Tea Timer
Press start — it keeps counting even if you switch tabs, and chimes when time’s up. Tap the ring to pause.
Tea Timer — Steeping Times for Green, Black & Herbal Tea
A free tea timer for a better cuppa. Pick your tea above — White, Green, Black, Herbal or Rooibos — pour the water and press start. It chimes when it's time to take the bag or leaves out, so your tea is never weak or bitter.
Tea Steeping Times and Temperatures
These are good starting points. Every tea is a little different, so check the packet and adjust to taste.
| Tea | Water | Steep |
|---|---|---|
| White | 75–85 °C | 2–4 min |
| Green | 70–80 °C | 2–3 min |
| Oolong | 85–95 °C | 3–5 min |
| Black (English breakfast, Earl Grey) | Just boiled | 3–5 min |
| Herbal (peppermint, chamomile) | Just boiled | 5–7 min |
| Rooibos | Just boiled | 5–7 min |
Why Steeping Time Matters
Steep too briefly and tea tastes thin. Steep too long — especially green and black tea — and more of the bitter, astringent compounds come out. Water that's too hot has a similar effect on delicate green and white teas, which is why they're usually brewed a little off the boil. If you don't have a temperature kettle, let boiled water sit for a few minutes before pouring.
Tips for a Better Cup
- Warm the pot or mug first with a splash of hot water.
- Use fresh water rather than re-boiling what's left in the kettle.
- Loose leaf needs room to unfurl — use a roomy infuser or a pot.
- Like it stronger? Add more tea rather than steeping longer, which mostly adds bitterness.
A Tea Break Is a Good Break
Brewing a cuppa is a perfect Pomodoro break — away from the screen and over in about five minutes. Run your focus block on the 25 minute timer, then come back here. For the kitchen, a simple kitchen timer does the job without a phone, and our egg timer sorts out breakfast.
Tea Timer Video
Want it on a screen? Play the 3-minute green tea timer on YouTube, or the 4-minute black tea and 5-minute herbal versions.
Opens the YouTube player only when you press play. More free timer videos on our YouTube channel.
Tea Timer — FAQ
How long should you steep tea?
As a rough guide: green tea 2–3 minutes, white tea 2–4, black tea 3–5, and herbal or rooibos 5–7 minutes. Check the packet for your tea.
Does steeping tea longer make it stronger?
It makes it more bitter more than stronger. For a stronger cup, use more tea and keep the time about the same.
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes. The countdown is based on the clock, not the tab, so it stays accurate in the background and the alarm is scheduled to sound on time. The time left also shows in the browser tab title.
Is it free?
Completely free, with no sign-up, no app and no ads.