urTimer

Tea Timer

Tap your tea and the hourglass runs for the right steeping time. Take the leaves out when it chimes, before the tea turns bitter.

03:00

Tasks

    No tasks yet. Add one and press play to run it on the timer.

    Steeping times and temperatures

    • Green tea: 2 to 3 minutes at 175 °F (80 °C).
    • White tea: 4 to 5 minutes at 185 °F (85 °C).
    • Oolong: 3 to 5 minutes at 195 °F (90 °C).
    • Black tea: 3 to 5 minutes at 205 °F (96 °C).
    • Rooibos: 5 to 6 minutes with boiling water.
    • Herbal tea: 5 to 7 minutes with boiling water.
    Tea Timer running, with the time left shown as a shape
    Press Start and watch the time run out. The line under the timer shows when it ends.
    Tea Timer in full screen
    Full screen hides everything except the timer, so it is easy to read on a projector or a TV.
    Styles to choose from for the Tea Timer
    Pick one of 19 styles, then a color and a background of your own.

    Why the time matters

    Tea leaves release flavor first and bitterness later. Steep too short and the cup tastes thin; too long and the tannins take over. A timer makes every cup taste the same.

    Second steeps

    Good green, white and oolong leaves can be steeped two or three times. Add about 30 seconds to each new steep.

    Questions and answers

    How long should I steep black tea?

    Three to five minutes in water just off the boil. Start with four minutes and adjust to taste.

    How long should I steep green tea?

    Two to three minutes in water that is hot but not boiling, about 175 °F (80 °C). Longer steeps make it bitter.

    Does herbal tea need a timer?

    Herbal teas rarely turn bitter, but five to seven minutes gives the fullest flavor.

    Can I change the look of the timer?

    The tea timer opens as an hourglass. Pick any other style under Style, and your choice is kept for next time.