A handle and timer assembly for a barbecue grill wherein the time that a cooking operation is taking place can be readily ascertained and is integrally mounted with a handle for opening the cover of the barbecue grill. The timing mechanism is preferably of a spring winding type and is mounted on the handle at a location spaced from the attachment to the grill. This not only affords a timing mechanism for cooking in conjunction with the grill wherein heat transfer to timing mechanism is kept to a minimum but also prevents the timing mechanism from being misplaced or inadvertently dropped as well as not being subjected to excessive heat.