Tea Timer — Steep Every Tea Perfectly
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.
A tea timer takes the guesswork out of brewing. The single biggest reason home-brewed tea tastes bitter is over-steeping — leaving the leaves in too long releases harsh tannins. This free tea timer lets you set the exact steep time for your tea, start it when you pour, and remove the leaves the moment it rings, for a cup that is smooth and full-flavoured every time.
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.
- Taste — if it is too strong, steep 30 seconds less next time; too weak, a little longer.
Tips for better tea
- Bitter tea is almost always over-steeped or brewed too hot, not "bad" 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. Use the timer and the right temperature and the bitterness disappears.
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.