Tea timer
A free tea timer preset to three minutes, the middle of the range for black and green tea, with a table of steep times for everything else. Choose the Bell sound and it rings softly enough for a quiet kitchen but still three times, so you will not miss it. Also searched as tea steeping timer, tea brewing timer, steep timer.
Steep times and water temperatures
| Tea | Water | Steep | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 175–185°F (80–85°C) | 3–5 min | Delicate; longer steeps stay sweet rather than bitter. |
| Green | 160–180°F (70–80°C) | 2–3 min | Japanese greens like sencha prefer the cooler end and 1–2 min. |
| Oolong | 185–205°F (85–95°C) | 3–5 min | Re-steeps well, often three or more times. |
| Black | 200–212°F (93–100°C) | 3–5 min | Three minutes for a lighter cup, five with milk. |
| Herbal | 212°F (100°C) | 5–7 min | Chamomile, mint, rooibos. Cover the cup to keep the oils in. |
| Matcha | 160–175°F (70–80°C) | No steep | Whisk the powder into the water for about 15 seconds. |
Times are for a standard teaspoon of loose leaf or one bag per 8-ounce cup. Press a digit key to jump: 2 for a quick green, 5 for a strong black or herbal. The 2 minute timer and 5 minute timer pages load those lengths directly.
Why steep time matters
Flavor compounds come out first, tannins later. A black tea at three minutes is bright; at eight it is harsh and drying. If you want a stronger cup, use more leaf rather than more time. For iced tea, steep at the top of the range and pour over ice, since dilution softens the extra tannin.
Without a thermometer
- Boiling water left to stand 1 minute is roughly 200°F; 2–3 minutes brings it to about 175°F.
- Small bubbles rising from the bottom of the kettle mean about 160–170°F, right for green tea.
- An electric kettle with presets removes the guesswork.
Brewing coffee instead? The coffee timer covers French press, pour-over and cold brew.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I steep green tea?
Two to three minutes in water around 160 to 180°F. Hotter water or longer steeping pulls out tannins and makes it bitter.
Can I re-steep tea leaves?
Yes, most loose-leaf oolong, green and white teas give two or three good infusions. Add about 30 seconds to each later steep.
Why does my black tea taste bitter?
It usually steeped too long or the water was boiling hard. Try three minutes and water just off the boil.
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