Tea Timer — Perfect Steep Time for Every Tea
Different teas need different steeping times, and over-steeping is what makes tea bitter. As a guide: green tea 2-3 minutes, white tea 2-3, oolong 3-4, black tea 3-5, and herbal or rooibos 5-7 minutes — always in water at the right temperature. Pick your tea, start this free timer, and pour the moment it rings for a brew that's smooth, never bitter or weak.
About the tea timer
How long to steep tea: green tea 2-3 minutes, white tea 2-3, oolong 3-4, black tea 3-5, and herbal or rooibos 5-7 minutes — in water at the right temperature. Over-steeping is what turns tea bitter, so start the timer when you pour the water and remove the leaves the moment it rings.
The main reason home-brewed tea tastes bitter is over-steeping — leaves left in too long release harsh tannins. Set the steep time for your tea, start when you pour, and remove the leaves when it rings.
Tea steeping times
| Tea | Time | Water temp |
|---|---|---|
| Green | 2-3 min | 70-80°C / 160-175°F |
| White | 2-3 min | 75-85°C / 170-185°F |
| Oolong | 3-4 min | 85-95°C / 185-205°F |
| Black | 3-5 min | 95-100°C / 205-212°F |
| Herbal / rooibos | 5-7 min | 100°C / 212°F |
When to use the tea timer
- Green and white tea — delicate leaves over-steep fast, so 2-3 minutes is the sweet spot.
- Black tea — 3-5 minutes for a strong but not bitter cup.
- Oolong — 3-4 minutes; many leaves can be re-steeped two or three times.
- Herbal and rooibos — 5-7 minutes (or longer), since there are no tannins to turn bitter.
- Loose-leaf and bagged tea alike — the timing is the same.
- Cold brew and iced tea — when you need a long, hands-off steep.
How to use the tea timer
- Boil and, if needed, let the water cool to the right temperature (green and white prefer cooler water).
- Add the tea, pour the water, and start the timer at the same moment.
- Use the table above to pick the right number of minutes for your tea.
- When the alarm rings, remove the leaves or pour the tea out so it stops steeping.
- Too strong? Steep 30 seconds less next time; too weak, a little longer.
Tips for better tea
- Green tea in boiling water turns bitter — let it cool for a minute first.
- Re-steep oolong and good green teas; the second cup is often the best.
- Use roughly one teaspoon of loose leaf per cup, then adjust to taste.
- Cover the cup while steeping to keep the temperature steady.
Tea timer FAQ
How long should I steep green tea?
About 2-3 minutes in water around 70-80°C (160-175°F). Boiling water and longer steeping make green tea bitter.
How long should black tea steep?
3-5 minutes in freshly boiled water. Five minutes gives a strong cup; pull it earlier for a lighter brew.
Why is my tea bitter?
Almost always over-steeping or water that is too hot, not bad tea. Time it and use the right temperature.
Can I steep tea more than once?
Yes — oolong and quality green and white teas can be re-steeped two or three times, often improving with the second steep.
How long should herbal tea steep?
Herbal tea (chamomile, peppermint, rooibos and other tisanes) needs boiling water and a longer steep of 5 to 7 minutes, because there is no tea leaf to turn bitter. Green and white teas are the opposite: cooler water and only 2 to 3 minutes.