasses often will have frames around them, consisting of wood, metal, glass, or plastic. The frame serves to protect the bulbs of the hourglass, while also giving the unit a sturdy base. For a splash of color, manufacturers will apply a dye to the sand inside the bulbs.

Our Top Picks