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Tea Timer
Tap your tea and the timer sets a sensible steeping time and shows the water temperature to aim for. Press Start when the water goes in.
Water at about 212°F (100°C)
4 minutes
Spacestart / pauseRresetFfull screen+ −add or remove a minute0–9type a time
Steeping guide
| Tea | Steep | Water |
|---|---|---|
| Green | 1–3 min | 175°F / 80°C |
| White | 2–4 min | 175°F / 80°C |
| Oolong | 2–4 min | 195°F / 90°C |
| Black | 3–5 min | 212°F / 100°C |
| Pu-erh | 3–5 min | 212°F / 100°C |
| Herbal | 5–7 min | 212°F / 100°C |
| Rooibos | 5–7 min | 212°F / 100°C |
| Yerba mate | 3–5 min | 160°F / 70°C |
How to use it
- Tap the kind of tea you are making. The steep time is set and the water temperature is shown.
- Pour the water over the leaves or bag and press Start.
- Remove the leaves when the alarm sounds — over-steeping is what makes tea bitter.
- Like it stronger or milder? Adjust the time by 30 seconds and choose Save timer to keep your version.
Why time and temperature matter
Hotter water and longer steeping pull more out of the leaf, including the tannins that taste bitter and drying. Delicate green and white teas are best with cooler water and a short steep; black tea, pu-erh and herbal infusions can take boiling water and more time.
If you have no thermometer, let boiling water stand off the heat for a few minutes before pouring it on green or white tea. For a stronger cup, add more leaf rather than more time.
These are common starting points. The packet from your tea seller knows the specific tea better — when it gives a time and temperature, use those.
Questions people ask
How long should I steep green tea?
One to three minutes in water at about 175°F (80°C). Boiling water and long steeps make most green teas bitter.
How long for black tea?
Three to five minutes in water just off the boil. Three minutes gives a lighter cup; five is strong and suits milk.
Can herbal tea be over-steeped?
Most herbal infusions and rooibos contain little or no tannin, so they are forgiving: five to seven minutes is typical, and longer simply makes them stronger.
Should the timer start when I pour or when it boils?
When the water touches the tea. Press Start as you pour.