Tea Timer
Perfect steeping, perfect cup
Presets for green, black, herbal, and specialty teas. Temperature and timing matter.
Green tea
2 min
Steeping
Temperature: 160-175°F / 70-80°C
Tip: Don't steep too long or it becomes bitter
Black tea
4 min
Steeping
Temperature: 200-212°F / 95-100°C
Tip: Use boiling water
Herbal tea
5 min
Steeping
Temperature: 200-212°F / 95-100°C
Tip: Can steep longer if desired
Oolong tea
3 min
Steeping
Temperature: 180-200°F / 82-93°C
Tip: Can be re-steeped multiple times
White tea
4 min
Steeping
Temperature: 160-185°F / 70-85°C
Tip: Delicate flavor, use cooler water
Tea Steeping Guide
The difference between a perfect cup of tea and a bitter mess is often just a minute or two. Water temperature matters too - green tea needs cooler water than black tea.
| Tea Type | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | 2-3 min | 160-175°F / 70-80°C |
| Black Tea | 3-5 min | 200-212°F / 95-100°C |
| Herbal Tea | 5-7 min | 200-212°F / 95-100°C |
| Oolong Tea | 3-5 min | 180-200°F / 85-95°C |
| White Tea | 4-5 min | 160-185°F / 70-85°C |
Why Steeping Time Matters
Under-Steeped
Tea that's pulled too early tastes weak and watery. The leaves haven't had time to release their full flavor.
Over-Steeped
Too long and excess tannins make tea bitter and astringent. Green tea is especially unforgiving.
Water Too Hot
Boiling water scorches delicate green and white teas, destroying subtle flavors and increasing bitterness.
Water Too Cool
Black and herbal teas need hot water to extract full flavor. Lukewarm water makes weak, flat-tasting tea.
Tea Type Deep Dive
🍵 Green Tea
Most sensitive to heat and time. Japanese green teas (sencha, matcha) need cooler water and shorter times than Chinese varieties. If it's bitter, your water was too hot.
☕ Black Tea
The most forgiving. Use boiling water and steep 3-5 minutes depending on strength preference. English Breakfast and Earl Grey can handle longer steeping.
🌸 Herbal Tea
Not technically tea (no tea leaves), so rules are relaxed. Chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos can steep 5+ minutes without getting bitter. Longer = stronger.